Deadly D

Deadly D’s SE Asia Tour 2018

“Well it’s been a year Gary, what we doing this time?” I asked in regards to our last tour, one that consisted of 7 states in 5 weeks. After considering if we should hit the same route and build on what we started or go somewhere new, the DJ’s response was simply, “Go big or go home”. I already knew what this meant. Seeing how our availability to hit the road is limited, we need to maximize our time spent away. Should we hit the east coast this time? Or should we head somewhere that would add to our passport’s stamp collection? One thing we discovered on our previous excursion-something initially done out of a desire to cut down on accommodation costs-was that hostels are awesome. Not only could you save yourself some coin but also they made it possible to meet a hell of a lot of people from all over the globe. Ones just like us, seeking adventure and new friends. This is pretty tough to do holed up in some hotel room. From a traveling hip hop duo’s perspective, this element proved to be indispensable in our attempt to spread our music. With this mind, we began thinking where we could find a location that provides a hostel circuit worthy of our cause. After some microbrew infused research sessions at McKay’s Taphouse, it was decided that Vietnam and Thailand were the destinations of choice. Enter Deadly D’s “Plant the SEADD Tour 2018”.

Both countries attract hostel goers from around the world. If you can accept that your life for the next month plus will consist of dorm style living with complete strangers, you will be introduced to a magical world that can only be discovered by stepping out of your comfort zone. Knowing that booking shows in such a foreign land would be difficult, we figured the environment would help streamline the process. With so many new people with insider tips, local staffers that could point us to the closest open mics and nightly activities such as pub-crawls accompanied by late night karaoke and freestyle cyphers, we figured we’d have little issue unearthing opportunities. So we decided to commit ourselves to find out and booked our flight to Vietnam.

A week before we set out I received a message from an old high school friend that read, “What time does your flight land in Ho Chi Minh? I’m picking you up”. As it turned out my buddy Matt now lived there. Seeing our flight arrived at 1am, having a familiar face greet us upon arrival was a much better introduction to this new land than deliriously showing up at an airport with no idea of where to go. After a quick stop at Bui Vien-the street that never sleeps-for a beer and a banh mi, we crashed out a Matt’s apartment to rest up for our first day in the nation’s capital. The first question raised in the AM was “Holy shit. How many people live here? And better yet, HOW MANY SCOOTERS ARE THERE?!” Turns out 8.5 million residents followed by 7.5 million motorized bikes. And by the looks of it, they all run and I swear they ALL do at the same time. It’s honestly something you must witness in person. Seeing how that many motorists, driving from all directions, can actually make it work. It’s the definition of organized chaos. The way it was put to me, “You can only focus on what’s directly in front of you. Don’t worry about what’s behind you because everyone there is doing the same thing”. Regardless, we figured it would be best to save our first scooter experience for another city.

One amazing aspect we discovered out there was the local expat communities (expats being individuals now residing in a country they weren't born in) and their willingness to help fellow foreigners navigate this distant land. Utilizing each city's expat Facebook group page turned out to be one of the most useful tools during our trip. In Ho Chi Minh City-or Saigon if you will-this process linked us up with our first show, only 2 days into our journey. Given the opportunity to link up with Ass Kicking Crew, the city’s #1 B-Boy posse, we couldn’t of asked for a better introduction to the local hip hop scene. Welcomed with open arms we were invited to play a show at Cipherz, a venue owned and operated by one of the crew’s OG’s Style D. The talent and humility of these cats was unreal. Representing hip hop in such a way that the US did in the 80’s, they could do it all. MC, DJ, break, graffiti. All 4 elements were on full display. Gary learned some new tricks on the tables from his new friend Phu. I was passing the mic back and forth with B-Boy Xell. Shit was ill. After many Larue beers and a spread of local street food, our first show in Asia came to a close. But not before we were invited to the weekends festivities: Ass Kicking Jam 2018.

HCMC’s annual B-Boy summit just happened to fall on our first weekend and we had no idea what we were in for. Bringing his Canon 80D, Gary figured this would be a prime opportunity to put his videographer skills to the test. With over 150 break dancers from Vietnam, Germany, Ukraine, Australia and beyond, what we witnessed was something even a camera can’t properly describe (though we will try.. Video coming soon!!). The creativity, originality, pure dexterity and stamina exhibited was incredible. We got to see the lil’ homie Xell take on and battle the entire Ass Kicking Crew as his initiation into the group. Proud to say he succeeded and we were able to witness history. Even Phu who informed me that he doesn’t break and just cuts records proceeded to get into the action. Our first stop was insane. Alright, Vietnam. We see you.

