Junk Science

LIFE IS CONTINUALLY WEIRD with BAJE ONE from JUNK SCIENCE

defcon — Thu, 4 Dec 2008 13:28:16 -0500

Side note number one: pretty much every time I write one of these things I use pics that were taken by my cousin Liz. Shout out to Liz! (As depicted above..)
Side note number two: I finally got around to watching that movie ‘Zeitgeist’ on google video so I’m kinda fucked up in the head right now... (who knew google video still existed!)

So this is something I wanted to talk about in the last one but totally forgot to do...

As I wrote in my previous entry, when me and Snaf were in Cincinnati for Scribble Jam we were asked (quite cordially) to come to the parking lot and sign a deer skull for these two guys from Indiana; we signed the thing, exchanged a few more words, and that was that.

Just another deer skull signing notch in my rap belt.

But later that night (and I mean like 4 am, post-awful-drunk-midwest-fast-food-consumption later) me, Snafu and Grimace were drinking more than a few Miller Lights in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express when it occurred to me... The fact of the matter was that everything I had done in my life, whether it was good or bad, had led me to that parking lot in Ohio to sign that skull. This simple realization set off a whirring wheel of wonder in my brain. It got me to thinking about how every time something really weird / funny happens, that I somehow invited that weirdness / funniness by what you might call the sum of my actions in the past.

What exactly had I done to deserve this? What had been done to me by the world?

When I was a younger man I used to wonder about the significance of timing, you know, how tiny little differences in your daily life might change your whole existence. The effect of chance, if you will. I used to agonize about the endless possibilities and opportunities missed by bad timing. As I would sprint down the subway steps to catch a train, and then watch the doors close just as I hit the platform, a small part of me couldn’t help but wonder if my life wouldn’t have been totally different had I caught that train.

Maybe I would sit down next to some influential music type who would ask to hear what I had playing in my Walkman, they would listen and like it and it would be my music and they would make me famous....Maybe that train would get hijacked on some Taking of Pelham 1,2,3 shit and I would save everyone by throwing my hot coffee in the bad guy’s face and taking his gun away. Rugged...Or maybe the train would just get me to Manhattan 7 minutes earlier, allowing me time to eat a falafel before my interview which in turn would give me energy to impress the people which in turn would get me the job which in turn... and so on and so forth... this can go on forever.

That being said, I am soooo glad that I’m not 22 years old anymore.

Which leads me to my next point, thinking like this will drive you totally insane. The whole line of thought is essentially the largest possible can of worms, and much like all cans of worms, it doesn’t really need to be opened...unless of course you really like worms, in which case please feel free.

The current version of me happens to not care about stuff like that anymore, and let me tell you, it’s really nice. It’s a lot more fun to just marvel at the fact that whenever you’re doing something ridiculous, it’s great to take a step back and examine how this happened. As human beings have done for millennia, you might ask yourself ‘How did I get here?’

So the other night I was on stage at Public Assembly in Williamsburg. My boy Tone Tank had a show opening for The Beatnuts (shout out to Jah C and The Dugout!) and I was there to help him out, to be his DJ. So we take the stage dressed like this:

That’s me in the back looking dapper in my Scumlife jacket and my Def Jux kicks. Tone is up front in costume as GG Allen. So as I’m standing there, it makes me think of the exact same thing... how everything I’ve ever done in my life has somehow led me to this point... where I’m on stage screaming backup vocals into a mic, pretending to scratch, wearing a red, black, and silver Mexican wrestling mask while my boy runs around the stage in his underwear, sunglasses, and a fake moustache rapping on some fuck the world shit. And of course all of this is happening at a hip hop show in Brooklyn. Amazing. Except this time around I realized in the moment that it was happening, which in turn made the whole experience that much more awesome. Like I was looking back at it and laughing as it was happening. Very Zen.

I was wearing the mask in the first place because we were supposed to be performing ‘The King Of Surf Guitar Rap’ which is an EP that Tone made where he raps over all these old surf guitar songs. Kinda like how Ghostface will rap all over an old soul song, except weirder and more Hunter S. Thompson-esque. You can get that for free over at radiobelly.com if you’re so inclined to hear some awesome crazy shit.

Tone is a good friend. Other than rapping he is also good at having lots of tattoos and fighting in pools with those water noodle things. All of this diversion is of course merely an excuse to insert this picture, which I think is funny:

Peep how my boy Tim is kinda scared that we’re going to hit him with the noodles. We are totally ruining his relaxing time in the pool. If you live in the Northeast (or the North country in general) like I do you may be wondering what exactly is making the water look so sparkly. It’s something that’s gone now but will be back in about 5 months, a little thing we like to call the sun!

Anyway, if you have any bizarre stories to share, moments where you had similar or conflicting realizations, or whatever, hit me up at bajeblog@gmail.com and let me know where you’re coming from.

