[Closed Sessions] "Blackbird" Feat Action Bronson (prod by Thelonious Martin)
Shortly after we secured Action Bronson to play the November edition of Digital Freshness, I told him jokingly via Twitter that Chicago's finest meats and cheeses awaited him in the windy city upon arrival. I say that to many of our guests, but this time it took on a new meaning given Action's former career in the culinary arts and current status a true and blue foodie. Staying true to form, Action responded that he really wanted to eat at Blackbird, an award winning restaurant and a top spot to eat in a city known for top spots to eat. It's also a little exclusive and heavily booked. We were able to pull some strings and get the inside hook up on a table at Blackbird on a busy Friday night before Action's Saturday night performance. In exchange for helping us get a table, our connect had one request, that we dress appropriately for the occasion. No jeans. Nice shoes. Collared shirt. Shouldn't be a problem, I told him.
A few days later we picked up Action Bronson at Midway airport. After an introduction and talk of unseasonably warm weather for mid-November, Action said matter-of-factly, "this is the only shirt I brought, and I don't wear pants." And just like that, while we all ate in collared shirts, slacks, and dress shoes, Action Bronson became the first person to "dine at Blackbird with hoodies and some Balances." I can't prove that, but I'm pretty sure it's true.
The dinner was great. Everyone at Blackbird treated us extremely well, and I think every single chef from the kitchen came out to talk with Action about the food and experience. The next day we hit SoundScape for the Closed Session and Action immediately centered in on production from Thelonious Martin. At the time, Thelonious was only a couple months into his freshman year of college and trying to really break into Chicago's music scene. He also had Saturday classes, and so while Bronson was going nuts over Thelonious' beats, Thelonious was sitting in class. I sent him a text, he faked sick, and the rest is history.
The song is the second single and documentary from Closed Sessions Vol. 2, which will be released in August presented by MTV2 Sucker Free. You can download the new song as well as watch the short documentary on the next page. Check back July 25th for the third release.
[Closed Sessions] "Don't Happen That Often" Feat LEP Bogus Boys
"We don't just want to add to the catalog, we want to be on top of the catalog," says Moonie, one half of the Chicago Hip Hop crew, L.E.P. Bogus Boys. The catalog he is referring to is the Closed Sessions catalog of original music and documentary footage compiled over a 2 year span that features Hip Hop artists from all over the country, and most notably the windy city.
L.E.P. joined that catalog on a hot day in mid-August, just as music from their latest mixtape, Now Or Neva, was heating up the both the blogs and streets. During that session L.E.P. worked meticulously and arduously on their music, bringing in Chicago's own up and coming producer, Nascent, who tailor-crafted production to match L.E.P.'s grimey, gritty, yet still soulful style. The result of the session is "Don't Happen That Often", a song that clearly shows why L.E.P. has been a group leading the recent resurgence of Chicago Hip Hop.
"Don't Happen That Often" is the first single release from Closed Sessions Vol. 2, the new album and documentary series by Chicago-based indie label Closed Sessions presented by MTV2 Sucker Free, rubyhornet, and SoundScape Studios. Closed Sessions Vol. 2 also features Action Bronson, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Raekwon, Vic Mensa, Sir Michael Rocks, CyHi The Prynce, and many others.
How About Some Old S*#t: Yelawolf's First Chicago Show
We've been doing this little thing called RubyHornet for a while now, since February of 2008. In that time, we've had some great memories, and (we think) built a wealth of dope content. "How About Some Old S**t" is our way of shedding some light on some of our favorites pieces from the past, some that may still be new to you. The title of the post comes from an old Beastie Boys live performance bootleg that I got a few years ago in which MCA says, "how about some old s**t", before they go into their classics. So, that's the vibe. That's the deal...
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[Closed Sessions] "Heads of The Heads" Feat. GLC & Freddie Gibbs
Here is the official video for "Heads of The Heads" featuring GLC and Freddie Gibbs. The song is produced by Tony Baines, and was recorded in Austin, Texas during March 2010 as part of Closed Sessions: ATX. The video was shot by Davy Greenberg and Elephilms.
"Heads of The Heads" and Closed Sessions: ATX are both available now and can be purchased via iTunes.
RH Photos: BTS "Heads of The Heads" Video
Earlier this summer we linked up with Freddie Gibbs and GLC to shoot a video for "Heads of The Heads", a song they made together during Closed Sessions: ATX. The video was directed by Davy Greenberg of Elephilms, and will be released very soon. Take a look at Virgil Solis' behind the scenes pics after the jump.
Closed Sessions: ATX is available now via iTunes, Amazon, and Tha Bassment.
CS x LRG: "Turn It Up" feat. Outasight & Naledge (prod. DJ Babu)
Closed Sessions has teamed up with international clothing brand LRG for a new edition of the Closed Sessions series. The new sessions feature artists that match the aesthetics and style of both brands, while adding something original and authentic to music and culture. The first such sessions went down in Chicago with Warner Bros. recording artist, Outasight.
In between video shoots and finishing his debut album, Outasight came to the windy city for the Closed Sessions experience. Documented by RubyHornet.com, Outasight's trip included a photoshoot with Virgil Solis, a visit to WHPK's CTA Radio, a performance @SuperfunParty, and a Closed Session with Naledge of Kidz In The Hall at SoundScape Studio. Hit the jump to see the documentary, and visit the new Closed Sessions x LRG site for the behind the scenes pics and to download the song.
Closed Sessions: "Happiness Before Riches" Official Video
Forgive the long title, but a lot of hardwork and hands went into the making of the official video for "Happiness Before Riches" from our self-released EP, Closed Sessions Vol. 1. You've heard the story and seen the documentary on how the song came together, and the video has an equally compelling tale. The video was shot in Austin, Texas smack dab in the middle of our Closed Sessions Austin project. While at the house recording with Freddie Gibbs, GLC mentioned that Bun B was on his way to Austin and was down to shoot this music video. Time was of the essence, as we had to balance around the clock recording, as well as the hectic schedules of Bun and GLC, who were playing various shows at various times. Given less than 24 hours to come up with a concept, secure the proper equipment, and find girls, our video team of Virgil and Angel sprang into high gear and brought back a tremendous video for a great song.
So, without further ado, I give you the official video for "Happiness Before Riches" featuring Bun B, GLC, and BJ The Chicago Kid.
Directed by Virgil Solis & Angel Alzona
Edited by Joel Buenavista & Tony Shane
for RubyHornet.com. See it below.
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Kidz In The Hall: "Fresh Academy" Video
The stars aligned for a "Fresh Academy" video a few weeks ago when KITH and Donnis hit Cleveland, which is the home of Chip Tha Ripper. Davy Greenberg made the move to Cleveland to shoot the video, and here we have it. "Fresh Academy" appears on Kidz In The Hall's new LP, The Land of Make Believe and was done as part of our Closed Sessions EP (download here).
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