Have you heard the soundtrack for Red dead Redemption? It’s banging! We put the KO spin on “Triggernometry”!

The last in a series of clips from our recent performance with D. Rose and The Niyat. We saved the best for last – “There Can Only Be One”.

From Remix (who was holding the camera):

“Ya know, when we walked in through the backstage, I had the camera on the guys the entire time. You could see that they weren’t taking themselves too seriously. They’re a group of regular guys with their own identities and personalities who have talents. They know they’re not pseudo-celebrities, or arrogant artists who can’t see through their own egos.

When we all hit the stage, the crowd was definitely expecting Tech Nine, but within 2 verses the boys won them over. Once ‘There Can Be Only One’ came on, they started really WATCHING. They were looking at the stage at first, but after a minute or so, they were intently watching. It was an interesting change.

As soon as the set was over, the boys all went back to being the same people they were before we went on: quiet, humble, funny, witty, interesting people capable of holding ACTUAL conversations and not feeling themselves because they can jump on stage and rap. They were normal people with no egos or misconceptions about who they are and what they do. Immediately we went back to talking about whatever inane, unimportant topic we were ranting about earlier, probably picking on each other.

A lot of the magic of these guys is really lost through the camera, but hopefully we can show it somehow over time.”

-Remix

The KO Show – Episode 2.2: “The Science” from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.

Talk about irony – after knowing the members of The Niyat for over 15 years , this was the first time that we actually shared the same stage at the same time. Sure, we’ve had showcases together where we perform on separate sets, but this was a milestone for us.

This particular performance is a good study for younger musicians. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll occasionally come across crowds that are largely unfamiliar with your music. This show was a perfect example of that. Over the years, i’ve seen a lot of less experienced artists run into this situation, and are shocked because the audience isn’t really reacting to their show. Then they berate the audience and tell them “ya’ll ain’t feeling me” or “I thought {insert name of city here} knew what real music was!” Wrong move.

If you look closely at the video here, you’ll notice that the crowd – who has no idea who we are – are just kind of standing there and studying us. Listening. They came to see Tech N9ne. And when it came time for the crowd participation, they were right there with us. That’s a good sign.

So don’t get discouraged if you’re faced with an unfamiliar crowd and they’re not jumping through the ceiling for you. Do you best show, get them involved on some crowd participation, and if you’re opening for the headliner that they came to see – shout out the headliner.

Enjoy.

In the debut of The KO Show, we take a look on the set of Willie Turner, and Big Mon discusses his priorities – music vs. education. Co-starring D Rose, Brew and PhD from Lower Life Form, and DJ Remix.

The KO Show: Episode 01 – “On The Set Of Willie Turner” from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.

Perhaps the best known hip hop producer in the Czech Republic, DJ Wich invited us to collaborate on this landmark track from his 2004 album by the same name. Filmed on location in Prague by Big Mon himself.

Time is Now (produced by DJ Wich) from Ethos Music Group on Vimeo.

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

There’s a movement going on at the bottom of the map. If you haven’t paid attention, then you’ve been missing a modern renaissance taking place in Houston, Texas. If you take a look back over the last few years, most of us have been involved in or connected to some of the most inspiring, influential creations to come across your iPods and computer screens. Remember these names: Kay, The ARE, K-OTIX, Chris “Daddy” Dave, D. Rose, The Foundation, J “8 Months” Lewis, Neon Collars, H.I.S.D., The Niyat, DJ Cozmos, Flow Factory and Lower Life Form. If you run through your favorite downloads from the last few years, they’re on at least half of them. And while we can dwell on our individual accomplishments, there’s something to be said about the strength that we have in numbers. We want you to look at this video with the understanding that it’s the first shot of a united front that hopes to change the landscape of the music that you’re listening to. We’ve challenged ourselves to create some of the most enjoyable music that we’ve listened to in a very long time – and we hope that you’ll enjoy it as much as we do. Embrace it.

 

Enjoy!