And of course, don’t take no shit from nobody,

= baje

Baje One from Junk Science at Scribble Jam (RE-Run)

defcon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:04:47 -0500

Scribble Jam 08 was frakking fantastic. Peace to Kevin and the organizing team for having me and Snafu out this year, and a special shout-out to Mr. Dibbs for helping me get oriented amidst the craziness (and for assisting in my meeting KRS ONE.)

It was a blessing to get to meet so many folks from all over the midwest, especially those who came by the merch table to show love. I have one particular story that pretty much sums up the general vibe of weirdness that we got from our supporters out there. On the first night, after the show, we met Jeb and Sam from Peru, Indiana. We hung out, talked about music, had a beer, normal stuff. Then on the second night these dudes come back to the table talking about how me and Snaf have to come to the parking lot and sign something weird... Creepy.

So I start thinking about what exactly he might be talking about. What would be a weird thing to sign? His giant ball of rubber bands? A large slab of Wisconsin cheddar that he’s been saving for this occasion? Or maybe his ex-girlfriend is lying dead in the back of his weird van and he wants me to sign her boobs. (Side note: ethically speaking, is that wrong? Wait, don’t answer that.)

So as my mind is wandering he says “We found a deer skull down by the river and we want you guys to sign it. It’s gonna be our Scribble Jam memento. It’s pretty clean.” Now call me old-fashioned, but ‘pretty clean’ isn’t exactly how I prefer my deer skulls. But far be it from me to refuse such a unique and special request. Check it check it out:

You can’t see it in this pic, but I wrote the word “CREEPY” along the length of one of the antlers.

And so, to keep the cycle going, as promised in previous blogs, I brought along with me to Cincinnati a copy of ‘Return of the Boom Bap’ on vinyl. After KRS ONE’s set I snuck into the back room just as his bodyguard came in and said “If you don’t know Kris, you need to get the fuck outta here.” I looked at Dibbs and he told me to stay for a second, which I did as the room emptied to just me, KRS, Hakim from Channel Live, a photographer, and a few bodyguard types. I hung out as KRS caught his breath and posed for a few pictures, then I got him to sign my record.

I don’t know if I can explain how surreal it was to be sitting in a room with this guy. In 1989 I put ‘Stop the Violence’ on a mixtape I made for a party in my fourth grade class. (I wish I could see video footage of that party and see my 9-year-old white self dancing to some real pro-black conscious shit...) In 1990 I was ten and watching ‘Love’s Gonna Getcha’ on Yo MTV Raps at my friend’s house (cause he had cable!). In 1994 I was at a private school dance party screaming “Whoop Whoop, that’s the sound of the police!” (Also would make for amazing footage...) In 1996 I was blasting ‘MCs Act Like They Don’t Know’ from the speakers of my first real sound system that I got thanks to Bill Clinton (a long story). And so on and so forth, KRS ONE is a true legend, and I defy anyone to name a better performer out there in the hip hop universe. Check it out:

After he signed the vinyl I thanked him and was about to walk away when he said “Nah, let me hit the other one too.” And he did, after which he thanked me for waiting for him. Amazing.

That’s it for now. Remember, hit me up at bajeblog@gmail.com if you wanna get one of the five free tickets to Thursday’s show, or if you have any weird stories about signing things or going to Ohio, or whatever.

Until next time, don’t take no shit from nobody.

Obama!!!!!!!!

Mr. Lif - Junk Science -- Northampton Date Cancelled!

defcon — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:44:40 -0500

We regret to inform you that the Mr. Lif - Junk Science Show in Northampton MA has been cancelled! Very sorry to be the bearers of bad news and we encourage all who bought tickets in advance to contact that ticket distributor for a full refund!!

The Daily Jux for Thursday November 20th

defcon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:58:26 -0500

First things first,

You NY area folks better be heading out to Southpaw tonight, if you need a reminder why, head HERE, but for a quick rundown peep the flyer:

Next up, we told you a little while ago that Aesop Rock is featured on the new DJ Signify album Of Cities.. Well now the track 'Low Tides' is up for all to hear on Aesop's Myspace.

From the man himself;

hey

i uploaded a new track i am featured on by DJ Signify. The song is called "Low Tide" and is availiable on his new record "Of Cities". I also rap on another song on the record. enjoy.

best
a.r.

Tomorrow will see a Mr. Lif-Junk Science show in Northampton and The Mighty Underdogs hit Reno with Zion I - More on that to come.

Today's Daily Jux is dedicated to female serial killers because.. well you just needed another reason to feed your raging mysogyny, now didn't you?

Till tomorrow,

-The Editor

FREE TICKETS and SCRIBBLE JAMMINGS with BAJE ONE from JUNK SCIENCE

defcon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:04:56 -0500

First things first...
FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY for Thursday’s show at SOUTHPAW in Brooklyn with AKROBATIK, WILLIE EVANS JR. and DOPE SANDWICH!!! First five people to hit me up at bajeblog@gmail.com will get on the list. Remember, you gotta be over 18 and you gotta include your real name in your email.

