HISD performs “Lando”, the lead single from The Weakend. Footage captured March 14, 2010 at The WOW showcase in Houston, TX

HISD shared the stage a few days ago with Madlib, and here’s some footage from that show. Includes a performance of “Break Of Dawn”

From Peace Uv Mine:

Welcome to Space City…”

Questlove’s “group to watch…” H.I.S.D. returns with the first single ‘Lando’ from their forthcoming LP/Book project The Weakend. Click the image on the left for your FREE DOWNLOAD or copy and paste the following link into your browser:

http://hisd.peaceuvmine.com

Get Ur Space Up!

Get Your Space Up!!!

Catch The original “Get To Know HISD” and more after the jump.

Get To Know… H.I.S.D. from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.

Some time during the making of his Taster’s Choice album, D. Rose emailed me a track called “The Caper” that he wanted Big Mon and me to hop on. No problem. We wrapped it up in about 24 hours and got it back to him. When I asked him who made the track, he said “This kid named King Midas. He’s one of the producers for H.I.S.D.”

Again with these H.I.S.D. cats! I still hadn’t officially met the crew, but they were definitely making their mark on the scene. A few months later, I receive a call from Midas, introducing himself and askig if I’d be willing to write to a track that he just created for their Summer Sessions EP. I’m always down to write, and i’d heard nothing but good things about him, so I said YES with no hesitation. I wouldn’t discover until months later that Justin “8 Months” Lewis was the one that referred him to me. Midas was looking for guest spots on the song, and after running through a laundry list of talent, 8 Months suggested that he let me take a crack at it. The rest is history. “Summer So Good” was created.

In the time since, i’ve probably spent more time around him than any other musician around here. King Midas is a fascinating study, because he epitomizes the term “student of the game”. It isn’t simply enough for him to know whether something sounds good or not; he needs to understand WHY. I’ve only seen 2 or 3 other producers that are as meticulous at music creation as he is. One of them is DJ Cozmos, who he aligned himself with to form King Coz. It’s amazing to see how these two, nearly a generation apart, seem to have been cut from the same cloth.

I don’t think Midas ever takes a day off. He’s always working on music. Sometimes working on tracks just for practice. Not too long ago, he worked on a track for about 12 hours, only to discard it at the end of the day. He understands that some of your greatest lessons are learned from failures.

His home contains “The Gold Room” where the HISD collective meets every week to write, record, and debate. It’s a haven for creativity, and they’re all fortunate to have a place where they can tap into that synergy and bring ideas to life.

A simple blog post won’t give you an idea of how far-reaching his talent is. I’ll let his body of work over the next year or so speak for itself. And yes – i’m documenting every move. He’s one to watch.

-Damien-

By the way, he co-produced the KO “Willie Turner” project with DJ Cozmos. Here’s a taste:

The Legendary KO “Ch 2 – Laid Off (Snippet)” from The Ballad of Willie Turner

Background music: Lower Life Form “Move To The Side”  (Produced by Soul One)

Lower Life Form is hosting The Standard. Coincidence? No.

More below:

Soul One was the person that introduced me to H.I.S.D.

I’d already known him for years as one of the “young boys” on the scene, an up and coming DJ who kind of studied under the wing of DJ Cipher. Kind of an interesting read because he started as a DJ with no real affiliation; he made a name for himself through his own accord.

He was part of the crew that played ball at a local YMCA on Sunday nights. This was when I had hops. I think it was one of those Sundays when he first told me about H.I.S.D.:

(Pulled from my fragmented memory)

Me: “So what are you working on these days. I see that you’ve started producing now.”

Soul One: “Actually, i’m working on an album now with this new crew. Kind of like a collective.”

“Anybody I know?”

“Maybe. You heard of Savvi?”

“Yeah, Savvi’s cool. I finally met him not too long ago. I told him we need to work together.”

“Well, Savvi kinda put this group together. It’s like 4 MCs and 3 or 4 producers.”

“Damn – putting together your own Wildstyle!”

{Muted laugh} “Heh. Yeah, it’s really kinda cool”

“What’s it called?”

{Pause to figure out how he’s going to explain it} “Okay. The name of the crew is H.I.S.D.”

“Like… the school district?”

“Yeah but no. It stands for Hueston Independent Spit District, But Hueston is spelled with an H-U-E instead of H-O-U.”

“Okay – I follow you.”

“The one thing we’re still working on is the ‘S’, because it can really stand for anything, like Soul or Slang-”

“Or Southside.”

{Very reluctant laugh} “No – not really.”

I may have embellished the last part of my story, but I credit Soul One with introducing me to this collective of talent. He functions as their DJ, and 1/3 of their production team.

Whatever you do, don’t ask him about the time he tried to throw me an alley-oop; he’s thought little of me ever since.

-Damien-

More below:

From Damien -

Of all the members of H.I.S.D., Ldavoice probably has the name that fits him best. He might tell you that it’s because he used to sing or that his voice is an instrument of change that should be broadcast for all to hear. These are valid arguments, but I think the name fits him best because his voice is the one thing that makes the most lasting impression on you. He uses his voice A LOT.

