Wicked Butterfly Update!

So the past few months I have posted a lot of things on this blog but today I am here to give a little update on Wicked Butterfly Entertainment and what we have going on, so here we go:

  Black Project officially has a demo out in the public space.  It contains five tracks from our upcoming album and is pure fire!  This demo has two collabs on it that are absolutely the best of the best.  The first is "Lay my body to rest" it features both Bukshot (Underground Avengers, Mobstyle Records) and T-Razor (Underground Avengers).  This track took us several months to get together but it is one of the best things we have ever done.  The second collab is with a guy named Stacc Styles of Cultivate Creative Sound.  It is called "Wrote this letter" and shows a softer more deep side of Black Project.  The demo is rounded out by "Darkest Place", "Dig ya Grave", and "Never make it out".  If you are in Tucson or Amarillo hit up our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Project/479855342036749?fref=ts leave a message and we will hook you up for just $5. 

  Black Project has two shows coming up on the nationwide "Eerly Birds Tour" with J Hornay & Cultivate Creative Sound.  The first is in Albuquerque, NM on June 8 @ Blackwater.  The second is in Tucson, AZ on June 12 @ The Rialto.  These shows are not to be missed!

  Finally Black Project has been steady in the studio finishing off more tracks for the "Highly Classified" Album.  We are hoping to have at least 4 more tracks done before the Eerly Bird shows, if so you might just get to see them performed live at the shows.

  I have been busy working on a lot of concerts and scheduling with Unstable Promotions.  The big news is that July 7, 2013 former Strange Music artist Snug Brim is bringing his Arrogant Tour to Tucson, AZ!  You heard that right the show is 8 pm at DV8 on July 7, 2013.  It will be headlined by Snug Brim, Mr. Grey and Cultivate Creative Sound.  Tickets are just $8 presale and $10 at the door.  Cheap price for a great show and one that shouldn't be missed!

  At the end of July Unstable artist Jigsaw is going to be in Tucson for a show.  Details are still being worked out and I will give you an update as they get finalized.

  Wicked Butterfly Entertainment and West Coast Chill are teaming up to bring the new energy drink in a self cooling can into the market here in Tucson!  This can is awesome, it cools the drink 30 degrees in just 3 minutes!  We are also working on bringing West Coast Chill to the Gathering of the Juggalos so be on the lookout for that.  If you don't know about this energy drink hit up www.westcoastchill.com and see what it is all about!

Finally it has been my pleasure to continue to do reviews for www.faygoluvers.net.  Scottie D has kept putting his trust in me to give my honest straight forward opinion on the music he sends me and for that I am greatful.  I have had the pleasure of hearing a wide variety of good, bad, horrible, and great music and hope to continue into the distant future. 

With all that in mind here is my shout outs:

Scottie D- Much Love Homie.  Thank you for the trust and confidence in me.
Randy Forester aka 806 Outlaw- Been a year man and I couldn't be happier with what we have accomplished with Black Project.
Cecil Martinez aka Narkotix- The past year you havent made my job to easy but it has been an awesome ride.  Keep you feet to the fire homie and lets get this CD out this year!
Stacc Styles- Thank you for the love, support, and trust you have place in me for the past few months.  Your new solo album is going to be pure fire. Still wanna work that Heel Stacc "I'll pull your Bitch" album.
Crookyd- Road trips have been interesting to say the least!  Been a great time with you and all the guys from CCS.  Cant wait to get crackin on that solo project!
Bukshot- As one of the truest and most honest musicians I have ever worked with it is my pleasure to call you my friend.  I will get you out here for a show and we will bring that Mobstyle to Tucson!
Mars- People love you and people hate you man.  Been that way since day one.  I consider you my friend and have truely enjoyed working with you and hope we can do more together in the future.
Kung Fu Vampire- What can I say man you are doing big fangs!  No doubt you have earned everything you have gotten and have still managed to stay humble in this business.  I proudly say you are my friend and I am always here to help out.
Mr. Grey- Hopefully the beginning of big things man!  I have enjoyed your work and the times we have had to meet up or talk have been awesome.  I am here if you ever need anything homie.
Steven Natale- As Black Projects Producer and main mixer you have been awesome.  One of the best I have ever worked with and I definitely look forward to a long and hopefully prosperous future making hits!
Kristina (My Wife)- I would not be where I am without your support.  You have been there since day one in this music business.  I have made good decisions and bad decisions and you have always had my back.  I have no doubt with you in my corner I can make it in this cut throat business.  I love you and thank you for everything.