From there we took a jumper flight to Da Nang. Hostel on point. Hopped in on a food tour and pub crawl to get the lay of the land. It was here where we worked up the courage to attempt our first scooter excursion. We'll be okay if we can make it out of the city to the coastline where traffic is a little less intimidating right? Wrong. Within minutes we were convinced we would become one of those horror stories you hear of tourists who get acquainted with pavement in a bad way. Luckily this wasn’t the case and we finally made it to the beach unscathed. Good thing we did because this led to the most amazing jaunt up Monkey Mountain and built up a confidence to utilize the most effective mode of travel in SE Asia, which we capitalized upon the rest of the trip.

Equipped with a GoPro on Gary’s helmet we scooted on down Hoi An. Took a pit stop at Marble Mountain, pulled some touristy shit and let go paper lanterns in the Thu Bon River via longboats and partied after hours at Tiger Tiger 2 Bar with our new friend and local guide Nguyen AKA “call me Justin”. After a late night cruise and Gary’s abrupt brush with death as he stepped off a cliff when attempting to take a leak, we made it somewhat safely back to the pad.

From there we proceeded north to Halong Bay, where we kayaked through caves and explored lagoons surrounded by islands occupied by communities of monkeys. We paid a local fisherman to take us and our newly formed production team of youngin’s from the Netherlands to a deserted dreamlike island for a music video shoot. Captain Bird took to the air for his drone’s inaugural flight. Vietnam is insane y’all. It’s such a beautiful place and the people are incredible. Visiting a place with a history coinciding with our own in the way that it does is humbling to say the least. Taking a walk through the war museum or a Buddhist orphanage to visit with kids still being affected by the tragedies their country faced due to our past influence, you can understand why emotions can run a little high at times. We will forever be grateful for all we experienced in this amazing place. 

We could of spent our entire tour in Vietnam and still not even come close to seeing it all. But this would have to wait; we had to pick up our singer in Bangkok! So off to Thailand we go! Having lived there once upon a time ago, Lydia would not only act as our fellow bandmate but as a personal tour guide and translator as well. Which was great for a couple of clueless tourists. Another perfect timing “yeah we meant to do that” realization was that we showed up during the Thai New Year, Songkran. As a nation we should take notes because we’re doin’ it all wrong. Seeing entire cities engaged in an all out water gun warzone is waaaay more fun than fireworks. Especially spending it in Bang Saen, a place where locals who seem to have never seen white folk go for the holidays. Pure unhinged, positive energy.

We then made our way to the jungles of Chiang Mai, hit up the all night hip hop club “Spicy” and swam with elephants. Yeah you heard me. After we said peace out to the big homies we had to catch a flight back to Bangkok for one of our more influential shows. Connecting with SuperFly, Freshly Squeezed Sounds and everyone at Live Lounge BKK, opened up a world of possibilities for when we make our return trip. 

Nearing the end of our tale we decided on our next destination. With Lyds headed back home it was up to us to finish this thing out strong. We'd be put to the test as we dropped our pin on Phucket and the infamous Bangla Road. Booking our stay at Slumber Party hostel, we discovered it lived up well beyond what its name might imply. This is where you go to party. This is where you go to dance at clubs with a capacity that could squeeze in all of Bellingham, a place that can really make you feel your age. I’m proud of how we faired.

Well there we were. Finish line in sight. A little over a month that felt like a lifetime yet went by in the blink of an eye. We returned to HCMC for a final farewell jam session with our Ass Kicking brethren before we headed home. Though this felt like home too. Guess that’s why we do this. Always trying to find that Highway Home. Guess that’s why we’re already planning the next journey. ‘Til next time friends.

~Deadly D - What's Up! Magazine

Interview w/ Michael Booker, Robbe Hardnette & Katie Grey of Beat of Dstreets on 94.9 KZAX FM in Bellingham, WA 12.21.18 (Video) - 94.9 (KZAX) FM

Into the Art w/ Jeannie Gilbert of KPNW-DB (10/27/17) - KPNW-DB

Deadly D’s Til the Fight’s Finished Tour
Stevey B, enjoying the tour.
by Stevey B

courtesy photo

From drunken roller-skating in Vegas, hostel pub crawling through San Fran, to standing on the edge of massive canyons and venturing deep within dark caverns, to finding yourself standing in front of Walter White’s house, it’s hard to believe we even had time to play shows! But oh shows we did play. Embarking on a journey that began on Valentine’s Day in Portland and ending on St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Elko, NV, Deadly D’s “Til the Fight’s Finished Tour” was a journey to say the least.

We set out on an ambitious quest to conquer seven states in five weeks, our first tour. Some called us crazy, others, brave. But regardless of what they labeled us, this adventure surely tested our mettle and measured our grit. Maybe it would have been wise to test the waters a bit, possibly wade out a few feet in the kiddy pool to feel things out. But no, in the spirit of the mighty Tenacious D we proudly yelled, “Nay! We are but men!!” leaping into the deep end, leaving our childish floaties behind. Sink or swim, we were going all in on this one.

