It’s a real dog eat dog business. Easy to get into but hard to breakout of. I thought I knew what I was doing but now I’m not so sure. I’ve no doubt this year holds a lot great moments in it, but how to reach those is beyond me. I know my limitations and capabilities and as good as I might believe that I am, I know something is missing. But what is it? Some have called what I’m lacking “image”. But how do you redefine yourself to project a certain “image” thru your music without having to compromise yourself integrity. I don’t drive $100k cars and live in a multi-million dollar home. I don’t have money to just throw away and I’ve only bought one diamond in life…most recently. I’m no fake and I don’t front. I could really careless about latest fashion. All I know is I make sure I look good. So for me to go out there and try to dress a certain way, or rap about something that’s not me, just won’t fly. That put me in a not -so-good position, strictly speaking from my point of view. What separates my music from the garbage on the radio is the quality of lyrical content, as well as the beat. But to see the performance live you look like every other band, or rapper, or singer already out there. So what makes you so special? You have talent, but so do a couple other million artists out there trying to make it. The only options you are left with at that point are to either focus on your music, the message, and the type of audience it is directed towards to make the most of it and hope you catch on thru word of mouth and so on and so fourth. Or your other option is to change something in your delivery of your music. Both live and recorded. For me I have only one option and that is to focus on my music.

I recently performed at a music showcase where there were record label reps present to scout and provide feedback. Now some of the feedback was great and some not so great but all of it worth every once in gold. What struck me was a particular song that I performed really got the attention of the reps. Afterwards when speaking with them and introducing myself to them, they were delighted to meet the artist whom performed the song they so greatly enjoyed. It was at that point I really realized the type of music everybody wants. It was also at that moment they spoke their dislike of the first song choice, among other things. Now I could look back at that situation and see all the negative feedback that came from it. Mainly just not getting signed or being un-recognized. Instead I see all the good that came out from this. I know what type of music the “industry” is and is not looking for. The hard part is fixing the area where you need the most work. As an artist every piece that you create won’t be as great as the “Mona Lisa” but you can strive to create pieces that embody the same greatness of the “Mona Lisa”. But to pin point exactly what made something great is not always the easiest thing to do, especially musically.

In any case, regardless what anyone thinks I’m gonna stay true to me and my music. If it turns out other people like it I’m gonna keep doing it. And if it comes a point and nobody but me likes it…well I guess you’re gonna have to put up with a couple more albums. Bottom line, I’m not changing my music but I will and have changed my out look and focus when I make my music and or a new beat. I may not necessarily be looking to get signed this very moment but that does not mean I don’t want to produce record label quality material or have the potential of being signed. Should opportunity knock I want to be able to open the door and take advantage. In the meantime I’m back in the lab making beats, coming up with new songs and waiting. I’ve got a lot more fight in me than those against me. How many times do I gotta say this ...Mic Doja! Get it in your heads and tell a friend. Listen to the music. Give me criticism, give me praise, whatever man just leave a comment and represent for me Mic Doja. www.micdoja.com. Holler at me.

If life is a car, it's Bugatti Veyron fast. I don't know about anyone else but this year has passed by in the blink of an eye it seems. From the moment I left my old job at Anthem Blue Cross back in June of 2008 so much has happened and been accomplished. When I finished my album and was ready to release it, I was looking for venues to perform at. Once I found one, all of a sudden I was booked to do shows for the next 3 mos. coming. After I thought I would take a small break and focus again on my music production. Well, next thing you know I agree to do a show with a friend and BAM! I get a slew of offers for other venues and shows again.  At first I was reluctant but then figured why not. So I do have a few shows lined up. Two of which are for next month in November. The first show is down in L.A. in the city of Eagle Rock. I'll be performing a song or two on a venue with my good friend F.I.R.E. of Kush House Records. This venue is actually going to be an ongoing venue from my understanding so I might be frequenting this place in the near future. So be on the look out.  The second show is in Santa Barbara at the Velvet Jones. There I get the honor and chance to open up for The Beatnuts. This is a good look and a step forward for me. This will be my first official opening performance for a national act. BOOOOYAH! On the real I'm excited for the opportunity even though my set is split and I'm only getting 15 mins. to drop some music ya. I look at it like it's a whole new crowd that'll I'll be in front of and get exposed too. Plus there is always the possibility that an agent or another promoter will take interest in my style of music.

