Katra Sutra

Last night me and the homey Hudini went out to NY to catch the homey Moruf perform at the flyer sported above. In recent weeks I feel the blog has been the Moo show with all the videos we got up from this guy. It really just shows that the kid is putting in work. I had a good old time having drinks and running up an expensive tab. The DJ did his thing and kept the party live with music that fit the mood (which for the later parts of the nbight was techno, jersey club and reggae). The reason we were there did not disappoint either. Moo went up and did his thing on stage. I actually got video of all the songs he performed and a few were tracks (it seems) from his up coming mixtape. I got to admit i was impressed with his live demeanor and his 90s  lingo kept the crowd laugh. Moo is a groovey dude #Bong. So check out the Video (its kind of dark.. I dont have my new iphone yet) and tell me what you think. ENJOI!

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Part 4

I love to Boogie with 'U'

When 2 of my closest friends get together and make musical magic (nice alliteration) it causes sheer joy to my earbuds. VOQs own the 'U' jumps on the homey Sah Ril's track 'Nothingness'. I don't want to fluff this post or talk your ears off because I want them primed for listening to this track. ENJOI!

Nothingness (UMIX) - Sah Ril ft. The 'U'

Sb: This isnt the first time these two have worked together.. check out Goin In by The 'U' and the homey Sah

Follow Sah on Twitter: @Theonenonlysah

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I Move Fast

HOLA to the many readers of Visions I know you have missed us sooo much. Today I want to give you guys a little insight into the Hip hop fast that I went on. It was a long two weeks but it definitely opened my eyes to how I listen to music now. I had become really worried that my tast in music had gon sour or stagnant but its actually quite the contrary. What my fast made me realize was how influenced rap music is by other genres and vice versa. I also realized I like eletronica/techno (#Dontjudgeme)...But I digress. My fast just reinvigorated my love for music as a whole. It also opened me up to music I enjoyed but didn't fully listen to like Classical and Country. I will say that country isnt as bad as people think it is especially the older stuff. I say to anyone that is looking to expand their horizon just go on a fast or a new music binge. You will find some things out about yourself that you didn't know and you will open your eyes up to artist you never even heard of. Its fun. Try it. ENJOI!

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Congratulations 2Pac! "Dear Mama" : the new addition to the Library of Congress

I'm sure Tupac Shakur, one of the most revered lyricists of our time, has certainly made his mama proud by having his song "Dear Mama" added to the Library of Congress this week.

The Library of Congress is our nation's oldest federal cultural institution that hosts everything from books and maps to recorded songs and movie reels from every decade up to date.  According to the National Recording Act (2000),  in order for one's work to be eligible for addition it has to be at least ten years old ( "Dear Mama" was released in 1995), and it must have "cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance."

The National Recording Registry described "Dear Mama" as a "moving and eloquent homage to both his own mother and all mothers struggling to maintain a family in the face of addiction, poverty, and societal indifference".  It definitely fills me with some level of pride to know that 2Pac's track was considered under such terms because it just goes to show that as many negative perceptions are placed upon hip-hip, there are still those few artists that will forever be known in our community for their social consciousness, truth, and poetic justice. (no pun). They rap about what we all can relate to. Even in today's world, history is repeating itself with the recession and the epedemic of young, single mothers  that Pac speaks of. "Dear Mama" will always be a classic, and thanks to those that nominated the track for the LOC, it will be preserved as such forever.




Congrats Pac, and thank you. -Farasha xo 

Bare/Bear/Beer with us?

Internets down in my house. The U is in the midwest and or bermuda triangle lost. Ms Farasha is busy busy busy. Hudini is uhh...Wait where the hell is he...what I'm trying to say is that we will be back at you soon. For now enjoy looking through our many posts while we cook up some visiony goodness in the lab. Also our next post will be our celebritory 100th post so stay tuned! So for now.. ENJOI!

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Happy Father's Day!!!

Hey folks! On behalf of the VOQ family, I would like to extend warm wishes to all of the men out there who dedicate themselves to raising beautiful children every single day. Whether you're new to the game or are pretty well seasoned by now...you deserve to be celebrated. Please continue to be the provider and protector, teacher, leader, comedian, Superman, etc that your little boy/girl  cherishes so dearly!!


