I Came In 2nd Place / HHK Championship Results

*takes deep breath*

Going into this championship I was a little jaded due to the first one. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but then realized that the fun aspect of HHK was all that mattered. With that said, Heeeeeere we go...

Once everyone arrived ready to perform we sat upstairs in the dressing room joking and rapping along to the records DJ Wex played on stage. The homie Dee Phunk told me the crowd was growing exponentially. At one point a group of us started quoting Coming To America for some reason, and in walks Josh Diggs (the host with the most) with someone rocking a thick black fur directly behind him. All talk ceased as we saw it was Big Daddy Kane himself who just walked in. Josh said something to break the ice, and Kane started shaking everyone's hand, exchanging pleasantries. Once he left the room, we started discussing how sharp he still looked and how fresh his fur was.

Once we had the performance order and 10 o'clock hit, the show started. Josh did a great opening sequence and it was off to the races. I gotta say everyone really did a good job. The one wack surprise of the night was Chef going out in the first round. I speculate the drinks in the dressing room got the best of him that night and he just came off too relaxed to the judges. This was especially prominent after K-Dot started the night off with an incredibly energetic rendition of "Slam" by Onyx. I went on after Diego who gave an energetic performance as well. As I stood to the side of the stage my stomach was in knots. When my name was announced, I took the stage and looked out at the crowd. I saw my beautiful Shino in the crowd, I saw my cheering section holding up signs with my name and this all calmed me down. I felt at ease on stage and ready to perform one of my favorite songs period. Once the beat dropped I felt the energy surge through me. From the first verse to the last verse I never lost focus and kept the crowd in my performance. After four verses I received the first perfect score of the night! Buckshot even got out of his seat to salute me. ME!

As I went to the second round I got to perform the song I scheduled to do in the first championship. However due to my poor score it never saw the light of day... until now. Before I went on this MOFO Doni D went out and destroyed the stage. When I saw him backstage I didn't even say anything we just looked smiled and I walked away shaking my head. I purchased a fitted cap just for my performance two years ago and of course I forgot it at home. Shino did me a huge favor by bringing it to the venue for me. Once I put that hat on and, the music started for Jay-Z's "Encore" I felt that energy surge again. I still smile thinking about that performance. All of the judges showed me love for this one and Big Daddy Kane told me I had what it took to be a real rapper.

For the third round I wasn't as sharp as before and my score reflected that. Before I started I told the crowd that I'd already reached my goal. I got to perform all my songs and had an amazing amount of fun. It was never about winning first place for me. As I went into Slick Rick's "Mona Lisa" I had a gang of fun. I got the whole crowd to dance with me by the end of the song. Right when I finished my man Axiom tossed me his big purple crown which I caught and through right on my head as Slick Rick The Ruler. We didn't even plan that. (As I type this Mona Lisa comes randomly on last FM) I'm sure I had the biggest smile on my face.

When it was all said and done, Doni D and I tied for second and Jessica the newcomer from Queens held down the title of champion with her performance of My Adidas. I have to say the judging was VERY fair this time. Peter Rosenberg from Hot 97 did his thing and showed his knowledge of hip hop lyrics. I appreciated all the comments from the judges. It was time to wrap up the show and at that point Buckshot took the mic and performed "I Gotcha Open (Remix)". When he finished Big Daddy Kane left the judges table and I proceeded to beg him to let me dance for him. This was always a dream of mine. Damali joined me and we became his modern day Scoob and Scrap. AMAZING.

When Kane finished he told me that he was really impressed with my performance and that I was better than many signed acts he saw on stage. He said he didn't know why I never pursued a career in hip hop because I had... "IT". Yup Kane said that to ME! All of the contestants were on stage at this point. All on the same level with no animosity. We were hugging and dancing together, family again. HHK family.

P.S. After the show I got to talk to Kane for a good 15 minutes about Brownsville history and the fact that he was the first performer I ever saw as a kid back in 88. AMAZING!

Time For Pictures And Videos

http://newyork.metromix.com/music/photogallery/2010-hip-hop-karaoke/1736674/content

Old School Mondays

This is the Hip Hop Karaoke Championship Edition. I hope you all enjoy these videos from either the judges or song performed during the competition.

I used to do the running man all day to this joint.


The original Backpack Karate Champs (peep the moves LOL)


The Ruler himself.


The God Emcee


Oh La La Ah We We

Calm Before The Storm

Sometimes we have something to do and we have to prepare for it. The way I prepare is I totally still my body. I slow down my breathing so that I get the full meditation out of every breath. Then when I feel calm I go out and do my best. It's in these times that I remember, nothing in the world is permanent. With knowing that, I find myself in a better space to let go of things. I am in a space to accept change and remain swift and changeable myself.

I will carry this mind state with me to Irving Plaza tonight where I along with 11 great folks will perform in front of many of our friends and family. When the moment hits I will fully enjoy and stay engaged...until it's over. Even the greatest moment is impermanent and thus you must let go. Peace

2 Days to HHK Championship

Tomorrow is the big day people. The second ever Hip Hop Karaoke Championship is going down. 12 contestants all putting it down for the second win the G contest. My love affair with Hip Hop Karaoke started some years ago down in the LES. It's wild to think that so much time has passed and I'm still quite active in it. Last time there was a championship I didn't fare well, and caught a 1st round knock out. This time I'm going strictly for the fun factor.

Lets take a moment to go through some moments in my HHK history.
Enjoy.



The one that got me in the championship


The whole fam here

Headed To The 2nd HHK Championship

On December 4th 2009 (Ether Day) I joined a number of really dope karaoke performers at the Mercury Lounge. The goal was to have the most fun on stage and possibly gain entry to the 2nd HHK Championship. The performances ranged from top tier to cringe inducing. However we all went to have fun and that was indeed had by all. The judges ranged from underground MC Pack FM to Label CEO and Manager extraordinaire Dru Ha. To offset those two was a vet in the show promotions arena (lets call him Mr. Schwartz).

What I loved about last Friday was that as a crowd we were so into being supportive that the judges named a group of us the FUN BUNCH! There was a time when a guy did Nas' The World Is Yours and forgot when to start. I stared the first two bars for him and then he was off and running.

Here's a few videos from the big winners on Friday. Come out and support everyone on January 29th at Irving Plaza as we go big for the 2nd annual Win The G contest!

The Kid


Robert Downey JR


Doni D


K-Dot