And not in a bad way, mind you. (He probably has a smirk while he’s reading this.) You’ll learn that he’s very passionate about almost everything, and will easily engage you in a discussion about nearly anything. In an age of apathy and diluted opinions, he’s a rare breed of person who is not reluctant to have an opinion and offer it when many tend to shy away from opinions.

If you ever get the chance to sit in on one of HISD’s infamous “debate” sessions, you’ll notice that he’s the one in the middle of the room, animatedly attacking the discussion from all sides. The kid has a lot to say, and you WILL hear it. While reviewing the footage from this interview, I quickly discovered that he had twice as much footage as everyone else. There is no question that he won’t answer. Again – he has a lot to say, and you WILL hear it.

Fun facts about L:

1. He’s a Gemini (greatest zodiac sign of them all)

2. He ran a 4.2 4.5 40 as a sophomore in high school. (I might have to race him someday and test this)

-Damien-

Day 2 of HISD WEEK delivers an intimate portrait of Scottie Spitten, the first team letterman of the crew. Visuals by Flash Gordon Parks. Musical backdrop – “On Fire” from The Gold Room EP.

Catch Scottie with the rest of HISD at The Standard this Friday

Keep reading:

From Damien -

I was kind of slow. It took me a while to realize that Scottie and King Midas were brothers. But I digress.

Scottie reminds me of my roommate from college: heavily into music and basketball; huge fan of the 90’s Chicago Bulls; Scottie Pippen is his favorite player. When you ask him why – it’s because Pippen was perhaps the most underrated player in the history of the NBA. But it’s easy to get overlooked when you’re standing in the shadow of the greatest player of all time.

When Michael Jordan gave his acceptance speech at the Basketball Hall of Fame, the first words that came out of his mouth were in gratitude to Scottie Pippen. He hadn’t even officially started his speech yet. Hadn’t thanked God or his parents. He thanked Scottie Pippen. It’s because Jordan knew that for all his accolades, all his greatness, Scottie Pippen was the cornerstone to his legacy.

In time, Scottie Spitten of H.I.S.D. might share the same legacy. From my interactions with the crew, it’s become evident that Scottie is the emotional anchor of the squad. He’s usually the first to write a verse to a new track, and often sets the tone and direction of any given song. In street clothes, he’s quiet and unassuming. You’d never know he was an MC. When game time comes he’s all business, and tends to his work with an enthusiasm unmatched by many of his peers outside the HISD circle. He studies the music as much as he studies basketball, surveying every angle and honing his game so that each move is executed to perfection. (How’s that for hyperbole?)

He also subscribes to NBA League Pass, and claims to watch every game every night. If you see him, ask what the score is… I bet he knows.

-Damien-

In honor of H.I.S.D.’s appearance at the November edition of The Standard this Friday, Nov. 13, we’re dedicating the entire week to the collective that is the future of hip hop in Houston. We start it off with Savvi and EQuality, also known as Blak Embassy.

Visuals by Flash Gordon Parks

More after the jump.

I first ran into Savvi a few years ago at what I believe was a Peace Uv Mine show, right around the time that he released his “Hueston Chronicles” CD. I’d heard of him before, but this was the first time that I’d actually seen him in person. What I remember most about that show (with my fading memory) was him being flanked on stage by a legion of singers and musicians, maybe another rapper. Here was this guy that I’d never heard of who seemingly already had a bit of a following, while managing a stable of talent all on his own. Props given.

After his set, I introduced myself to him, and promised that we’d work together someday. That day came a few years later with “Summer So Good” from the Summer Sessions EP.

EQuality was one of those guys that I knew before I knew who he was (if that makes any sense). I’d seen him at all the spots, but didn’t know he was the fabled EQ from HISD until a meeting at a mutual friend’s residence. I thought that he was FWMJ’s distant cousin, because they favor each other so much. Not too long after, I would stumble upon him in his natural element at a spoken word function. Think Gil Scott Heron meets Andre 3000 meets Charles Mingus. That’s EQ.

Check out Savvi and EQ, along with the rest of the HISD collective, at this Friday’s edition of The Standard.

HISD’s website: Peace Uv Mine

In part 5 of my interview with Michele Thibeaux, she concludes the week with her thoughts on tonight’s performance at “The Standard”, and why an event like this is sorely needed in our scene. Make sure to check after the jump for an exclusive sampler of her new project!

Get To Know Michele Thibeaux (Part 5 of 5) from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.

If you’re in the Houston area, be sure to check her out tonight (Oct. 2) at the inaugural edition of “The Standard”. Located in the “Green Room Lounge” of Warehouse Live. DJ Cashless is keeping us on our toes all night. 813 St. Emanuel St. Houston, TX 77003. No cover. No dress code. No B.S.