In our day and age, unfortunately, committed fathers are a rarity...there are so many single mothers having to take on both roles for their children by working extra hours to make ends meet, appear strong when they are really weary, and constantly make sacrifices so that their child never wants or needs for anything. To ALL of the women in this position...WE SALUTE YOU. Make no mistake about it, this is your day too.


To keep this short and sweet, to all of our friends..definitely take the time out to send lots of love to all the fathers out there...congrats to all of our homies who are first-time daddies as well. Enjoy the weather..and quality time with your family! =)


Lots of Love, Farasha xo

(Get Familiar): Leading Lives of Permanent Novelty

It's kind of scary to watch the buzz from a movement spread like wild fire. I won't say too much about the Madbury Club but they are here and they may very well be the next Hypebeast or Nahright. Just watch the promo vid and check the site and you'll see what I'm talking about. ENJOI!

The Madbury Club! from The Madbury Club on Vimeo.

 

The Madbury Club

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Fresh is my Religion

I am a sneakerhead. I have been for a while. It wasn't until about 2 years ago that my passion for sneakers kicked in high gear. The rate at which I bought kicks doubled. Having a Job helped supply my habit. Having a car stifled my habit but I copped nonetheless. My question to you is what makes someone a sneakerhead? Are there levels of sneaker lover? This is pretty obvious because there are various levels to any passion. You have those who buy kicks to stay in style. You have the sneaker connoisseurs. There are the true sneakerheads. And finally you have the sneaker collectors. Now there are people who may fall somewhere in between on this spectrum or even be a mix of more than one. I would say I fall somewhere between a connoisseur and a sneakerhead. My collection is large enough that I would be considered higher than just the average copper but I still have a voice of reason and may even pass on "Must Have" kicks for financial or economical purposes so I cant claim full fledged sneakerhead. I am pretty damn close though. I also feel like more than just buying kicks goes in to being considered a sneakerhead and what not. In my eyes its easy for someone (with the funds of course) to buy every pair of sneakers and claim the title of sneakehead or best sneaker game. What I think truly makes up a dope sneaker game is diversity and skill of selection. A person could have 60 pairs of 1 shoe and that to me wouldn't make them a sneakerhead but just one who likes to cop. Now I have a preference for Jordans and Dunks but that doesn't make up my entire kick game. I love Supras, Creative Recs, and other Nike Brand kicks. Air Hoop Structures (to me anyway) have taken Nike's game to a new level. Reminiscent of Jordan VIs yet taking on a style all their own they have easily become one of my favorite sneakers. I'm also a fan of the classics: Foamposites, Griffey's, Air Max's, Bo Jacksons and the like. They all hell contribute to make a person's sneaker game on point. Now there are those who just move above collecters, who have accrued and amassed a collection that is unfathomable to some. Guys Like SneakGeekz and Franalations who are legends among the sneaker game. They embody sneakerheads/collectors to the fullest. My question would be to them: what would be your Kick statrting 5? A true sneakerhead no matter how large or minute his collection could choose 5 pairs that they could willingly live with to wear for the rest of their lives. Sneakers to many are just shoes you put on your feet. To a very select few its a way of life. They live, sleep and breath sneakers. They have the kick game to a point where they could match it up to a starting squad on the basketball court. They have their holy grail (Star Player), the go to kicks (solid big man), the head turners (flashy player or showboat), premium quality kicks (consistent producer), the sleeper kicks (the X-factor), and the late in the game kicks(the 6th man). What would be you starting 5 + 1? Sneakers are my passion. I love sneakers as much as I love music and football... And that is a hell of a lot. I wanted to do this just to give you guys a look into the mind of a sneakerhead. I will probably be collecting and buying sneakers until im 6 feet in the ground. With that I will leave you with a quote of mine from a verse I wrote and my kick starting squad (for the summer). ENJOI!

"Even in my demise I would as em why cry, Ralphie L and Space Jams even fresh when I die"

The Star Player

 The Solid Big Man

The ShowBoat

 The Consistent Producer

 

The X-factor

The Sixth Man













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On My Block

Check out Wyld Stylaz (2Dee) New Video. ENJOI!



