mellifluent daze

San Los Vegas: World Class Wrecking Crew

taku — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:39:09 +0000

If you’re in Vegas this weekend, we’ll see ya there!

Sexy Music For Ya!

taku — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:58:14 +0000

Vegas on the brain. No, this isn’t the pregame-hotelroom-fistpumping type of jams but more like the music you chill to when you wake up the next morning…except for the Zion I track (that one you’re more than welcomed to wil’out to)

The Weeknd. Off their mixtape “House of Balloons“. Currently listening to the album on r-r-r-repeat. As you should too.

I think I just swagged in my pants. haha

Off of Zion I x Grouch’s new album “Heroes in the Healing of the Nation”

TOO good not to post another track. I wish I knew how to dance.

In the Middle We Stay Calm

taku — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 09:09:58 +0000

If there were an award for the “Biggest Chicken” when it comes to watching ~~scary~~ movies that have jumpy/surprising scenes, I win hands down. I’ve already got my acceptance speech on deck just in case someone decides to give me that award. The thing is, I react to the crazy $hit that pops up outta no where – much different than simply screaming like a little girl running around as if her head were cut-off. How’s that even possible? Aiite time to stop beating around the bush. So I’m sure most of ya’ll have heard how some old dude predicting the next big earthquake to hit us (Californians) some time between March 19th and March 26th. Jim Berkland (the “old dude”), a geologist with the USGS, predicted the 1988 earthquake in SF before so I’m kinda worried that this dude might be correct again, as much as that sucks. Basically there’s some clockwise trend going within the Ring of Fire starting from South America to New Zealand to Japan and the last stop around our neck of the woods. I’m the kinda guy who likes to prepare before doing anything so I’m not kidding when I tell you that I got 3 pairs of shoes ready in my living room and my closet doors open so I can throw important $hit into my suitcase and jet out of my apartment. I’m actually not too worried about the earthquake in general, but moreso on my apartment building. You see, I live on the 6th floor with a BUNCH of senior citizens in a structure that was built in the 50s. If I’m in this building when/if it goes down, I can throw my suitcase of $hit out my window and then A.) jump out onto the big-ass tree right outside my window, B.) take the fire escape down, or C.) book it down 6 flights of stairs. Knowing that there are a lot of old people and disabled tenants living in my building, I’ll most likely assist them. It’s crazy because I don’t know any of their names yet I talk to them quite often when I see them. Oh yeah, so I guess if I do end up going with option A, I won’t be able to help my neighbors so we’ll omit that option. Yeahhhh man, it’s just wild that I’ve actually designed on how I want to escape this building and knowing what I want to bring and all. And on top of all this madness, I’ve been listening to Adele and some other romantic/lovey-dovey/what-if music nonsense which got me thinking that I should actually live up to my New Year’s resolution of not holding $hit back cuz I don’t wanna have any regrets. Ya dig? I know it’s selfish of me to think like this when my peoples in Japan are suffering so I’ll end it right here.

**I don’t mean to scare you with this post but it doesn’t hurt to always be prepared. Think about that ant & the grasshopper story. I’d refresh your minds but I think it’s easier to just click the link.

Cue random music to listen to:

half Iranian, half English. *drool

playing this since 10:07pm. it’s been 4 hours & 1 minute now.

smoove.

Cooler Than Anti-Freeze

taku — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:08:36 +0000

Last night’s shenanigans was sequel to the previous night’s warehouse party. If you think about it, it’s kinda like the ultimate pregame leading up to the party. 330 Ritch was definitely off the chain with DJ D-Sharp waxing the tables with dopea$$ tunes and props to the venue showing Wild Style on the screens. Haha. Pac Div brought fire performing new tracks but the place blew up (or it seemed like it did from my lens cuz I was wildin’ out) once I heard, “I ain’t never been no lyin’ a** n****, I keep my s*** quiet I ain’t tryin’ to brag withcha”. Pac Div performing “Pac Div”. Consequence peformed right after, too. I was surprised about his performance cuz when I saw him open for Musiq Soulchild back in the day, he kinda wasn’t very good. What am I saying, he was horrible back then live. He did work last night though so that was cool. Special appearance made by Phife Dawg of ATCQ rapped alongside with Cons. All in all, one of the coolest times in my “music” life.

Did I mention Jameson Whiskey was promoting themselves that night? Choice hip-hop and choice alcohol?? I must’ve done something ~~good~~ extraordinary to have been THIS lucky. That’s probably why I went to bed at 6:43AM and woke up at 4pm this ~~morning~~ afternoon…

So Let’s Shepherd the Herd

taku — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 00:47:16 +0000

I don’t even know how to start this post. Well it’s apparent I decided by saying how I don’t know how to start it.

