el vuh

Critically-acclaimed hip hop group, EL VUH rocked the SOLD OUT show at the Roxy on Nov. 12 when they opened for the Wu Tang Clan’s iconic MC, Ghostface Killah.

The crowd had a rare opportunity to check out two of the finest hip hop acts from both coasts on one stage in one night.

EL VUH has just completed a 4 song EP entitled, AUTUMN EQUINOX, which features Rocco from Maldita Vecindad on the first single, “Ciudad Celestial.” Be on the lookout for the new video for the track coming soon.

El Vuh official website: http://www.elvuh.com
El Vuh on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/elvuh
El Vuh on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elvuh - Latinrapper.com

Critically-acclaimed hip-hop group, EL VUH rocked the SOLD OUT show at the Roxy on November 12th when they opened for the Wu-Tang Clan’s iconic emcee, Ghostface Killah. The crowd had a rare opportunity to check out two of the finest hip-hop acts from both coasts on one stage in one night.


L VUH has just completed a four song EP titled, AUTUMN EQUINOX, which features Rocco from Maldita Vecindad on the first single, “Ciudad Celestial.” Be on the lookout for the new video for the track coming soon.

In the meantime, you can get all the most current EL VUH news, music and show schedule at www.elvuh.com and myspace/elvuh.
- Brownpride.com

This past weekend (Dec. 2-4) El Vuh returned to Tucson, AZ to participate in "Combating Hate, Censorship, and Forbidden Curriculums." This conference/concert was a gathering of community activists, artists, students, and academics from all levels. Organized by University of Arizona professor Dr. Roberto Cintli Rodriguez, the conference and concert were held at the University of Arizona, YWCA and El Rio Community Center. The purpose of this conference was to create a dialogue and highlight the trickle down effect of legislation like SB1070. Laws such as this have not only unfairly targeted and profiled citizens, but have also stirred up negative emotions that proposed more changes, such as recent campaigns by politicians favoring the elimination of ethnic studies in K-12 and institutions of higher education. El Vuh brought the indigenous energy indicative of the moral and cultural elements in danger of being omitted completely in American society. The group reiterated that as long as we continue to have dialogues like this one, that feat will not be easy to accomplish.
Among others, El Vuh was part of a collection of artists that shared the stage at the conference with well known scholars that included Rodolfo Acuña and Cherríe Moraga. Getting a spectrum of perspectives from supporters of ethnic studies and immigrant rights is what made this conference so special. Many times we find that institutions of higher education tend to exclude the issues directly affecting our communities, and we do not always see example of how to make those connections between art and reality. For example, El Vuh emphasized the miseducation of the masses through artificial outlets like media and popular culture in their song "Curandero." The knowledge passed on by our ancestors was always done so through dialogue. The spiritual meanings and metaphors of ancient wisdom that give us direction and purpose can be found in our most cherished places, like our communities. Similarly, Moraga explained the dual nature of Ometeotl and how it relates to the issues of freedom and hate that are currently issues of primary concern. The surplus of hateful sentiments by the powers that be revolving around immigration and ethnic studies creates a dangerous imbalance in our society. As history has shown, when the people come to this realization, they organize and resist these injustices.
Bringing together activists, scholars, and artists like El Vuh sends a powerful message. Dr. Rodriguez made it clear that these are not just issues being analyzed at the university level. Communities overlap across institutions, and maintain the solidarity needed to combat inequality. At the forefront is our youth, which make up a large portion of our future leadership. El Vuh always points to the power of the youth, which also represent an intricate part of their fan base. The youth is so diverse that their inspirations are not always the same. Sometimes their inspiration can be found in a book by Rudolfo Acuña. Other times, in an El Vuh cd. Understanding this concept, activism across different platforms is always needed. When there is an active dialogue within student/community activists and individuals like Cherríe Moraga and El Vuh, you realize that universal knowledge cannot be categorized, nor contained.
PS-Shout out to Taqueria Rodriguez in Eloy, AZ for their hospitality on the journey back to Cali!
-Samuel Robinson
- blogspot.com

