The Messenger's Blog

VERBALIZE with The Messenger

2010-11-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings and welcome to my blog! My name is Marley Montano and I've produced and performed hip-hop music under the emcee alias "The Messenger" for well over ten years now throughout this great state of Florida. Over this time, I have had the honor and privilege of performing numerous shows with some of the most talented and unique hip-hop artists Florida has to offer! Some of these acts have included; Solillaquists of Sound, Sevenstar, Cyne, S.K.I.P., DJ Dirty Digits, Tough Junkie, MayDay, Blak Lungz, X144, Double Helix, Rubox, DJ SPS, Simple Complexity, The AB's (formerly known as Asamov), Dillion Maurer (formerly known as Intellekt), Madd Illz, Astronautalis, and many others. For a number of years, I was a member of the Gainesville-based hip-hop & funk fusion band Voice of the People. During this time, when artists like these would visit our city, they would many times find themselves either in my private studio or crashing on the couch of fellow V.O.T.P. emcee, Etch1ne. Show after show, we both found ourselves humbled and amazed by the diverse talent we were exposed to. A feeling began back then that would only intensify over the years; pride in our culture, and pride in our community! This would continue to inspire me and eventually lead to my concept for the show I now call, VERBALIZE with THE MESSENGER.

About five years ago I interviewed Orlando-native, Greg Rollet (G-Ro) from the hip-hop group, STUMPP. This interview was released on URBAN SYNTHESIS RADIO as my first official episode of VERBALIZE in the form of an audio podcast. Over the next several years, I slowly began conducting interviews but did not give the show my full attention.

Since moving from Gainesville and becoming a father, I have still remained active in the Florida performance circuits and have even returned to Gainesville on many occasions to play shows and host events for The Hip-Hop Collective. Throughout my travels, I have always been deeply troubled by the sad reality that so many of these artists that I've met, many of whom are performing across the country and throughout the world, seem to exist, at times, virtually unknown by the very communities in which they live. In the cases where communities have known and supported these artists, I still feel as though the true message of their work is somehow being missed.

It is my intention with this show to give you an up close and personal understanding of what lies behind the music, minds and lives of these incredible artists, and all-around phenomenal people. All interviews are divided into parts and are designed to expose you to new chapters of their respective stories.

My first official episode of VERBALIZE with THE MESSENGER, launched November 10th, 2010 and featured Orlando-based hip-hop artist, S.K.I.P. Below you will find the youtube links to all available VERBALIZE episodes. When an episode is launched, each additional part will air exactly one week after the previous episode. I hope you enjoy learning about the lives and the processes these artist go through to compose their art. I also hope that these stories will inspire you to share the message of these artists lives and their music with others!

Peace & Love
- Marley The Messenger
www.reverbnation.com/MarleyTheMessenger
www.TheMessengersBlog.com

VERBALIZE EPISODES:

S.K.I.P. - Orlando, Florida - November 2010

S.K.I.P. Interview (Part 1)

S.K.I.P. Interview (Part 2)

S.K.I.P. Interview (Part 3)

D.P. - Gainesville, Florida - March 2011

D.P. Interview (Part 1)

D.P. Interview (Part 2)

D.P. Interview (Part 3)

A preview of "Until The Very End," the upcoming album from S.K.I.P.

2010-08-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ever evolving and always dope, Orlando-based artist, S.K.I.P. has once again impressed and inspired me with his music, his message and his unpredictable imagination. His concepts never lack to impress and his attention to detail never disappoints. I have had the pleasure of experiencing his live performance and have also had the privilege of listening to some of the songs from his upcoming album, "Until The Very End." I can honestly say that what I have seen and heard is breathtaking! If you know me at all and respect my opinion, then you already know what's up with this album. If you don't know, then see for yourself by clicking the picture below and enjoying a sneak peek of what I am naming one of the most phenomenal and historical albums of 2010! - Marley Montano, "The Messenger"
www.reverbnation.com/marleythemessenger

www.themessengersblog.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"For over three years now i have been working on my newest musical experience, entitled, "Until The Very End." And after all that time and energy spent, i am proud to say that the album is completed and almost ready to share with the world." - S.K.I.P.

Indie Music Festival in Orlando, FL

2010-08-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ladies & Gentlemen, lovers of hip-hop and the indie music mentality, Sunday, August 8th an incredible event will be taking place that you DO NOT want to miss!! Over 70 bands on 7 stages from some of the freshest, most skilled and most unique artists that Florida has to offer! We have Solillaquists of Sound emcee, Swamburger to thank for putting this thing together! (Please take a moment smile & nod in silent appreciation as you glance over the line-up for this event)

I am extremely happy to announce that I will be on location at the festival, filming and reporting on the entire event. My coverage will air on the new upcoming season of THE LYRICIST HOUR, brought to you by the good people at The Nerdy South. In addition to my coverage of the event, I will also be performing on the "Blue Bird" stage at 1:20pm. Be sure to catch my performance! Below I have posted a collection of music videos, live performances, battles and behind the scenes from some of the hip-hop artists who are scheduled to perform. Although the festival is not limited to the genre of hip-hop, there is still a remarkable presence of talented and experienced hip-hop performers at this event and I just wanted to take the time to share of few of their videos with you! Enjoy! Peace & Love, Marley "The Messenger" Montano

www.revebnation.com/marleythemessenger www.themessengersblog.com

Solillaquists of Sound "Marvel" (official music video) from Solillaquists of Sound on Vimeo.

DiViNCi kills it on 3 MPCs at the 2008 Plug Awards from Solillaquists of Sound on Vimeo.

MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW: Solillaquists of Sound, "New Sheriff In Town"

2010-03-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

If you're a longtime listener of hip-hop or even if you're just one of those people who lost interest in the music when it seemed to lose it's relevance or importance in your life, great news, justice has finally come! If you've never heard of Solillaquists of Sound before today, then I am proud to be the messenger who introduces you to their music for the first time!

Solillaquists describe their music as soliloquies of their own thoughts, ideas and personal concerns about their community, combined with innovative music and sound. The progressive sound and sample-based music they speak of, is provided by Producer extraordinaire and MPCist, DiViNCi. Emcee, Swamburger, epitomizes what an emcee is supposed to be; intelligent, commanding and relevant. Lead vocalist, Alexandrah's vocals and lyrics captivate on their own (which is quite impressively demonstrated by her solo music) and offers a refreshing contrast to Swam's delivery. Tonya Combs, at times, provides spoken word poetry, while other times percussion or vocal harmonies; but whichever role she feels inspired to fill, it is always for the benefit and upliftment of whatever message Solillaquists are trying to convey.

Okay, so now that you know the who & why, and before you see the how & what, let me tell about the where & when of this music video, "New Sheriff In Town." It was shot in Orlando, Florida on August 2nd, 2009 and it's just one of singles off of their most recent album, "No More Heroes." The video contains members from Orlando's B Side Artists, Second Subject Recordings (a record label started by Swamburger) and a hot mess of family and close friends. Off the bat, I spotted X-144 and the infamous S.K.I.P. (Who can you spot in this video, kids?!)

Look, this video is exactly like the song, energetic from the first note! For me, it represents not only that original energy that has been lost in much of the hip-hop you hear and see today, but at the same time, it serves as a sign of things to come in this genre, and all genres for that matter! Watch the video below, read the lyrics for "New Sheriff In Town." and learn this groups story! The more you learn, the more you will see!!!

For more information regarding Solillaquists of Sound, be sure to visit: www.solilla.com and especially be sure to check out all of the hyperlinks contained in this article!

Peace & Love, Marley "The Messenger" Montano

www.myspace.com/iMAMESSENGER

Here's the music video! Just hit the
play icon that you see below...

The Hip Hop Collective Presents: SOUL CYPHER 11

2010-03-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

The Hip-Hop Collective is a student run organization at the University of Florida that I helped form over ten years ago! They are about to hold their 11th annual three day festival, SOUL CYPHER from March 19th-21st. This year, I will be one of the judges for an impressive Emcee competition we call, the EMCEE OLYMPICS! In addition to judging, I will be performing a few songs at the event, but only a short performance as these battles can run longer than expected. EMCEE's.. hit me up QUICKLY if you would like to compete in the EMCEE OLYMPICS, as of right now, there are still slots open! Please read below to learn more about the event and how things will run.. Peace & Love! - Marley Montano, "The Messenger", www.reverbnation.com/MarleyTheMessenger ------------------------------------------

SOUL CYPHER 11 The legendary three day hip-hop festival that brings together the four elements of hip-hop from the underground. Come experience the excitement, the inspiration, the beats, rhymes, moves and grooves that define urban culture. FREE to the general public. BRING EVERYONE!!!! ---------------------

Event details: JUDGES: - Sticka (Masters of Mayhem) - Lil Bob (Killafornia) - Marlon (Havikoro) DJs: - Loki (Gainesville's finest) - Basic (Little Green Apples/ Main Ingredients) - B-Ryan (Little Green Apples/ Main Ingredients) - Robzilla (DJ chair of The Hip Hop Collective) HOSTS: - JJ & Genius Special Performances by Mandeep Sethi (Zulu Nation San Fran Tribe) ---------------------------------

DAY 1: Date: Friday, March 19th Time: 6:30PM, Battles at 7:30PM Location: Santa Fe College room R001 Events: - 2 VS 2's bboy battles - Popping Battles - Huge Emcee cypher - Performances DAY 2: Date: Saturday, March 20th Time: 6:30PM, Battles at 7:30PM - Midnight Location: UF Reitz Union Grand Ballroom Events: - FULL CREW bboy battles (5-8 per crew) - Emcee Olympics - Performances DAY 3: Date: Sunday, March 21st Time: All Day Location: UF Plaza of the Americas Events: - BBoyQ (chillout session with food) - Graffiti - Cyphers - FUN!