We Lost One...Another One (sigh)

Pimp C

All my homies drinkin liquor, tears in everybody's eyes
Niggaz cried, to mourn a homie's homicide
But I can't cry, instead I'm just a shoulder
Damn, why they take another soldier?

- 2Pac ("How Long Will They Mourn Me?")

These words from the late great Tupac Shakur from his song "How Long Will They Mourn Me?" as so appropriate at the moment in today's world. Earlier this afternoon, the rap game and the world lost another soldier to death in the passing of Chad Butler. Pimp C, as he was better known to the world, stood as one of the South's pioneering rappers and all-time greats. As one half of the dynamic rap group UGK, he and Bun B delivered some of the greatest music coming from Texas that represented the south to the fullest. Even through his three-year jail bid, we all stood united in support for Pimp C with the "Free Pimp C" movement led by his lifelong partner Bun B.

Hearing the news about Pimp C's passing early today came as a great shock. I couldn't believe those words when I first read them on HipHopDX that read, "BREAKING: Pimp C Found Dead In Hotel Room". I felt my body stand still in disbelief that legendary rapper Pimp C had died. With the recent passing of football player Sean Taylor and Dr. Donda West, this was just too much for me to take. I couldn't believe that we had lost another from the world in the death of Pimp C. His death led me to realize just how precious life really is and how we truely have to live each day like it's our last because you never know when God will call you.

Even though I wasn't the biggest Pimp C or UGK fan, I still had much respect for their music and their movement in the South. I believe it was a song ("Country Cousins") on Talib Kweli's recent album Ear Drum that featured UGK in which I heard Bun B rap, "Down south we listen to it all, we didn't discriminate". This line from Bun B stuck out to me so much from any other lyrics in the song. This showed me just how much UGK respected the rap game and how they supported everybody no matter which coast you were from. In a world where the south gets disrespected and overlooked because of their grills, candy painted cars, and southern slang, we could all take notes from UGK and learn how to respect and support everybody cause we're really all in this together.

UGK's song "One Day" has really captured my feelings during this time and really has a strong message that's come to the surface during this time. 1996 couldn't be more accurate in 2007 in saying, "One day youre here, but then youre gone". Like 2Pac once stated, death is around the corner and it's being felt more than ever right now. My personal motto has always been "Live For Tomorrow, Make It Past Today" and that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm gonna live my life to the fullest and make everyday count and see my dreams come true.

R.I.P.
Pimp C
Sean Taylor
Dr. Donda West

...We're Losing To Many!!!

Review: "Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two"

Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two

With Reality Check Records' third official mixtape nearing completion for its February 2008 release, we decided to take a trip back to its previously released mixtape Realize Reality in viewing the project's review.

Reality Check Records, Inc.
Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two
Reality Check Records, Inc.

Mixtape Review

Author: SPF

In a day and age where the word ‘Reality’ can be anything from celebrity tabloids to television shows on CBS and MTV, making the distinction between what’s substantial and what’s not can almost seem like an impossible task. The great photographer Michael Nolan once said, "There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart…pursue those." When a small group of artists from the independent record label Reality Check Records, Inc. jumped on the music scene in January of 2006, they were instantly recognized for their genuine message and soulful music.

"The message of Reality Check Records, Inc. is that we’re bringing "real" music to the industry with a "real" message. Seeing as how much of the music industry, in particular the genre of Hip-Hop/Rap, has conformed to the commercialism just to succeed, we thought it was time for a change to be brought about," stated Reality Check Records, Inc.’s multi-talented Chris Thurston (Sean Billz). Thurston, who has a different identity for each musical task he conquers, prefers to go by the name Sean Billz for rapping, Sean B. for producing, and DJ Triple Threat for DJ’ing. Billz also handles the business side of the label, serving as mentor and friend to the label’s three other artists: Jeremy Kennebrew (Midnight), Rydell Covington (Young Ché), and Charice Rodgers (Charice).

"I love and support all of my label mates to the fullest potential. We’re all one big family, and if one makes it then we’re all making it together," Billz added about his fellow colleagues. The Chicago foursome has only been making music for less then a year, yet they’re already making noise all around Illinois. "Rap music and the rap game has gotten so far from its roots and what made it a unique genre of music that was different from any other. Nowadays most artists are just focused on the material things in life, and therefore that is what the basis of most of their songs. All you hear about as far as song topics go is: wealth, lust, and prosperity. You never really hear a lot of artists tackling the major issues that are focused with our world, and I think that is because they are afraid to tread into those waters with the fear of not being accepted by the public." What Reality Check Records, Inc. isn’t afraid of, is testing those waters, and that is clearly demonstrated on their second mixtape, Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two.

