My thoughts on 2011...

It's really hard to sit here and process in full how great 2011 really has been for me. The year was filled with some amazing experiences for me as an artist and as an individual.

I want to really touch on the things that hit close to home for me. Beyond the amazing shows I was a part of this year, because there sure were some legendary artists I got to share stages with, I want everyone to step into my mind for a minute. I found myself in a lot of different scenarios this year that were those "this is dream" moment. From a 4 hour record shopping session with JuJu of The Beatnuts, to sharing a ridiculous condo in SXSW with one of my inspirations, DJ Babu of Dialated Peoples, this year really taught me a lot about myself.

As an artist, I could not be happier with where I am currently at. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of stressful relationships with those close to me, but, I feel that I have a responsibility to my craft and that responsibility is to show others the power of music and how it impacts one's life. My SRNC team put faith and belief in me that I didn't know I had. They would encourage me to push harder as a dj, expand my mind more as an engineer and producer, but most importantly, became my family and created a bond no one can touch. Having that kind of backing is really powerful, this is where my sense of responsibility kicks in. I was able to be a part of numerous projects with numerous artists including dj's, producers, mc's and engineers. Knowing that artists of all sorts that you respect and have that mutual respect for you is something that really hits close for me and inspires me to continue advancing and improving as an artist. Responsibility. I don't want to name any names in this, because I don't want to worry about not writing enough material on them. I could honestly write up an essay for each artist I have worked with and gained a friendship with, so I say, no names! lol.. One particular incident I want mention from an artist's standpoint was a show I was performing at over the summer. I woman approached me after our set and introduced herself. She started telling me how her 14 yr old son is a huge fan of myself, Scheme and Astonish. He had all of our projects, from the LP's to dj mixes. He asked his mom to drive into the city from the suburbs so that she could get our autographs for him since he was too young to come out to our shows. It was at that moment that I realized how powerful the lane I was building really was. I was in awe for a few weeks after that.

As an individual, I was exposed to the up's and down's of being a musician and how important balance was in life. I learned a big lesson in having to really do what's best for myself at the end of the day. 2011 brought on a lot of reality checks that have greatly improved me. I look back now at some of the conversations I have had throughout the year with family, with friends, with my fellow music associates, and I see how important and game changing those conversations were. I am one to get a thought process in my head and not give up on it until it's completed. Again, I do NOT want to name names, especially not on a personal level, but for those who are in my life will understand the following. I want to say thank you. The support I have received from all of you has molded me into the man I am. Support goes so much further than just sharing my music in my book, because support is being able to call someone when I hit a wall and need someone to just listen to me clear my thoughts. Support is getting a simple text stating how proud someone is of me and how much I inspire them. Support is people understanding why they rarely hear from me anymore. Without support, Stephan and DJ Scend don't even exist. For that, I thank you all. One particular incident I want to mention from a non-artist's standpoint was a conversation I had with my mom this year. She told me she is proud of me, but not for usual "mom reasons". She told me she was proud knowing that I had become the individual that I am. "It's one thing to be a parent, because you spend your life trying to motivate your child to live life properly, but it's another ball game when your child flips the script on you and begins motivating how you live your own life as a person, and not as a parent." That was powerful. On a different note, I want to say, you're pretty amazing and I look forward to the building process. You know who you are. The rest of y'all could take it however y'all want to lol

In conclusion, 2011 has developed me as an artist and as an individual and I really could not ask for a better year in my life. It has set a standard of living for me. I have certain responsibilities as an artist and a man and I am determined on completing both in a respectful yet powerful manner.

"Turn negative situations into positive motivations"

2012, I'm coming for you...

AUDIO: Helluva Year Mixtape: Vol 2 - DJ SCEND x SCHEME

It's been quite the year for me. I don't want to take up space on this particular post with all the soft talk, but this year has stamped a certain level of personal success for me and has shown me I really can do whatever I set my mind to. Without my friends, family and fans, this would not be possible. I am so blessed to have all the support around me and all the work is inspired by everyone in my life. It's powerful...The "Helluva Year Mixtape: Vol 2" is the 2nd annual release of its kind. This project features unreleased material and a collective of music from all SRNC affiliates SCHEME, ASTONISH, JAMAL SCIENCE and CLEW ROCK and the projects they have released as solo artists.I really wanted to hit a wide range of music with this mix that would translate the range of positivity and blessings that 2011 has brought to me. I hope y'all enjoy!