  Thats it for this post.  I know a lot of shout outs and love in this one.  But I feel truely blessed to be where I am and doing the things I am doing.  Keep your eyes peeled on the blog for more info on the album release and upcoming concerts.

MMFWFL,

Juggalotus!

The more you know

  Wow has it been a month already?!  I know I have been super busy but heck I have had a ton to blog about, especially with the events happening in the underground.  Here is a quick list of topics I am going to give some thoughts on!

1. KMK vs Subnoize
2. The Gathering of the Juggalos 2013
3. Breaking the fourth wall and getting to know artists/rappers personally

So lets get at it!

A lot has been said back and forth between KMK and Zinger of Subnoize Records.  My take is this, what happens between them is really not important to fans of the label or music.  The only thing affected by all of this is who is involved in business at Subnoize and what label pays KMK.  The music is still going to be released by both entities.  Various Subnoize artists might jump ship if Daddy X does not manage to get the label and forms his own, then again they might not.  This is yet another camp diving into chaos.  A few years ago the top labels in the underground were Psychopathic and Subnoize.  Now they are both in a free fall due to internal conflict and Strange has quietly taken the top spot.  I know there are those of you who would disagree but I guess it is all a matter of opinion and since this is my blog that is my opinion!  I will continue to buy KMK albums, review KMK albums, and support their music.  I will also continue to support Subnoize and any artists associated there.  I have friends on both sides of this argument and respect everyone involved for their contributions to our music genre as a whole.  If you were a KMK fan before this stuff, you should be a fan after, period.

This years Gathering of the Juggalos has been dubbed "Rise of the Underground". I have no issue with Psychopathic giving love and some spotlight to Underground artists as long as their intention is just that.  I think Kung Fu Vampire deserves to have a slot on the main stage along with several other big names in the Underground.  But my fear is that the shift in focus is due to Psychopathic saving money either but cutting corners and not trying to get big name artists (Ice Cube, Ice T, etc) or no big name artists being willing to show some love.  As we have seen in the past few years big name artists get booked and just fail to show.  I hope it is just that, a fear of mine.  I do think Psychopathic should spotlight more Underground artists but I do feel there is a place for a few big names on the bill too.  I hope to be able to attend the Gathering again this year and hope it is as fresh as it was last year.  I would also like to see more Family love.  Last year the golf carts were rarely seen and when they were the main guys (ICP, Twiztid) were not on em.  I saw ABK, Chop, and a few other but the big guys stayed hidden away.  Maybe I just missed em I am not sure.  So that is my take on the Gathering this year.

Now with both of those topics out there let me say the past year and a half has been very eye opening to me.  I have had the oppotunity to do some great interviews for Faygoluvers and meet a lot of good guy and bad guys in the business.  That is when I discovered that breaking that fourth wall is a blessing and a curse.  Now I am not going to name people who I love as artists but really have grown to dislike as people but I will give you all a glimpse at artists who say they support the family and actually are good people on and off stage.  The first guy I can say is a down to Earth dude is Bukshot.  I contacted him about a collab for my guys in Black Project and he was nothing but professional.  We talk often and I consider him a friend in business and life.  He has nothing but respect from me.  Another is Kung Fu Vampire.  I have met and talked with him quite a bit and he is always down to chop it up.  Respect is definitely earned by me as well.  Potluck, cool dudes who always have love for the Juggalos and have earned my respect on many levels.  Liquid Assassin, great guy and I hope to work with him in the future.  Mr. Grey, met him at the KFV show in Mesa, cool dude and definitely talented.  Mars, some people hate him and some people like him, my interactions with him have been all on the positive.  He sat down for my very first interview and has done several collabs with my guys.  I consider all of these guys my friends as they have always held themselves to a higher standard and make me appreciate this business.  Now on the other side there are guys I have met and they all seem dope at first but as I have gotten to know them and how they do business I realize they are self centered, egotistical jerks who will only be cool with you as long as you can do something for them.  Unfortunately there are a ton of them in the business and they make me question being involved at all.  Luckily the guys who I mention first have made it all worth while. 

