Cops Cant Dants

IM DOIN TOO MUCH.

2010-01-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest now, im doin waaaaaay too much and this blog has suffered the brunt, i really wanted this shit to be on point cuz i come across so many cool things but i got too much on my plate. So heres the deal, you wanna see all the cool shit im findin, doing, showing, being, living, dreaming? Just follow the many other avenue im doing things in.

first:

My webiste: http://www.franzdiego.com there you get linked to most everything i have a hand in and of course download my music and buy my album.

My crew:

we been doin real well and just released a free EP thats doing very well, you can get that and find out about the rest of my family at http://www.illuminous3.mn

My radio show:

I have been on air with Dj Noam The Drummer now for almost 3 years doing the Friday night hip hop show on radio K called The Beatbox. We post up all the old shows so you can go back and listen to it whenever, find out more here: http://www.radiok.org/beatbox

My Podcast:

I have also been running a podcast called Listen To M.P.L.S. with my sister Alicia Steele, its really fun and really great and we have a lot of guests usually, you can listen and download whenever for free, check it out! http://www.listentompls.com

Finally, if thats not enough and you wanna get all the quirky videos and thoughts and be informed about events and such, id reccomend friending me on facebook and twitter.

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/franzdiego
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/franzdiego

I also should tell you that when I get my stuff together I will be blogging here as well: http://www.frank151.com/fdl/minneapolis_lumberjackers

and heres a lil treat i put out on christmas, Happy new year!

Got another show!

2009-11-21T10:53:00.001-08:00

Ol Dirty Bastard Tribute Show Live in Minneapolis!

2009-10-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yes one of the illest entertainers in rap will be honored properly with this special tribute show which I will be performing at! In honor and preperation I will do my best to post some dope odb related things on here (crossing mine and your fingers)

AFTER THE KRS-ONE SHOW THIS SAT GO TO THIS!

2009-10-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Stick Man of Minneapolis

2009-10-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

If you're from Minneapolis you have all seen him, outside of shows, liquor stores and walking around town with his stick and a pocket full of markers. My friends and I know him as "Stick Man" but I'm sure there are other names floating around for him. He's the guy that stands outside and makes sure everyone that passes him signs his coat, stick, hat, umbrella, bowls or any other random object he finds; and if you can spare the change, it's only a bonus.

I have a lot of love for this man because every time I encounter him he is especially positive and warm, even in the worst Minnesota weather, he maintains his positivity and that is something I have always admired and keeps me going on rough days.

In this video Freez and I, find him at Zipp's liquor in Seward, hangin out askin folks to sign, and as you can see from the video, Freez and I did our job while he riddled off how many objects he's had signed and his attempts to get in the guiness book of world records. This man probably has a huge collection of Minneapolis history on his back, literally. Enjoy.

Official Photos for the Franz Diego CD Release show up and Exclusive mix made for show up for free download! now!

2009-10-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

That's right, the release was a success and some awesome photos came out of it. My homegirl on the come up Cheryl Stinson took all of them, so if you need work, holler at her!

Also, my homeboy DJ Miguel Vargas made a special mix exclusively for the release show which is now available for download, tracklist is below.

DOWNLOAD FREE MIX FOR FRANZ DIEGO CD RELEASE SHOW HERE: http://divshare.com/download/8467636-403

Illuminous 3 Featured on The March of Time, Free Download!

2009-10-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

That's right, Pwelbs.com and The Airtime Collection have released a new compilation featuring the best of the Midwest underground and Illuminous 3 Landed our track "BYOB" on it! This track is a preview to our new project that will be available for free download in the next couple months so stay tuned and in the meantime get over to Pwelbs.com and download this compilation!

Go here:
http://www.pwelbs.com

Illuminous 3 will be opening up for KRS-ONE OCTOBER 24TH @ Epic

2009-10-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Best review of my album so far!

2009-10-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Peep it out: http://612to651.com/2009/10/02/franzdiego-com-–-franz-diego-2009/

It’s a strong statement to Franz Diego’s character, both as an MC and as a person, that the first words you hear on his debut full-length are about other folks. “This one goes to all the people who helped me who/ nurtured my growth and kept me so healthy,” he speaks on the album’s opening song, “Quest for Self.” The South-Side reppin, boombox-carryin’, dookie-rope rockin’ MC, who prides himself not just on his own skills, but on a dedication to communities both within and beyond hip-hop.