The mixtape’s first song is S. Billz, "Inaugural Address", which features a light piano and bass riff that fits perfectly with Billz’ soft, but intense voice echoing lyrics in the background. Shifting between spitting rhymes and addressing his message to the people, Billz states what Reality Check Records, Inc. stands for. Billz cleverly spits into the mic:

"To make a difference for the slums, when they only want your funds

And advance loot, to upgrade clothes and tattered guns

Known to scatters funds where it doesn't help the nation

The rap game's turning into the Bush administration"

The mixtape then switches to the dark and eerie "Rise", which showcases the talents of Midnight, Young Ché, and Sean Billz. The trio aggressively exchange verses on one of the most intense tracks on the mixtape. Billz assertive voice pounds into your ear drums with lyrics like: 

"Stand back and watch the days unfold

I changed the globe with my words, vision, and sight

If you can't understand my message, you ain't listening right"

The next track is the dynamically lyrical "Motivational Music" by Sean Billz, which shifts effortlessly between verse and hook. The uplifting beat fits perfectly with Billz positive rhymes:

"Can't another soul contest

Best advice just to confess, never claim that you're the best

Position yourself lower just puts pressure on your shoulders

To the point you want it over and give out on your dreams

Success, a seven letter word I know what it means"

Young Ché’s solo track, "A Story In Rewind", presents Ché’s talented storytelling skills despite being only 16 years old. The track is based off Nas’ "Rewind", in which he takes the same concept by telling a story from the ending back to the beginning. S. Billz, "What Type Of Artist Are You?", acquaints listeners with maybe the best message on the entire mixtape. Billz sets up the track in question format, as he relentlessly grills the music industry’s identity and challenges the industry to take a "reality check." Bars like,

"Do you grab the pen and paper when beginning to write

Or spend countless nights in booths making sure the beat is right"

[...]

"Do you treat your artists right and reward them for their loyalty 

Or let greed take over and rob them of their royalties"

cleverly make the track a huge hit while maintaining Reality Check Records, Inc.'s musical agenda. The beat features a smooth blend of jazz and swing, which is a rarity in rap music these days. The hard hitting "Rap ’N Rhyme" follows next, with Young Ché giving a brief historical chronological of hip-hop’s past decade, 

"And then in ’99 a rumor goes around about a man that’s still alive

That supposedly died in ’96,  but talks about his death in ’95"

which transitions into Sean Billz announcing his "eleven favorite emcees of all-time with a modern day twist" (he unfolds his favorite emcees by albums instead of stating their names directly).

"Signs of Success" is Sean Billz next track which might possibly showcase his strongest flow on the entire album. Billz smoothly flows from bar to bar with little resistance, as he spits about the negative effects money can have on people, "It’s okay to make the money/ but don’t let it make you". "Back to the Basics & Basis" is another Billz song that once again features the swing sound that brings you back to the 1930’s. The old school sound is fitting for this track, as Billz’ soulful lyrics claim that the past is better then the present:

"I hate to say it, but what happened to this culture and art

It seems like since ‘98 it's been falling apart"

"The Story" is a great collaboration between Midnight and Young Ché, which uses great storytelling to rhyme over the heavy dissonant beat. Midnight’s special flow and voice can be compared to a young Kayne West. The song ends with a creative touch as Midnight’s lengthy acapella continues to tell the story.

The gracious sampled voice is a great addition on the hook of "When I Die", which is Midnight’s depressing tribute to death,

"All the people dying around me, starting to wonder if I’m next

Knowing that this world ain't nothing but a big test

I confess, I did wrong, and I’m scared to die alone"

The mixtape then proceeds to feature three S. Billz tracks including, "Dream Chasers", the Chicago street anthem "Chi-City (City Limits)", and the uplifting "A Purpose Driven Life". Charice makes her debut on the track "All I Need", which links strong vocals with an appealing guest performance by S. Billz, similar to a Beyonce/Jay-Z duet. The final song on the mixtape is a remix of the ever popular "In Memory Of" that was featured on the label’s first mixtape. This time, Charice joins Sean Billz and Young Ché to make another memorable tribute to those that have fallen:

"Nowadays days death ain't just a cousin of slumber

living to wonder our day of being six feet under"

The gloomy vocals of Charice on the hook, blend perfectly with Young Ché and S. Billz’ melancholy lyrics.

