by SCOTT C

I'm kind of curious to know if anybody in Montreal got their shit together and applied for the Red Bull Music Academy workshops this year. A little bird told me that applications from our part of the world have been far and few between in recent years, which is surprising considering how many budding DJ/producers you can spot in this town while simply doing your laundry. Whether y'all make it to this year's post or not, which happens to be in Cape Town, South Africa, I'm happy to report that Red Bull has officially received my application. I think the fact that I got something in on time is cause for a small celebration, eh Rupert? For those of you who know not of what I speak, the RBMA plucks 60 wide-eyed keeners from around the world and proceeds to fly them (all expenses paid!) to semi-exotic locales for two weeks of music workshops with industry standouts. Sounds stush and self-indulgent, but it really isn't. The idea is to eliminate the "icon" factor, pairing small groups of like-minded music lovers with established artists, label-owners, journalists and filmmakers for practical information sessions that actually may be of use. More importantly, they pay for everything and introduce you to a small but terribly international group of people who are most likely on the same page as you, musically at least. Last I heard the deadline was July 25, but received a strange e-mail about an extension. Interested? Check out www.redbullmusicacademy.com for all the info you could possibly need.

I was listening to Homerun on CBC Radio 1 earlier this week, where they decided to do a story on the Hip Hop Unity show that went down at Foufounes on Wednesday, July 30. Host Anne Lagacé Dowson was joined by arts freelancer Jeannette Kelly, who had interviewed Rawgged MC, aka Diegal Léger. Diegal was as positive and articulate as ever, but I listened in agony as the piece went on. Although the show at Foufs featured all Montreal hip hop acts, they felt the need to introduce the show with Ja Rule's "Thug Love" and quickly go into a rundown about jewels, cars, girls and hip hop violence. Diegal offset that with tales of Bambaataa, peace, unity and having fun, but amazingly, even he outlined what your "typical" hip-hopper dresses like! C'mon, man! If the people who don't listen to hip hop only have BET and Access Hollywood to tell them what's up, then we're screwed. Those stereotypes need no reinforcement at all. If you think baggy pants, caps and kicks have anything to do with music, then you should meet my orangutan half-brother. I know some of you might think otherwise, but that's precisely what my e-mail address is for. Please respond.

Seven reasons there are no rules:
1. Louis Logic "Street Smarts" (Solid)
2. MadVillian "Peeyano" (CDR)
3. PMD "Straight From the Heart" (Hit Squad)
4. Gods of Taste "Seven Tune" (Sinistre Sound)
5. King Geedorah "Next Levels" (Big Dada)
6. Dubline "Fandango" (CDR)
7. Headhunters "Loft Funk" (Basin Street)

Why build it, then break it? fathead@videotron.ca

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