Franz’s words are a mix of swagger (“Nokomis Kid” and “Par Le Vu FranzD” “ vulnerability (“Quest for Self,” “Cloudy Day,” “Father Song) and lady-lovin’ (“Pretty,” “MVD,” “Discipline,” and “Grenadine,” and righteous fire aimed at all the right targets (“Move On, “Pearly Whites,” and “Duel Citizen”).

While the whole album is a testament to Franz’s rhymin’ versatility, it’s this last group of songs on the album that really makes it, and its creator, stand out. Burnished with an alley-wailin’ noir saxophone, “Move On” views the difficulty, yet necessity, of living consciously in the face of people who could care less. “Times gettin’ rough,” he says, “but we treat it like it’s casual.”

The target of “Pearly Whites” is a similar one, as a plodding, almost herd-like beat [undergirds] Franz’s derision of those who exchange thoughts of speakin’ truth to power “for the almighty dollar,” politicians and non-politicians alike who live only to “Shake a hand, shake a hand/Show them pearly whites.” Closing repetitions of “spend money” of “keep smilin’” offer a satirically grim coda.

Finally, a dope semantic flip of Slick Rick’s line from “I Own America” becomes the heart of “Duel Citizen,” a ferocious critique of xenophobia and anti-immigrant hysteria. While Ruler’s talkin’ about his own deportation when he says “Even if I got deported/I own America,” Franz and producer FireLikeWater refunction his words to stress not that immigrants, refugees, and indigenous need “room” made for them, but that such superficial attempts at change and integration only mask, and hence perpetuate, devastating social inequities. In the end, Franz demands that his listeners “open your eyes right now and start witnessin’” because, without all of the immigrants, refugees, and indigenous folks living in artificial borders, “this country wouldn’t be shit.”

Franz’s extensive work as a community organizer in and through hip-hop, both on his own and with groups like Yo! The Movement, make these words much more powerful than the usual MC political posturing

All that being said, “Nokomis Kid” is definitely one of the album’s best songs even without rabble-rousin’. Jaunty piano and bass syncopations provide the basis of Franz’s audible documentary of growing up in one Twin Cities neighborhood I’ve never heard rapped about on record. With its spoken interludes fluidly blending into the verses—from tagging to dog bakeries to what would eventually become Ill 3’s Bedroom Studios—the song should go down with “Twin Cities Rap,” “The Shh Song,” “Ice Cold,” “Always Coming Home Back to You,” and “No Coast” as one of the best rap songs about the Twin Cities by somebody from the Twin Cities. While Franz would no doubt be humbled by such a statement, there shouldn’t be any disagreement.

ListenToMPLS.com: If #1 FranzDiego

2009-10-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

Latest episode of Listen to M.P.L.S. Featuring a kid named Damien and ZOMBIES!

2009-10-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Chek it out here:

http://www.listentompls.blogspot.com/

Latest episode of The Beat Box featuring Glo Pesci of The Abstract Pack

2009-10-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Glo Pesci of the Abstract Pack came by to tell us bout their new projects and where they been at for last 10 years, plus bangin music!

Go Here:
http://www.radiok.org/beatbox

Go support a minnesota movie!

2009-10-06T13:32:00.001-07:00

ULocal - Nobody from Joe Wright on Vimeo.

Latest Episode of The Beat Box featuring IBE

2009-10-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Listen to the latest episode of the Beat Box featuring Home Town talent IBE!

go here: http://radiok.cce.umn.edu/programming/beatbox/

You can now buy the Illuminous 3 album and the Franz Diego album online!

2009-10-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Check it out! Our good friends at Fifth Element just put our albums online for sale, so if your out of town or know folks who are, this is a reliable and efficient way to make your purchses, follow the links for purchasing and thank you for your support!

For purchasing the Illuminous 3 album go here:
http://www.fifthelementonline.com/cds/illuminous3

For purchasing the Franz Diego album go here:
http://www.fifthelementonline.com/cds/franzdiego

One of the most amazing videos ive ever seen

2009-10-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Sound is responsible for more things than we think!