We had little idea of what to expect. Equipped with nothing but some ill hip hop and a spiffy Dodge Caravan we set out to see what the world had in store for us. Back home we rock shows as a full band. On this trip, being our maiden voyage, we set out as a small recognizance team. For the most part, this unit consisted of myself, the emcee of the crew and Gary Bird, the team’s DJ. We had reinforcements arrive in the shape of our drummer Tommy during a brief stint in Northern Oregon and our singer Lydia during a crucial stretch between Northern California to our rendezvous point in Vegas. Being our first time in many of these locations, we wanted to scope the lay of the land in order to see which ones to return to and obliterate with our full platoon. I must say; we discovered this to be a wise decision. Any more added to the group I am not sure if we would have been able to provide enough rations and shelter to survive. We quickly realized that our initial plan to bring a trailer would have been a disastrous mistake. Word to the wise, anyone going on tour, you will have very little to no luck finding a place to park a trailer, let alone maneuver through busy city streets. Our van was a mobile and valiant steed and she faired us well.

Venturing to new lands and finding ourselves in unfamiliar territories, we figured the crowds would be small. For the most part, they were. But we’ve always been about maximizing our situation, no matter what that may be. Developing a name for our selves and building a solid network was our number one objective. We more than succeeded in this regard. We were out here to soak it all up, take in whatever this journey had to offer.

The love we received on the road was phenomenal. The way in which people would open up their homes, invite us into their circle and accept us as their own was a magical feeling. Meeting so many likeminded folks with similar dreams and aspirations brought us together in a special way. It was easy to connect and exciting to learn the story of someone new. Complete strangers became close friends. Unfamiliar scenes developed into our new home. Everywhere we went we experienced new sights, sounds and scenery.

Every day is a new adventure when you are on tour. I’ve never experienced anything like it. It is a surreal feeling that music could take us so far from home. It was something we have always wanted, something we have worked extremely hard for and strived to achieve for a long time but to actually get out there and experience it was out of this world. It felt like we had learned a secret that had been long overlooked. It was as if we rediscovered and awoken some ancient nomadic spirit within ourselves.

Not to say that all went as swimmingly. We experienced roadblocks and potholes along the way. Certain potholes that more resembled driving over a sewer missing the manhole lid. The kind that whip your head harder than Willow Smith and break yo’ neck worse than Busta Rhymes. Bad things will happen. You are vulnerable, you are exposed and people will try and take advantage of that. This is part of the life we choose. All you can do is everything in to your ability to cover your ass. Trust your instincts. In the words passed down by the wise prophets of the Wu-Tang Clan, Protect Ya Neck. But alas, the shit will still find a way to seep within the cracks of even the most iron clad of body armor. No matter how careful you are, we have all mowed over that rogue dog turd that never got picked up in the yard. It will hit the fan. It will rain down upon you. How will you deal with these sticky situations? Will you tuck tail and run? Or will you wipe of the spackle, stand up and fight back? Seeing that it was called the “Til the Fight’s Finished Tour,” I think you can guess the only decision we were left with.

So we marched on. We persevered. We survived. Anyone in the world of music will tell you. Determination and resilience is key. This is no easy road we decided to walk on. The path is a rough one at times but the views along the way can be down right badass. I know the stretch we just ventured down was beyond epic. It inspired me to get out there and see more. It’s opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. The next trip started planning itself long ago. The travel bug has burrowed itself deep within my brain. It has the reins now. If you have the urge to do the same I highly advise you do so. Indeed the world can be big and scary. But so can lots of things. Like bears. And asteroids. So get out there and do it before a bear riding an asteroid comes crashing down and destroys us all.

Peace and love,

Deadly D - What's up! Magazine

Get to Know the Bellingham Band: Deadly D
LORRAINE WILDE

Bellingham’s Deadly D has been sharing their unique style of hip-hop infused with funk, soul, rock and blues since 2011. Their award-winning, feel-good music with a message has appeared at more than 300 shows, at festivals and has toured in 13 states and provinces. While sharing the stage with the some of the greatest including Nappy Roots and Paul Wall, they’ve been compared to The Roots, Kendrick Lamar and others. But who are Deadly D? I sat down with lead emcee and Deadly D founder, “Stevey B” Borden to really get to know the band’s history, talents and ambitions.
Visitors will feel like Deadly D is an old friend when they plan their next visit and attend a show.
History Informs The Art
Borden began writing rap lyrics around the age of 14 while attending high school in Blaine, WA. In 1998, he’d been listening to DMX, Nas, and Ice Cube. Borden admired their rhyming skill, creativity and metaphors but his mother was not a fan. She would make the CD’s disappear when Borden was at school but that only sparked Borden’s rebellious side. He became even more devoted to the genre, filling notebooks with song lyrics. With the technology of the time, Borden recorded his raps on cassette tapes and then transferred them to CD on a boom box, handing them out at school. It started as a creative outlet to make his friends laugh, like passing notes between classes.