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F-E-V-A G-A-N-G M-A-N-N-N-N-N

There is a legitimate movement of rappers out of Jersey that are making a wave all over. You got a strong movement from the Wyld Stylaz which is heavy. Then you got the team that is making moves that are just as big in 151 Feva Gang. Kherk Cobain, Dapper Don, and P-Jerz are out on the scene pushing this Jersey rap movement. I will probably be doing an Artist Spotlight on them in the near future so look out for it. My main reason for today's post was to put Visions on to there new track F.E.V.A. I watched the video a few times and heard them perform it at a BBQ a few weeks back and it's a hype track. I listen to it and I kind of want to start mobbing or moshing depending on my liquor consumption. And the chorus will have you singing along by the second verse. So here's the video. ENJOI!



 Twitter: @151FevaGang
 @KherkCobain

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(Get Familiar): Keep the Beamer and Benz... I'll just take the Bentley

I'm always one to show love and support for brands on the rise. Lyle Bentley is one of those brands. A good friend of mine from High school named Chris showed me a clothing line he was involved and I saw the potential it had. I been on the sites a few times and they really have stuff that the urban streetwear and/or sneaker connoisseur would appreciate. Exploring the site I saw a few items that made me think "that would go good with (Insert sneaker)...". Which is a plus for me. I plan on making a couple of Lyle Bentley purchases to add to my wardrobe. Brands can only succeed if they get the chance to and the support. The brand is starting to grow on me and I'm pretty sure you may be able to find something to fit your style too. So like I say with any up and coming brand and entrepreneurs GET FAMILIAR! ENJOI!

Their Site: Lyle Bentley

SB: One thing I also thought was dope is that they will make custom colors and designs if you looking to find something to match your kicks. DOPE!

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Wise beyond your years..

It's June so its Gemini season. Idk what it is about this month but I know a hell of a lot of folks with birthdays in June. 3 very special people that are direct and extended part of the visions family all are apart of Team Gemini. I want to wish Happy Birthday to my little sister Nia whose birthday was Friday. The magic mans little sis Amadi's birthday also passed. I also wanted to wish a guy who has been a great friend to VOQ, my man Sah Ril, who turned the big 2-5 today. So shouts to them and all the other Geminis out there. ENJOI!

I had to leave you guys with this:


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Tip Top

I know you all remember I did an Artist Spotlight waaay back when on aguy by the name of Nick Pratt. Well he is back with a music video for one of the tracks on his debut album Fear of Falling. This track is called Black Adam. It was shot it Cali and it features 2 old guys. One standing next to Nick and the one who owned the shop it was shot in. I only kid. Shout to my boy Barret who was in the video with Nick. So Check it out and tell me what you guys think. ENJOI!

Nick's Album Free for download:  Fear of Falling
Nick's Blog: Nick Pratt Music
Nick's Twitter: @nickprattmusic



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I hunger for more

So I know we are a "Hip Hop Blog" by trade but Hip-hop doesn't totally define the make up of each of VOQ's members. I use to proudly boast how diverse my music taste was. I love ALL TYPES of music. If you think it sounds good and worth listening to then send it my way. So I have decided to do a bit of "Hip Hop fasting" for the next two weeks I will be listening to every other genre BUT Rap/Hip-Hop. I feel like my taste in music has become a bit stagnant and too segregated. I'm going to spend these ext two weeks exploring music via Pandora, Youtube and anyone else who would like to recommend music to me. My fast will coincide just in time for my Cookout on the 26th where I will get my full fill of hip hop tunes. If you guys want recommend tunes to me I will give you guys all the necessary info. So my post will also be other genre related. You can call it music appreciation week (well 2 but you get the picture). I want to come out of this with a greater appreciation of the so many genres I have neglected for some time. I'll start with the song that really triggered my resurgence  back to the diverse  world that is music. ENJOI!




SB: You can send me songs via
Twitter: @Sdotbell
Email: Sdotbell@visionsofquest.com
Blogs Email: Visionsofquest@gmail.com
or just comment on any of the forthcoming post

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DOH!!

I was searching up and down this damn blog looking for this video as if I had posted it. Im telling you guys do you remember the Crooklyn video in my last post and I don't even have on the blog to be accessed. So to you visions reader I apologize. Get familiar with my man Moruf's first video. ENJOI!

"Crooklyn" by Moruf from Kibber Films/Jackpot in the West on Vimeo.