You Cant Trust The System!

2009-10-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Scientific awesomeness!

2009-10-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

B.O.B. Put Me On

2009-09-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Yo this whole shit is sick and I prolly have a couple of the boomboxes that are in this, mang, heaven.

Carter $1000 fit

2009-09-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

CARTER-$1000 Fit

I think I might run for Mayor

2009-09-30T15:18:00.001-07:00

Pac Div - Mayor

CARTER - "Outta Space"

2009-09-29T15:52:00.001-07:00

DOM KENNEDY ft. BJ The Chicago Kid - "Of All Time"

2009-09-29T15:47:00.001-07:00

Latest Episode of the Beat Box featuring Illuminous 3 and DJ OEG

2009-09-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

LISTEN TO IT ALL HERE: http://radiok.cce.umn.edu/programming/beatbox/

The Illest shit ever!

2009-09-29T13:49:00.001-07:00

COMBO a collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis (2 times loop) from blu on Vimeo.

The Beat Box is back!!!!!!

2009-09-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know whats good, the radio show Ive done with Noam and Tramon is back with a vengence! Check out the first show and check back often for new episodes and updates!

http://radiok.cce.umn.edu/programming/beatbox/

Check out my crew this FRIDAY!!! L YEA!!!

2009-09-22T14:25:00.001-07:00

Check out a radio interview of me by Ivan on KFAI!

2009-09-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

FRANZ DIEGO interview: http://www.kfai.org/node/22247

franz diego album in stores tomorrow!

2009-09-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Franz Diego album in stores TOMORROW, pick it up at 5th element, tree house, dusty pixels, Electric Fetus, more stores to be announced soon!

ALSO WATCH THE PROMO VIDEO HERE IF YOU HAVENT YET FOR SATURDAY, IT WILL BE BIG!

PRESS RELEASE: Franz Diego CD Release Party September 12th

2009-08-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE: Franz Diego CD Release Party September 12th

On September 12th Franz Diego of Illuminous 3 will be celebrating the release of his debut self-titled album entitled "Franz Diego" at the Uptown Bar. This will be Franz's third release this year following the release of his EP in January and his mixtape in May which can both be downloaded for free at http://www.franzdiego.com. Franz Diego has been a well known fixture in Twin Cities hip hop for the past 5 years, performing and releasing projects with his group Illuminous 3, Co-organizing the Twin Cities Celebration of Hip Hop, Hosting Radio K's hip hop programming on "The Beat Box" and co-creating and hosting the local podcast "Listen To MPLS."

The production on this album presents a very diverse and strong taste of what producers in the Twin Cities have to offer with all the mixing and recording done by Medium Zach of Big Quarters and beats from Benzilla, Brandon Allday, PC, Eyecue, Noam The Drummer, Fire Like Water and even a track by DJ King Otto. The reception of Franz as a solo artist has gone over very well with much praise through the blogosphere and local DJ's.

At the Uptown Bar on September 12th, there will also be performances from some very eclectic and passionate individuals. The show is hosted by Big Zach of Kanser, with performances by Greg Grease of the Usual Suspects, Alissa Paris and Alicia Steele with music spun by DJ Miguel Vargas; Franz's promotional video will give you some more background on these artists.

Please come out and support some vibrant Minneapolis Hip Hop, grab a cd and have a good time at the Uptown Bar!

Promotional Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQHAwrU0VgY

First single "Sunrise": http://drop.io/franzdiegosunrisesong

Website: http://www.franzdiego.com
Group site: http://www.illuminous3.mn
Podcast: http://www.ListenToMPLS.com

If you are interested in interviews, reviewing the cd or just talking to Franz, please send all information to FranzDiego@gmail.com

Breakfast sex

2009-08-25T12:01:00.001-07:00

check out concert footage of me and deep cookie

2009-08-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

get past me, to peep cookies excellent performance!

GLOOKIN OUT EROCK!