Borden went to local house parties with his older brother where he experimented with freestyle rap. This eventually led to rap battling with older established artists often beating them. These experiences helped Borden discover and hone his talent and build the confidence to battle rap in Vancouver, B.C. clubs.
In his junior year, Borden met Michael ‘Pancake’ Pianki. They became best friends and eventually formed The Deadly Duo, which was shortened to Deadly D.
After high school, around 2008 Borden attended Stylus College of Music and Sound Technology in B.C. to study hip-hop music production while Pianki went off to college in Florida. That allowed Borden to up the quality of his recordings, which previously had to be recorded live in a single take. Borden eventually joined Pianki in Florida and Borden dedicated himself to the music in earnest.

With help from Florida friends, Deadly D eventually booked their first show at a tiki lounge in Lake Worth, Florida, Havana Hideout. They maxed out credit cards to buy their first sound system to play the gig.
In 2011 Borden and Pianki moved back to Whatcom County and began playing in area clubs. While working side jobs in Semiahmoo, Borden met Deadly D vocalist Lydia Davis and percussionist Tommy “Church” Mutchler. The group’s hype man, Matthew “Titty” Chistion started as a mixer and has since become an emcee who gets the audience out of their seats. Over several years, the group has grown, playing shows near home with bassist Sean McKee, silky smooth trumpet and didgeridoo Ray Cooney and DJ Gary “Birdman” Bird. They often tour with a lighter crew using recorded tracks.
In late 2014 Pianki left the group to focus on his young family. Borden says that Pianki’s influence and tradition still remain in every show.

In competition, they’ve made a name for themselves throughout the Pacific Northwest. Scoring second place in 2015’s Seattle Hard Rock Rising: Global Battle of the Bands competition, they bested more than 300 acts. They also won the 2013 Hip-Hop Duo of the Year at the International Music and Entertainment Awards (IMEAs), where the title track of their mixtape Light Side of the Moon was nominated for Hip-Hop Song of the Year.
With more and more successful bookings under their belt, Borden eventually moved away from battle rapping because it was an art form based in negativity and ridicule. Borden wanted to share the positive messages of his music.
Til’ the Fight’s Finished
Deadly D will release its next full-length album, Til’ the Fight’s Finished, in Spring 2018.
“The vibe of this album parallels where we are as a band and where we’ve been,” explains Borden. “Life’s been a battle. Loved ones gone, friendships dissipated, dreams crushed. But one thing remains the same. The dedication to our passion and desire to succeed not only remain but burn brighter than they ever have. Still growing. Still fighting. There’s no turning back now. We’ll keep swinging until we can’t swing anymore.”
The album title was originally a song Borden and Pianki wrote back when the band first formed. But Borden and Pianki have carried the motto, Til the Fight’s Finished, or TTFF, with them since high school. The losses Borden’s referring to include losing his younger brother and two classmates at the age of 18, and the death of his best friend since 4th grade, Tony Hancock, in February 2017. Borden has channeled that energy to create something positive and celebrate life in their honor.
The first single Fire Inside is available on iTunes now. Borden completed a 5-week tour in Spring 2017 sharing many of the songs with new audiences.

Gone Wrong
In response to the controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick’s recent protest of racial injustice in America, Borden recorded Gone Wrong and made a video in just one week to express his passionate feelings about the response to Kaepernick’s form of protest.
“I couldn’t sit quiet any longer. To do so would be taking the easy route,” explains Borden. “I love this country but in my eyes, we are not achieving what this country claims to stand for. The beauty of being American is your right to choose. I felt the need to say something and try to help make some progress. My intention is not to draw lines in the sand or divide us, but rather spark a dialogue and provide a chance to see things in a different light.”

Borden dedicated the video to the active duty and veteran service men and women whose sacrifices have ensured our freedom—a freedom that allows him the opportunity to speak out on this controversial topic.
“We need to come together and work through our differences if we intend to move forward as a Nation. We can strive to be better. That requires change and change starts inside each and every one of us. We must open our hearts and minds to do so. We have some difficult work ahead of us but I know we are up for the challenge.”

Deadly D’s passionate music with a message can be had at venues throughout Whatcom County on a regular basis. Consider including a Deadly D show and Bellingham’s music venues in your next visit. - Bellingham.org

Stevey B: On the road
by Halee Hastad

“Pretty luxurious,” said Steve Borden, who goes by the hip-hop stage name Stevie B, describing his first West Coast tour. Sarcasm, really, as the tour was navigated via Dodge Caravan, an agreeably less than luxurious, but practical tour vehicle for an up-and-coming musician.