Click HERE to download HELLUVA YEAR MIXTAPE: VOL 2 for FREE

DJ Scend x Scheme Present Helluva Year Mixtape Vol. 2 by DJ Scend

AUDIO: BangHotTV.com presents “Time Capsule 2011″ by Slot-A

SRNC affiliate Slot-A has just released this great end-of-year project titled “Time Capsule 2011″ as a free DL for everyone to enjoy. This project is a collection of Slot’s work with various different artists and really shows the success Slot-A acquired throughout this past year. Please take an hour of your time and really listen to how he put this project together.

Click HERE to download “Time Capsule 2011″ by Slot-A

Below are the official release notes:

“2011 is the year, Producer & DJ, Slot-A, has struck out on his own. Releasing his own projects (Foundation Beat Tape) as well as being apart of some of the most talked about projects of the year. “Time Capsule 2011,” is no different. Fresh off, “Life That I Chose EP” with Molemen Records recording artist, Scheme. Slot-A, gives you some of his favorite records he’s produced and remixed this year. Neak’s “Ready To Go,” “For My Ex” by GhostWridah to Gerald Walker’s “Merry Good Christmas,” are just a few note worthy records on this project.

Time Capsule 2011, plays through smoothly and seamlessly – not just a group of records thrown together. Listen all the way through to hear voice mails over Slot’s instrumentals from the homie’s Jamall Bufford (formerly known as Buff-1 of Athletic Mic Leauge), DJ K-Maxx (WHPK – University of Chicago CTA Radio)& Add-2 sharing memories of yesteryear’s experiences. Tediously placing records to create an album like feeling from beginning to end.

Wanting to remember, 2011, for all of it’s experiences and memories. From Djing for Prob Cause, Gerald Walker & Neak Undefined – To being apart of projects, such as, “Ill Raps” with Neak Undefined, “American Alien” by Ghost Wridah & “On Your Side” By Gerald Walker & more. Time Capsule 2011 gives you more than records – it creates an audio experience. Giving you great records as much as it is tells the story.”

Helluva Year Mixtape: Vol 2 (Covert Art & Bonus Tracks)

Here's the front cover artwork for the "Helluva Year Mixtape Vol. 2" by DJ Scend and Scheme.

We'll put out the back cover with track list soon. For now check out the front cover, which was done by Danny Torres (who also designed our SRNC logo) and some songs from the upcoming mixtape. The project drops on 12/31/11.

It's a mix by DJ Scend of music by SRNC members Scheme, Astonish, Jamal Science, and Clew Rock. New, old, unreleased, and remixed music. Make sure to check it out when it drops.

For now here are three songs; one from Jamal Science and Scheme which has never before been released. The song is produced by Jamal Science and the cuts are by DJ Tune.

Jamal Science feat. Scheme - Born to Use Mics

Jamal Science - Born To Use Mics feat. Scheme (produced by Jamal Science) by DJ Scend

The next joint is by Clew Rock.

Clew Rock - Chicago (I'll Take You There)

Clew Rock - Chicago (I'll Take You There) by DJ Scend

The last joint is by Scheme, which was written and recorded in 2008 and had never before been released.

Scheme - I Ain't Saying (produced by Alkota)

Scheme - I Ain't Saying (2008) (produced by Alkota) by DJ Scend

EVENT: PHAROAHE MONCH x Scheme & Astonish (Release Party)

Courtesy of Molemen Records

Saturday - Jan 14th, 2012 : Pharoahe Monch Show / Scheme and Astonish Release Party - with performances by Pharoahe Monch, Astonish and Scheme, Mass Hysteria, Primeridian, Intel & Skor. @ Double Door in Chicago.

Check out the flyer below for all the information.

EVENT: SCHEME x DJ SCEND Performance 12/22/11

SCHEME and DJ SCEND will be performing on December 22nd, 2011 at Sub-T in Chicago.

Other performances include Fred the Godson, Dave Coresh, Vic Mensa, and more.

DJ Stefan Ponce will be spinning through out the night. Make sure you check out the flyer below for all the info. Tickets Available NOW. Leave a comment if you are interested in purchasing a ticket.

We hope to see you there supporting SCHEME and DJ SCEND.