Love is Love

2009-08-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Just got some love from the Sound Verite blog for a song I did with Alissa this summer on the Listen To MPLS podcast

peep: http://soundverite.blogspot.com/2009/08/franzdiego-good-feelin-mp3.html

From one of the most promising new artist in Minneapolis' ever growing hip-hop scene multi-tasker Franz Diego, who recently released the The Quick & Dirty Mixtape highlighting new tracks from FranzDiego and his crew Illuminous 3, Alicia Steele and Alissa Paris. The native-tongue, J Dilla inspired tracks are warm and fuzzy and in good way. FranzDiego will likely preview tracks from his new, self-titled solo record out Sept.8th at upcoming shows including 7th St Entry after De La Soul in the mainroom Thurs. Aug.27th and record release party Sept 12th at Uptown Bar.

FranzDiego
Thur. Aug. 27th - 7th St. Entry
Sat. Aug. 29th - Nomad
Sat. Sept. 12th -Uptown Bar

If you really like hip hop youll like this

2009-08-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

you need about an hour tho

Check out what my boy hectic from the beatbox is doin now

2009-08-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

forgot to show yall this from my homies City on the Make!

2009-08-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

check out what my homies been doin!

2009-08-19T12:27:00.001-07:00

xant front on a good gimmick

2009-08-19T12:18:00.001-07:00

Young Dre The Truth Feat. Snoop Dogg-Cheah Bah (FNR4 Remix)

Killin the Game!

2009-08-19T12:04:00.001-07:00

7th Letter X Agenda from Agenda Tradeshow on Vimeo.

cant tell if i like this...

2009-08-19T11:47:00.001-07:00

oh how time has changed

2009-08-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

if you got 5 minutes

2009-08-19T11:34:00.001-07:00

sit back and enjoy

5 Minutes V.08/2009 from I Love Graffiti on Vimeo.

One of the most amazing videos ive seen in the past year

2009-08-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

and I dont even know what theyre saying!

PIXO

Pixo, un film de João Weiner et Roberto Oliveira (Extraits)
by FondationCartier

I need not explain this

2009-08-19T11:16:00.001-07:00

Had to bring this back

2009-08-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

i cant get ejough of this video, not sure what it is, guess it just reminds me of southside house parties.....

This is awesome!

2009-08-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

forgot to post this one too!

2009-08-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

just watch

2009-08-16T09:16:00.001-07:00

Afropunk Festival Recap Video

2009-08-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

Find more videos like this on Afro-punk

this looks awesome!

2009-08-10T17:12:00.001-07:00

Wu-Tang Lego - “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” Video

2009-08-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

Wu-Tang Lego: Da Mystery of Chessboxin' from davo on Vimeo.

Goddamn Soulja Boy is trippin.

2009-08-10T16:48:00.001-07:00

Ninjasonik - Hold The Line (Darth Baño Remix)

2009-08-10T16:47:00.001-07:00

yea

2009-08-10T12:22:00.001-07:00

Mekobane “Go Kart” Video

2009-08-10T12:10:00.001-07:00

Go Kart from Sophia Leang on Vimeo.

Med drawing a Blackbook piece

2009-08-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

time to learn some new moves people!

2009-08-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Im all about some major lazer right now!

Major Lazer "Pon De Floor" from Eric Wareheim on Vimeo.

this interview is sick too!

2009-08-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

I like this new Eyedea

2009-08-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

Kooley is High

2009-08-10T11:35:00.001-07:00

An oppurtunity for you!

2009-08-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

I am releasing my first album at the beginning of september, if you promise to review the cd in your notes, blog, paper, radio show, podcast, vlog, I will get you a free copy in advance, hit me up!

franzdiego@gmail.com

Illuminous 3 show comin up!

2009-08-06T11:24:00.001-07:00

CD RELEASE FLYERS IN!

2009-08-05T13:50:00.001-07:00

This was unexpected but kinda cool

2009-07-28T11:53:00.002-07:00

Im feelin this route

2009-07-28T11:53:00.001-07:00

Slaughter rico, hottest out right now according to me

2009-07-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

get to know him:

you really must watch this

2009-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Freez of Illuminous 3 behind the scenes working on his 2nd mixtape

2009-07-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Get a sneak peak at some of the music and thoughts behind Freez's "The For Real it's too E-Z Mixtape Part 2"

Um, yeah...

2009-07-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

I joined twitter.....fuck.

www.twitter.com/franzdiego

Ghost town

2009-07-15T12:14:00.001-07:00

I know its been a ghost town in here and I havent kept up with the internet world, but the reality is that its summer in Minnesota and we dont play around with this shit. I really dont feel its fair to me to spend anytime indoors at a computer that isnt absolutely necessary and I dont feel its fair for yal to be inside going to blogs either. So in that case, ill post now and then but really if you want me to put you up on some shit, just holler at me, im in these streets all day and night, it aint hard to find me.

New Greg Grease Single!

2009-06-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is the first free download off Greg's up and coming snack pack "El Grease Affair Return Of The 37 7/8th Chamber" which is to build up a little hype for his solo ep "A tribute To the Lakes" Due early August, CHECK IT OUT HERE: http://www.filedropper.com/grease-canitbesosimpl

Illuminous 3 featured on the new "Flover Land Mixtape" Put on by Midwest Broadcast

2009-05-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

So the mixtape is out featuring a huge contingent of dope artists from the midwest and especially Minnesota downlaod it now to here us and many other atrists like St. Paul Slim, Heiruspecs, M.anifest, Big Quarters and many more!

get it here for FREE:

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?mz1uxgdjyui

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Listen To MPLS Presents: The Quick & Dirty Mixtape (FranzDiego.Com release) for free download!

2009-05-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Listen To MPLS Presents: The Quick & Dirty Mixtape (FranzDiego.Com release) for free download!

In support of the 2nd season of the Minneapolis based, hip hop influenced weekly podcast-ListenToMPLS.com is releasing a free mixtape entitled "The Quick & Dirty Mixtape" which technically is a FranzDiego.com release but also features the talents of his co-hosts' and creators' of the show DJ Noam The Drummer and Alicia Steele. The mixtape functions as both promotion for the podcast and promotion for FranzDiego.com's album release this summer. Also featured on the tape is production by PC of Creative Sorts Collective, Mavin MC and Freez of Illuminous 3, Alissa Paris and Greg Grease of The Usual Suspects and Grips of Syrup.

For those unfamiliar with the Listen To MPLS podcast, it is a weekly talk show focused mainly on Twin Cities urban music and culture featuring weekly guests and no censorship. The cast is well versed in the scene, politics and culture of Minneapolis hip hop and youth culture featuring DJ Noam The Drummer of Radio K's The Beat Box Radio Show and member of the all-star beat-collective Fam Feud. Alicia Steele who is a local youth worker, organizer, artist and blogger and FranzDiego who is a member of the South Minneapolis based rap group Illuminous 3, past radio DJ, organizer, youth worker, blogger and all around rennaissance man.

Some of the past interviews featured on the site include: P.O.S., Mike Mictlan, Big Zach of Kanser, Medium Zach of Big Quarters, Mux Mool, DJ Mike 2600, local poets, organizers, producers, directors, painters, personalities, etc. Which give a new and often undocumented view of what the Twin Cities really have to offer. Listen to it while you fix your breakfast or passing time at work, just make sure the boss or kids aren't around for them to here the effects of uncensored hip hop folk.

DOWNLOAD THE MIXTAPE HERE: http://www.FranzDiego.com

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE: http://www.ListenToMPLS.com

I got interviewed about the Dinkytowner closing over at TwinCityScene.com

2009-05-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

Franz Diego talks about Dinkytowner closing
By EJ on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 5:50am
We reach Franz Diego by phone to chat about the Dinkytowner's plight and talk about the growing pains for music artists in Minneapolis.

To all the fans coming to Franz Diego's The Hookup: Franz Diego Mixtape Release Party on Saturday at the Dinkytowner, it was a night to enjoy some sick beats and cheer on their favorite emcees. But even before the show started, Diego was standing with booking manager, Bill, hearing not so sick news:

"Pretty sure the Dinkytowner is closing... It looks pretty serious and from my perspective it's gonna be big."

Diego could not believe what he was hearing. The fact that a well-respected promotion company 10K Breaks was bowing out of the Dinkytowner was enough proof. 10K Breaks was putting on his show that very night, its very last show with the venue.