If you missed the El Vuh/Ghostface Killah show at the Roxy this past Friday Nov. 12th, you missed two of the great Hip Hop acts that have combined to make up a music catalog that is two decades in the making. With notable industry insiders and media in attendance, such as allhiphop.com and TheSource.com, El Vuh performed three new songs from their forthcoming EP.They opened the set with their ceremonial Danza, which bled into the song “Tonatiuh”, a tribute to the sun. Zero once again exhibits his production talent as his musical mural continues to grow. With “Tonatiuh”, El Vuh conveys the message of knowing and understanding the Sun’s purpose from an ancient scientific perspective.” With the crowd fully receptive, the Vuh went into “Curanderos.” As Victor-E put it, the concept behind “Curanderos” is that “everything is vibrating energy, words and even thoughts create movement in the space around us and in us. We can hurt or heal with these two.” E-RISE sparked the crowd with a reference to a character from George Orwell’s 1949 classic novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four.” When he spits that he is “viewing the world as if he was Winston Smith,” it brings to mind how many times history has been rewritten to conceal the true beginnings of our ancient roots.

“I Can Remember” is an extended love poem for the women. The song is more of an introspective song about the personal feelings El Vuh has had for the significant other in their lives. Although anonymous in nature, “I Can Remember” brought the audience at the Roxy closer to the group by revealing some of their inner most thoughts about the meaning of love. The crowd clearly embraced their poetry. El Vuh got the best reaction from the crowd by far
leading up to Ghostface. A lineup which included Sheek Louch of The Lox amongst others. After meeting and greeting with fans, El Vuh sat back with everyone else and enjoyed Ghostface Killah absolutely killing the Roxy with past hits such as “Cher Chez La Ghost” and “4th Chamber.” When Ghost finished his set, he approached El Vuh just to
break bread with the group. With cameras flashing, two of the most
unlikely crews gathered for a moment under one roof. The eclectic world of real hip-hop never seems to disappoint.
- blogspot.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jun 09, 2010 – Los Angeles (MF): Musical Group El Vuh has announced they will be joining a cast of environmentally prolific performers at South Central Farmers’ Farmachella Festival to inaugurate the historic ground breaking of the new Buttonwillow Farm on Saturday, June 12. Open 5:45 am to 10 pm. Admission is free, all ages welcome, donations encouraged.

Longtime advocates of subsistence agriculture and organic living, the eco-lyricists El Vuh and a slew of other artists will be joining the farming community at the Farmchella Festival to celebrate the inauguration of the new SCF Farm in Buttonwillow, CA . The festival will kick off with a traditional Native American blessing of the land in the form of a sunrise ceremony and will be highlighted by Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ inducting of the new water facilities. The festival will also feature tons of musical entertainment, workshops, food, a children’s activity area, and vendors.

Other perfomers to include:

Aztlan Underground: www.myspace.com/aztlanunderground
Quinto Sol: www.myspace.com/quintosol
Rebel Diaz: www.myspace.com/rebeldiaz
Olmeca: www.myspace.com/olmeca
Pachamama: www.facebook.com/pages/Pachamama-estela/75042606422?v=info
Fe: www.myspace.com/fe8
Blackfire: www.myspace.com/blackfirerocks
Guerrila Queens: www.myspace.com/guerrillaqueenz
L@s Cafeter@s: www.myspace.com/sonlascafeteras
La Santa Cecilia: www.myspace.com/lasantacecilia
Earthstonez: www.myspace.com/earthstonez
Farmlife: www.myspace.com/farmlife1

The South Central Farm was an urban farm and community garden located at East 41st and South Alameda Streets in South Central Los Angeles, which was in operation between 1994 and 2006. At 14 acres, it was considered one of the largest urban farms in the United States. The farm was sold in 2004, and the farmers were evicted in 2006 when the farm was bulldozed and destroyed. Since the destruction of the garden, the South Central Farmers have been politically active and have gathered supporters in politics, higher-learning, entertainment, and abroad. They consist of approximately 350 families of moderate means from the neighboring community. They are a self-governing organization. All roles taken by members exist solely to fulfill a need or set of needs to continue the healthy life span of the farm. On the farm, women fulfilled a majority of the roles from accounting to that of lot monitors.

