nerdcore.info – geeky hip-hop news

I will not lie to you, my friends; it’s early yet as I pen this, and it’s already shaping up to be a gloriously shitty day. Thankfully, I do have some good news to spread, and that helps to take the sting away a bit.

I spoke with Wheelie Cyberman over the weekend, and he indicated to me that Optimus is not yet ready to release TransfORmed in its completed form. Further, he gave me the band’s blessing to continue giving away the digital holiday-release of the EP for free for the foreseeable future. So until such a time as I’m asked to take it down, everyone is welcome (and, again, encouraged) to peep the hotness.

Whilst conversing with Dub Cyber I also tossed out the idea of a fan-based video project for Optimus’s swan song “Daryl Hanna.” He seemed cool providing the community was willing. With that being said, would any of you be interested in trying to put together a fan vid for the track? Not only would it be an excellent opportunity to put the wealth of Transfomers – or, consequently, Splash – footage available on YouTube to good use, but it would also help to spread the word about the final release from everyone’s favorite hip-hop robots.

Also, as promised, here are the lyrics from the EP’s 5 tracks. Wheelie explicitly states, however, that these are the original words and thus might not entirely jive with the recorded verses, as he tends to re-do things in the studio. Still, it should give you a fairly clear idea of the lyrical content of some of his speedier couplets.

“God Rest Ye, Autobeat Allies”

My name is Wheelie Cyberman and I rep AutoBeat.
I rock the mic with Powerthighs, Grimrock and Stumblebee.
From Manhattan to Hollywood we’ve rocked the whole country.
And we finally destroyed the Wackacons.
And now it’s off to planet Mercury.

“Worms” (AKA: “Segmented Annelid”)

Cyberman, more wild than a loose worm.
Knock, knock. Let me in your in box.
Watch. I can deconstruct your system touch your network.
It’s easily done for an annelid like me.
I ran with an analysis that said “Victory is likely.”
There might be some who consider me spineless.
You think I mind this? I kill them with kindness.
Like “Hi! Guess What! I Love You!”
Open me up, and one click – you’re through.
I like to wriggle. I like to squirm.
I like to get down and dirty – watch your data burn.
Reproduction? That’s my secondary function.
Just one look at your address book, and then I’m gone.
Call it population eruption.
I like to touch people in these intimate ways.
It ain’t symbiotic, you won’t see me for days.

Segmented annelid, migrating herds.
Gather with my brethren, we crawl and converse.
We touch underground as we pass.
It’s pitch black.
We don’t mind that. We’re all from the Earth.

When you eat, I eat.
When you sleep, I eat.
When you watch TV, I eat.
When you walk around the city, I dine on your nutrients.
There’s no need for etiquette or accoutrements.
See I’m suited for this. Check the hooked scolex.
I’m through with intermediate hosts. Yo what’s next?
I gotta slow down. Wait it out.
Show patience. One day, I will make it out.
So I incubate and think primary thoughts.
I detach and dock to the wall, y’all. Shot like a dart.
I stop just like I was taught and start doin’ what I do –
Which is feeding a lot.
Not competing for slop – see I barely move at all.
It’s scary but I’m better off than almost all of y’all.
I got no rent, free food and drink top shelf.
I never gotta go to work. I have sex with myself.

Segmented annelid, migrating herds.
Gather with my brethren, we crawl and converse.
We touch underground as we pass.
It’s pitch black.
We don’t mind that. We’re all from the Earth.

Segmented annelid, do you comprehend?
I don’t want your money, I just want to get in.
We touch in your gut as we pass.
It’s pitch black.
I don’t mind that, I am what I am.

Segmented Annelid.
Squirm! Squirm!
Segmented Annelid.
Squirm! Squirm! Squirm!
Segmented Annelid. Superhero candidate.
Squirm! Squirm! Squirm!
Segmented Annelid. Superhero candidate. Zero people stand with it.
Squirm! Squirm!
Segmented bred with a fragmented head that’ll breed when you need it I eat and I’m fed and I’m

Wheelie Cyberman,
Wheelie Cyberman,
Wheelie Cyberman lives underground
Where we find him writing lines
That help to make the world go ‘round.

I live in the dirt. I like it there.
I’m already low so nobody stares.
I’m not really scared, doesn’t matter how I fare,
And I never worry about wearing clean underwear.
I don’t worry much at all, keep it calm mostly.
I already know what I’m supposed to be.
Most people never try to get close to me
Cuz they know that they’re nothing but a host to me.

“Click-Click”

Dub Cyber. Hyper Vision. Click Click.
Wide open lens, focus in Mega Bit.

Dub Cyber. Hyper Vision. Click Click.
Wide open lens, focus in Mega Bit.
Yeah I’m back. I told you that
I was packin’ up my bags.
Didn’t you believe me? Still you’ll never see me.
Look – I’m up on your roof with my
Light weight, power zoom, tight frame 80-star spy glass.
Click click. I’m never backlit.
Plasma shift for the development.
I stay up late just to get the job done.
I’m paid by the frame so I wait for the perfect one.
Oh here they come. Sorry, gotta go.
Pop the lens cap, sit back, relax for the show.
Then it’s click click. The sound of success.
Pack up my shit then I hit your address.

Develop it …
Let it soak kid. Dunk it, shake it off, toss it on the rope then …
Sell the shit …
It’s easily done, just make a phone call, cash in, it’s nationally run. Or you …
Treasure it …
Build a little shrine. Tape it to the basement wall where you hide for the …
Hell of it …
It’s really not a joke, we Develop it. You gotta let it soak, see?