Now on a whole other page, I've been quite busy with my family business. Most people are unaware but aside from the 9 to 5 job and performing and music production, I also serve as Sr. V.P. Sales and Marketing for The Wallee Hot Dog, LLC. If you haven't yet heard of The Wallee Hot Dog, allow me to introduce you to the world's only gourmet specialty hot dog. Now I won't go into specifics at this time but I will elaborate on this in the future, just know we're knee deep in this grind and things are really picking up. So remember the name The Wallee Hot Dog, it's only a matter of time until you taste one. Now also on another page is the future of the album that I'm currently working on. I was set to release it sometime in 2010 summer. Now I am having doubts that I will have finished everything that I will need to have done by that time. This is because frankly, I don't know what to put on this album. I don't plan on becoming a Dr. Dre with his long, almost centennial delay of the detox. But I gotta try to put out the best music I can possibly make.

Las Vegas baby! The only place in the world that's perfect for a birthday bash regardless of age. (Please Note: Minors require a fake I.D.), but none the less a great place. Free drinks, almost free food, live and entertaining, and the opportunity to go from rags to riches....or vice versa depending on your luck or card counting abilities. I'm turning the big 30 this Halloween, and what better day and place than the freaky, creepy Las Vegas. If 30 really is the new 20, I'm about to find out first hand. I don't have really much of a plan for my birthday except some single-deck black jack and good times with friends. As long as I don't lose my shirt on the tables this should be a real dope trip. Anyway I have much to plan and much more to do so these last few months of 2009 are really gonna fly by. So if you're down stick around and hang on because we're about to go for a ride in the fast lane of life. Please fasten you seat belts and keep all arms and legs in the vehicle at all times. Next stop 2010, estimated arrival time....approximately 3.2 seconds.

Some how I'm slipping back in to the nothingness that was before I started working on my album. I have big plans and ideas but am finding it hard to really focus and nail down a lot of projects at the moment. I'm sitting at home listening to some homies do their music thing and they're making it happen sort of speak. Mean while I'm kinda putting around with ideas and concepts. In theory I'm being pretty productive but in the physical form I'm looking for an extra push to help further what I'm working on. At this point I have a large portion of music ready for recording but no time, funding, or location. I have a little bit of all three things but not enough of all three when I need them most. No matter though, because I'm still grind out what I can, although I can be fustrating at times. I'm looking in to the possibility of recording at home again. It is not my ideal recording location but it may have to do for the time being. All I know is that I have to finish this year BIG! Well okay I don't HAVE to but I want to and I will do. I think this year and the next I need to strike while the iron's hot and take full advantage of any and every opportunity...which I haven't done 100%. There has not been a week that has gone by since my last performance that someone hasn't hit me up on when my next show is. I feel bad for putting it off for so long but I need the time to prepare for the next step up on my performances. Right now, that next step is a dousy to try an tackle between working my 9-5, working my family business and working my music. 3 serious jobs per day with only 24 hrs can make for some stressful times and slow progress. Not to mention quite a few of my new songs I'm working on at the moment have someone else also performing on the track, so that takes time to actually arrange a decent time when we can all get together. I guess the bottom line is that I'm making progress but not at a pace that I would like. I have a lot of people I need to get with regarding photo shoots, video replication, music collaborations, recording space and time, and that's just to name a few off the top just for my music. Plus I actually want to have a life outside of work. So what do you do when you feel trapped by the routine and your not making the progress that you want? Grind harder? For me that's all I know, but I gotta find a way to get more time, 2010 is coming up fast. Despite all that I have on my plate at the moment I am seriously considering doing one more show this year for those who have missed out on past performances. I'm not sure if it will work out or if I can pull it off but I will be looking in to it because of so many requests. Beside I like perfoming and if Obama can get a Nobel Peace Prize, I think I can mange another show.