While mainstream rap continues to push heavily towards a materialistic and degrading message, Reality Check Records, Inc. begs to go in a different direction. "Personally, I think the world will come to accept and adopt the change and positive message that we are trying to push to the forefront. Some people have questioned our motive and ways of focusing on positive rap and said that we won’t make it very far since we are going against the grain of what is popular in today’s music terms. But when I hear this I don’t get discouraged, I use it as motivation to prove those people wrong in their thinking," Billz lectures. "In five years Reality Check Records, Inc. will be at the forefront of the music industry and a known figure for bringing a much needed change to the music scene." In a time where the music industry appears to be shouting (almost crying) out for something fresh, Reality Check Records, Inc.’s talented lineup appears to be the most logical solution. Doubt that? It hasn’t been the first time.


"Do you live life focused on what others think about you
Or gather motivation to succeed when they just doubt you"

-S. Billz ("What Type of Artist Are You?")

Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two

Track Listings
1. Intro – Eazy
2. Inaugural Address – Sean Billz
3. Rise – Midnight ft. Young Ché & Sean Billz
4. Motivation Muzik – Sean Billz
5. A Story In Rewind – Young Ché
6. What Type Of Artist Are You? – Sean Billz
7. Rap ‘N Rhyme – Young Ché & Sean Billz
8. Signs Of Success – Sean Billz
9. Interlude – COO/CFO
10. Back To The Basics & Basis – Sean Billz
11. The Story – Midnight ft. Young Ché
12. When I Die – Midnight
13. Dream Chasers – Sean Billz
14. Chi-City (City Limits) – Sean Billz
15. A Purpose Driven Life – Sean Billz
16. All I Need – Charice ft. Sean Billz
17. In Memory Of…(Remix) – Sean Billz, Young Ché, & Charice
18. Outro – Eazy

Reality Check Records, Inc.’s MySpace page
www.myspace.com/realitycheckrecordsinc

A Rare Species - Excite Magazine Interview (Sean Billz)

Sean Billz

Sean Billz

Friday, September 14, 2007

A RARE SPECIES

At 19 years old Chris Thurston is a music mogul in the making. Thurston, who goes by the name Sean Billz as a rapper, is the founder and CEO of his very own indie record label Reality Check Records based in Chicago. Aside from rapping Billz adds the titles of songwriter, producer, and DJ under his belt (maintaining different aliases for each). But his music is not typical of the rap and hip-hop that you'd hear on the radio today. Billz and his record label bring something fresh to the music industry choosing to create socially conscious music that focuses on real issues rather than on superficial and materialistic themes that usually pervade hip-hop music. Excite Magazine gets real with Sean Billz as we discuss the reason behind his socially conscious music, his take on the hip-hop game today, the upcoming presidential election, and much more...

Interview by Shakeitta McCord

Excite Magazine: Your music is very different from the hip-hop/rap out today, how would you describe it?

Sean Billz: I would describe it as mainly being original in light of most of the hip-hop and rap that's out today. Most of it from my point of view is commercialized as far as money and record sales. I would describe my music as original and something different in the way that I try to focus on real issues that are going on in the world and bring it to the listener's ear as something that they can relate to. You know, it might not be happening to me but I know there's something going on with somebody else out there that might be listening to my music and it can affect them in a personal manner. That's basically how I would describe my music; it's original and personal, that could touch somebody heart.

EM: What made you want to perform this type of music?

S. Billz: Mainly what started that was really finding myself as an artist because at that time when I started writing I was kind of writing in the common trend of what was popular, so the stuff I was writing then was talking about guns and violence and women. It was actually my mom, she read my notebook, my book of rhymes, and she actually pointed out to me, she sat me down and talked to me on a personal level and was like "I know this is not you, this is not how I raised you." That was something I took to heart. I took some time and sat down and really read what I was writing and it wasn't me. So, I came to look at that and say this is not who I want to be, so it was all about finding myself. And then write music that I think everybody would want to listen to. Because I know I would listen to music in the car with my mom and there would be some tracks that I would have to skip through. I wanted to write music that I didn't have to skip through any tracks, I could just play the whole thing and it wouldn't offend anybody.