Dub Cyber. Hyper Vision. Click click.
Call the police, you can never make it stick.
See I’m neat. Organized, thorough and discreet.
I judge my subjects by the company they keep.
Look it’s clear. I’m always here.
You might not know that I’m near.
Feel like someone’s creepin’?
That’s probably my peepin.
Click. No beepin’, I keep it classic.
Bad forecast? Just wrap it up in plastic.
I never let a little drizzle keep me home.
I got my tarpaulin, wax pencils and a phone.
Twist the wrist right, zoom in kinda tight.
See it’s Wednesday night, I know you’re watchin’ Top Model.
I even know the type of bottle that you’re gonna buy
When your boyfriend steps in to have a sip of a wine
Then it’s click click. I capture toast.
Infactuated from afar like a ghost.

Develop it …
Let it soak kid. Dunk it, shake it off, toss it on the rope then …
Sell the shit …
It’s easily done, just make a phone call, cash in, it’s nationally run. Or you …
Treasure it …
Build a little shrine. Tape it to the basement wall where you hide for the …
Hell of it …
It’s really not a joke, we Develop it. You gotta let it soak, see?

I am over on your roof. I like watching what you do.
I got shots that show you’re mine. Please just do not close the blinds.

Hey girl, welcome to the neighborhood. I noticed you like French toast late at night.
Hey girl, welcome to the neighborhood. I saw your new jeans, I don’t think they fit right!

“Anxiety” (AKA: “Human Anxiety”)

I feel that I’m fairly well adjusted mostly
But I hate it when these people stand closely.
Most folks just love hittin’ parties.
Bust through the door, run and hug everybody.
Not me. I kinda creep in slowly.
Scan the room for people that know me
And if it’s none then holy crap.
Somebody gotta hold me back.
And if the keg is tapped then I’m on it.
I mean on and on and on on it.
And if you paid a little more to get the good pour
Then you know Wheelie be fallin’.
But I don’t want to be the one that’s stuck
Head in the toilet, throwin’ up.
Wander back home then I wonder what
That I did to get my head hit and thumped
But listen. I can’t relate
And you better stand back three feet away.
Because my head gets red and I start to shake
And it’s clear that I got a problem, OK?

I am an ROBOTIC MIC freak
With human anxiety. Anxiety.

If I gotta speak up, then I start to sweat
In a room full of people that I’ve never met.
You know I’d rather be home stuck in the apartment
Cuz my shirt’s now soaked through, soppin’ wet.
Oh no. Here we go God not again.
My heart starts beatin faster and then
I can’t breath cuz my throat’s all full of phlegm
I can’t see cuz I got tunnel vision.
Oh crap. It’s a panic attack.
Somebody hand me a paper sack.
I new it’d be bad when the room was packed
And now I feel myself faintin’, fallin’ back.
I mean STAT. I think I need some medication
Cuz I’m always in these bad situations.
And I swear that I’ll be a good patient
I hate it when I gotta be sedated and complacent.
Face it. I could use some therapy.
Cuz I always feel these people gotta stare at me.
Sweatin’ like I’m on methamphetamines.
This is why everyboy’s always ahead of me.

I am an ROBOTIC MIC freak
With human anxiety. Anxiety.

Bring the Jackson 5 back.
Bring the Jackson 5 right back, bring ‘em back.

Now my head isn’t really that bad, is it?
My therapist told me that last visit.
And I have considered benefits of better livin’
But I’m givin’ up on it, I need a hand get?
Got it? Good. Tell me what I should
Do to repair what is wrong under my hood.
Should I pay some white-suited dude
To look into the circuits of my mind?
I need much more than a mechanic, though.
I feel weird bot, yo I can’t stand it so.
I get stressed out, about to hit panic mode.
I need help, buddy, hand me the antedote.

I am an ROBOTIC MIC freak

“Daryl Hanna”

We’re adaptable. We can change everything.
Collapsable covering, you know what we mean.
Assess situations and blend.
We don’t have to test people’s patience, we fit right in.
It’s natural. You could say it’s ingrained.
Multiple primary skeletal frames.
But you know all of that, it’s a terrible bore.
Just another unbearable story to explore.
Yeah, we transform, but you’ve heard it all before.
Additional forgettable folklore.
And besides. There’s 30 fuckin’ Optimus Rhymes.
Some took the name, others just assimilate the lines.
So fine. We don’t mind, go ahead.
You can even have the words that we invented.
They’re yours. See we don’t need ‘em anymore.
You won’t believe the etymology we have in store.
Throwback vocab, constantly shift.
You know that we outgrow that automated shit.
Let the fluid flow down deep into the ground so
We are overheated and in need of immediate help.
Seemed like we’re defeated didn’t care how it felt
Because we couldn’t stop it, sittin’ there repeating ourselves.
So we toss off layers, throw gears to the ground.
Burn tattoos and we lower flags down.
Toss Energon. Because you know that we don’t need it.
Optimus, transform into human beings.

Reanimate and shed.
Toss Energon technology.
Assimilate and head.
Hit the best planet in the galaxy.

