The Original West Coast Rydaz is back as WestCoastStyles.com. Covering all aspects of West Coast Culture through the eyes of the original West Coast Rydaz curators.
WestCoastStyles hooked up with legendary poplocker and dancer Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers also known to fans as Turbo from the movie Breakin’ and Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo. In this new interview, Michael gives a history lesson about the early days of poplocking on the West Coast including his own journey into the dance style. We also discuss his iconic scene in Breakin’ dancing with the broom to Kraftwerk’s “Tour De France”, teaching the late King of Pop Michael Jackson a new style of Moonwalking, and his late dancing and movie partner Adolfo “Shabba Doo” Quinones who recently passed away.
Our second concert series took place at the WCS headquarters on January 30th with 1TSDa1st Music Group’s own Annimeanz and Lovely. Annimeanz is coming off of his new release Cudahy Dopeboy 3 and Lovely is currently preparing her own release under the label.
Season 7 of the Jake Brennan-hosted podcast began last month, and, at three episodes in, the series has chosen the iconic Tupac Shakur as its subject for all but one. In this second part of their Tupac coverage, numerous things are recounted: from his time in prison to Death Row Records C.E.O. Suge Knight posting his bail to what could have been if his life weren’t tragically cut short in the fall of 1996.
This Disgraceland episode is also noteworthy because it’s the first one to be distributed exclusively through Amazon Music. You can listen HERE.
Rapper Problem has released a music video for his record, “Just Outside” off of his acclaimed album, Coffee and Kush Vol. 2. During the clip, the Compton lyricist reflects on life during the pandemic. The self-directed video includes aerial shots of Los Angeles, his son, Prince, and a shocking ending not to be missed. Check it out!
I spent the evening at The Gritty Ark. I had a really dope conversation about sound and new 3D sound technology with Aftermath producer and Hip Hop legend DJ Self. All while Yung Gritty’s producer, Vision, played cinematic sound beds, causing everyone in the room to make a stank face! #truestory
There is no doubt that there is something special happening. I consider it a shift in West Coast Hip-Hop culture. One that isn’t just about the music. It’s as much about the people and the character of a man.
Hip-Hop mogul and Long Beach, CA, Low Life affiliate Frank Nitty put together the evening. He mentored Yung Gritty and producer Vision into a tandem that Hip-Hop as a whole will have to recognize and respect.
Yung Gritty’s ability to deliver rhythmic cadences and witty wordplay over these hard-hitting melodic vision beats is mesmerizing. The music created hits the souls of listeners in a different way. They cause the listener to think and feel from the substance within the music. You walk away from the listening experience with a sense of enlightenment and wisdom.
Yung Gritty is a very focused and charismatic young man who is clear about his Hip-Hop mission and journey. He speaks with confidence, and humility, which is a breath of fresh air with today’s current artists.
The people are calling him “The Mexican Goat”. Something he says he understands completely. But he isn’t concerned about titles. The focus is on delivering universal Hip-Hop that can relate to all kinds of people.
“The Mexican Goat” moniker is perhaps derived from Yung Gritty not falling into the typical “Chicano Rap” stereotype. But instead, it’s about having the lyrical skill and vocal ability to speak about life, principles, and loyalty.
I will be the first to say; I feel Yung Gritty cannot only live up to the moniker “The Mexican Goat” but also impact West Coast Hip-Hop on a larger scale. It brought that feeling back, like hearing Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle for the 1st time, or Xzibit body a Dr. Dre instrumental, or BattleCat-produced beat.
However, in contrast to the aforementioned perfect party soundtracks, this time, there is a clear direction, substance, soul reviving, and uplifting game. There is something authentic and special happening with the GrittyStyle team. They will impact Hip-Hop in a significant way.
Shout out to Frank Nitty, Yung Gritty and Vision, for allowing me to spend time with them and vibe. I’m looking forward to Spaceship Music II. Spaceship Music out now on all platforms #tapin
For fans of Hip-Hop, many are familiar with the name Hittman. He has the most appearances on Dr. Dre’s masterpiece, 2001. And as of late, he has been penning a memoir, HITTStory. In large letters at the top of his website, it reads, “Under Construction.” However, that is not entirely true. As he prepares new music, images, and merchandise, he has leaked excerpts from the aforementioned book. The latest one is about how he developed his name (which stands for Hyped Intensive Tongue Talents Makin’ All Nervous). Read up, and learn how a student of rap music and culture took what he learned and was able to create an artistic identity prominently featured on a defining album of an entire generation.
The West Coast Hip-Hop veteran said it best on his Instagram page, “No doubt that I had to holla at my yung’nz out there who may not have received the full or proper training. Being a G is about standing strong at all times, handlin’ yo biz and taking care of your family and solid loved ones.” Check the visuals for his new song, “45 Lawz.”