As a fan I had respect for many artists and as a reported/reviewer/interviewer I have lost respect for some.  I guess that is the real pitfall of being involved beyond the fan level.  Do I regret it, hell no!  I love what I do.  I love listening and reviewing everything submitted to me by artists and Scottie D.  I have nothing but love and respect for all artists out there grinding on a daily.  I hope to continue to provide this blog, Faygoluvers, and other media outlets positive vibes on the Family and movement.  Most of all I appreciate everyone who comes here and checks out my brain droppings and then goes over the Faygoluvers and hits up my reviews.  I have Much Family Love for life.

MMFWFL,

Juggalotus

Evolution

  So it became official today with Violent J's interview that Blaze is no longer with Psychopathic.  Honestly it came as no suprise.  I said in my blog about Twiztid leaving it was going to happen.  So I have spent much of the day today reading forum posts, watching videos, and just feeling out the Family and how things are currently.  Now I took a lot of hate and criticism because of my thoughts about Twiztid leaving.  So let me say as plain as I can, I am and always will be a Juggalo.  I will always support the music ICP makes, like it or not, I have nothing but respect for the Dons of Psychopathic.  I will always support Blaze and Twiztid no matter where they go and what they do.  Nothing can take any of my memories or feelings away that I have developed over the last 16 years.  I will always support music I like and speak out if I don't like something.  That is what makes the Family unique, our ability to be individuals while still being a Family. 

All that being said I wanted to share my feelings on the state of Twiztid, Blaze and Psychopathic.  Psychopathic will be fine and move on without Twiztid and Blaze.  As long as ICP is making music the label will continue.  My feelings on the current management of the label have been made clear throughout this blog.  For two years I have opened myself up and told you all exactly how I felt things were going.  I do not think the label will be as successful now that Twiztid is gone.  The talent just isnt there.  Twiztid will forge their own path and so will Blaze.  I see nothing but bright things in their futures.  One video I watched was a review of Abominationz.  In the video the guy speaks exactly how I have been feeling.  He says at one point he can't tell if Twiztid is speaking directly to ICP a majority of the time.  He also feels like the album is Twiztid's stance against the current movement of the label, and I agree.  It was Twiztid's renewal of their devotion to the Family and movement that ICP built.  I feel like they have not agreed with the current shift in policy and product.  That is why when I hear lines like:

"Your looking for acceptance in places your never gonna get it accept it
Our painted face is rejected
An abomination infected
With so much hatred collected
How can you say you didn't expected to go this way
Like bad directions
They're looking at me like a weapon
We got the world's attention
Were like this great invention
There all to afraid to mention
Shun me like bad intentions
But we'll see who really had agendas
A misconception I don't wanna be in your fucked up life or interventions"

I can't help but feel like they are speaking directly to ICP.  Like I have said I will support the music ICP, Twiztid and Blaze make for life.  on the business side of things I think things need to change.  I do not agree with business decisions being made.  Period.
We have been told recently that the Gathering this year will be a celebration of the Underground.  When I heard that my first thought was "Huh?" I like the idea of people like Kung Fu Vampire, Bukshot, Liquid Assassin, Mars, Molly Gruesome, and others getting a chance to hit the mainstage and bring the house down.  My biggest fear is this move is being made to save money because of the lost profit with Twiztid leaving.  Do I think Twiztid will be at the Gathering?, yes.  Do I think in 5 years they will be at the Gathering?, not sure.  No one can disagree it is much cheaper for the label to have these underground artists on the main stage for $500-800 per set than to bring guys like Ice Cube, Ice T, and others out for $10,000 or more for a set.  I am not sure at this point how I feel about the Gathering this year.  I am hoping to get a chance to go out there as press and do an actual honest review of the Gathering.  We shall see.

Now back to the point of the post, evolution.  As a long time Juggalo I have seen shifts in the movement.  I have seen band wagon fans come and go.  I have seen the music succeed (Melinko, AJB, Mostasteless, Abominationz) and I have seen it fail (The Calm, Tempest, Mutant) but the one thing that has remained constant is the fans.  We support the music more rabidly than any other fanbase out there.  We get hated on for it and it makes us ban together and put a middle finger in the air at the mainstream.  The video review of Abominationz the guy makes a great point and that is this "BPB and MDP were great albums but they do not deserve to be called Jokers Cards.  There is something missing that was in all six of the origional cards."  They are well done, great as far as production, and have many tracks I can relate to.  But the magic is missing.  The story is a faint reminder of what we have been told for decades. 