Eh you Beesus.
Yeah dude?
When they gonna feed us?
I don’t want it all, but I kinda wish they’d meet us halfway.
See this Positronic Pathway? Step on it.
It’ll lead us to last place.
And we’ve been down that road.
Sold a lotta downloads.
And just gave ‘em away, cuz they’re easy take.
We don’t need to get paid, go ahead and burn ‘em OK?
It’s like Daryl Hanna. I’ll give up my homeworld.
It’s like Daryl Hanna. I’ll give up my homeworld.
It’s like Daryl Hanna. I’ll give up my homeworld.
It’s like Daryl Hanna. Cuz that’s my home girl.
My enemies disintegrate into mist.
Just fade into nothingness.
Kiss them goodbye. Whattup all my AutoBeat allies.
I need five with the same blood type.
Take this matrix, trade it for a baboon heart.
And how soon can you start?
But will you love me when I gotta breathe oxygen?
Will you love me when I can’t shift shape?
Will you love me when this new box stops again?
How will you feel with an expiration date?
Hesitate. Contemplate repurcussions.
Negotiate and open floor for discussions.
Evaluate and my peers all agree.
Reanimate, shed technology.

Reanimate and shed.
Toss Energon technology.
Assimilate and head.
Hit the best planet in the galaxy.

Toss off undercoated lining.
Brush off loose bolts, tell us what you’re finding.
Push pistons. Molecular binding.
Drop mad hubcaps, never look behind me.

Reanimate and shed.
Toss Energon technology.
Assimilate and head.
Hit the best planet in the galaxy.

You that we reanimate we shed technology.
We move it to the middle of the planet, no more enemies.
We cannot stand it anymore, we will not hunt for energy.
We will not remain in this form we will become true human beings.

Toss off undercoated lining.
Brush off loose bolts, tell us what you’re finding.
Push pistons. Molecular binding.
Drop mad hubcaps, never look behind me.
Shed metal – Radiator king pin.
Yank off break pedal, push it leave it leakin’.
Snap axels, need it overheatin’.
Leave it on E, energy, we don’t need it.

Today is sort of… well… bittersweet.

You see, on the one hand, Lizz has officially announced her retirement from the Wizrocklopedia. This isn’t exactly a surprise, as she laid the groundwork for her departure a month ago, but it’s a bit of a bummer nonetheless.

The ‘Pedia is a testament to the true power of fandom, and it has long been a part of my personal geek rock bible. I’ve had the good fortune of working with Lizz on a handful of occasions, and I can guarantee that she is the real deal; she is a writer of great skill, a fan of the highest order, and an expert logistician that has managed the delicate balancing act of keeping a widely popular and increasingly important community hub for Wizard Rock humming along, even in the face of countless changes in the dreaded RL.

In her stead she has left the site in the capable hands of staff writers Dinah and Freya, who I am sure will put their own unique spin on the classic ‘Pedia formula. Freya, for example, has already begun questioning me for a series of pieces on WRock, nerdcore, and filk, and how these musical disciplines fit together, which, as you know, I am always eager to discuss.

This is all to say that the Wizrocklopedia is neither down nor out, and I both wish the staff continued growth and success and genuinely expect these optimistic prognostications to come to pass. But that being said, the ‘Pedia will soon be hiring additional writers, and, if you have an interest in the finer music from the wizarding world, you should keep a keen eye open for contribution possibilities.

On the obligatory other hand, we have my friend Hex and the Nerdapalooza crew. Just like our comrades at the Wizrocklopedia, the ‘Palooza camp has some new things going on as well. Thankfully these include more pluses than minuses. One of the most interesting developments will be discussed at length tonight in a live chat session. When Hex gave me the skinny regarding this shortly before Christmas I was delighted, and I can say with some confidence that you’ll also find it to your liking.

Also tangentially related to Nerdapalooza (and directly related to nerd music in general) is Hex’s own recent venture 16-Bit Management. This independent booking agency out of Casselberry, FL is geared specifically toward supporting the independent nerdy music community. Hex is running things on his own, so this might be another place where your support and interest, not to mention your urge to volunteer, would be well rewarded. Booking and press-related inquiries can be directed at Hex via 16-Bit Management’s own MySpace.

So there you have it, my pretties; things are changing, waxing and waning, shifting, transforming. But in the end what remains is our dedication to our own music and culture. And even those of us who slip away are still tied to our meta-community through shared history, continued support, and the shining examples they’ve provided as our nerdy brethren.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

My unbridled love of television sometimes puts me in precarious positions. For example, the announcement that the 11th Doctor is just some dude makes me a little anxious.

I mean, he’s just some dude. I don’t know him. Do you?

What if he’s got, like, a Dalek in the woodpile, y’know? It could be disastrous!

But in the end, you sometimes have to simply trust the whims of the entertainment gods. It occasionally works out okay, like Scrubs‘ transition to ABC. Sure, I was worried, but it looks like everything got off to a good enough start.

We’ll just have to hope the Doctor Who changes are equally as smooth.