Borden gives off the air of a man who is (not unlike some Dodge Caravans) often simpler on the outside, and full of complexities on the inside. He doesn’t speak as the type who wears their heart on their sleeve speaks. He is careful with his words, taking time to articulate thoughts before answering questions. As a hip-hop artist, his words are his craft, and he knows how to use them in a meaningful way.

Growing up in Alaska, Borden moved to Washington while in high school and has been in Bellingham since 2012. He studied music at Washington State University and was living in Palm Beach, Florida when he decided to start making music seriously. He said his passion for hip-hop had been decades old by then. It was there that he began looking at the business aspects of the industry as a way to start navigating the wide world that hip-hop resides in.

Having moved back to Washington to be closer to his family, Borden took on the creative endeavor as emcee for Deadly D, “…a [Bellingham] funkadelic hip-hop fusion band comprised of 2 emcees, a female vocalist, drummer, bassist, and DJ.”

While Borden continues to be active in Deadly D, much of his most recent tour, as Stevie B, has been performed solo, without the rest of the crew. This five-week spread included a send off in Bellingham on Feb. 11, with the first away show taking place in Portland on Valentine’s Day. Shows span along 11 states all on the West Coast, as Borden, for the first time, tours outside of the oh so familiar states of Washington and Oregon.

“Really, in all honesty, we are just piecing it together as we go for this first tour,” he said with a hint of casual and controlled optimism.

This has meant reaching out to people he has never spoken to or met before, and rolling the dice on making new, yet meaningful connections, Borden said. He aims to be able to give back what he has been getting this time around, too. By making these connections on the road, Borden hopes to bring them back to Bellingham and show the same humble welcoming he has been shown while on tour. This type of art, he said, is all about networking and not taking any connection for granted.

And the sentiment here, that one should give back what one gets, and vice-versa, is reflected in the sounds and messages of Borden’s music. He is inspired by social elements – those things that almost anyone can relate too, any everyone has, in some way, shape, or form, likely experienced.

“A lot of my music is subject-driven, so it only makes sense that the lyrics are reflective of inspiration I find in everyday happenings of myself and those around me,” he said. “Everyone has emotions and feelings… I try to make positive and feel good music that touches on issues faced by those everyday people.”

Whether it’s a simple comment made by a friend, or a tune he hears on the street, Borden’s experiences in daily life are what fuel his art, he said. And he has support in Bellingham.

“It’s definitely a small scene, but it’s a very supportive one,” he said of the hip-hop community. “I love what we’ve got going on there.”

When asked what the final goal in his hip-hop career is, where it all boils down to the end, he said, simply and surely, after a short, contemplative silence, “To do nothing but this.”

For more about Stevie B, follow Deadly D’s Facebook page. - What's Up! Magazine

Interview w/ Tony Su of Critical Sun (Stevey & Lydia) 7.29.16 - Critical Sun

Written by Richard Barry
Edited by Taylor McAnally

Deadly D, from Bellingham, WA got the crowd bouncing in the sunshine at Bearmouth Music Festival, Friday, June 20th in Haugan Mont. The recently proclaimed “rap guys with ties,” rocked the mic from the Glacier stage to a crowd of around 100 in the late afternoon and nearly double that by the end of their show.

Performing with a style that resembles 8-Track Mind or Wisdom, Deadly D's voices flowed together nicely with an articulate sound and precision emphasis that turned their words into notes from their collaborative instrument.

Normally performing with a full band, the Deadly D, used to be a two-piece called the “Deadly Duo,” made up of Steven “Stevey B” Borden and Michael "Pancake" Pianki, the taller of the two. Performing this time without their band they brought a third member to the stage, female vocalist, Lydia Davis, who not only looked beautiful, but sounded that way too. “A Kodak moment,” as Stevey B put it, from backstage.

Kicking off their show with a song, “Meth (Heisenberg Syndrome),” from their album, Psychology Volume 1, released earlier this year, the duo eased the audience into their quick style with smooth, flowing choruses.

In the next two songs, Davis got to strut her stuff, being featured in “Nobody Like Me,” and “Pretty Lights,” that previously featured Mollie Jane in their recordings.

They followed that up with, “Cocaine (Artificial Bliss),” which they had released a music video of, just before they came to Montana to perform.