The one thing nobody can avoid is evolution.  I will never be 100% behind every project that Psychopathic, Twiztid, or Blaze puts out but I can tell you I will give each and every release it's fair shake.  I will listen to what is being put out and support the ones I enjoy while allowing the others to collect dust in my collection.  I have nothing but love for each and every Juggalo and Juggalette in the world.  The real los and lettes not the band wagoners that we seem to be gathering recently.  Being a Juggalo isn't about a set of rules, a pledge, if you do drugs or not, or even the music.  Being a Juggalo is a state of being.  When you find the Family you know you belong no matter where you come from, how much money you have, or what your recreational activities are. Being a Juggalo is about being an individual.  Liking what you like and standing firm on your beliefs.  We are a Family.  Evolution doesn't change that.  J said it best in the interview posted today "But if one day you get to college and start hangin’ with a new group of friends and you start to like other kinds of music, just don’t be one of those bitches that’s like, “Can you believe I used to be a Juggalette? I was so young and stupid, I guess.” Never talk that shit about us. Never sell us out because the you at 14 is just as important to your legacy as the you at 34. Yes, it’s OK to be a 14 year old Juggalette. It’s even OK if you grow out of being a Juggalette one day, but do us a favor. Never sell us out. Always remember the good times you had as a Juggalette and cherish them. Don’t look back on them with regret, look back on these days as great days. Never bad mouth the family. Better yet, stay down with the family forever!"  Thats it right there.  Evolution is going to happen.  People will outgrow the need for the music and the Family and that is ok.  And if you leave the music behind for a while and find in the future you need that connection again, we will be here.

MMFWFL,

Juggalotus

Kung Fu Vampire Interview

So my interview with Kung Fu Vampire finally got posted online today!  In it we see a suprise guest spot by Twisted Insane, KFV gives us the low down on new projects, and we find out who will be included in the next album for guest spots!  So take 20 min and go check it out.  It was filmed at the Love Bites Tour stop in Mesa, AZ.

MMFWFL,

Juggalotus

Changes, Moves and making moves

Sorry I have been away for a minute!  Just moved to Tucson and getting grounded here.  This month we got some big things coming up over at Faygoluvers.  I have posted a ton of new reviews.  But I will be doing a special interview with none other than Kung Fu Vampire and it will be posted over on Faygoluvers.net the first week of Dec!  Black Project is on schedule to get their album "Highly Classified" released on 04/20/2013.  There will be some great featured artists on there so you wanna check it out.  Also will be posting my reviews for the Twiztid and Kung Fu Vampire shows this month here on the blog!  So there are big things happening, stay tuned for more to come!!

MMFWFL,

Juggalotus

Kung Fu Vampire Interview

Ok so the Bay Area Vampire himself Kung Fu Vampire took time to sit downand answer a few questions for the family.  Without further delay here is what he had to say:

Juggalotus:  For the new fan of your music, can you give us a quick breakdown of your career and where it all started?
KFV:  7th grade I was watching two kids rappin’ on the school yard, 1 white 1 black and they had a huge crowd around them flocking and jocking.  Me being a total music fan Hip Hop and metal I would watch. Bu the 2nd time I crowded around that circle I was thinking to myself “these guys suck, I could rap better than them and I don’t rap” So i started rapping and making beats. But prior to that my hip hop 101 began at 5 years old when I use to break-dance, I was damn good and won a contest at 7 years old at the Weinershnitzel across from the ghetto ass apartments we lived in.

Juggs:  What musical influences made Kung Fu Vampire who he is today?
KFV:  The Doors, Metallica, Kurtis Blow, Talking Heads, Ice Cube, Ice-T, Scarface

Juggs:  What music would we be surprised to find on your Ipod?
KFV:  One of my all time favorites, Steely Dan, but my whole theme in life is to expect the unexpected with me, so there is a bunch of stuff on my ipod that would leave your face sideways.

Juggs:  Do you think your music has a positive influence on your fan base?
KFV:  YES: as an outlet for anger and releasing toxins at a concert by sweating in the mosh pit. No: for the fact that I’m no Positive Influence musically. That being said i think it is obvious that we are classy and take pride in family and friends. People are wonderful, i am a humanitarian and a conversation with me after a performance should leave you in good spirits.