EM: How did you get started in music?

S. Billz: I got started in 2003 when I was about 16. Actually, me and my best friend (he was a rapper as well) we started writing together; we were working on a project actually. He got killed so I kind of kept on, instead of stopping right there and saying, okay this is it since he passed away. I kept going because I felt like in his memory since we started together I wanted to keep pursuing it. I got more into music as far as the producing aspect of it and the Djing aspect of it. And just in light of everything that was going on I wanted to start a record label that was different from the rest, that had a different way of thinking. That's what led me to start Reality Check Records.

EM: In several of your songs you talk about not caring about the money or the fame. As someone in the music business, is that not something that you want?

S. Billz: I can say it's not my top priority. Money is an important aspect as far as the music business but just for me on an artistic level it's not my top priority. I put many other things above the money, or the fame, or the limelight. Me as an artist, if it comes, it comes, and I'll accept it; but if not, that's not my main agenda. To bring a difference, that's really my main focus, to bring a difference for myself and then for the artists that come after me so they don't have to go through much of the stuff that we go through now in the hip-hop community.

EM: Do you believe that doing music with a message will amass the popularity that current rap about material things has?

S. Billz: I believe that it can. I believe that there's a time for everything. Right now it might be the commercial music. Back in the day it used to be the gansta rap; the more hardcore rap that was the trend. But I think the more positive conscious rap will get to the mainstream level; it's just the amount of people catching on to it and not wanting to follow the trend. I think that's a big thing missing in music, is artists that are not afraid to be themselves and go against what's popular. And I think that once artists and even fans themselves know what music they want to listen to and not what music they want to buy just because it's hot right now, it's going to push more socially conscious rappers to the forefront. Now there are rappers that are doing it [socially conscious music] it's just going to take more of us to keep pushing that idea.

EM: Have you ever experienced any opposition to the things you say in your songs?

S. Billz: Since I started I haven't run into any opposition. I think that's mainly because it's something different. I'm talking about something that they can relate to instead of rejecting and saying, I don't want to hear this rapper talking about guns and money. He's talking about the same thing this rapper over here is talking about.

EM: Even with your focus on the message of the song, how important is a good beat for you?

S. Billz: That's honestly the first thing that I listen to when I hear a song. If you have a good beat it's going to catch the listener. It's going to draw them to listen on and hopefully the lyrics will grab them in the same way that the beat has. But I think that having a good beat is very vital to go along with the lyrics. They have to go hand in hand.

EM: What sort of music do you listen to and which artists do you like?

S. Billz: I'm a big Chicago rapper fan so right now I'm listening to the new Common Finding Forever. I've been listening to that all week. I'm still listening to Lupe Fiasco's record. I'm a big fan of old school rap, rap from the 90's, and some rap from the 80's. That's what catches my ear because I don't listen to a lot what's out nowadays, what's played on the radio, what's hot. I mean, I might go through it being a dj but I'd say mainly 90's rap: Reasonable Doubt (Jay-Z), Illmatic (Nas), Ready to Die (Notorious B.I.G) because those were all albums that influenced me.

EM: Who are your musical influences outside of Hip-hop music?

S. Billz: I listen to a lot of soul music from back in the day Motown, a lot of R&B, a lot of Jazz. I am highly influenced by Jazz like Roy Ayers; I listen to him a lot. Marvin Gaye. Beyonce is actually a big influence. I really like her work ethic and her drive. She's able to do a lot of things not just in music but she has the movies and endorsements. She's one of the people that I can see is really doing for herself and is really driven. I kind of look at people like that, people going out making a name for themselves.

EM: Your music has a political/social message, what's your take on the upcoming presidential election? Who are you pulling for?

S. Billz: I've been watching the political debates and right now my vote would have to go to Barack Obama. It's still early though, you know; I'm watching him very closely.

EM: Do you think that he actually has a chance of winning the election?

S. Billz: Yeah, I think that he has a good chance of winning it. He's a very good speaker. He knows what he wants to do. He has a plan, and I think that's the biggest thing that people are looking for, a president who has a plan, that knows what they want to do coming in. I think that he has a very good plan and as long as he sticks with that, I think he has a great chance of winning.

Check out Sean Billz's MySpace page and listen to his music www.myspace.com/seanbillz