Ending out their set, the Deadly D got the audience involved too. Performing their song, “The Light Side Of The Moon,” they had the audience echo the word “High,” every time the group said it. It was pretty fun, because after a minute you found yourself singing along, even though you didn't know the words. Funny too, because the word “high” kept making its way into the middle of random conversations as people were commenting on the style of the group. - Doldrums Entertainment

by Mike Roe

Hip-hop means many things to many people. For true hip-hop fans, it’s a way of life and a subculture that speaks the truth in a world full of liars and fakers. Music is a way of life for Deadly D and hip-hop is their guiding light.
Deadly D is a local duo consisting of emcees Michael Pianki (Pancake) and Steve Borden (Stevey B). “We meet when I was a senior in High School (in Bellingham). I caught him writing rhymes on the bus.” explained Stevey B. “We’ve been making music together since 2003, but really got serious about it in 2011.”
He added, “We’ve met lots of really talented people through the local music scene. It’s really great to be a part of such a strong hip-hop community here in town,” says Pancake. “You gain an appreciation for what everyone is doing.”
Deadly D’s new album Psychology Volume 1 is a 13-song concept album that was in the works for over nine months. The first thing that this writer noticed about the album was that all the song titles were named after various drugs, followed by an additional description in parenthesis. Deadly D explained that the album is a three-tiered concept album: 1) the drug name, 2) how that ties into the particular beat, 3) how the message ties into the song.
With song titles like “Mushrooms” (Bad Trip) and “Ritalin” (Scatterbrain Revolution), Deadly D dives deep into social and cultural issues, emotions and human behavior, without referencing drugs much at all. The song titles refer more to the feel and content of the song, rather than just another stoner anthem praising chemical mind alteration. Stevey B explains, “We didn’t really talk about drugs on the album and we did that on purpose.” The song “Devil’s Breath (Third World War)” details the problems faced by those living in third-world developing nations and how our petty first world inconveniences pale in comparison to them. “We want to influence people positively and make them look at life in a new light,” says Pancake.
Deadly D performs locally and they utilize a full band when playing on stage. “We perform with a band, DJ backtracking, a drummer, and a guitar player.” explains Pancake. “We wanted to give the production a little more electronic feel so it combines well with the live instruments.”
The production on Psychology Volume 1 is a bit more experimental than most traditional hip-hop albums, as Deadly D brings together various elements from other electronic music genres, such as trance and down-tempo. “We looked to something like Foster the People, where they’re a little more experimental, and put a message behind the music.” says Stevey B. “We’ve put out a handful of mix-tapes before but this is our first real album; our flagship.”
So what does the future hold for the Bellingham hip-hop duo Deadly D? Stevey B answers, “We just finished our fundraising campaign for our new music video for the song Cocaine (Artificial Bliss) and we are going to shoot that this weekend. We funded it on IndieGoGo.com and had a great response.”

Share this with the world. - What's Up! Magazine

THE LONG COUNT

An album by Stevey B of the DeaDly D
Review presented by Warren Peace

THE INTRO

Stevey B of the DeaDly D was first introduced to The Write Reviews through The NoShoes and JimSquints Variety Show album review. I’m anticipating something a little different than the hip hop music most people are listening to today, but I have no idea what that may be exactly. There’s only one way to find out, right?

THE ALBUM

1- Up At You
“Up At You” is a fantastic opening track; it’s as simple as that. The instrumental has a dreamy feel with a touch of intensity. Stevey B grabs his audience’s attention within the first few lines of the first verse. He has a timely delivery with an obvious passion in his tone of voice. The hook is very catchy, the verses bring a positive message, and Stevey B sounds like a seasoned veteran behind the mic. If this is any indication of how the rest of the album is going to be, then anyone listening is in for a treat.

2- Libido
This instrumental has a great sample that will be familiar to many listeners. Another catchy hook will have people singing along before the song ends on the first listen. His multiple rhyme schemes come together nicely, giving his words a very smooth flow. There’s another positive message to be heard on this track, and by the end of the song I have to question my original assumption regarding this album being of the nerdcore nature. Stevey B has his second Featured Track of The Long Count in as many songs.

3- Breathe
A relaxed vibe comes through the speakers as the music for “Breath” plays. Stevey B decides to delivery this positive, uplifting message in a different manner from the previous two tracks. Using negative feelings and experiences, Stevey B presents reasons for pushing that negativity into the past and pressing forward. Stevey B has commercial appeal built within the sound he delivers. “Breathe” is another strong addition to The Long Count.

4- Life I Lead
The lyrics continue pushing positivity and the music maintains an ever-so-slight Pop sound. Stevey B’s flow stays consistent and his content sticks to the subject matter. The hook doesn’t need much time to resonate with listeners, proving putting together a great chorus is one of Stevey B’s greatest weapons.

5- Beeda Badass
Many hip hop heads will recognize the sequence of sounds heard on “Beeda Badass”. Stevey B changes his direction and provides a self-hype track that includes a few selective shots at other rappers in general. While he displays potential with his punches, they aren’t connecting with the force he’s expecting. The hook begins to feel overdone with repetativeness by the time the track reaches a conclusion. Regardless, Stevey B gives The Long Count another solid song overall.

6- A Way feat. SBS
This track has one he’ll of a “feel good” vibe to the music. “A Way” has more singing involved than hip hop lyrics, yet still falls into the positive theme Stevey B has brought throughout most of The Long Count. I thoroughly enjoy this track from start to end, and see no reason anyone could dislike this track. Another Feature Track stands out prominately on this album.