El Vuh (http://www.elvuh.com) is a hip hop trio out of Los Angeles, California whose name is derived from the Spanish (El) and Mayan (Vuh) languages meaning “The Book”. Comprised of emcees Zero, Victor-E and E-RISE, they have a clear goal: to awaken the minds of humanity through ancient Maya knowledge and a fusion of traditional Mexican sounds and hypnotic hip-hop beats. Using their songs as a vehicle for expressing personal views on today’s environmental, socioeconomic and political climates, El Vuh takes their work beyond positive and into the mystical, as the group spreads a message of love and hope regarding the popular Dec. 21st, 2012 Mayan prophecy and the restoration and saving of our planet .


El Vuh at Farmchella Festival @ Buttonwillow Farm
1.4 miles West of the intersection of the West Side Canal and Buttonwillow Dr, on the South Side of the West Side Canal. (signs will be posted) Buttonwillow, CA 93206

http://www.southcentralfarmers.com
http://www.elvuh.com - PRLog.org

This past weekend hip hop group El Vuh took the journey out of Los Angeles, CA for performances in Phoenix and Tucson with Talib Kweli. While crossing the border, you could see signs that revealed the environment created by state laws like SB 1070. Surveillance cameras on the freeway took photos of the caravan as it entered Phoenix. However, this trip was made for righteous reasons. El Vuh was in town to help support the local community at the historic Santa Rita Center. Located in one of the poorest barrios in Phoenix known as “Campito”, the Santa Rita Center is a place where the community has been able to gather together during turbulent times. This is the place where the phrase SI SE PUEDE was born. Cesar Chavez fasted here in 1972 to protest anti-union policies that the government was trying to implement. Fast forward to May 22, 2010. On this day, El Vuh would add to the rich history of this community center.

El Vuh was asked to stop in Phoenix to not only support the Santa Rita Center, but to also give a voice to all the people that are suffering due to unjust state laws. The recently passed SB 1070 in Arizona is the result of legislation that has made profiling immigrant status a reason for law enforcement officers to pull you over. Essentially, SB 1070 makes it a criminal offense if an individual is not able to sufficiently prove U.S. citizenship to law enforcement officials. The danger in this law is that it puts communities in a state of fear where there should be none. El Vuh came to Arizona with a message to the people: In the spirit of solidarity, we are with you.

Before they performed, danzantes opened the ceremony through song and dance. It was an emotional event, as people from the community expressed gratitude for the support artists like El Vuh showed by coming to Arizona during this time. It gives the people strength, and more importantly, hope. At the same time, El Vuh thanked the local community for inviting them, as their message of love and unity has helped make the connection that is needed to reach out to all people that are fighting for change. As the group hit the stage, the heat was intense. Appropriately, they opened with their own rendition of “By the time I get to Arizona” by Public Enemy. The crowd moved closer to the stage, absorbing the energy of the moment. There were children and elders singing along as they performed Mexica Tiahui, or the nauahtl translation for “The people move forward.” La Prensa Hispana, the largest circulating Spanish newspaper in Phoenix was also there capturing everything on camera. El Vuh left it all on stage, as evidence of group member Victor E becoming ill towards the end of the performance. As they ended their set, community organizer Jose Cortez came on stage to present the group with a commemorative art piece made by local artists. The art was a painting of Hunab Ku, the Mayan symbol for duality. As they left the stage, a young man in the audience registered to vote at the voter registration stand towards the entrance of the Santa Rita Center. The performance was a great success. Not only did El Vuh come to Phoenix to support community action, but also in the process the community reciprocated the love right back. On that note, it was on to Tucson for the second show of the day.