• At Large and in Charge: According to Cracked, 2008 was the year we took over. I had no idea. Why didn’t I receive a memo?
• The Most: My pal Church let me know that earlier this month our own MC Frontalot was interviewed by entertainment site Kwanzoo. Therein he discussed his first PAX gig, that sticky genuine-vs.-novelty-act aesthetic of nerdcore, and 2 Skinnee J’s. Check it.
• This Just In – Bill O’Reilly Still Gay: Guess who’s taken credit for the recent round of high-profile Twitter hacks? Our old friends from Digital Gangster, of course! DG, you truly are a constant source of entertainment.
• Nerdy Motivation: Genetic Anomaly has amassed an amazing collection of RPG-themed motivational posters. I humbly suggest that this one be integrated into your new sig file.
• Da DON: Rhyme Torrents mastermind DON VITO has made a collection of his own geek funk instrumentals available for free download. These are some amazingly solid beats perfect for use in working up new flows, crafting nerdcore mash-ups, or simply cribbing for use as podcast background music. I will be doing at least one of those.
• The Sleeping Dragon Awakes: My bro Super Dragon X dropped a mixtape in late December that I am only now getting around to pimping. It’s entitled Where the Fuck is Your Album? and collects some top-shelf material from the Metamystiks MC that may or may not already be in your collection. Dragon always brings the fire, so this is an easy recommendation.
• Pure Poison: Another 2008 release that I’m only now getting the chance to plug is from the enigmatic KABUTO. The great Python compiled a number of unreleased tracks into SHED SKINS: A COLLECTION OF SHIT THAT SUCKS, though the title is a little off base. There’s some good stuff in there, even if KABUTO doesn’t quite think it’s up to snuff.
• Back From the Dead: At long last, Ultraklystron has resurrected his old Nekodashi site. This means that Karl’s albums are once again available for purchase – with the whole of his original material available for a mere $30 – but it also means that 14 of his releases are currently available as free MP3 downloads! And before you ask: yes, nerdcore masterpieces Opensource Lyricist, Romance Language, and Revision4920 are included. Get on that shit!
• No Ran in ‘09?!: Random’s New Year’s resolution is not to release music in 2009? Say it ain’t so! Well actually, it ain’t; Ran will drop Mega Ran 9 this year, but other than that he plans to spend ‘09 working on the business aspect of his rap career. Could this include putting together more music videos? Probably.
• Both Music *and* Gaming: I was unable to attend this year’s MAGfest – much to Shael’s chagrin – but thankfully it seems everyone else was. Be sure to check out some of the more interesting recollections of the festival.
• Hidden Jewels: I realize I am sometimes late to the party with regard to earth-shattering revelations, but, in case anyone else missed it, there’s a Grammar Club chiptune cover album. It’s freely available through their site if you know where to click on the homepage. I could tell you more, be that would be wrong.
• Get Your Degree in Gameology: My new friends the Brilliant Gameologists will be hosting a live show via Ustream at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday, January 8th in celebration of BG Meg’s birthday. Learn how to throw your own mini-con, uncover what shameful acts the Gameologists performed on New Year’s Eve, and find out what the fuck a “Because it’s Saturday” party is in this hour of mirth and mayhem. Tell ‘em Z. sent you!
• Shall I Compare Thee to a Blue Shell?: Taking us home in what I hope was an enlightening first NNIB of 2009 is this vid from Sam Hart (AKA: blinktwice4y). It’s an acoustic ballad that connects love and Mario Kart in a manner most sublime. Take a listen, and then go buy the track at cdbaby.

I generally avoid this shit like the plague, but, since Snipey tagged me all direct-like, I reckon there’s no harm in a little New Year’s meme. And so, without further ado, here are seven weird and rather random things about yours truly:

1. I am a notary public, which means I can legally perform marriages in the state of South Carolina. To date, I have performed one: for my best friend and his long-time girlfriend.
2. I have two children, which isn’t exactly a trade secret. What’s lesser known is that each has a name that references both cheesy rock musicians and beloved sci-fi/fantasy properties. For my son it’s Cheap Trick and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For my daughter, Guns N’ Roses and Robotech.
3. My wife is six years my junior, which doesn’t seem like a lot until you remember that I have an unhealthy obsession with pop culture minutia. She genuinely doesn’t get a significant chunk of my silly references because she was too young to watch Three’s Company and Galaxy Rangers. Her loss.
4. Before I started writing about music, I actually wrote and performed it. I was in a half-dozen or so local bands with a number of high school friends throughout my teens and twenties. I chose to leave music for two reasons. The first is the simple fact that I was never really particularly good; I played bass, a little rhythm guitar, and did some songwriting and singing, but I obviously have no innate talent for any of these. The second is a personal brand of chronic, crippling stage fright.
5. With the above two entries fresh in your mind, you shouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that it is my fondest wish to start a heavy metal band that does nothing but covers of classic television theme songs. We will be called Clicker, which I imagine would look great in some horribly indecipherable metal band font.
6. I have worked for the same company, a local community college, for 15 years. Yep, that’s my whole adult life. I’ve held four different positions across three departments in my time here, so it’s not like I’ve been doing the exact same thing for a decade and a half. Still, I can’t help but think that it’s a little odd for someone to hang around the same workplace for so long.
7. While most adults fear things of actual consequence, like, say, loneliness or their own mortality, I am still haunted by the same terrors that plagued me as a child. Namely zombies, spiders, clowns, and Christian puppet shows. The zombie thing is easy enough to avoid, but spiders, clowns, and, since I live in the rural south, religious-themed puppet shows are a constant threat.

With that unpleasant incident behind us, I’m'a tag:

• Church – because he doesn’t have a blog and will have to tweet his answers, which I find amusing
• Matt – because he needs something to distract him while he’s trying to quit smoking
• Hex – because he spends a lot of his energy focusing on others
• Beefy – because he enjoys talking about his hilarious and noteworthy exploits
• Snake Eyes – because he’s Canadian, and Canadians are fascinating
• Anthony – because he is my nerdy music blogging brother
• La Bête – because his job description alone makes me pretty sure he’s got some interesting stuff going on

Da Rules:

• Link your original tagger(s), and list these rules on your blog.
• Share seven facts about yourself in the post — some random, some weird.
• Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
• Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs and/or Twitter.

It is currently News Year’s Eve. Or New Year’s Eve Day. Or… Wednesday. Something like that.

At any rate, I have a sneaking suspicion that you’ll be getting extravagantly drunk tonight. The kind of drunk that requires a soundtrack. Thankfully, you have me to turn to with regard to such matters.

First, let me remind everyone that today is the last day you’ll be able to download Optimus Rhyme’s TransfORmed EP for free. It’s from Optimus, so you know it’s a quality release, but moreover it’s all about growth, evolution, and moving on. Thus, it’s exactly the kind of thing that would suit an epic New Year’s party. Grab it before the ball drops.

Also on the subject of relevant music for tonight’s festivities, it’s been brought to my attention that a pair of retrospective mash-up compilations have recently been released, also on the free. Simon Iddol, whom I am proud to consider one of my Tweeple, dropped his Mash-ups of the Year a week or two back. It’s an exemplary collection that manages to touch on a number of tracks that stayed under my radar throughout 2008.

Also on tap – and I actually got a message about this directly from A plus D, which makes a lad feel important – is Best of Bootie 2008.The Bootie collections are always heavily slanted toward the most danceable bastard pop constructs of the previous year, and this is certainly no exception. It boasts a 20-track continuous mix plus 13 bonus cuts; not a bad deal for the low, low price of nuthin’.

So listen in good health, and happy New Year to all.

Oh, and my suggestions for your last song of ‘08/first song of ‘09 are as follows:

“Darryl Hannah” – Optimus Rhyme available on TransfORmed
“Paper Rump (Wreckx-N-Effect vs. M.I.A.)” – DJ Tripp available on Best of Bootie 2008

I’m just sayin’.

I typically like to end the year in one of two ways; either by thanking all those who contributed to the success of Hipster, please! and the greater nerdy music scene in the preceding 12 months, or by simultaneously congratulating and challenging our meta-community.

This year I said fuck that shit.

First off, the usual suspects – folks like Matt and Church, Dennis and Denika, Hex and Ant, Beefy and Soc, Snake Eyes and Doc Pop, Baddd Spellah and DON VITO – know how much I appreciate them. They understand that this project exists no less by their whim than mine, and, though I seldom remember to say it outright, I’m pretty sure they know that I am eternally thankful for all they do. And further, whether you send me music, help out with comps, offer artistic support, or just read this blog on occasion, you are my kung fu action hero, and I am genuinely in your debt as well. I reckon that’s a given.

Secondly, we’ve been doing this dance for so long that I am positive everyone knows my steps by now; I am a proud but minuscule part of the greater whole of music-minded geeks, and, while I revel in the progress we’ve made, we could sure as hell use a little more inter-scene support and artistic interdependence. Our energies are better expended there than in looking for some “big break” from the ever-fickle mainstream. We are our own greatest strength. But that too should be obvious.

Because I tend to focus on these broader issues, I am often slow to crown a “Nerd of the Year” or a “Most Valuable Player.” This is partly because I understand that the success of one depends on the work of many, and partly because it simply doesn’t seem like my place. This is the year I make the exception.

So, rather than take this post into the familiar territory described above, I am going to forge new ground by saying what I am fairly certain everyone else is thinking: that 2008 belonged to YTCracker.

When I look at my favorite songs, events, or projects from ‘08, Bryce Case, Jr. is the silver string that runs betwixt them. When I scrutinize all that was good and pure and truly geeky about the year, he seems to be a party to the overwhelming bulk of it.

He was featured in what I consider the most entertaining of G4’s “It’s a Nerd’s World” promo spots and was interviewed by Web geek Martin Sergeant. He contributed to a number of the best tracks of the year, including “911 AM (Rudy Giuliani)” with Doc Pop and MC Lars, “Fantastic Four” by Dual Core, nYgel’s “1to3for,” and both the 8-Bit Boys and Sinister Six projects. His own Nerdy South Records released exemplary albums in the form of Beefy’s Rolling Doubles and his Serious Business EP, which boasted yet another best track of the year, “I am a Pirate.” He toured with fellow heavy-hitters Lars and Frontalot, and he took part in arguably the biggest single musical event in nerdcore history, Nerdapalooza 2008.

And that, my friends, is just the shit I can think of off the top of my head!

I have long since abandoned my aspirations to rip people off help out my fellow humans as a motivational speaker, but, if you take anything away from this post, please let it be this: YTCracker, after all these years, all his triumphs and failures and ups and downs, still has love for this nerd game.

He works with established and up-and-coming artists with an equal measure of DG swagger, and thereby elevates both himself and those around him.

Sure, he’s always going to have that hacker side that likes to cause trouble, but he also has a nurturing, almost paternal instinct that leads him to chip in, help out, and simply share the wealth of his credibility.

An easy high-point of my year was when, at a local show, YT gave me and Hipster, please! a shout-out on stage. He didn’t have to; it didn’t serve him to do so, but he gave some lyrical dap because that is what YT does. He gives respect. Even when it doesn’t necessarily behoove him to do so.

So with 2009 already breathing down our collective neck, I only ask that everyone from the realms of nerdcore hip-hop and beyond take a little YTC with them into the awaiting proceedings.

In the words of my boy Beefy, ask yourself “What would YTCracker do?”

Holla at P.Nis for more info.

The end of the year means one thing to me: obligation. There are a number of tasks that I, as a fake Web journalist, am honor bound to perform before the ball drops and scores of drunken party attendees share awkward and shameful smooches. The first of these is my year-end podcast, which I present to you now.

I liked the idea of an end-of-year wrap-up show, but elected to save that for January. Instead, we’re gonna run out 2008 with a good, old-fashioned free-form playlist. You see, a lot of the songs I wanted to play this ep. are, y’know, old, so promoting them as the “best of the year” seemed misleading.

Still, there’re some excellent tracks represented herein, and I can honesty see you grooving to ‘em as the clock winds down.

Enjoy.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 58: Lest We Forget (hosting provided by Antisocial) Size: 45.6 MB Running Time: 49:50

Intro: Baddd Spellah – “Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)”
All I can rightly ask for is another year with Beefy and Spellah!

Track 1: DJ Topcat – “More Than On Point”
This is from Best of Bootie 2007, but, oddly enough, it was mid-2008 before I really got into the track.

Z’s 1st interlude: “Some random jewels you might have missed.”
There’s a dreadful hiss behind my spoken interludes this episode. Sorry about that. I am having mic difficulties.

Track 2: Scrubs dialog / Beefy – “You Can Call Me Beef”
Doesn’t the Turk/Kelso dialog work well in the intro? I think so.

Track 3: I Hate You When You’re Pregnant – “Gary Sinise“
This is from the 2nd IHYWYP demo, circa 2003, so “new” doesn’t exactly describe it. Awesome, however, does.

Track 4: audiobytes for autobots – “143 CHP“
N.W.A. vs. the Jackson 5. This is a thing of beauty.

Track 5: Snake Eyes – “Never Say What They Mean”
Buy Snake’s Golden Country Hits. It will assure peace and prosperity in the new year. I think.

Track 6: Warp 11 – “Spock Me Shock Me“
Here’s a 2000 classic from Warp 11’s 1st studio album. I recently realized that I’ve thus far neglected to play these Trek rockers.

Track 7: KABUTO THE PYTHON – “The Face Kicking Song“
KABUTO DOES NOT LIKE HIS RAPS ON THIS SONG, BUT I DO.

Track 8: 8 Bit Weapon – “Defender of the Crown (Royalty Remix)”
This is from 8BW’s Confidential 2.0 album, which I am currently reviewing. I’m serious this time.

Track 9: MisterB – “Kept My Job!”
Anthony and MisterB like to use their Letters vs. Numbers podcast as a bully pulpit from which to generate beef, but I ain’t gonna beef with ‘em. Them’s my boys.

Z’s 2nd interlude: “Tragedy has reared its knobby head.”
Goddamn, but I can turn a phrase!

Track 10: The Four Eyes – “Jackpot”
I misspoke in the ‘cast itself; this song is from The Four Eyes’2004 album Rock and Role Playing.

Track 11: Year 200X – “05 Ghosts N’ Goblins (Intro – Level 1)”
I’m also reviewing Year 200X’s We Are Error. Not to ruin a potential albums-of-the-year post, but it’s probably the best game rock CD of 2008.

Track 12: This is Spinal Tap dialog / Austrian Death Machine – “Get to the Choppa”
This year, the vocalist for metalcore outfit As I Lay Dying actually did something great. This is it.

Track 13: The Grammar Club – “Red Cyclone (vocal version)”
Whenever I play a Grammar Club track, I have an odd compulsion to play solo work from its members. Thusly, the background music for this edition is Shael Riley’s “We Sell Potions and Shit Here.”

Track 14: nYgel – “Have You Seen Rain (ft. TYT)”
Both nYgel’s Free to Good Home and T.Y.T.’s Jelly Brain are must-owns from 2008.

Track 15: Atmosphere – “Yesterday”
After my father passed, my friend Glenn Case directed me to this Atmosphere cut. It actually helped a lot.

Z’s final interlude: “The great Captain Dan of Scurvy Crew fame and the fine folks from Brilliant Gameologists.”
Yep, got these guys ‘n’ gal on-tap for special episodes of RFH. Excitement. I has it.

Track 16: Dual Core – “Orbit (Remix)“
Fun fact: No less than 65% of my recent reminisces regarding this year’s Nerdapalooza directly reference the fun I had hanging out with int eighty.

That’s all I’ve got, folks. I am tapped. I should be back mid-January with my picks of 2008 podcast, and then again later that month with the Cap’n.

I’m currently working on my written year-end wrap-up, and suffice it to say it’s a break with form. Look for that later this week to see what I mean.

Thanks for listening, and for another fun filled year of full frontal nerdity. I hope you’ll join me again in 2009.

The end of the year means one thing to me: obligation. There are a number of tasks that I, as a fake Web journalist, am honor bound to perform before the ball drops and scores of drunken party attendees share awkward and shameful smooches. The first of these is my year-end podcast, which I present to you now.

I liked the idea of an end-of-year wrap-up show, but elected to save that for January. Instead, we’re gonna run out 2008 with a good, old-fashioned free-form playlist. You see, a lot of the songs I wanted to play this ep. are, y’know, old, so promoting them as the “best of the year” seemed misleading.

Still, there’re some excellent tracks represented herein, and I can honesty see you grooving to ‘em as the clock winds down.

Enjoy.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 58: Lest We Forget (hosting provided by Antisocial) Size: 45.6 MB Running Time: 49:50

Intro: Baddd Spellah – “Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)”
All I can rightly ask for is another year with Beefy and Spellah!

Track 1: DJ Topcat – “More Than On Point”
This is from Best of Bootie 2007, but, oddly enough, it was mid-2008 before I really got into the track.

Z’s 1st interlude: “Some random jewels you might have missed.”
There’s a dreadful hiss behind my spoken interludes this episode. Sorry about that. I am having mic difficulties.

Track 2: Scrubs dialog / Beefy – “You Can Call Me Beef”
Doesn’t the Turk/Kelso dialog work well in the intro? I think so.

Track 3: I Hate You When You’re Pregnant – “Gary Sinise“
This is from the 2nd IHYWYP demo, circa 2003, so “new” doesn’t exactly describe it. Awesome, however, does.

Track 4: audiobytes for autobots – “143 CHP“
N.W.A. vs. the Jackson 5. This is a thing of beauty.

