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Do you know Hip- Hop? If you do then you know this intro: Microphone check, micro, microphone checka… Chances are, you know the whole song!
Fast forward. Drayz of ‘DAS EFX’ is still microphone checking, who wanna battle? Anyone wanna battle?

Of course I am going to ask what everyone wants to know, “where is Skoob?” Did you lock him in closet or something?

(LOL) No, he’s doing him. He is working on his solo joint. He’s good.

Oh, ok. Now I know you have solo music you are working on and I definitely want to chat about that but as a group what have you guys been up to? Do you have any new music as a group?

As Das EFX, we are always traveling doing shows. We just did Chile, Australia, China, and Dominican Republic. We don’t have any new music out as a group, unfortunately. It just seems like we cannot get the timing right to get into the studio.

Hopefully you guys will be able to make that happen soon. In April, you celebrated the 20th anniversary of your debut album, ‘DEAD SERIOUS’. Congratulations on that achievement. In that time span the industry has really changed. What are your thoughts on the ‘ new’ industry downloading bootlegging etc.?

Thanks. Twenty years flew by like nothing, which is why I’m working like I am now. No time to waste. As far as the changes in the industry, I have no choice but to roll with change. Cant be afraid of change or you get left behind. So, I take full advantage of the Internet, downloading etc. Of course, I miss the days of the ‘mom & pops’ record shops. The whole feel of the 90’s but I adapt to what’s going on today. You have to.

Just for a moment, reach back and tell me, when did you fall in love with H.E.R?

Back in 1979 when my pops used to bring, home records for me like Grand Master Flash. When I heard Planet Rock, I was hooked.
In present time, what do you feel you can add to the culture right now, what is the next step?
I want to add my feel to hip hop as everyone wants to. I want the new guys to hear my stuff and know that I’m still capable of rocking and dropping hot joints. I want the artists in hip-hop to know that we need unity in hip-hop in order to survive. Long gone are the days when artists from different spots on the map toured together. Example, we toured with THE DOGG POUND and THE OUTLAWS back in the day. In present time, I’m focused on my solo music. I have music I must get out.

I see. I listened to your new track ‘ I Luv Hip Hop ‘ and of course, I am going to need every one to hear, ‘you are not playing’. Before we end this, I must ask the question. If you could choose any female rapper to rock beside, who would it be and why?

I would rock with Lauren Hill for sure because of the obvious, she is dangerous on the microphone.

Good answer Drayz and thank you once again.

Your welcome Trae . Peace to all my fans. It’s ShowTime. * You can cop Showtime @ the link below. Support real Hip Hop. Until next time…keep it cute, positive and moving.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/showtime/id573864630 BY: TRACY MILLS

As the holidays approach, much like giving thanks during Thanksgiving, a special time of the year where family gather around a table and share a traditional Thanksgiving, with all the trimmings, for Gold Star Mothers there’s an empty setting which is a reminder of our loss. We say grace, much like everyone else, except we embrace the somber reminder of our Heroes, our children and those young men and women who are in foreign countries in the midst of conflict. Men and women who unfortunately will not or have not had the opportunity of returning home, proudly sitting at the head of the table, carving a fresh turkey, scooping up the macaroni and cheese from a glass casserole dish or simply getting the first piece of sweet potato pie, a gathering ensued by laughter and sometimes family games. Nevertheless they’ve carried or carry out their mission and some return to base while others are stationed in faraway places, deserts surrounded by dirt with watchful eyes, sharing the special holiday with their comrades.

And then there is the most spectacular holiday of all. For me it’s Christmas, a time of the year where many celebrations are taking place referencing my belief and faith. There are various other religious occurrences and holidays that occur within the month of December where others celebrate as well, contingent upon their beliefs and faith. Either way we are all left with a memory, but a memory we are grateful to have. One that brings us back to those days where we were a part of the hustle and bustle, in and out of stores to purchase that special gift, that special one thing that your child asked for. We would even go as far as baking cookies for Santa Claus or purchasing candy canes for the tree. At times, families assembled in church giving thanks. Some created small towns, along with trains and train stations which encircled our Christmas trees, a reminder of the holiday celebration.

Our way now in this transitional phase of our lives, the “new normal” as proposed, we give back. We become part of Care Drives, some we develop ourselves, asking for donations of goods during the holiday season, providing that special something that would surely make our Heroes smile. You’ll often find us in huge rooms, with hundreds of boxes surrounding us and tables overflowing with goodies such as candy, cookies, toiletries, books, coloring books, crayons, Christmas cards, Santa Claus hats and stockings, numerous other items and we can’t forget the sweet treat of a candy cane, a reminder of why we’re there. Although our Heroes, who have sacrificed their lives, are not present and here with us, we know they are surely in the hearts and souls of us and their fellow comrades, and what better way to honor them than by providing their comrades with something special, reminding them they have not been forgotten. If we’re not in the middle of a care drive, look for us at cemeteries, where we are laying wreaths or placing flags by thousands upon thousands of soldiers headstones, honoring them for their dutiful service. If not there, we’re involved in various other events or assisting those veterans in hospitals, taking part in their celebrations, or sharing in school functions which cater to veterans children who have lost their mother or father to war.

I asked that you remember those brave soldiers during the holidays, those who have fought and continue to fight for freedom, who have given you the precious state of liberty. It is without doubt, our duty!
Gold Star Mother signing out, Hoorah! BY: HOPE HOLLINGWORTH