While making the trip from Phoenix to Tucson, the group reflected on the significance of what they had just experienced. Zero recalled the emotions of one particular elder, as she almost came to tears when she was addressing the struggle that lied ahead. Tonight, they would be taking the energy of this elder to the stage as they performed with Talib Kweli.

Arriving in Tucson, the DV8 nightclub had a line forming outside. The show had been sold out days before, indicating that anticipation for the show had been building for some time. The venue was packed, as the crowd near the stage danced to some of the local hip-hop acts that preceded the headliners. At approximately 11pm, El Vuh hit the stage with danzantes opening the ceremony. The crowd grew around the stage. The set began with ERISE lyrically educating fans about the problem with laws like SB 1070. El Vuh was in full bloom. The hit song “Heavy” from their album Jaguar Prophecies blasted across the club as the crowd pumped their fists in the air. Between one of their songs, Victor E recited a poem that was analogous to the current state of SB 1070. He posed the hypothetical scenario of how the existence of unjust laws could have impacted the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary and Joseph would have arrived in Bethlehem only to be turned away from inns not because there was insufficient room, but because they were Mexican. As Victor E concluded, if laws like SB 1070 had existed back then, “Jesus would have never been.” The crowd erupted as they went into the song “Mexica Tiahui” from their Elvuhlution album. All the energy the group had harnessed during their time in Arizona culminated into this performance. When they had finished their set, El Vuh was embraced by some of their long time fans, and greeted by some of their new ones.

A short time later Talib Kweli hit the stage. I was not sure what kind of message, if any, he would send out about SB 1070. He and HI-TEK were greeted with love from their fans, as they went into their hit “The Blast” from their Reflection Eternal album. Talib’s delivery was on point, even going into a Guru tribute with covers of Gangstarr classics “Mass Appeal” and “Skills.” With the crowd fully attentive, Talib directed their attention to a big screen overhead. A public service announcement came on, featuring Zack De La Rocha from Rage Against the Machine. He spoke on behalf of the Alto Arizona campaign against SB 1070. The crowd roared in approval. Talib followed up De La Rocha’s words with his new song “Papers Please,” a response to the new law in Arizona.
Talib flowed about how “this is the same mentality that put Blacks as slaves” as images of American Black heroes like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King flashed across the screen. During his performance of “Just to get by,” I was thinking of how El Vuh and Talib Kweli came together this weekend to show the people of Arizona love and support. This was Hip Hop unity at its finest. Talib Kweli and El Vuh made an important statement about SB 1070- ITS NOT JUST ABOUT RACE, IT’S ABOUT DIGNITY AND RESPECT FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY.

As the summer approaches, the heat is different depending on which part of the country you reside in. The Southwest, already burning ahead of time, mimics the political climate that has been the inevitable result of questionable immigration policy. There has been a surplus of resentment to SB 1070 from the communities in Arizona and throughout the U.S. Political actions have been organized to address the issues and concerns over this law. During the past few weeks, there was a feeling by some that we should boycott Arizona. There were certain artists who cancelled shows in the state to align themselves with this sentiment. However, we should not forget the communities in Arizona who need our support. There were many families in Phoenix and Tucson who thanked El Vuh for making the journey to Arizona. For all those concerned remember to boycott unjust legislation, not the people. Protest through art is just as effective as boycotting anything. By the time EL Vuh left Arizona, they showed that resistance to laws like SB 1070 will come from every direction…through every dimension…. - blogspot.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – May 20, 2010 – With racial and cultural tensions heating up in Arizona due to the frightening passing of it’s recent anti immigration and ethnic studies laws, El Vuh will be putting on a free performance in solidarity with all those afflicted at the historic Santa Rita Center in Phoenix, AZ. This humble building, located in the heart of one of the most marginalized barrios in Phoenix known as “Campito”, was the birthplace of Chicanos Por La Causa (http://www.cplc.org), one of the largest Chicano organizations in Arizona. It was also the place where Cesar Chavez fasted for 24 days in 1972 and coined the famous phrase “SI SE PUEDE”; A battle cry we hear in most of the immigration marches and human rights protests, which was translated into English and utilized for the Obama campaign.