7- Rental feat. DJ Birdman and SBS
This instrumental is a great choice to follow the music on the previous track. Obviously a shot at the rappers who pose to be the rich, ballin’ people they arent, “Rental” comes with a comedic twist, a catchy hook that’s well written, and a change of pace for the audience. Everything gels really well for “Rental”, leaving me no choice but to add another one to the Featured Tracks of the album.

8- Shots Fired feat. Titty
Hip hop fans will be very familiar with this instrumental, which was turned into a huge hit by T.I. There are positives and negatives with using a beat this well known. The biggest positive is the familiarity people will have with it. It will cause heads to turn and will assist in getting the track some attention. The downside is the comparison to the original track that everyone will make, and if it doesn’t live up to their expectations, the artist could be frowned upon immensely by listeners. Stevey B comes in on the first verse and brings a well-timed flow with a delivery to be appreciated. However, his punchlines just aren’t connecting the way he would like them to connect. The hook is pretty catchy and should be received rather well. The featured verse from Titty hurts the track, in my honest opinion, as almost the entire verse he spits is practically filler and his rhyme schemes are simple. I like how the track ends, with a blend of the hook and the bridge in an entertaining manner. While “Shots Fired” leaves room for improvement, I still have to say it’s far from a bad addition to The Long Count.

9- Opportunity Knocks
Stevey B returns to the uplifting, positive message brought forth in earlier tracks on the album. This time, though, Stevey B brings the message across in a different fashion. I really like the hook, as I have for nearly every track thus far. “Opportunity Knocks” is more than fitting for the album, and will certainly have fans who list it among their favorite tracks of The Long Count.

10- Highway Home
Stevey B finds a way to bring more feel good music to the audience, and incorporates some great subject matter at the same time. “Highway Home” is a track that has no problem fitting into anyone’s “on the road” playlist. This track also features a catchy hook, but I would really like if Stevey B were to switch it up a little by having a female throw in some background vocals with the hook or something of that sort. Another solid addition to the album.

11- My Love
Sampling another popular song, Stevey B continues to give the audience entertaining instrumentals. The switch up I spoke about on the last track is actually present here as Stevey B uses the vocals of the sample built into the beat with a similar execution to the one I suggested. The subject matter shouldn’t be hard to figure out by the title of the track, which is another change the audience will welcome. He also continues to bring a feel good vibe on the track. “My Love” hits the Featured Track list full force.

12- Chase That High
This beat has the feeling of a breeze behind it, which automatically connected the song’s title to the track. Stevey B delivers one of his smoothest flowing songs of the album. The hook is just as catchy as any previously heard, although repetition is leaned on a little more this time around. The overall feel-good approach is still very apparent. This track falls under pop more than hip hop, in my opinion, but continues to push an excellent performance for The Long Count.

13- Rebel Radio
Another timely change of pace to keep things interesting for the audience is brought to the table with “Rebel Radio”. The presentation falls in line with the positive sound heard throughout the album, but this time Stevey B’s message is one of resistance and individualism. He displays the ability to chop it up with seriousness over the quick and intense instrumental. Again, Stevey B brings enough of a mixture to keep things entertaining yet falls in line with the formula to maintain the blend called for in the recipe.

14- The Good Fight
Between the message of the lyrics and the bounce behind the beat for “The Good Fight”, the audience is given a great track to follow “Rebel Radio”. The changes between intensity and calming deliveries are fluid. As expected, the same can be said for Stevey B’s flow. “The Good Fight” slides into a Featured Tracks list.

15- Bounce Back
The conclusion of The Long Count contains exactly what would be expected after reading the track’s title. The predictability steals the shine of this song somewhat for me, leaving a little to be desired to close out an album that has captured my attention. Regardless, Stevey B’s energy proves to be relentless as The Long Count comes to an end. - The Write Reviews

http://issuu.com/aswwu/docs/2_8final.pdf/7?e=15965194/33349118 - AS Review

Live Review: ayo dot and the uppercuts, deadly d, double b and laceS, eli hotep
March 15 • the fairhaven