Well, let me start by saying thank God it's October! I say that only because I move around with my job and I don't like where I'm at all that much. But end of November I get to blow this pop stand. Plus not to mention my birthday at the end of the month. A bithday party in Vegas is cool..turning 30..ummmm..not so cool. It's not that bad I hear 30 is the new 20. Shoo..I'm about to find out. I am fortunate to have some good friends who gave an invite to stay in Vegas in a suite with them. Gas to Vegas..$150. Bottle of Crown Royal..$25. Drunk, puking in the gutter on the Las Vegas Strip on your Birthday..Priceless. That's how I roll. Anybody wanna come too? Leaving on Friday Oct. 30 and coming back On Nov. 1st. going be good times I tell. And don't even get me started on the Single Deck BlackJack...that's my shiz-nizzle

Anyway, if you haven't already noticed I put up a few new songs. Well not really new , but unreleased songs. I figured I'd put them up and see what people think..if anything. Also I'm looking to start doing interviews again so if you have something interesting that you do, or just doing big thangs, holla atcha boy. We can link up and have you featured on my website.

Until next time PEACE!


DVD COMING SOON!!!

Being different will get you noticed. Now sometimes that's a good thing. Other times it can be a bad idea. Good or bad I take pride in doing things differently with my music. I enjoy giving my music an identity, instead of just being a clone like a lot of industry artists are.  For me, I've gotten a lot of good response about my music from people partly because it is different. In the begining I was a little hestitent on passing my music to people for fear they wouldn't like it , or for whatever reason that was going thru my head at the time. Now in talking with friends and fans, I've gained a real confidence in not only my music but my abilities as an artist as well. I truly thank the fans for the feedback because that has made the difference. The last song off  "The Rise" sums it up perfectly, "...this is for me ya'll, but this is for you".  I do this music for me, but what I gotta say and the mood I try to inspire thru my songs is for you the readers, the fans, and the friends.

2009 has been a very positive and excellent year. I've accomplished a lot more than what I thought I would and I've learned so much from it. I've manged to create some great relationships with some great individuals. All because of a few connections, doors were opened and a lot of opportunity presented itself. So much opportunity in fact that I had to turn down some opportuntities, which is something I don't like to do. Opportuntity only comes once for some things and you gotta be ready. That being said, I can only say I hope I made the right decisions. What I learned from all of this is that there really is nothing more important than the fans. You always hear that and people are always saying that, but in the end it is the absolute truth. Without them my music is just noise. So for next year my main focus is to gain as many new fans of my music. I plan on making my attempt at taking over this game one fan at a time. Whether by word of mouth, a show, being passed one of my cds, by any means people will know  and remember the name Mic Doja. It won't be for making it rain in a club, or remixing on a song with Tupac. I want to be known for being real with my hip hop music. Real music that real people can relate to.

Now  too a lot of people's disappointment I will not be perfoming again until next year. There may be a possiblity that I may do a show in late December, but nothing is planned as of this moment. I had a great time doing what few shows that I did do this year and I found a bunch of new people who are open to my music and really like it. I have decided though that I will stop doing shows for awhile so I can focus more freely on my current projects that I have lined up for next year, one of which is my next album. Now aside from the album which I'm hoping to have complete by Summer 2010, I have a DVD that I plan on releasing, and a few planned events throughout the 805 to bring people to the music. At this point I'm just looking to get my music in as many hands, ipods, iphones, mp3 players, and car stereos. Come the start of next year I'm hitting the street hard. I plan on doing plenty of shows and working with some artists on some new tracks I got lined up. By the time things get going everything should be all set. Believe me if you liked  "The Rise", then tell some friends, and tell them to tell some friends. This next album is going to be crazy hot. Aside from the hot beats and dope lyrics I've got some real talented folks working with me on a couple songs that I know you're gonna like.

So as always, you know me, big things are planned for the start of next year and you the fans and friends are the focus of it. The fact that so many people love what I'm doing lets me know I'm doing something right. And you could say that my music is a little different and not quite the norm, but I guess that's what people want. So I'm gonna keep doing my music my way and continue to try new things and new directions and see what it takes me. All I know is I'm taking over the game one fan at a time and the sky is the limit.

Better than Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil' Wayne?