While most entertainers have taken the popular stance of boycotting Arizona, El Vuh (http://www.elvuh.com) acknowledges that the state’s view is not unilateral and that the people most affected, namely native and chicano or anyone bearing such resemblance, are in stark opposition to the new laws. EL Vuh vows to be their voice and not abandon them during one of their darkest hours in lieu of leaving them isolated on an island.

The responses that El Vuh has received from the local community on their visit to Phoenix have been embracing and heartfelt to say the least. Statements such as “it is a brave move and a much needed catalyst to get our youth motivated to fight for the rights of the people” and “we thank Ometeotl (nahuatl for Creator) for bringing you to us” have flooded El Vuh’s inbox. In addition, Prensa Hispana (http://www.prensahispanaaz.com), the largest Raza newspaper in Arizona, has been kind enough to donate the sound system for the day and will be doing a write up on the event. In the evening El Vuh will be performing with Talib Kweli at DV8 Nightclub in Tucson. A limited number of tickets are still available at www.elvuh.com. This is the only website with tickets still available at face value, as it is a sold out show.

El Vuh is a hip hop trio out of Los Angeles, California whose name is derived from the Spanish (El) and Mayan (Vuh) languages meaning “The Book”. Comprised of emcees Zero, Victor-E and E-RISE, they have a clear goal: to awaken the minds of humanity through ancient Maya knowledge and a fusion of traditional Mexican sounds and hypnotic hip-hop beats. Their cultural message sets them apart from others in their urban genre. While other hip hop artists take the sexier and even more crude side of their roots, El Vuh introduces ancient Mexican culture to the world via positive and thought-provoking lyrics embedded in a mix of heavy drums and haunting beats.

El Vuh @ The Santa Rita Center
1017 East Hadley, Phoenix AZ 85004
May 22nd 2010, 11am-2pm
All Ages Welcome

www.elvuh.com
www.myspace.com/elvuh
- PRLog.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – May 11, 2010 – Los Angeles (MF): Hip Hop Group El Vuh will be speaking out against Arizona’s controversial new anti immigration law during their live performance at the Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek “Reflection Eternal” concert at DV8 Nightclub in Tuscon, AZ on May 22nd. Admission is $22, doors open at 8:00 PM, all ages welcome.

In response to S.B. 1070, Arizona’s alarming new anti-immigration law recently signed by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer, El Vuh (http://www.elvuh.com) will be crossing alleged state borders in order to represent the voice of the voiceless. While supporters of S.B. 1070 have argued that the measure is necessary to protect the nation’s borders by reducing the number of illegal immigrants and the burden they place on tax payers, El Vuh is quick to point out that most studies have shown that these undocumented migrants actually contribute more to the overall economy and do the most thankless and lowest of paying jobs that most Americans simply won’t or cannot do.

Racial profiling at the expense of people of color is another major concern of El Vuh’s, as they call into question what criteria law enforcement will use in order to decide if a person should be required to show paperwork or not. They also want to remind the people, as well as these lawmakers, that it was the indigenous people of Anahuak (North America) who welcomed European immigrants to this continent just hundreds of years ago. In solidarity with other human rights organizations opposing this law, El Vuh will take part in protests in Tucson during the day on May 22nd.

El Vuh is an indigenous hip hop group out of Los Angeles composed of emcees E-RISE, Victor-E, and Zero. Coined “lyrical medicine men” by many who’ve heard their music, they have a clear goal: to awaken the minds of humanity through ancient Maya knowledge and a fusion of traditional Mexican sounds and hypnotic hip-hop beats. Their cultural message sets the band apart from others in their urban genre. While other hip-hop artists take the sexier and even more crude side of their roots as a signature, El Vuh introduces ancient Mexican culture to the world via positive and thought-provoking lyrics embedded in a mix of heavy drums and haunting flutes.