The stage was host to hip-hop musicians from across northwest Washington on Saturday night for the Fairhaven’s Grand Opening weekend in the newly re-opened restaurant, bar and venue.
Eli Hotep started the night with genuine, meaningful rap. Alone on stage he brought honest and uplifting rhymes based on life as he lives it. With vocals and a message that were easy to hear and appreciate, Eli adeptly controlled the stage and engaged the crowd. An up and comer, he is one to watch on the Northwest hip hop scene.
Next up was Double B and Laces. Coming to town from Olympia, drummer Laces and emcee Double B were linked in their performance. The fast staccato rap and concise drumming remained clean and intentional throughout their set – Double B and Laces easily engaged the audience, and everyone joined in calls and responses, clapping and singing with the guys on stage. The duo divulged the inspiration before the songs to help the crowd appreciate the rapid fire lyrics and also did a freestyle based on things in the audience’s pockets, a’la improv theatre. Throughout their set the drumming was solid and the emcee’s stories were relatable and amusing, more than once, the whole room laughed together at the clever lyrics. While some of it was tongue in cheek, the rhymes were always smart.
Ayo Dot and the Uppercuts make up a full band; drummer Jeff McNamara, bassist Chris Wadsworth, guitarist Jordan Haas, back up vocalist Whitney Killian, and emcee Ayo Dot himself. The chemistry was undeniable as the Seattle group created solid songs and a well executed set. Ayo Dot and Whitney Killian both have a strong voice and stage presence – the lyrics were positive, honest and relatable, the music was danceable. Each musician was individually strong in their role and the group worked as a team on stage to create a full sound and overall experience – the band brought a lot; soulful singing, call backs, powerful bass riffs, great dancing and even a well executed, unique Queens of the Stone Age cover. Overall this set offered a lot more than just hip-hop.
After a short break Deadly D took the stage with all eyes to the front. They dove right into a well coordinated set. The transitions were smooth including when Lydia Davis joined as back up vocalist with Drummer Tommy Mutchler, Guitarist Mac Christion, and Deadly Duo; Steve Borden and Michael Pianki. Voices from the crowd joined in singing songs they had heard before, including “Cocaine (Artificial Bliss),” the new video for which was released the day before. The musicians and emcees were comfortable together on stage and delivered a full performance using the whole stage yet allowed the focus to remain on the music, which while rap driven, is clearly influenced by many genres.
Throughout the night, the performers shared their love of hip-hop, music, art, and expression. They called on the crowd to raise their hands and their voices for the love of the music, and the people did.
-Thea Hart - What's Up! Magazine

2013 Winners
Country Male Vocalist
: Jeremiah Wheeler
Country Female Vocalist: 
Rachel Lipsky
Country Entertainer
: Amy Rose
Country Band/Group
: Highway 55
Country Song
: “Bright Blue World” – Courtney Leigh Heins
Country Album
: “Won’t Let Go” – Tim Holmes
Pop Male Vocalist
: Isaiah Grass
Pop Female Vocalist: 
Eden Espinosa
Pop Entertainer
: Tyler Matl
Pop Band/Group: 
Goodbye Friday
Pop Song
: “Party Glitter Rockstars” – Lexi
Pop Album
: “Look Around” – Eden Espinosa
Rock Male Vocalist
: James Ethan Clark
Rock Female Vocalist: 
Christy Johnson
Rock Entertainer
: Meadows Fortune
Rock Band/Group
: Red Box Harbor
Rock Song
: “Sing to Me” – Seven Story Fall
Rock Album
: “Shine” – Jon Mullane
Rock CD/Album
Hip Hop Male Vocalist
: Septimius The Great
Hip Hop Female Vocalist: 
Justice
Hip Hop Entertainer
: Summer Azul
Hip Hop Band/Group: 
Deadly D
Hip Hop Song
: “Control” – eMkay
Hip Hop Album
: “Moving On” – eMkay
Christian Male Vocalist
: J. Douglas Wright
Christian Female Vocalist: 
Katelyn McCarter
Christian Entertainer
: Katelyn McCarter
Christian Band/Group: 
Isaiah’s Cry
Christian Song
: “We Are Hope” – Sheila Raye Charles
Christian Album
: “From You For You” – Dan Macaulay
Songwriter of the Year
: Jiggley Jones
Music Video of the Year
: “Say Goodnight” – Reasons Be
Record Company of the Year
: Dreamin’ Out Loud Entertainment
Management Company of the Year: 
MTS Management Group
Producer of the Year: 
Joseph Abate (Look Around – Eden Espinosa)
Best Musical
: “The Color Purple” (The Poteet Theatre)
Best Lead Actor in a Musical
: Ryan PJ Mulholland
Best Lead Actress in a Musical: 
Morgan Casto
Best Director of a Musical: 
Patti Mactas
Best Choreography
: Melanie Cornelison
Best Featured Actor in a Musical: 
Elliott Brabant
Best Featured Actress in a Musical
: Ashley Taylor
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
: Jay Prock
Best Lighting Design of a Musical: 
Tim Roberts
Best Sounds Design of a Musical
: Mark Keeler
Best Play
: The Glass Menagerie (Cast Theatrical Company)
Best Lead Actor in a Play
: JJ Porter
Best Lead Actress in a Play
: Janine Theodore
Best Director of a Play
: Ed Bassett
Best Featured Actress in a Play
: Judith Wellner
Best Sound Design of a Play
: Fred Kuttner
Best Lighting Design of a Play: 
Claudia Toth - IMEA Awards