I've met Blastphumis a few times at some shows around the city & he's a pretty cool cat so I decided to give his music a listen. Truthfully, I've been bumpin' this tape all throughout the day. This is certified one of the most musically diverse projects I've heard from an underground artist. The title song "Smoke" is without a doubt the perfect way to start the album. It's got an incredibly hard beat, and the first lines speak of him smokin' a spliff in front of a church lol. Contradictory to what you might think the album is way more than just marijuana rap. he takes you on a lyrical journey touching on politics, spirituality, man/woman relations & a slew of other topics. At times, it's hard to listen to music from some artists, underground or mainstream. This, on the other hand was very well put together project, with a theme & an actual vibe that progressed throughout. This album is #CertifiedDope and definitely worth a listen.


click here to check it out: http://www.phatalindustries.com/listentosmoke.html

April marks the release of the hip-hop artists Blastphumis "Smoke" EP by inviting Washington DC’s local hip-hop scene's biggest names to come out and play at Bohemian Caverns. There was a great vibe in the air, the kind you get walking onto the picnic grounds of your family reunion or the euphoria you feel when bump into an old friend whom hasn’t been seen in a while. Everyone was in great spirits all before the first song was even played. In its intimate capacity, many turned out in show of loyalty, support, and an overall love for genuine hip-hop, and good music. The headliner, Blastphumis brought forth his eagerly awaited solo EP. Honestly, any person with even a slightest interest in the genre of "storytelling" would have enjoyed something from this project. An understanding for Blastphumis musical mission of keeping real hip hop alive can definitely be found. Great production from Michael Awkward Silence Saltzman also proves to be a nice fit for some of the intricate wordplay.

At the listening party, guests enjoyed the usual sneak preview of the record and the chance for advance purchases. With a solid production, and energetic but most notable was the arrangement for many from the D.C. area hip-hop scene to come through and play some of their new material. Likeblood (Jazz in the Diamond District, BET & MTV Jams) featured their single "Money Over Here” with Bobby Valentino, from their forthcoming studio album, as Soul Canon, simply amazing, continued next. Something about their style, their sound took control, got the crowd involved, kept the energy alive and the momentum just right for Blastphumis to take center stage and bring things home. For more information on the artists, album release dates, shows, and more, check out the following links.

Phatalindustries.com
Likeblood.com

(Original Article)

If U miss quality east coast Hip-Hop on 4/20/10 take U're ass to U Street & inhale a fresh breath of "Smoke" cause dat's where da fire is...LOL!!! In my opinion dis EP has no bad songs on it!!! Da only way U can listen 2 dis CD & not like it is if U're dead stuck on producers using 808's & futuristic synth sounds on da songs U listen to!!! Here are wut I feel are da CD's standout tracks & why...

"Karma"
Sick on so many levels!!!

"All My Life"
Straight rippage!!! Gonna have 2 quote him..."It's hard not 2 stay bent walking dis evil land!!!"

"Smoke"
Dis song lives up 2 it's name & his!!!

"Crooked"
Describes entertainment & government title speaks 4 it self...LOL!!!

"1981"
Entertainingly describes his life vividly in a mere 16 bar verse or 2...SICK!!!

(Original article)

D.C. rapper/skateboarder/actor Blastphumis (aka Jason Wright) may not have a lot of records under his belt, but his debut EP, Smoke, proves he knows what he’s doing. After graduating from a D.C. arts high school, Wright worked with several area artists and founded his own production company, Phatal Industries. Although Phatal is comprised of a film production company, a skateboard company and a record label (SO MANY HATS), it looks like Wright is focusing on his music for now, and I’m not a bit upset.

Smoke is eight tracks of maybe the most comfortable rapping I’ve heard ever. Blastphumis isn’t a huge name, but he raps like it is and you should already know that. Backed by the awesome production work of DJ Awkward Silence, the songs are smooth, comfortable and full of style. “Thin Line” is the clear standout on the EP. The sample (of what exactly, I’m not sure) is nothing short of epic. This is the stuff of legend. “Show Me Love,” with Eze Jackson of Soul Cannon, is an ode to the nightlife and another great track. The whole thing rounds out nicely with “Karma,” a chilled-out dreamy song that makes it feel like you’re coming down softly from the high of Smoke.

But Smoke isn’t meant as Blastphumis’ opus just yet. Most tracks were recorded years ago and are released more as a preview to his upcoming full-length (appropriately titled), Mirrors, due out at the end of the year. According to DJ Awkward Silence, the tracks on Mirrors are much more recent and will more accurately represent Blastphumis’ current sound. In the meantime, the Smoke EP comes out April 20 on Phatal. The label will be throwing a record release party that night in D.C. to celebrate (EPIC GOOD TIMES).

(Original article)

The future of human aide does not always start and end with the television and its stars. When the current crop of celebrity Haitian aide events has run its course and moves to the next campaign, one local group looks to continue bringing awareness and lending a hand, even after everyone has changed subjects.

Saturday, Washington, DC hip-hop artists kicked off the first of five benefit shows “Hoyas Helping Haiti” in hopes to continue bringing awareness and humanitarian efforts for the recent earthquake victims of Haiti, and now Chile. Georgetown University the first stop of the trek, hosted a well received concert featuring lyrical skills from hip-hop artists Blastphumis and D-Lock, powerful and inspiring poetry from Dior Brown, and a special cameo appearance by BET’s 106th & Park artist Likeblood also native to the Washington area.

Jason Wright of Phatal Industries, Partners In Health & Georgetown Public Policy Institute launched the “Hoyas Helping Haiti” campaign to draw attention to the many ways people can help meet the needs of not only earthquake victims, but other to humanitarian crisis that don’t garner the same level of media attention. “There is going to always be a need,” Wright says “so we joined with Partners in Health, and Georgetown University so that we can lend a hand, and to be sure that all proceeds can get to where it is needed.” Future benefit shows have been scheduled for April 2010, as well as promotional music and videos. For more information on how to help, or dates visit; www.pih.org, www.phatalindustries.com or text “GIVE” to 25383 to donate $10 to Partners in Health.

(Original article)