Still Awake is a seven–track adult lullaby in mp3 form that can be downloaded here. The download package is complete with cute emoticon-themed .jpg images, and a sweet “thank you” note written in Text Edit. Gotta love him.

The talented bunch at FRANK151 just released their 51st Chapter, dedicated to the theme of Leaders.  As part of this latest Chapter, Wax Poetics Editor-in-chief Andre Torres spoke to the proprietor of the legendary Chung King Studios, John King, touching on topics such as New York City’s first drum machine, partying with Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and how it was like to help shape the sound of hip hop by working with the likes of the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and Run DMC.  Check the video interview for a truly intriguing feature.  For the whole story, head on over to FRANK151.

My mundane Thursday was saved by one reason and one reason only: this new Quadron track, “Better Off”, featuring Kendrick Lamar.  With a vibe that rivals the most luscious of Sade’s sexiest songs, the angel-voiced Coco O. effortlessly graces the track crafted by Robin Hannibal with ethereal vocals that make for the perfect soundtrack to my happy place.  Couple that with another dope verse from hip hop’s current crown prince in Kendrick Lamar and what you have is a reason to mash the ‘heart’ button on the Soundcloud player.

On May 14th, The House of Blues in Hollywood hosted the annual announcement party for Rock The Bells. Marking the 10-year anniversary for the Hip-Hop festival, the venue was buzzing with excitement.

The evening opened with a video montage comprised of footage spanning Rock The Bells’ history thus far. Featuring commentary from past artists such as Method Man and Common, it is clear that RTB has grown to be one of the biggest music festivals of our time.

The video ended and the projector rose, revealing the panel on stage. Among the elite artists of the evening were Bone Thugs N Harmony, Black Hippy, and Tech N9ne.

In true Rock The Bells tradition, the amazing Supernatural announced this year’s line-up via an impromptu freestyle that brought the entire crowd to their feet.

Presenting the biggest announcement of the night was Chang Weisberg, owner and founder of Guerilla Union. Headlining RTB 2013 will be the virtual images of two late great rappers, Eazy-E and Old Dirty Bastard. The hologram likenesses will be on stage with Bone Thugs N Harmony and Wu-Tang Clan. With Eazy-E’s widow, Tomica Wright, and ODB’s mother, Cherry Jones sitting by Weisberg’s side, it is obvious that the virtual performances run deeper than 3-D to these two women. When asked their thoughts on witnessing their loved ones perform one more time, Tomica expressed that Rock The Bells is “the best and proper setting”, and the tribute is “long over due.” Ms. Cherry Jones heartfully voiced, “I was there at [ODB's] first Rock The Bells. It is an honor for them to honor him again…ODB was my baby.”

The panel discussion commenced and the stage opened back up to several rousing performances. Tech N9ne rocked the House with a few songs including the blood-pumping jam “He’s A Mental Giant”.

Masta Killa of Wu-Tang brought Supernatural on stage. Fans willingly threw their belongings up as Supernatural easily freestyles about all the random items in the crowd.

Bone Thugs N Harmony took to the stage last and performed many of their hits including those that were in collaboration with a few late-great emcees. “Thug Luv” ft. Tupac, “Notorious Thugs” ft. Notorious B.I.G., and of course “Foe The Love of $” ft. Eazy-E.

Check out the line-up and keep your eye out for updates and additions as they come. Chang promises about another 15 acts to be added to the already impressive bill. Tickets are now on sale, so be sure to secure your spot and we’ll see you at the milestone event: Rock The Bells 2013, 10-year anniversary.

Whether it’s commanding a private room full of tastemakers or a music-hungry crowd at a concert, this DJ will definitely get you to listen. She’s worked for some of the biggest names in the music industry and has spun at some of the most memorable events worldwide. When it comes to style and grace, she’s definitely rocking it. DJ Rashida is an individual you should already know by now. But just in case you don’t, it’s time for you to get familiar.

The 5th Element Magazine: How did you get started as a DJ?
DJ Rashida: I got my decks in 1998 while in art school. I was collecting records at the time and wanted to be able to mix & make literal ‘mixtapes’. I was a bedroom DJ for about three years and then my friends who knew about it kinda started forcing me to play out at their parties, etc. The first party I played was for my homies at Frank 151.

Who in the DJ and fashion community influences you and why?
Free spirits and all the authentic artists out there. 

Most unique or interesting place you’ve had to DJ at?
Hmm, there’s been a lot, a few that come to mind was playing on The Bund River in Shanghai for a Dior show with Kelis a few years ago.  That was pretty rad. The whole venue was lit up and absolutely gorgeous. Playing on the beach in St. Barts for a NYE party was also fantastic; and any of Prince’s house parties of course. I also once played inside the Detroit institute of Art for a party. There was an original Diego Rivera Mural that I loved & played under, so that was pretty amazing. They have a serious collection there and when I got done spinning my Mom and I were able to take a private tour of the museum.

As a world traveler, which country do you feel has influenced your style?
Oh everywhere. It’s rare that I can’t find something I like. I especially love collecting head pieces from around the world. I was recently in Russia and their hats and head gear were off the chain. I pick up things wherever I go, really.