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"Flow So illy might need a few doctors..."

My man M double O Aka Moruf is back with another video. He shot a video for his Crooklyn Freestyle a while back if you folks recall and now he is here again. I wish I could have been there to hoop and holler but I had work that weekend *Hangs head* but nonetheless it's more of the same from my man Moo. The Video is pure goonishness in a grity basement and suits the Chief Rocka them pretty well. Check out the Premiere of the homies second video. ENJOI!


Moruf-chief rocka from B.L.V.D. filmworks on Vimeo.

SB: be on the look out for Moruf's upcoming mixtape. It should be dropping this summer. I been anticipating it for months (HURRY UP FOOL). So keep your ears and eyes open.

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Taking Notes

So I started a Tumblr Guys. It will be devouted to random escapades, Sneakers, random, quotes, and songs I bump that just have to be played to the world. Don't worry "No matter how far I may stray, with [Visions of Quest] is where I stay". So don' t think Im dipping around town with some fancy clown (MF Doom reference). Just Something for a more personal and intimate look into Sdot. So check it out and tell me what you think So far. ENJOI!

Follow Me on Tumblr: Visions, Kicks, and Ish

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MONTCLAiR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE PARADE & FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND!!

Hey VOQ Fam! Sheesh, I know it's been a minute since the last post, but you know how it goes during the first legit week of summer...you lose all track of days and hours LoL...anyway I'M BACK..with an invitation for YOU to join ME and the rest of the cool kids in keeping up with TRADITION and showing PRIDE during this weekend's annual

Montclair African American Heritage Parade & Festival....

As many of you know (or maybe don't know) I grew up in West Orange, however my fam roots are all up and through Montclair, so I can attest to this event, which has taken place on the first weekend of June since I was born, as being something to definitely look forward to. ; )

The parade appeals to everybody from 8 to 80 with drill teams, Greek orgs, churches, bands, you name it in attendance...I also heard there's an appearance from FOQUS Ent. (for those who are familiar)...so with that said, DO make it your business to come through with the family and support Black Heritage which is a beautiful thing. It starts at Nishuane Park at 10:30am on Saturday June 5 (rain date Sunday June 6)...but everybody congregates down on Elm Street (trust me LoL).

After the parade, the festival takes place at Glenfield Park, right down the street, where you will find vendors, live performances (this year: an MJ tribute & dedication to Haiti, and dance group ENVY again for those who are familiar)...you will also find stations for free health screenings. This all goes down from 12noon-6pm. Come through and celebrate your heritage!!! I hope to see you : ) You can find me w/ my shades, BBQ food, and a banana icy (which is a must for me every year lol).

Until next time...later folks!! Lots of Love, Farasha XO

*Note: The flyer states that vendor space is still available so if you or anyone you know is looking to sell their goods or services contact 973-509-4915 for more info..it's def important to support Black enterprise nowadays, especially our peers that we know are trying their hand at legit entrepreneurship!!

"Attention Dumbass Consumers..."

On the 29th late in the afternoon I received a text from Hudini's Little siter Amadi (who is like my little sister too) Asking me to post this:

"Attention to all dumbass consumers: W[h]atever happened to our hip-hop music? W[h]atever happened to that? Like Lupe said "It was written bring those rhymes bac[k]" and he's right. I would listen to that album anytime of day [rather] than crap that's out now. We act like music like Hip-hop is a new piece of clothing just because [i]t's new and everyone is listen[ing] to it doesn't mean it's good. There's so many go[od] rappers out there that actually talk about something mean[ing]ful but do we listen? No! Why? Because we are dumbass consumers listen[ing] to the beat that makes our booties bump but not listen to the lyrics. I personally ... like to listen to hip hop [where] lyrics actually mean somethin[g]. It can both entertain y[o]u [and] y[o]u get the best of both worlds. But as I said before we are dumbasses [and] we don't wish to be educated and that's why we listen to the idiotic music that we listen to now. But We are creating musician[s] that believe that they have actual rhyming talent when they d[o]n't. We're gasing them up when they should be deflated."

This kid is wise behind her year. And She is only 15 by the way. So I'd say the Hayes Houseld is doing a pretty good job of raising inspired minds and Im trying my best to educate my little brother the same way. ENJOI!

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