Diego recalls when First Avenue closed late 2004, creating a temporary scare in the music community. His rap group, a prelude to his current Illuminous Three project, supposedly played the last show. Those tenuous days were of self-reflection. Did the community care enough about First Avenue, about Minnesota music, to begin with? How could the place that made Prince popular actually go out of business. Former managers and the building landlord quickly reassembled a financial portfolio and reopened by the end of the month with GWAR.

Across the freeway Kim Anderson fought city licensing for several cold months in 2007 until she finally reopened Hard Times Cafe. It seems in the past decade, small businesses were more fragile than we thought.

Diego recounted over phone countless times spent at the Dinky.

"I was at the Dinkytowner three to four times a week, that intensely. It's the default spot to go when there's nothing to do. There's always someone you know. I went there for breakfast after bar shows, birthday parties... (Tonight) for Funkmass, Last of the Record Buyers, all the shows [series]... My group has been playing there since 2002."

Poignantly, he also noted that local youth organization Yo! The Movement consistently pushed the Kickin' Spot shows for two to three years to the all ages crowd. They gave many aspiring kids their first time onstage. All ages shows are near extinct in the Twin Cities, especially after the demise of the Youth for Tomorrow series at The Quest. Today youth centers in suburbia fill the gap such as Enigma in Shakopee and THE GARAGE in Burnsville (of which I was a former Board of Director).

Besides accommodating age groups, the Dinkytowner filled niches for people who didn't believe in them:

"I don't have an idea of where else in the city you can go that can have so many different types of people [with an attitude of] whatever. There are no places in the city that cater to that demographic of people who don't fit in the frat bars or bougie clubs [yes the bougie Fergie sings]. Even in the punk rock scene, there's nothing like that.

Diego thinks house parties will be on the rise if the Dinkytowner indeed closes on May 31st and no replacement is found soon after. He suggested the Red Sea might work as an alternative hangout but said "that fell apart." He noted he might go to the Kitty Cat Klub but out of choice, not necessity. We like the KCK at TwinCityScene but it definitely has a variable crowd, you don't know who show up. The Nomad was last on his list as a big runner up.

It seems if the Dinkytowner leaves that a hole will form in the continuum of music clubs. You can sit at a bar in Stadium Village and listen to the radio or pay big entry fees and fit the dress code for clubs. First Avenue has garnered a reputation for different aged nights and music themes but tends to focus more hipster and older.

For artists and club owners, it comes down to the bottom line. Diego has some good info:

Big nights are still Thursday through Saturday. I haven't noticed any huge change. People still want to pay for entertainment, drinking and partying.

Aaandd, he left us with one secret tidbit, his new project Grips of Syrup will be announced soon.

Flyover Land Promo Video

2009-05-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is a midwest rap compilation being put out by Midwest Broadcast and Illuminous 3is featured in it along with many other Minnesota peeps and other good rap folks, peep it oput soon!

T.I.A.

2009-05-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

K'NAAN "T.I.A" music video directed by: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

It is always refreshing to hear from Minnesota's own Jesse Ventura, peep game.

2009-05-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Mayer Hawthorne - Just Ain't Gonna Work Out (Official Video)

2009-05-15T11:52:00.001-07:00

Stay High 149 x Reflection Eternal II

2009-05-15T11:38:00.001-07:00

Interview with FranzDiego.com for Century College newspaper

2009-05-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Local Noise - Q&A: FranzDiego.com

What’s going on Century World? In this issue of The Century Times, I
decided to do something new with the Local Noise. That’s right, felt a little
crazy and decided to do a Q and A with an upcoming artist. I had the
opportunity to interview FranzDiego.Com of the rap trio Illuminous 3, a
group from South Minneapolis who I feel people will be hearing more
about in the near future. Enjoy.

Erick Ervas: How did you get into Hip-Hop?
FranzDiego: I didn’t really get into hip-hop, hip-hop got into me. These
types of questions are difficult and lengthy, so if I must sum it up. Rap is
older than me and it was present throughout my growing up. The culture
that comes along with it was extremely liberating and eye-opening for me.
First I loved listening, then I did graffiti, then I tried to DJ and then I
started rapping and making beats. Many other important things happened
along the way, but that’s the gist.