AUDIO: Astonish - The AstonishinglyODD Project

As y'all know, the homie Astonish is a big part of my career within the past 2 yrs. When Scheme and I linked up a little under 2 yrs ago, the homie Astonish was right there from the start.

Today is a great day for music as Astonish officially releases "The AstonishinglyODD Project". I had heard most of this project in the beginning of this yr and had been fortunate to be able to spin some of these records during various DJ sets. I'm really proud of my fam on this one, it's been a long time coming but the day is here!

This project is presented via Molemen Records.

Purchase "The AstonishinglyODD Project" via iTunes by CLICKING HERE
Purchase "The AstonishinglyODD Project" via Amazon by CLICKING HERE

There is also a free downloadable version of this project.

You can download "The AstonishinglyODD Project" for FREE by CLICKING HERE

Tracklist:

Free Download Tracklist:

1. All I Need (Intro) (Prod. by CRZ Beatz)
2. Summertime Chi feat. Myles J (Prod. by Jay Vega)
3. All That I Got (Prod. by Oddisee)
4. Feel Good feat (Prod. by Jay Vega)
5. Trees (Prod. by Odd Couple)
6. LSD feat. J Dott Trife & Lungz (Prod. by O-Zone)
7. Shine Like DIlla (Prod. by Oddisee)
8. Hire feat. Reap & Jessica Jasmin (Prod. by CRZ Beatz)
9. Fill Up The Room (Prod. by Oddisee)
10. Full Room (Interlude) (Prod. by CRZ Beatz)
11. Samo feat. Scheme & E-Class Eppi (Prod. by Wes P)
12. Saw Myself feat. Jay Vega & Decay (Prod. by Oddisee)
13. Living Comfortable (Prod. by Panik)
14. Lord Forgive Me (Prod. by Jay Vega)
15. Hip Hop (Prod. by Jay Vega)

Astonish - The AstonishinglyODD Project by Molemen

AUDIO: Slot-A releases "Life That I Chose" EP intrumentals

As y'all know, last week SRNC dropped the "Life That I Chose" EP which was entirely produced by the big homie Slot-A. As a gift to all of the fans and supporters, he has just released the instrumentals for the entire project! So for all you folks who love to remix and remake, here's your chance to pick up all 6 instrumental versions of the "Life That I Chose" EP!

Click HERE to purchase the Life That I Chose INSTRUMENTALS for $2 via BandCamp

As an ending note, it was a huge honor and pleasure to have worked on this entire project with Slot-A. I had known Slot for some time now and we have always been good friends, but this was our first time being creative together and let me tell y'all the truth, it was a huge learning experience brotha. I appreciate all the knowledge and talks we had throughout. It only lead to more projects, so be on the look out for the fam Slot-A, he's a definite problem for producers out here!

AUDIO: Scheme x Slot-A "Life That I Chose" EP

So after 2 months of madness, we are finally bringing you all the "Life That I Chose" EP. All tracks are produced by Slot-A. The homie Astonish is featured on 2 joints, SRNC's own Oscar Castillo is featured on the guitar in "Lost Childs of Royalty" and yours truly has executive production credits on the whole EP as well as cuts on "Hello (What Up?)" and the title track "Life That I Chose". Scheme has the EP available for purchase via iTunes as well as a free DL for all the supporters who just can't afford it.

PURCHASE via iTunes by CLICKING HERE

FREE DOWNLOAD available by CLICKING HERE

This project has so much meaning for me. It's a bit hard to put into words how important it is, but just know that this project defines what "Life That I Chose" really means to us in the most literal meaning. Bis respect to whole team for putting this together! Slot-A, Astonish, Oscar, Jessie, Adrian, Gus, Jav, Sense, Jamal, Short and aof course all of our supporters! One love...

VIDEO: Scheme - Hello (What Up?) feat Astonish & DJ Scend

I am so proud to announce that the official video for "Hello (What Up?)" premiered on HipHopDX.com this morning and will be exclusive to their site for the next 24 hours, until the Life That I Chose EP releases tomorrow! It's a big day for us all here at SRNC so please share the video and show love.

From Sense of Beast Factory Films for directing and editing this amazing piece, to the beautiful women used for the shoot, to the lovely women make-up and hair artists of SanOlvi Beauty, to Estrada31 Clothing for all the gear and constant support, to the SRNC crew for all the behind the scenes help and to everyone in between, I personally thank y'all for one hell of a ride on this project!

Peep the video below: