This has taken me a while to write, but I realized it’s a way to keep his memory live. I am blessed for knowing you brother. Please donate to the Coleman Family for our brother Jovan Coleman aka J-1 aka THE DEER at MugPush.com.

I’m a big fan of the HVW8′s artwork and would check their site from time to time. One day I noticed there was a beat tape they sponsored called Attack of THE DEER. I played it over and over and had to meet the cat that put it together. I went to the Jay Stayed Paid event and asked my friend Kyla about J-1 and if he was there. She pointed him out. Clean pumas, fitted hat to match, star tatts on his elbows, and a cobra tattoo on the side of his neck vibing out on a House Shoes DJ set. I introduced myself, and right away we talked about music for hours like we were some old friends catching up. I thought it would be a great idea to have him do a top ten list for B+C. He was down but then flips it with a mix. J was on fire cranking out a mix right after the next. I was trying to keep up because I was doing the artwork for each one. It was always “GO” mode with that dude. A few mixes into it, he called me up and was like lets make this bigger. “Beats+Crates Radio podcast, with guest DJs.” I was like wow, and before I knew it, he had Teeko and Max Kane ready to go. B+C wouldn’t be what it is without J-1.

Our working relationship was a great combo, and he had the projects coming. It was the in between time when Weyez, J, and I would kick it, and that made our bond what it is… family. You can see folks that talked to J-1; he gave them that same attention, and respect. J was always building and growing every time he met someone professionally and personally.  J-1 aka THE DEER grew the Animal Kingdom family worldwide, and touched many, many lives. J-1, you will be truly be missed. Thank you for the music, the laughs, the creativity, and the time. I salute you my brother.

Feel free to leave a comment and please head to MugPush.com to donate to the Coleman family. Thank you.

J-1′s Music: The Yellow EP on Record Breakin & Starship 27 vol. 1 & 2 on iNsect Records 

ALso visit Soundwaves Episode 157: Tribute to Jovan “J-1″ Coleman

A shot of Hornitos for J. 

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One Truth – Man vs. Woman

The first thing that pops into my mind when people mention “spoken word artists” is political (or whatever topic that’s currently socially conscious) rhythmical rants. One night J1 invited me to Transmissions at Grand Star to check out this cat One Truth. Man, was that an experience. One Truth had a three-piece band called MugPush and a style far removed from other poets I’ve seen. It felt more like a hip hop or jazz show. Point is, One Truth changed my whole perspective of spoken word artists. His album Soundtrack To Life: New Beginnings also reflects that- it’s one you’ll bump in your car. Check out One Truth on MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube. Buy One Truth’s Soundtrack To Life: New Beginnings. BIG thanks J1 for the heads up.