Describe your everyday look?
Mixed media.

What are your favorite pair of headphones right now?
Custom embellished Technics by Jake & GIGI in Dubai.

Our fans will remember you as the DJ who was on “America’s Best Dance Crew.” What was that experience like? What are your thoughts on the ever growing dance community?
It was amazing!!! I loved watching the crews battle it out each week. So much talent. I love that the community is growing! Music and dance is the good stuff in life!

What can we expect from you in the upcoming months?
More travel, music, and visuals!

Any shout outs? And where can readers find out more info?
Audible Artists on FB, Twitter and Instagram. And remember to follow my adventures on Instagram.com/djrashida.

DJ Rashida is #RockinWithThe5th!

Make sure to check out djrashida.com for her upcoming shows, mixtapes, and more fashion photos.

Special thanks: Jarred from EMC Bowery, DJ Rashida

In celebration of his latest single dropping, Polyester The Saint probably let out a joyful “Yee!” and proceeded to light up an L as the said track, “I Win” is bumping in the background.  Of course, Polyester is passing that to his man Freddie Gibbs, who just happened to be guesting on the track.  Now if you happen to find yourself enjoying such a scenario, go ahead and play the track and re-enact your own version.

Also, keep an eye out for his newest project, “POP”, dropping on May 29th.

The Wu has always incorporated Asian cinema in their themes. The title Execution in Autumn (秋決, Qiu Jue) is a 1972 Taiwanese drama film directed by Hsing Lee, and was selected as the Taiwanese entry for the Best Foreign Language Film  at the 45th Academy Awards.

It’s usually easy to identify the reason why RZA samples most of the Asian film clips on Wu songs. On Raekwon’s “Guillotine (Swords), RZA sampled “Shaolin VS Lama”, “Were you just using the Wu-Tang sword style against me? [I've learnt so many styles, forgive me]…”

However, on this new song “Execution of Autumn”, the inspiration is less explicit, and more esoteric.

The film Execution in Autumn takes place during the Han Dynasty in China. The concept is simple: during the Han Dynasty all executions were supposed to be carried out in the Autumn. The main character Pei ends up on death row until his execution date in the Fall. Pei is a selfish and violent man that has to wait a long 11 months to meet his fate. While he’s locked in the Ancient Chinese bing, he marries in order to lay his seed on fertile soil and his Earth can bear an heir. Pei mellows out as the movie progresses, despite his inevitable death.

There really aren’t any bars in the track that give away why they chose to name the song after the movie, so golden era elitists like moi are left to interpret it for ourselves.

One similarity between the track and the movie is the subtlty of the works. This new Wu song is…almost boring. The buzz around it and their new album is more exciting than the song. The beat is produced by Frank Dukes (2009 Red Bull Big Tune Champion), and is very straight forward. The drums are big and the snares smack in a way that reminds me of the drums No I.D. used on Death of Autotune. It’s very minimal, but lacks the grit and soulfulness that made RZA’s minimalistic beats so dope. Although I dig Frank Dukes production, no one can capture the vibe of the Wu better than The Abbott himself. Another reason the joint leaves me wanting more, is because my personal favorite Clan members are not featured (GZA, Ghost Face, and Meth), however RZA, U God, Deck, and Chef deliver performances you have come to expect from them.

Execution in Autumn is definitely reminiscent of Iron Flag, because it sounds like it aims to please fans who want 36 Chambers sounding Wu-Tang music, and though it delivers some of that feel, it’s still not enough for me.

If this is a reflection of the rest of the album, it doesn’t seem like one I can buy with absolute confidence. I need more raw filth and flawn and filth. I need more gwittiness. But we’re glad the Wu is still doing it and will support their endeavors, including this new LP, which the 5th Element is highly anticipating.

Maybe the inspiration is them fading to black like Pei expects to in the near future. Maybe it means that old ways of thinking are being sent out to pasture. Maybe you can surmise your own fate for the Wu by listening to the track below.

Bongbong.

If I told you that b-boy Lil Rock won a battle tournament using moves such as the “head lotus wave” and “Aladdin freeze”, you’d probably think that this dude just became the next Tekken champion or something.  Despite the thought invoking flashacks of Eddy Gordo pulling off breakdancing moves to finish opponents in that tourney, Lil Rock actually became the winner of another battle-style competition this past weekend – the Red Bull BC One Las Vegas Cypher.

After besting 15 other prominent West Coast b-boys in Las Vegas, Lil Rock will now advance to compete in the US National Finals in Houston on August 17th and battle his way to the top for the chance to represent America in the Red Bull BC One World Championship even in Seoul, South Korea this November.  Hailing from Orange County, CA, Lil Rock (Killafornia Crew) boasts accomplishments including five championship titles from Freestyle Session and a pro-am championship title.

“I’m humbled by the judges have given me,” said Lil Rock.  “I went into this competition with hard training and a strong focus on being the best that I can.  I am looking forward to being a part of the Red Bull BC One program and continue to introduce the b-boy culture to the world.”