Are these the artists to measure up to? According to Soulja Boy they are. Not only that, but he believes he is better than those artists as well. I would like to believe that you know Soulja boy is in fact not better than them. In fact he is so below them that he's actually on a negative scale, with the above mentioned artist on the positive side (I'm not a fan and just my opinion...but read on). As you know I read a lot of articles and comments and it is very apparent that the bar in Hip Hop needs to be raised.  Hip Hop is about struggle and the ability to overcome circumstances. But time has changed Hip Hop and the music that is represented thru it. Hip Hop has been marketed and handed to the youth, and as new young people become fans of what they hear the original motive behind Hip Hop gets lost. Hip Hop artists today have become empowered by the hard work that was done by artists years ago. Because of this there is less struggle and more prosperity for these artists of today. The problem is these artists don't highlight the struggle that is there and that they went through to be where they are today. Instead artists highlight the end result. The money. The cars. The women. Beyond that artist of today are constantly comparing themselves to other talented artists. But it's seems it's always the same few artists that everyone is trying to compare themselves to. You've heard a thousand times..." I'm better than Jay-Z, Kanye West,  or Lil' Wayne.  As if these artist are the best of their time and the history of Hip Hop. Let's all be real for just a second. Of all the artists in Hip Hop to have come and gone, do you really think these artists are the best? What makes them better than other artists? In my personal opinion Kanye West and Lil' Wayne do not belong in the book of the "Best To Ever Do It In Hip Hop" (not a real book to my knowledge..just sarcasm). They are great artists, they make a lot of great music but what is their angle or message? Jay-Z is very talented, his music has a message in it. And not just I'm rich and drive nice cars. Kanye West is also very talented and a master of beats. He also has a message in his music, but at times it can be replaced by metaphors for rhyme purposes. Personal opinion, I like Jay better. And Lil' Wayne, extremely talented, a very hard worker, sometimes can have message in his music but most of the time it is punchy metaphors and a nice hook. Rarely does Lil' Wayne have a solid message in his music that is worth 2 cents. Yet people all over hold themselves to greatness and talent levels of these few individuals. Here's my point, what about Russell Simmons, Rakim, or Run DMC, or Eric Sermon, or Slick Rick. Hell even the Fat Boys, and don't get me started on d-boys and gangsta rap all stemming from West Coast group NWA. These groups of individuals set the tone and were the driving force behind Hip Hop music. They didn't need to compare themselves to one another to prove their greatness. They all brought to light the daily struggles of African-American men and women here in America. Their music focus wasn't how much money I got or oral sex like eating candy. They had something to say. Today people hold themselves up to shallow artists in comparison, when they should be holding themselves up to a higher level and standard. It would be somewhat okay to say I'm better than Jay only if your music was very lyrical and the message was strong and positive. But people all over say their better than someone else and in fact they are just the opposite. Lil' Wayne, self professed "Best Rapper Alive". I would say that statement can be try depending on if you meant Best Rapper Alive...in your hood or maybe even your state. Beyond that you are just another rapper. To be in the league of the greatest Hip Hop artists, it takes more than record sales and material possessions to be the best. It takes more than talent. To be the greatest rapper alive you have to put your music, your experiences ahead of everything else including yourself. Example, Tupac was hands down one of the greatest rap artists to live, but look at his music. He was a self proclaimed "thug" but he made songs about every facet of life from "Brenda's Got A Baby" to "Dear Mama" to "California Love" to "To Live and Die In L.A". He was a "thug" in life but his music showed many sides of the great man that he was. His music was not about I got money or crazy sex acts. He might have a song on the subject but his music encompassed much more. I believe in my music . I feel I can hang with some of the best in the game with my music. Do I feel I'm better than Lil' Wayne, Kanye West, or Jay-Z? No. I can not be better than another artists because we are doing different things. No music is better than other music, it's simply a matter of taste and opinion. Like a Di Vinci painting, one painting is not better than another. it's simply a matter of taste and opinion of what you like. Now, do I feel my music has more meaning than some songs by the above mentioned artists? Absolutely my music has more meaning than most of Lil' Wayne's, but because we're different I'm not better than him nor is he better than me. So all these rappers who say they are better than Wayne, West ,or Jay. Even if it is Wayne, West, or Jay are really only as good as they are true to themselves. In short we all are the best as long as we keep making music that is a real expression of who we are and not what we own. If artists can remember that, we will be able to raise the bar of Hip Hop back to respectable levels and revive the dead music in Hip Hop today.