Homeboy Justin Time - with his infinite knowledge on knowing what the heck is up - spread word to me about PAC DIV rollin’ through to SF at a last-minute party held inside a vert ramp warehouse, cleverly dubbed the Vertramp Warehouse. Located in Hunter’s Point, I was kinda skeptical about going there in the first place but I’m at that point where I trust the city. Plus Pac Div was gonna be there so ya gotta just overlook that crap. Nah mean?! So the party was thrown by Arnelle and her UNSCRIPTED crew along with Creative Sessions. I just gotta mention & show madd love to Arnelle for introducing me, Shells, and Don to Mibbs, Like, and BeYoung cuz that was $%^&* radical. Definitely a trooper for having a full-leg brace and holding it all down.

Oh yeah, another cool thing to point out from last night was the attire. I felt like a collective of Spring threads came to life at the warehouse in sense that everybody was sporting local wear. I think I was just being even more observant cuz I was pretty damn throwed. Haaa

330 Ritch tonight to catch the Pac Div performance along with Consequence and D-Sharp!

download link for Pac Div’s new mixtape MANIA

DEEEEEYUMMMMM!!!!

STAY UP JAPAN

taku — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:07:46 +0000

As most of you know, Japan was rocked by a series of earthquakes followed by tsunamis. I’ve got madd family all throughout Japan so it’s only natural to be concerned with ANY updates the news has to report. In addition to fam, I’ve got the homies Charley, Dean-o, Jay, Melody, Yuji & the Yonekura’s, and the Yonsei fam out there. It’s tough to see images of people suffering through nature’s bullshit but now that its happened, the best thing to do is to cooperate with one another. I know there aren’t people in the far east reading my crap but if shit goes down in the westcoast (SF just broadcasted a tsunami warning arriving here round 8:08AM) it’s important that we all stay level-headed and cooperate with each other. Japan seems to be cooperating with each other really well despite the chaos and I hope the surrounding countries and Hawaii take heed to my words. Remain strong Nippon.

Strength of mind and heart
Disastrous, if you don’t have
From it. Do not part. -Risha Ahmed (12 years old)

Gassho.

Case of the $%^&*#@ Mondays

taku — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:55:57 +0000

I’m just not a fan of this past particular Monday. That is all. But I shouldn’t complain because there are those who have crappier Mondays than I do – like Charlie Sheen. Keep your head up Mr. Sheen!

Strangely, you’re still inspiring folks.

Keep a pair of fire proof headphones and an extinguisher near you cuz we’re bringin’ the fiyahh. Stay tuned (wink, wink, hug, hug, slap, slap, pound, up, down, snap)

Lean on Me

taku — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:29:45 +0000

Just letting ya know right now, this post might be the most emotionally-filled writing I’ve ever typed. Kinda like drunk freestylin’ except everything I’m gonna say is exactly what I’m thinking at the precise second from the heart (not the noggin) - and I’m sober.

The past two weeks have been a living nightmare for me. Sure I had 3 tough exams right after another, but the toughest test was beyond pencil and paper. My scenario was a test of strength – to be strong for my younger siblings and for my mom & dad. You see, my family is pretty big and to most of you guys who know me, we seem like a happy and cohesive family. In reality we may be one of the most dysfunctional unit you’ve ever come across. Haha. I mean that in the nicest way possible too but we really are different when it comes to behaving at home and behaving out in the public. Now that’s not to say that we’re acting a certain way around people, but rather we don’t show others that there’s a problem at home. Nor do we talk about it. And I think that’s really a Japanese characteristic because we tend to keep things to ourselves in order to avoid a wrong/bad perception on our family.

Now to the problem: My mom and dad have had some really tough issues with each for quite some time. My mom, being born in a poverish, country-raised 2nd generation family, has one style of parenting while my dad, being born in a wealthy, only son, family from Osaka, has another parenting style. I admit I wasn’t the best kid when I was in highschool, where I would get in BIG fights with my mom. My dad would always have my back and I wasn’t punished/disciplined/grounded for my antics. My mom would always get mad at my dad for overlooking her disciplinary actions on me (makes sense) and felt as if her word meant nothing since I was always left off the hook by my dad. Fast forward to today, my younger sister and brother are now in that same phase I went through. I can only imagine how tough it is to be a parent – let alone raise 5 kids. My mom went through the same exact situation she did with me where my dad would protect my brother and sister even though they should be disciplined for getting driving tickets, bad grades, lying, etc. It got to the point where my mom was just fed up with the bs and left our home about a week ago. I’ve been able to keep in contact with her this whole time so I was glad, but at the same time, she was losing money quick because she would have to pay a lot each night for a place to stay for the night. On top of that, my mom was telling me about getting a divorce and finding her own apartment to live by herself since she felt miserable and unappreciated back at “home”. At that point, I was lost at words and my world seemed to have spiraled down. And I’m not being dramatic, there were a few nights where I got very little sleep and would wake up as if I were drunk. It especially sucked during the nights before my exams. I had to make sure my mom was in a safe and -up-to-par place every night.