EE: What is your writing process like? Do you vibe on the beats to
inspire the subject matter? Or do you have material before you get
the track?
FD: Most times I just let the beat tell me what to do. I think a lot and I love rhythm,
so when beats comes through that I like, I kind of just freestyle over it a bit and
then start putting things down. The beat usually
dictates the feeling, which I think in a lot of ways is more important than
what I am actually saying.

EE: Who did you bump growing up that had a major influence on
your music?
FD: I listened to everything in every genre and my parents and family
were extremely diverse in their tastes. It was really anything that I could
get my hands on. But when I first heard local rap like Kanser and
Atmosphere, it hit home, that I could actually do this for real and have
people listen to it.

-Where do you think Minnesota is going as far as our music scene is
concerned?
FD: Man, that’s a difficult question, I mean where is music going in
general? I guess I’d have to say for Minnesota we are only going to get
more diverse and expansive. MN is a big state with lots of different
influences going on and a lot of "do it yourself" attitude. I think the next
couple of years with all the blogging, file sharing and networking websites
that our people and music will be getting a lot of exposure and praise.

EE: I know you’re in a crew called Illuminous 3, how did you all get
started? Can you give me a brief history about the group?
FD: I’ll try. We all went to the same elementary school, Seward
Montessori, I was friends with Mavin and Mavin was friends with Freez.
But we didn’t really connect until Mavin's cousin, who was a good friend
of mine, connected Mavin and I because I was making beats and rapping
at South High and he and Freez were rapping at Roosevelt getting a lot
of props. She suggested we meet up and work on music. So we did and
we liked it, we started recording music and passing it out to kids at our
schools and selling and before we knew it we were doing shows on the
regular in 21 plus clubs on school nights, it was a lot of fun and we’ve
been going ever since.

EE: Why a free EP? I’m happy it’s free, but c’mon man, THE
ECONOMY!
FD: I’m saying, the economy! I couldn’t afford to put so much money
upfront and get it back in such a slow manner. I’m known in Minneapolis
but I’m far from famous. I want people to become familiar with me and
have easy access and there’s no better way to do that then make it free.

EE: I’m digging the variety of the EP, seems like you got some
different producers on it. Who all helped on this project?
FD: Oh yes, folks who know me know I like a lot of different stuff and I’m
quick to grab beats from anyone if I like them. On this project I had,
Medium Zach, who also helped record and mix the project, I also had
Brandon Allday, Noam The Drummer, Fire Like Water and PC.

EE: Alright Franz, I know Ill3 just dropped their debut album, and
you obviously have your free EP, but any upcoming solo joints from
you guys?
FD: Yes. Freez just put out his mixtape "The For Real It's 2 E-Z Mixtape"
for free download on his page: myspace. com/freezill3music and Mavin
just put his EP out for free download at www.MavinMC.com. I also have
a new group I’m working on with Greg Grease of the Usual Suspects and
Micah and were called "Grips of Syrup" so be on the lookout. Also, I have
a free mixtape done with DJ Noam the Drummer coming out soon and
Illuminous 3 has a free EP coming out later this year.

EE: A lot of kids want to get their foot in the door with music; you
got any words of wisdom for the people on the music grind?
FD: Maybe. Work hard, then work harder. For every person you rely on,
rely twice as hard on yourself. Use the internet but also play shows and
do open mics. Watch how your favorite artists or at least the successful
ones got on and take notes. Make projects with good quality recording
and get them out fast. Invest money into you, don’t depend on others to.
But most importantly: don’t wait for anyone.

EE: Aright man, go crazy, any final words for the Century
Community?
FD: I would love to meet all of you and perhaps rap for you, or talk about
rap with you or maybe we could just go to a party together. Let me know:
franzdiego@gmail.com. Also, I do a weekly podcast covering MN hip-
hop and life and it’s called www.ListenToMPLS.com check it out!

Welcome home/back

2009-05-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well folks, shit got serious, I realized if I was going to seriously/consistently blog and expect people to see it, I needed to go where everyone was goin, myspace is dyin so it isnt really relevant to keep feuling it when no one is there, so here we are. Hopefully I wont have to move again. As usual this blog will just be shit that I want to share with other folks, nothing organized or anything like that, but I garauntee interest and entertainment. So without further ado, here ye be.