FINALLY – Here’s an exclusive sampler of “Hey DJ: Experience Michele Thibeaux” courtesy of our friends at Peace Uv Mine Ent. Mixed by the multi-talented DJ Flash Gordon Parks.

Hey DJ: Experience Michele Thibeaux Sampler (Mixed by DJ Flash Gordon Parks)

Great artists tend to surround themselves with other talented, like-minded individuals that continue to shape and influence them. In part 4 of my interview with Michele, she talks about her circle of kindred spirits that she draws on for inspiration.

Make sure to look below the jump for some music featuring Michele, as well as a special honor that she recently received!

Get To Know Michele Thibeaux (Part 4 of 5) from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.

Also: Michele was featured as “Artist of The Week” in the Houston Press. Click the link below to read the feature, and support her by commenting there:

Michele Thibeaux – Artist of The Week

But WAIT – as an additional bonus, here’s H.I.S.D. featuring Michele Thibeaux:

“Runnin”

Join us tomorrow as we conclude our week of Michele Thibeaux with a special preview of her new project!

The Lounge Sessions: HISD – “The District” from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.

2nd Video from the “Taster’s Choice” album
Starring:
D. Rose
D. Randle
The P.I.C.’s: Savvi, Scottie Spitten, Big Mon, and Kay

Directed by: Damien Randle
Co-Directed by: C.J. The GRANDfathercloc

Today we present ?uestlove’s favorite group to watch for in 2009, H.I.S.D.

H.I.S.D.:

MCs – Savvi, Scottie Spitten, Equality, L Da Voice

Producers: King Midas, E. Classic, Soul One (Collectively known as GoldenSoulClassics)

I first became aware of H.I.S.D. a few years ago thanks to Soul One, who’s 1/3 of the GoldenSoulClassics triumvirate that shapes the sounds of the collective. I’d known as a DJ, and he was telling me about this new crew that he was a part of:

“It’s called H.I.S.D.”

“Like – like, the school district?”

“Well, yeah – but it obviously stands for something else. ‘Hueston Independent Spit District.’ Or you can switch out ‘Spit’ with ‘Slang’ or substitute with something else.”

“I… see…”

“Don’t get it twisted – the crew goes hard. We got team of producers, some emcees and DJs, and it’s all coming together pretty nicely.”

Despite my initial confusion with the name, I trusted Soul One’s endorsement. Weeks later, I attended a show to see D Rose, and HISD was on the bill. (Unfortunately, I caught the last song of their set.) But looking at the collective, I recognized Savvi because he’d been on the scene for a while, and we’d talked in passing a few times about doing some work together. While I didn’t know the rest of the group at the time, I did notice that they had a respectable crowd that had come out to see them. Mental note made. I needed to see what was up with this “HISD”.

When D Rose was in the pre-production stage of Taster’s Choice, he sent over a track that was in consideration for the album, and he wanted Big Mon and me to jump on it. It was tentatively titled “The Caper”:

D Rose featuring KO – “The Caper” (Demo)

I could tell that it wasn’t a DJ Cozmos track, and I initially thought that he was producing the entire project. He said that some young cat named King Midas produced it. I was like:

“Who is King Midas?”

“He produces for HISD.”

“I keep hearing about this damn HISD thing! I really need to see what’s going on.”

So I start to check out their myspace page and website, and lo and behold – they lived up to the hype. The first thing I noticed was that they had an energy and freshness that some of us more… seasoned artists may have allowed to slip away. At the risk of sounding cliché, they made me realize that making music could be fun again.

I caught up with E. Classic through a message board and set up a rendezvous to purchase their debut, “The District”. I think it was the last physical CD that I’ve purchased. If it ends up being the last CD that I ever buy, then it was worth it.

I expected an album with a “throwback” sound to it, which would have worked for me. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that while the sound of the album was very much in the now, the feel of it recalls late 80s / early 90s hip hop, when artists seemed to genuinely enjoy making music.

I think I’ve told them this before, but I can honestly say that they’ve renewed my vigor for making enjoyable music. I went through my phase of taking everything too seriously and being too analytical with what I created. As I began to infiltrate their camp and impose myself on tracks that may have been designated for the core members (just kidding… maybe) I started to understand why so many people were drawn to them so quickly – it’s just fun. They do it because they have an absolute passion for it. If you sit in a room with them for an hour, they’ll spend 55 minutes laughing, philosophizing, and arguing about music, and the final 5 minutes creating classics born out of those discussions.

In the coming months you’ll get to learn a lot more about them, as I go behind the scenes to document the making of their new album, along with a host of other things that I can’t really talk about just yet. Yes – ?uestlove endorsed them. There’s a reason why, and you’re going to find out sooner than you think.

Damien

H.I.S.D. – “Never Die”

H.I.S.D. – “Bang Out Music”

More info:
www.peaceuvmine.com
HISD on Myspace
Savvi on Twitter
King Midas on Twitter
Soul One On Twitter
Flash Gordon Parks on Twitter

HISD feat. KO – “Summer So Good” from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.