Filed under: Miscellaneous
Lords Of The Underground – ‘From Da Bricks’
taken from Here Come The Lords (Pendulum, 1993)
I’m not sure how I managed to miss the exact date of FDB’s inception, but I guess in some ways it’s indicative of the fact that time is a strange beast in internet terms. It seems even stranger to me that just over a year ago I had never committed any of my thoughts on hip hop to paper (you get what I mean), especially given that this little blog is now one of the primary passions in my life. Of course, that’s not to say that I don’t have other things going on, but if you’d asked me last December where I thought this was going, I never would have anticipated that FDB would have brought me so much joy on such a consistent basis.
Looking back, the defining moment for me has to have been the switch away from whole album downloads back in May. The upshot of this decision was that I was forced to expand my scope and look for new things to cover, and the result has been a vastly increased understanding of a genre that has dominated my life for almost as long as I can remember. Since that point I’ve delved into sample sources, interviewed heroes and been privy to exclusive music that I would have never otherwise got my hands on: it’s been fantastic. It’s also made me aware of how much more there is to learn about the culture, and I’m proud to say that although I know more now than ever before I also realise there’s a wealth of knowledge still waiting to be untapped, and that makes me extremely happy. Hip hop is alive and well around these parts people.
There are loads of places that have helped me get my musical fix over the last 12 months, and props go out to everyone in my blogroll for showing such a commitment to sharing music and ideas: it’s always appreciated. However, the following are the people who deserve a special mention as key players in my virtual life, constant sources of inspiration and ultimately, as friends.
Alley Al @ Biff Hop
Biff Hop was one of the first blogs that really grabbed me, and the amount of music that Alley has posted over the last year is unbelievable. What with travel tips for NYC and constant words of encouragement, huge shouts have gotta go out to one of the hardest working men in blogland.
Dart Adams @ Poisonous Paragraphs
Despite only being able to read Dart’s musings through my Google Reader account due to the phenomenal time it takes me to load up his page (get rid of some of those pictures Dart!), his coverage of music, film and whatever else he chooses to write about is always sensational.
Depleted @ Analog 313
Through his various internet phases (BLAR, Carbon III, Funk Theory) Depleted has always been someone who I touch base with around the way. Although his current empire covers Detroit techno, a genre which I know next to nothing about, I’m always sure to check out his work and see what he’s up to. What’s it going to be next D?!
Eric @ When They Reminsice…
When Eric arrived on the scene in March I was convinced that no new blog was ever really going to grab me again, such was the saturation of the scene. I was wrong. WTR rapidly became a member of what I consider to be my immediate blog fam, and a large part of that is because Eric is one of the most genuine, honest and passionate people I have met on the internet.
Floodwatch @ floodwatchmusic.com
Floodwatch is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most knowledgable and entertaining people on the blog scene today. It doesn’t matter if it’s hip hop, death metal or electronica, I never fail to digest every word posted over at his site due to its amazingly consistent quality. Flood – are we ever going to get around to the next PR collaboration?!
Jaz @ Cold Rock Da Spot!
And I thought I knew a lot about hip hop… Jaz has opened my ears to more slept on gems than I care to imagine over the last year: the man never fails to amaze me. New Zealand in the house!
Jeff @ Passion Of The Weiss
Like Flood, Jeff’s knowledge of music from a myriad of different genres is mind-boggling. Funny, insightful and creative, Passion Of The Weiss is categorically one of my favourite places to be on the net. Oh, and Jeff’s pretty cool too.
Rafi @ Oh Word
I feel truly honoured to be a part of the team over at Oh Word, and thanks and respect go out to Rafi and the rest of the crew for holding down one of, if not the, best hip hop blog on the internet. Just wait ’til I get those bowling shoes on Rafi…
Scholar @ Souled On Music
Not only is Souled On a staple of my digital diet, I am also forever indebted to Scholar for initiating my journey into sample sources. If it hadn’t been for his site, FDB would not be what it is today: the word props doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Travis @ WYDU
I’ve mentioned it before, but WYDU was pretty much the catalyst for me starting my own blog. Travis’s honesty and complete lack of bullshit means that his site endures as one of my favourite blogs, and I’m proud to be affiliated with a site that is unquestionably of the highest calibre. You’re the man Trav.
Finally, I want to thank everybody who has visited the site and takes the time out to read my various rants. Without you, FDB would be nothing: here’s to many more years to come!
FROM DA BRICKS 