Track 5: Snake Eyes – “Never Say What They Mean”
Buy Snake’s Golden Country Hits. It will assure peace and prosperity in the new year. I think.

Track 6: Warp 11 – “Spock Me Shock Me“
Here’s a 2000 classic from Warp 11’s 1st studio album. I recently realized that I’ve thus far neglected to play these Trek rockers.

Track 7: KABUTO THE PYTHON – “The Face Kicking Song“
KABUTO DOES NOT LIKE HIS RAPS ON THIS SONG, BUT I DO.

Track 8: 8 Bit Weapon – “Defender of the Crown (Royalty Remix)”
This is from 8BW’s Confidential 2.0 album, which I am currently reviewing. I’m serious this time.

Track 9: MisterB – “Kept My Job!”
Anthony and MisterB like to use their Letters vs. Numbers podcast as a bully pulpit from which to generate beef, but I ain’t gonna beef with ‘em. Them’s my boys.

Z’s 2nd interlude: “Tragedy has reared its knobby head.”
Goddamn, but I can turn a phrase!

Track 10: The Four Eyes – “Jackpot”
I misspoke in the ‘cast itself; this song is from The Four Eyes’2004 album Rock and Role Playing.

Track 11: Year 200X – “05 Ghosts N’ Goblins (Intro – Level 1)”
I’m also reviewing Year 200X’s We Are Error. Not to ruin a potential albums-of-the-year post, but it’s probably the best game rock CD of 2008.

Track 12: This is Spinal Tap dialog / Austrian Death Machine – “Get to the Choppa”
This year, the vocalist for metalcore outfit As I Lay Dying actually did something great. This is it.

Track 13: The Grammar Club – “Red Cyclone (vocal version)”
Whenever I play a Grammar Club track, I have an odd compulsion to play solo work from its members. Thusly, the background music for this edition is Shael Riley’s “We Sell Potions and Shit Here.”

Track 14: nYgel – “Have You Seen Rain (ft. TYT)”
Both nYgel’s Free to Good Home and T.Y.T.’s Jelly Brain are must-owns from 2008.

Track 15: Atmosphere – “Yesterday”
After my father passed, my friend Glenn Case directed me to this Atmosphere cut. It actually helped a lot.

Z’s final interlude: “The great Captain Dan of Scurvy Crew fame and the fine folks from Brilliant Gameologists.”
Yep, got these guys ‘n’ gal on-tap for special episodes of RFH. Excitement. I has it.

Track 16: Dual Core – “Orbit (Remix)“
Fun fact: No less than 65% of my recent reminisces regarding this year’s Nerdapalooza directly reference the fun I had hanging out with int eighty.

That’s all I’ve got, folks. I am tapped. I should be back mid-January with my picks of 2008 podcast, and then again later that month with the Cap’n.

I’m currently working on my written year-end wrap-up, and suffice it to say it’s a break with form. Look for that later this week to see what I mean.

Thanks for listening, and for another fun filled year of full frontal nerdity. I hope you’ll join me again in 2009.

It’s the day after Christmas, and all is quiet in the House of Z.

No, that’s bullshit. The air is thick herein with the swears of a man having to put together one too many Hot Wheels playsets. It’s that kinda thing.

And since I didn’t get a chance to blog yesterday, what with my roving the countryside in search of hillbilly relations bearing gifts (and ham), I figured I’d hip you to a few things you may have overlooked due to your own festivities.

For those who missed it the first time around, I am still hosting Optimus Rhyme’s final EP TransfORmed. This will be offered as a free download until January 1st, after which time it will disappear until the final, full version becomes available for purchase mid-month. Of course, as grimROCK recently let slip that this iteration will also feature some long lost live cuts, I’m gonna have to recommend that you buy it after its release whether you already scored the freebie version or not.

And speaking of things you may already have, Doctor Octoroc’s 8-Bit Jesus album has been re-released, this time in its entirety. Download it again for the first time and hear several new cuts that are just as amazing as the previous tracks.

Another free holiday EP was made available yesterday, this one from my pal Nate (also known as Trier Music). It’s from his band Skantily Clad, and it’s a seasonal ska release entitled Skantaliy Clad Christmas. Deck the dancehalls!

And lastly, but certainly not leastly, the PBC Productions crew have just posted Little Miss Gamer’s holiday episode “SNESmas.” Will Santa come through with that Super Nintendo Z’s been askin’ for, or will the fat man let her down again? Watch for yourself.

As we find ourselves mere days away from Halloween, I feel it is my duty to remind you that there are sinister forces at work. Yes, there are shadowed figures in dark and furtive corners who would seek to sully this geekiest of holidays, to bend it to their own will. Our enemy is varied, they represent a veritable hodgepodge of social, religious, and political elements with but one common goal: to ruin our fun.

While some prefer to subscribe spiritual significance to October 31st, I, personally, like to see it as the last great bastion of immaturity. You see, each of our other major Western holidays – your Thanksgivings and Christmases, your Valentine’s and Independence Days – are resplendent with responsibility. You are expected to buy gifts, cook food, visit family, etc. Halloween, comparatively, asks for very little. You simply need to buy some candy and cut some eye-holes in a sheet.

Shit, you can even avoid that by simply putting off your porch light and refusing to open your door!

What I’m getting at is that Halloween is about tricks and treats, candy and booze, silly costumes and scary movies. It is, in short, dedicated to the things we already hold dear in our glorious state of retarded adolescence. All it takes is a little motivation to get your average nerd into the swing of things. And perhaps the best motivator is music.

To that end, here are my picks for your seasonal soundtrack. Each is delightfully dorky and hot off the press. Check the out. If you dare!