You know I was reading an article about the BET Hip Hop Awards and who the winners were in what categories. And of course Mr. Weezy F pulled in 3 of the 12 nominations and walked away with MVP of The Year, People's Choice, and Best Lyricist of The Year Award. Now if you look at Billboard charts or listen to radio air-play, you can't help but come across this young man's name mentioned. So you would think he was doing something right. Right? I don't know. As I continued to finish the article, I often like to read the comment of others, there are very few who have anything good to say about Lil Wayne and even harsher comments on him receiving the Lyricist of The Year over Nas, and Jay-Z, even non-nominated Lupe Fiasco. Now I'm no stranger to these message boards and it is a common theme among them. Nobody really likes Lil Wayne. But if you ask a lot of people on the street who they like, they will happily confess Lil Wayne as one of their top five. Now me, I'm in the middle of the road. I like some of his work. Like millions upon millions of other people, I own a copy of, The Carter III. I think he is very talented and has a lot of catchy songs, and is one hell of a hard worker. Name anybody else who is on everybody else's songs like Lil Wayne at the moment. Do I think he's the best "Lyricist"? Hell no. Absolutely not the best rapper alive. My personal opinion is there are way too many good artists with different styles to try to compare and rate them to each other. Some artists that are in the same area or rap about the same thing with similar style, you can maybe compare. But no single artist in Hip Hop can embody all that many great artist have brought to the game. Each artist is great in their own way and helps to shape the culture. But no one artist is Hip Hop, nor can represent all that Hip Hop represents to so many people. Lil Wayne can not represent the Latino Hip Hop. He can try but he doesn’t embody what Hip Hop means to the Latinos in the game. Lil Wayne can only represent what he has gone through and experienced. Now I read a comment someone made and they made a great point. The south has been coming up and they are bringing a lot to the table. You may not like it but you don't have to listen to it. T-Pain has the auto-tone and Jeezy has the ad-libs. These artists are bringing a new definition to Hip Hop by their creativity in music. Now as for lyrical content Lil Wayne may not be deep like Common, Nas, or Talib but he is smooth in his delivery. And yes he does mostly rap about the same things. His next album will tell us if there is truth and growth in his music. Hopefully he'll have songs with more meaning than getting head like candy, and I got money, and of course..I'm the greatest..type songs. But I can only hope. I do not think Lil Wayne is garbage. I don't think he's even in the running for best rapper alive though either. Least not in my book. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm just a hater. Maybe I'm right. Maybe he's not the next best thing to sliced bread. You'll have to be the judge for yourself. This is just my opinion but please tell me what you think if I'm right or wrong. When it's all said and done listen to what you like. And most importantly, listen to my music

With the anticipation of the future Winter 2008 album release building. Fans, friends, and critics alike are going to have to wait until the new year. The album progress is on schedule but due to some recently produced  tracks that are going on the album, the completion date is moved back. The good news though is the album will be even longer than originally expected. At first I was looking at 14 to 15 tracks. Now you can expect at least 19 tracks on the album and even the possibility of a 2-disc set. So there is god news and bad news. But in the end...it's ALL good. The outlook for the rest of the album is along the same lines and has the same formula as the two other disc's that I've released. A lot of variety in musical sound, great lyrical content, and some smoking hot beats. A lot of work, time, and money is going into this project and people are going to be very surprised with the end result. Already a lot of talk on the street has good things to say about the projected album nd the songs that have been released so far. Unfortunately no more music will be released until the album is completed. You can still request a copy of the disc that have already been released but for all the new music everyone's gonna have to just wait it out. A few shows had been planned prior next year but theses too are on a temp hiatus. Despite the date push back for the album. What the streets have been waiting for is about to be served fresh and piping hot to ya. The west has a guaranteed street classic on the way. Nobody in the game is doing it like I'm doing it. Nobody in the game makes music like my music. People better wake up because when I drop this album, it's gonna have an impact. Get ready.