Then about 2 days ago, I set up my sister and my mom to sit down and talk to each other since the root cause of all this started from their relationship. I don’t know what the heck happened, but my plan to mend all this was blown up in my face. I get a call from my crying mom saying that she wasn’t needed or wanted back at home so she has to find another place to stay. As the oldest son, I had to drop everything I was doing and figure out what can be done. Keep in mind I’m all the way up in SF. As you know, I went to my homies’ show last night and all but I went out a handful of times because my mom would call me. She was able to stay with her long time friend last night so I was somewhat at ease knowing that she wasn’t by herself that night. Some of my friends know that I’ve been trying to see how long I can endure without drinking a drop of alcohol. I did that because I was afraid to turn to alcohol to get through tough times. I know I’m no alcoholic but it seriously crossed my mind that it was a possibility that I may turn to drinking as an alternative to cope with hard times. Good thing it didn’t come down to that.

SoI found out today that our family friend that my mom spent the night with came over to my home with her husband and spoke with both my mom and dad. I just got back to my apartment from my basketball game with a knee injury so my my heart rate was still high – and the fact that our family friends were speaking with my parents had me nervous because I’ve already had my plan blown up in my face. Tried to get my mind off of all this by eating (it’s ok, I don’t get fat for some reason) and finally received a text from my dad. I was terrified in reading the text so I had to collect myself before opening the message. Have you ever seen a person win a plane filled with a liftime supply of Abbazabbas, $20 million, and Olivia Munn giving all this to you in person? Me neither but imagine all that. That’s how happy I was when I read my dad’s text. Basically they were going to work it out and try to mend things together. Who am I to lie, I’m one emotional one of a guy. I think I was more relieved that my parents are back together and my youngest brother can see my mom at home again. This is one of those times that I want to always remember if I ever become a dad (seriously, no rush). I’ve learned so much about myself through this experience and it even amazed my mom because I seemed so different (more mature) when I would talk to her on the phone.

As bad as it sounds, I wish this whole thing could’ve happened this week instead of last week because I don’t have any exams this week. Well, this was just a big-o test for me to see if I can work under personal problems and pressure I guess. Hopefully I passed. I kinda don’t care what I got on my exams as much because things are getting better at home. Oh yeah, Takuma only writes posts that have happy endings to the story.

Before I forget, I want to thank my friends and family friends for lending my family and I a helping hand. If that’s not you, I’m sorry I just don’t like raining on other people’s parades but I had to give my words of appreciation to those who knew my situation. I know ya’ll would’ve helped me if I told you guys.

“Sometimes in our lives//We all have pain//We all have sorrow//But if we are wise//We know that there’s always tomorrow.”

Going Out Strong

taku — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:05:55 +0000

Definitely not a WEAKend.

Hit up Nihon Whiskey Lounge (1779 Folsom St.) with the brochachos and some of the homegirls. Two Peaty Old Fashioned’s left my mouth smelling like I ate straight up campfire logs. It tasted good, nonetheless.

Saturday was ~~full of events~~ eventful. Rocked out at Kimo’s to the homies Soul, Mr. Free, & Evan-even-isenhower’s (haha) performance. Also had the opportunity to meet teacher/MC Random aka Megaran from Arizona, who definitely brought the house down. What better to do after the show then get sauced, right? Mobbed over to Sudachi and did some work there, but why describe the night when a photo’s worth a thousand words?

Great weekend to hit the pause button on the party animal antics until spring break.

“bout time somebody pull back the curtain”. special appearance by mel haha.

haha we went to denny’s after his show, too. (this is an old video though)

rainy days…

…and because i know some people enjoy country music on rainy days haha

Free As A Frisbee

taku — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:43:36 +0000

Well guys, I murdered all 3 exams. I’m free from tests for a good month! Bout to undergo retail therapy – free button-up shirt! Keeping the ball rollin’ on this “free” business, SFMTA pardoned my MUNI citation so they refunded my citation…I’m FREE! So that explains the free shirt because I can use some of the “city’s” money to cop some fresh threads. Damn it feels good to be a gangsta.

Hit the mall up to wait for the rain to pass and ran into my new go-to shop FULLY LACED. In addition to carrying their own products, they supply the notables like IN4MATION, ADAPT, SNAPBACKS, and my biggie STUSSY. Glad I got rained on.

No Rain, No Rainbows!

uh ohhh… time for one helluva weekend!

GOOD TIMES!