And now down to brass tacks, whatever that means. Scribble Jam 08 was frakking fantastic. Peace to Kevin and the organizing team for having me and Snafu out this year, and a special shout-out to Mr. Dibbs for helping me get oriented amidst the craziness (and for assisting in my meeting KRS ONE.)

It was a blessing to get to meet so many folks from all over the midwest, especially those who came by the merch table to show love. I have one particular story that pretty much sums up the general vibe of weirdness that we got from our supporters out there. On the first night, after the show, we met Jeb and Sam from Peru, Indiana. We hung out, talked about music, had a beer, normal stuff. Then on the second night these dudes come back to the table talking about how me and Snaf have to come to the parking lot and sign something weird... Creepy.

So I start thinking about what exactly he might be talking about. What would be a weird thing to sign? His giant ball of rubber bands? A large slab of Wisconsin cheddar that he’s been saving for this occasion? Or maybe his ex-girlfriend is lying dead in the back of his weird van and he wants me to sign her boobs. (Side note: ethically speaking, is that wrong? Wait, don’t answer that.)

So as my mind is wandering he says “We found a deer skull down by the river and we want you guys to sign it. It’s gonna be our Scribble Jam memento. It’s pretty clean.” Now call me old-fashioned, but ‘pretty clean’ isn’t exactly how I prefer my deer skulls. But far be it from me to refuse such a unique and special request. Check it check it out:

The Daily Jux For November 10th

defcon — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:59:09 -0500

Chin Chin at Webster Tonight, Lif gets interviewed, Junk Science in Brooklyn?

TONIGHT at the Studio in Webster Hall Chin Chin plays a show at 9:45!! Details are Here, prepare for the ultimate monday night dance party!

Despot played with Islands this weekend in Prefix has the details, and the pictures to prove they were there first.

Our favorite DC blogger got up with Mr. Lif while he was in town post Obama victory Check it;

I only did one song on it. Willie Evans Jr. did two songs on it, he’s an up and coming producer from Florida - he did two songs, the title track I Heard It Today, and Dawn. Therapy produced Head High, and an interlude called People’s News Network. Edan - he produced Get Life and Heavy Artillery. He has an album out called Beauty and the Beat. J-Zone did Gunfight, etc. One thing that was great was I incorporated producers as good as other guys making all kinds of noise. When peeps hear this record they’ll feel that its on par with my previous works… these guys will get some light, ’cause they deserve it. ...

And Finally Junk Science has announced the first of a few upcoming Brooklyn dates, this one is on November 20th at Southpaw... more on that to come.

Junk Science and Cool Calm Pete Featured on Free Iller Than Theirs EP!!!

defcon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:20:19 -0400

Junk Science and Cool Calm Pete are featured on a FREE new EP from Iller Than Theirs. You can get the four-song EP HERE...

Other than the track by Snafu, production credits include J. Howells Werthman, who did the "That Being Said" remix for Junk Science, and executive production on Gran'dads Nerve Tonic. Beats for the EP also came from longtime Cool Calm Pete collaborator Doc Strange (Modern Rhymes and Windsprints), and Junk Science co-conspirator Scott Thorough (Hey and Hey, The Sequel).

The Weekend Jux

drakej — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:50:57 -0400

Its been a great week for us over here at Def Jux.

Cage made a big splash in San Fransisco, playing all the new stuff he's been working with Sean Martin (Hatebreed) on and celebrating the release of Alex Pardee's Night of the Treeple line... observe..

Chin Chin tore up Max Fish for CMJ, made quite the splash, and were said to be the cause of widespread fun...Click Here for photos of that event (A big thanks to Damien Neva!!!)

Junk Science Played a CMJ showcase early in the week and got busy down in Pittsburgh yesterday. Tonight they are tearing up Scribble Jam, anyone in town should be sure to check them out.

The Mighty Underdogs launch their first major US tour next week and we've been previewing that all week by sending you clips (as filmed by the MUDogs themselves) of their adventures down under.. More to come next week on that!! (Get tickets here)

And Finally Mr. Lif kicks off the first of a few fall dates next week as well starting in the Boston area(Click Here for more info) as well as Yak Ballz up in Connecticut tomorrow night - there might be some not so surprise guests in the house...

Bon Weekend Jukies, thanks to you all for supporting our artists this week (at CMJ and elsewhere).

We'll be seeing you..

Junk Science in Pittsburgh then its on to Scribble Jam...

defcon — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:33:23 -0400

Pittsburgh!!!Get ready !!

Junk Science is gonna be instructing you in the anatomy of a good time tonight!! Details are in the flyer above, or click Here.

And then its on to... SCRIBBLE JAM!! More on that tomorrow, but click here for tickets....

Chin Chin and Junk Science play CMJ!!

defcon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:41:35 -0400

Come support Chin Chin tomorrow night at Max Fish!!

Good people, great tunes, and free PBR! - More on that tomorrow!!

ALSO CATCH THESE GUYS TONIGHT!!!!!

(check back tomorrow for more up and coming dates)

Junk Science at the Knitting Factory (tap bar)
74 Leonard St.
Doors at 8