The Triple Six Mixtape:
The Triple Six Mixtape isn’t without its rough spots, but it gets extra credit for being the first nerdcore Halloween album out of the gate. The brainchild of Rhyme Torrents regular Mad DPS, this project boasts some fun, creepy, and just plain weird work from YTCracker (who celebrates the dastardly pastime of candy snatching in “Bag Snatcher”), T.y.T. (whose “Hypmotized” is a disturbingly chipper recount of fratricide), and Epic 1 (who takes us on a supernatural killing spree in “Talk 2 The Reaper”). Also of note is Ham-STAR’s “Nevermore,” which helps to reinvent the artist as well as much of Poe’s best source material. Probably the comp’s best work comes in the form of DPS’s own “Vicious Attack” that features 3rror and The Ranger. It’s a Halloween anthem that combines great rhymes and a totally seasonal-appropriate beat.

This one is still available for free download over at RT.

Invasion of the Mic Snatchers:
While not exactly Halloween-themed, The Sinister Six’s Invasion of the Mic Snatchers weaves a plot of terror and otherworldly domination amidst a number of epic cuts from this nerdcore supergroup. The thematic elements – in this case spoken-word or sample-based bumpers that tie together the overall narrative arc of the album – seem almost overly abundant, but the polished production and unique musicality of each lends itself well to the cohesion of the work.

The real meat of Invasion of the Mic Snatchers is, of course, the songs themselves. From the skillful blending of Ben’s frantic braying and the amazing scratches that punctuate “Break Down” to YTCracker’s motor-mouthed musings in “Rise Up,” this is an album that’s nothing short of inspired. The lyrical wealth is equally spread amongst YT, BBear, ZeaLouS1, MadHatter, Chester, and Loki, as well as a few high-profile guest MCs. And on subjects as varied as gaming (”Roll the Dice”) and the power of the underground (”Deeper”), the Six take things to another level in the most Sinister manner possible.

Pledge your allegiance to the Six at the Scrub Club Records site and snag this one for the meager price of your immortal soul.

Before It’s Too Late:
Zombies! Organize!! easily won me over at this summer’s Nerdapalooza festival, and their demo has been in heavy rotation ever since. Thankfully, this month saw the release of the final product: Before It’s Too Late. Including everything I loved about the demo plus a handful of fresh cuts, it’s an album not to be missed (even if some of the newer material isn’t quite as inspired as I’d hoped). Tracks like “Trioxin” and “Sycophantic Drudgery” are still as creepily charming as they ever were, and a few even feature a little added polish. Blending politics with pop culture, Z!O!! paints a world where zombies are both brave iconoclasts and mindless political pawns, heroes and villains. It’s a world where the mall is cast as the high temple of the church of consumerism and the Nike Swoosh is the exploitative angel on your shoulder. In a word: brilliant.

This is album is for sale via the Zombies! Organize!! MySpace. It’s also available for free at the Zombies! Organize!! MySpace. The choice is yours.

Halloween 3.0:
The Rhyme Torrents compilations are, by nature, a mixed bag, and this one is no exception. Still, it offers an amazing selection of styles for every taste. Antisocial blends hip-hop and futurepop in “Emergency Evacuation,” Sudden Death brings the funny in “PC Halloween,” and Wholemilk’s “Colonel in the Study with a Pipe” manages to make Clue fun again. There are a couple of interesting covers (MC D20’s take on “Sleepwalker” and High-C’s spoken-word retelling of “Mind of a Lunatic),” but it’s new originals by the likes of Myf and MC Loki that make this an easy sell. It’s noteworthy that The Ranger also has a song on this comp called “Trioxin” which is not a Zombies! Organize!! cover. Trust me. Just as well, it’s hard to bitch about more great songs thematically centered on Return of the Living Dead.

Like those that came before, Halloween 3.0 is a free release from your friends at Rhyme Torrents.

Zombie Emergency Defense:
Perhaps the most surprising of this year’s crop of Halloween releases is this zombie-themed project from Orlando’s Emergency Pizza Party. Though EPP made no secret that it had something big planned for 2008, they were fairly tight-lipped about the specifics, and Z.E.D. comes through as an interesting blend of disparate elements. Part concept album, part radio play, part b-movie, and part promotional tie-in for A Comic Shop’s proactive zombie response program of the same name, it manages to inject some much need charm into the undead apocalypse. By blending good music with (intentionally) bad acting, Z.E.D. stalks the line between the frightening and the fun, the sublime and the silly, and along the way it boasts some of Emergency Pizza Party’s best work to date.

While it opens with a pair of retreads (”Lost in the Woods” and “Necronomicon Ex Robotis” from RT’s original Halloween EP), it quickly blossoms into “Safety Cabin,” an early highpoint that features some great rhymes from Fanatical and guest rapper funk49 Dr. BassWave. Speaking of, this album marks the return of both Fanatical and Benjamin Bear to the EPP fold, which helps to take the sting out of the fact that Betty Rebel is missing from much of the action. MC Wreckshin and Sir-Up, who act as hero and villain respectively, are in abundance, and really help to power the story on, all the while redefining the zombie epic.

Touching on everything from zombie preparedness (”The Escape”) to undead homophobia (”Phone Frantic Panic”) to surprise guest stars (”Journey Ongoing!!!!”), Zombie Emergency Defense is a fun ride that succeeds more often than it flounders. Sure, the dialog and narration can get a little cheesy, but that’s sort of the genius of it.

For a very limited time you can check this one out for free, so grab it while it’s hot… or cold… or whatever sort of clever corpse reference floats your proverbial boat.