Juggs:  Of all the artists in the underground scene who do you think would best translate into a more mainstream fan base?
KFV:  I don’t know if anybody has really come from the underground and made it to mainstream, I know its talked about often but i never see it. Some people get known faster cuz they sound like something familiar that they have heard before. When your sound is cutting edge people don’t identify with you as an artist as quickly so the rise to popularity takes longer, making someone truly underground.

Juggs:  Can we expect to see you hitting the stage at the Gathering in the future?
KFV:  I played the Gathering the last two years and it was better the 2nd time. If they ask me to do it for a third, i will be there.

Juggs:  It is common knowledge that Twiztid loves comic books, are there any favorite comics or guilty pleasures we should know about you?
KFV:  Not a comic reading fan but i like writing graphic novels and short stories. I have had a Kung Fu Vampire comic book on the back-burner for years now.

Juggs:  What artists either main stream or not would you like to work with in the future?
KFV:  I really don’t care anymore about doing songs with people. If anything I wanna work with some of the Funk Legends that are still alive. I’d like to work with Prince as well as maybe Metallica and of course the remaining members of the Doors.

Juggs:  A lot of rappers started in battles. Did you participate in any rap battles growing up?
KFV:  Never Battle rapped, back when I was coming up in the rap scene it was about Freestyle contests, basically showing your skills but now directed at a rapper but just really good lyrics and getting the crowd to love you. I use to kill those left and right for a short period of time but I am mainly an artist who likes to make music to vibe out to for decades to come.

Juggs:  Do you have any superstitions?KFV:  I feel like the world will treat you how you treat the world.  That’s about it. Treat people with respect and fairness.

Juggs:  What advice would you give someone trying to break into the horror core/underground rap genre?
KFV:  The obvious advice would be to not try to break into that scene, just do you and if it’s wicked enough the fans will come to you. Stop trying to imitate ICP, it’s pathetic.  Make up your own shit.

Juggs:  By embracing the Juggalo community your open yourself up for haters. Have you had any experience with that since working with Juggalos?
KFV:  More love than anything, I don’t like Haters but we need them to create balance, I don’t think constant praise is healthy for artists. I get occasional haters that don’t understand my style or unique presentation.

Juggs:  What are your feelings on Juggalos being added to the F.B.I.’s gang list?
KFV:  It’s seriously bad and the FBI is a joke for even doing this. They are really out to lunch on this one.

Juggs:  How did you get hooked up with Twiztid for the Slaughterhouse tour?
KFV:  Monoxide from Twiztid liked my video and music and asked someone to get a hold of me to bring me on the tour.

Juggs:  What can we expect from KFV in 2012?
KFV:  New album, possibly two albums. Huge tours and to expect the un-expected.

Juggs:  Any final thoughts for the Family?
KFV: Stick together, for most of us family and people like us is all you have. Support what I do if you feel it, i represent you and the struggle. I have been making and releasing music for 20 years and just now getting praise, it takes a life time. Stay true to your dreams and slow down on the Faygo, its bad for you, and as a Vampire, I wanna see you Live so we can be friends forever.

Respect,
Kung Fu Vampire


Once again much love going out to KFV for taking time out his busy schedule to hook us up.  It gave us a nice glimpse into his world. 


MMFWCL,
  Juggalotus

New interview this week

Ok people I said I had more interviews coming your way and I am not kidding.  This week the artist that will be featured is none other than that bay area vampire Kung Fu Vampire!  Yeah you heard that right I managed to catch the guy and he was willing to answer some questions for me.  Look for the interview to be posted probably Thursday.

  February will mark the first time I will be posting an audio interview for you guys.  I am still working the transcript of the interview I did with Mars in Lubbock last week.  So look for that in the next few weeks.  Also I have another interview lined up but as of right now no timeframe for having that done for you guys.  Let me just say it will be nothing less that epic when I get it posted for you.

  Also on tab the next few months I will have HUGE news about another show in Lubbock that I am working on.  Let's just say I am working on two guys for the show that have been on stage together before and absolutely killed it.  Juggalos get ready to "jump-off" in Lubbock.  More details on when, where and how you guys can score tickets for that.

That's it for now family.  Keep it honest and real and fake people will run from you like the plague!

MMFWCL,
  Juggalotus