This day marks KPLtv transforming from a labor of love to an online property with a distinct mission. The mission is to consistently present dynamic experiences and deliver creative, engaging content. Thanks to the groundwork laid by those Ralph “Uncle Ralph” McDaniels, Fab 5 Freddy, Ted Demme (RIP), Stan Lathan and Matt McDaniel to just name a few; KPLtv is serving notice that we're a brand you can trust to bring you dope content!
On February 28, 2010 MC's Myka Nyne, Jupiter, P.E.A.C.E, and Aceyalone, along with DJ Killu Grand, got together for a "freestyle" at the Annual KPLtv House Party. The mics were live as the group demonstrated why their the original West Coast rap intelligentsia. Nurtured by the Goodlife Cafe's open mic Thursdays, this band of emcees went on to influence the entire hip-hop world with their 1993 release, Inner City Griots; considered by many to be among the best albums of the 90's. Recently reunited, the group (like us) is serving notice to MCs everywhere to step their bars up. And now, the KPLtv Rec Room proudly presents the original bullies on the block, LA's own FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP.
This snippet, from the four part series Icons Among Us: jazz in the present tense, is one of my favorite pieces from the mini-series. Its unfortunate it didn't make it into the film.
KPLtv's CHOP SUEY - the beat conductor series looks into the art of chopping beats and beat making through the eyes of today's premiere Recording Artists.
In Episode 1, we're behind the boards with the multitalented Producer/MC 88-Keys. 88 takes us into his beat making process and lets us ride shotgun as he chops up a couple gems on the same MPC 3000 he's had since he was teenager. Enjoy, the Polo Don at work.
Ben Kartwright is a lyrical beast hailing from Los Angeles, California. Check him live and unknut in the REC ROOM as he demonstrates how he represents his hometown of Los Angeles, CA.
Kristian R. Hill (Editor/Writer) has worked in film and video since 1994. His Emmy-nominated editorial work can be seen on the NFL Networks, HBO, SITV, as well as in music projects too numerous to mention. His first documentary project American Noir in Paris premiered at the Johansson Art Gallery in Detroit 2002 and is available on line. (Taken from PLAYBILL, April 2009)