Radio is whatever but when I do listen… where is the west? The same with satellite radio… where is the west? I mean sure Ice Cube just released and album, and so did The Game, but what other heavy hitters? It’s not to say artists aren’t doing it out here in the west but damnnn. Ever since Tupac was assassinated, the west has suffered. The last great album in my opinion that has came out of the west. And I mean a CLASSIC ALBUM. Not just a good or hot album, but history. That album was Dr Dre’s “Chronic 2001”. Nothing since has came close. In my opinion, not to say other hot albums weren’t dropped from then to now by various west coast artists, but…..come on. Tell me you don’t have that album. People in countries where they don’t even speak English have that album. They can’t understand sh*t but they still know it’s hot. So where did the west go wrong? Or did we go wrong. Like I say “...the west never fell off… we just didn’t want to get in a pissed in pool.” Basically meaning ...for those who just don’t get it, we never left, we didn’t want to be in the game when you got these bubble gum rap artists, faking and basically poisoning the rap industry. The rap game is like marriage now. Anybody can do it. It doesn’t hold any meaning to be a rap artist anymore. And get this, so hip hop started out east coast. That’s cool. But Gangster rap and D-boys was all started here on the west coast. Right now in the industry you got all these clown-ass “D-boys”, talking they do this and that. And maybe some of those chumps aren’t totally full of it. Good for them. My point is how‘s the west not going to dominate what it “started”. I know lot has changed in the whole view of gangsters and D-boys in music but… It’s not that I’m trying to promote the message behind the music but where is the west? I look at Billboards Top 100. Don’t bother looking at Top 10 for the west. In the hip hop arena all you see is east coast and the south. Let me tell you something. The east coast NEVER fell off. Since this hip hop thing started, eyes have never left the east coast regardless of any other side or coast has done. I don’t know what that says… but that says something. The west came into the game strong and as time and passed and hip hop evolved the west kind of flickered out like a lighter out of fuel. Artist like Ice Cube, E-40, The Game, Snoop Dogg, Too Short, and DJ Quik, just to name a few, heavy hitters. When they drop new music the world responds and you hear it everywhere. All of a sudden the west is on everyone’s lips. Then, just like that over nite success for the west came, it flickers out. What about the other west coast artists out here doing their thing grindin’, making street classics? We get slept on by the industry like we don’t make hits. To be way real we get slept on by the very people we call our friends, fans, family, and others sitting right next to you here on the west coast. I talk to plenty people who love lil’ Wayne and Jay-Z and a slew of other east coast artists. In all the names of artists people listen to and like musically most names mentioned are not west coast artist. This is from the west coast listener. I think the west is going to have to change up the game plan in order to get back in the game. I think hip hop fans on and of the west are gonna have to start showing more support for the west coast artists. Otherwise the west can soon call itself the new central northwest. Name any hot hip hop artist in Nebraska. How about Wyoming? Maybe in Montana? It is up to California to carry the west fully. Now maybe you don’t care about the whole east coast / west coast thing. You just like music. That’s cool but it’s always even cooler being able to see a favorite artist perform especially when they’re local. Maybe I’m just crazy or my weed is just that good. All I know is the west is about to introduce a new style of music to the rest of the world. Music that has meaning, and purpose, music that is not about banging or D-boys, music that is from Mic doja.
When my shit drops…don’t say I didn’t try to tell you. You know who it is. You know what it is. West Coast coming up!

Well, I've finally hit the point where I think I have to throw in the towel on my current website. What I had planned out to do was not doable with my other site. But with some luck I came across this new hosting site. and as you can certainly see. it is so much better. I can offer all the little toys and things that I had originally wanted to do, which I know will make the site a lot more lively. I will have the weekly crazy video and and few crazy pics to get you enlightened. Of course I'll have my music, but now I also have my on-line store available. I have a lot of work to do on this site but as I mentioned before. There are big things to come for this site, and the fans of real hip hop. So as always look around and stay tuned. this is temporary until I switch the site's host. Once that happens I'll be back at WWW.MICDOJA.COM.