MC PROTOTYPE - "CAN'T HIDE" (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here... the official music video for "Can't Hide"! I know I'm kind of late, but I didn't have a computer with me in NY. 

I'm a huge fan of this and everything Proto and OK have done together, and I believe things can only get bigger and better from here. To everyone at the MC Prototype camp, I salute you.

CAN'T HIDE (TRAILER)

MC Prototype teamed up with Original Knockoff again, but this time the final product was a music video for the first single off Proto's latest EP, The Ones Overlooked. I got a chance to watch the rough cut of the video a while ago, and judging off of that, the finished version is going be amazing.

GOOD WILL

Whether it's an interview or a music video, Original Knockoff never cease to amaze me. These guys are good at what they do. Gabe, one half of OK, is also known as the "thrift shop hip hop" emcee, Good Will. His style is fresh. "Little Man" is one of the most unique hip hop songs I've heard in a long time, and the video is bananas! Puppeteering at its finest. Yes, I said puppets!

There is a lot to learn from artists and creators like Gabe and Dennis. Step outside your comfort zone, and do something different. Be an innovator. In the long run, it'll be more self-fulfilling than following trends and attempting to meet the standards and expectations of others. Set your own standards and meet your own expectations. Honest work is always appreciated in the end.

ORIGINAL KNOCKOFF PRESENTS: MC PROTOTYPE

Remember Gabe and Dennis from the "Work in Progress" videos I posted a while ago? They were doing a lot of work at Paid Dues this year, too! They got to interview some of the big names on the bill, like Ice Cube and...MC Prototype?! Watch the rest of their videos here.

Oh, before the interview you get a sneak peak of Proto's new music video, "Can't Hide."

WORK IN PROGRESS 1 & 2

Dennis and Gabe are from Original Knockoff, and they make videos...really cool videos. They are currently working on a music video for MC Prototype's new song, "Can't Hide." When they aren't filming or editing, they do this. These are the first two installments of their video blog, Work in Progress. Their commentary is amazing. Enjoy this, it's good for your health.

RADIO FUTURA IN-STORE

The Downtown Pomona Art Walk is always a great time. From galleries to performance venues, there's something to see everywhere you go. Last night, we spent most of our time at Radio Futura's in-store, where Tomorrow, Yesterday, Cookbook and Uno Mas (LA Symphony), and MC Prototype and DJ Nickyboi performed. Our friends at Original Knockoff also started filming scenes for Proto's new music video.

Radio Futura carries a lot of music that you may have a hard time finding at most other record stores. They have been open since 1997 and are still going strong. They currently have two physical locations in Pomona and Alhambra, alongside their online store. Check out one of the stores when you get a chance. Support your local scene.

MC Prototype & DJ Nickyboi:

 Yep and T.i.E (Tomorrow, Yesterday):

PAID DUES 2010

This year's Paid Dues Festival was incredible. The fact that I got to spend it with some great friends made it even better. This year's show was exceptionally special because my good friend MC Prototype was on the bill. He even got a special introduction by Murs. Congrats Proto!

While I was doing promotional work for Proto's new EP The Ones Overlooked, I got to watch a lot of other performers' sets. One that really stood out for me was Afro Classics. Scarub(Living Legends) and Very are really good at what they do. After their set, I picked up 2 of their CDs and talked to them for a bit. Those guys are real down-to-earth.

On the main stage, we saw Psycho Realm, Dilated Peoples, Tha Dogg Pound, Jay Electronica, Raekwon, Murs and 9th, and West Coast legend, Ice Cube. I could go on for days talking about how cool it was to see each of these artists. Paid Dues has gotten better every year since they started it, so I can only imagine how good next year's show is going to be.

Proto doing what he does. Photo by Dennis Chung for Original Knockoff. The rest of the pictures are mine.

1 part of the team - Lex Diamond, Kray-Z K, and me on the curb. These guys host a show called Daily Duels. Any MCs want to battle, hit them up! Oh, they battle too and they're both really good.

SuperB and Proto. Check out this video SuperB did with our friend Shane Romero.

I'm a fan too! Me and Scarub(Afro Classics/Living Legends).

Another part of the team, David (BLK) and Kei-O. 3 tracks on Proto's new EP were produced by Kei-O.

To be continued...