El Vuh with Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek @ DV8 Nightclub
5851 E. Speedway Blvd, Tuscon AZ 85712
Doors Open: 8:00 PM

http://www.elvuh.com
http://www.myspace.com/elvuh - PRLog.org

In the eclectic world of hip-hop, deference and respect is perhaps more amplified than in any other music genre. Artists are not only negotiating approval from a fan base, but also from their peers, who can be very skeptical at times. One only needs to look at the vast array of diss songs to see why this dynamic is so prominent. As in any other organization or social group, to be accepted means that you are dope, that people are feeling you.

I recently attended a KRS-1 show at the Roxy in Hollywood, CA. It was raining hard that night, but as always, KRS had a long line of fans waiting to get in. When I finally made my way into the sold out show, the diversity that is the signature of LA was obvious. As I approached the bar, I recognized former Laker and NBA player Sean Rooks. Latinos, Asians, Blacks, and Whites, all packed the Roxy to see the Blastmaster. Throughout the night, I occasionally noticed individuals wearing shirts with the words “EL Vuh.” This was a reference to the Mayan book of life, but I had not made that connection to the show…yet.

A lineup of hip-hop artists on the rise highlighted the majority of the night. Most were met with a fair response. Others were not so lucky. It was a little after 11pm and the crowd was growing anxious. During these tense moments, an artist with a very similar style to R&B singer Frankie J hit the stage. No offense to Frankie J or to this artist, but this was not an R&B crowd. As soon as he sang his first line the crowd burst out in loud boos. Chants for KRS started to form. Unfortunately for the Frankie J prodigy, his set went relatively unappreciated, to put it mildly.

As the crowd grew louder for KRS, the host announced that one more group would perform: El Vuh. In my head I was thinking this is it-the only thing left is for the crowd to start throwing drinks on stage. Just then, a group of Aztec, or Mexica dancers went on stage. The shadows of fans stood still, silent and skeptical. The dancers performed a dance that signified an opening ceremony. The ritual energized the crowd. Their cheers were greeted by the opening vocals of Zero, Vic tor E, and ERISE, also known as EL Vuh. Their songs were full of themes that emphasized the Mayan philosophy: our relationship with the Earth, and Mother Nature, universal principles of virtue, and a revolutionary ideology. El Vuh was well received by the crowd. By the end of their set, they had made their connection. The crowd was feeling them, and as the Mexica dancers returned to the stage to close the ceremony, the audience at the Roxy was at their highest point, and ready to receive KRS.

When KRS hit the stage, he was quick to point out that the “demonstration” El Vuh had just made was “Real Hip-Hop.” Hmmm. This was quite a compliment from the living legend. As a fan of KRS since his days of BDP, it is rare to see him give any artist praise in public unless they are his contemporaries. Of course, KRS went on to rock the mic…Southside Bronx…Sound of the Police…needless to say, the crowd loved it. The show made me recall my own childhood in hip-hip, specifically growing up in a strict catholic elementary school listening to X-Clan and Public Enemy. Did I fully understand their ideas on Afrocentrism and Black Nationalism back then? Not really. Was I feeling them though? Absolutely. That night at the Roxy, those that came to see KRS were feeling El Vuh, and vice versa. That is the beautiful thing about hip-hop. It is multi-cultural, bringing together people who in most instances would not share the same space or ideas. I was curious to find out more about this hip hop group El Vuh, so I made my way backstage. However, before I got the chance to engage them, something special happened within their private space.

The anthropological definition for a rite of passage is a ritual event that marks a person's progress from one status to another. Every culture has these ceremonies. Hip-hop’s rites of passage can be seen in a couple of ways that symbolize acceptance and respect. One of these well known rituals occurs when an MC is handed a microphone. Another is when those around you acknowledge that your lyrics are on point. But there will always be those rituals that are more intimate, as the following clip affirms:
- blogspot.com