Month: September 2005

The Artfull Dodgers are a Michigan group from Flint who will teach you the art of rhyming…stay tuned, folks!

You can order his Cd here for a total amount of $10 (including shipping costs).
I have read and reviewed this novel…it is really worth your buy!

Could you imagine D12 without Bizarre? Frankly, I could barely imagine the group without Rufus Johnson. Not only is Bizarre part of D12 and one of the group’s early founders along with Proof in the early 90’s, Bizzy is also a solo artist who has a lot of underground work at his active. I maintain it: the big guy in D12 has an amazing style!
I was quite surprised when I discovered that D12’s « biggest » member had so many haters…
However most of his haters are often very ignorant of Bizarre’s underground work and his numerous artistic collaborations besides D12.
Many people say that he’s a joke and a parody of rap. Don’t be so sure of it.
Fortunately, some people on the Detroit hip hop scene like P Dog, the turntable bully, do share my enthusiasm about Bizarre’s skills.
There are so many misconceptions about Rufus Johnson. I have heard so many times that « Bizzy  does a parody of rap music…his music is a good way to compensate his overweight, blah blah blah… ».
I don’t agree with such statements who often come from people who haven’t really explored Rufus Johnson’s work.
Of course, Bizarre uses the details that make him different from his other D12 fellows like his overweight and his shower cap, for instance, to make a difference. However, people should take into account that, above all, he is an emcee.
His style might be funny as hell, but it also reveals some rapping skills and a very creative mind.
Inspired by acid rap, Bizarre started working with New Jersey group The Outsidaz composed of Young Zee, Pacewon, Eminem, Bizarre, Az-Izz, Axe, D.U., Denz, Loon One, Nawshis, Rah Digga, Slang Ton, and Yah Yah.
Why I like Bizarre’s style
I bet many of you readers are certainly curious to know. I like Bizarre’ s style for the same reason that I appreciate the Slim Shady LP. The Slim Shady LP is full of sick and scary details combined with dark humor. If you take an attentive look at Bizarre’s work, you will see how intelligently he mixes up dirty and sick, like the psycho his character actually represents. Idiotic and weird, Peter S. Bizarre has the mind of a rapist…former Jehovah witness because of his mom’s religious beliefs, he bashes religion in his music and he does it in a very funny way « sitting in front of the Church, masturbating ».
Bizarre also makes numerous references to anal sex and to rape.
Shocking?…yes…on purpose. « His girlfriend had a miscarriage, he had to eat it… »…sensitive souls, don’t listen to him!
His character certainly belongs into a padded room and that’s exactly what makes it so likable. Sickness, weirdness, mental illness and a little bit of scary Esham’s influence compensated by a lot of humor make a Bizarre.
I like the complexity of his character which makes many people think that Bizzy is « nuts » in real life (no, he is not! He is just as normal as you and me!)
Some of his haters say that Bizarre doesn’t take rap music seriously. Having studied most of the songs where he is featured, his underground albums (Attack Of The Weirdos and his Unreleased Demo), his collaborations with various artists, I can tell you that Rufus Johnson does.
Some haters also think that Bizarre shouldn’t make us laugh…those haters usually don’t like Eminem or any other rapper’s humorous videos, because, -quoting them- this is making a joke out of rap music ». Really? If you think that some lyrics or that some rappers’ attitudes shouldn’t make us laugh, you must probably totally lack humor!
You claim that you take rap « seriously»? Rap is a game. A game in which the emcee can allow himself to play with words…sometimes, the subject matter can be very dark, sometimes it can be funny as hell. A little bit of humor from an emcee doesn’t hurt in any case.
Bizarre perfectly knows what he does and he does it very well.
Here is a well known example of Bizarre’s mixture of sick, dirty and hilarious elements. This subtle and unusual combination of wicked and weird elements creates a special atmosphere. The listener is caught by surprise and doesn’t know whether he must scream out loud or laugh his ass off:
« It’s Friday night, I’m at a rave again
Pickin up transvestites on my Harley-Davidson (hey hop on)
My girlfriend’s a crackhead whore
She’ll come to your door, suck your dick on the floor
and take your bottles to the store (nigga I’m takin these)
Have you ever seen a bitch get beat because she won’t cheat
Run the street and suck another nigga’s meat?
My son’s sixteen years old with nowhere to stay (dad it’s me)
I told him he wasn’t mine, slammed the door in his face
And I ain’t got no food, my job I’ve been cheated
My girlfriend had a miscarriage (I’m sorry) I had to eat it (ohh)
My dick is burnin, it ain’t cause of disease
Because I’m jackin off with gasoline mixed with antifreeze (AHH!)
I’m livin in Waco Texas, me and my girl
Fuck David Koresh, I’m startin my own world
It’s called Bizarre Cemetary, it’s scary
Eatin a virgin’s cherry, they’re all gonna laugh at you Carey… »
(American Psycho)
Bizarre’s interesting artistic collaborations
Bizarre is known for his work with D12, but barely for his other collaborations with many interesting artists.
His Unreleased Demo from 1998 will make you discover Rufus Johnson’s collaborations with New Jersey group The Outsidaz, former D12 member Fuzz and 5 Ela, one of Proof’s groups.
An examination of D12’s Underground EP will allow you to discover Bizzy’s collaborations with D12’s regretted member Bugz.
Bizarre has also done concerts with Redman, Method Man and Tha Alkaholics.
His collaborations with King Gordy and Outcast’s Big Boi on Hanni Cap Circus won’t probably leave you indifferent. Also don’t miss Rufus Johnson’s part on Mc Hush’s Real T.V track from the Bulletproof Cd…
A less known track in collaboration with P-Dog and Obie Trice, Drugs, straight out of P- Dog’s First Metacarpal mixtape will probably enchant any Bizarre lover.
Before bashing Bizarre, take some time to look at his work. This might totally change your mind about D12’s Weirdo.
By the way, did you know that Bizzy was a teddybears lover?

Weird, ain’t it?

My task is to show you that Rufus Johnson is somebody else than you probably think…learn why I like Bizarre’s style and why I consider him as a gifted rapper in my next article…

It is so easy to discriminate against somebody who doesn’t correspond to our criteria. However, do we realize that what we consider as normal could be considered as abnormal by somebody else?
I think that I am an easy going person. Usually, I am cool with people, even if they’re very different or even opposite to me. I don’t support conservatism, for instance, and I happen to have some conservative friends. It is just a matter of respect. We don’t share each other’s political points of views, but we respect each others as a person.
I do consider that people don’t have to act as if they were my twin brother or sister. If they don’t like hip hop, they don’t have to fake it in front of me as long as they respect my dedication to hip hop.
As long as you don’t attack me, my kids, my love for Eminem’s music and for rap music in general, I will be cool with you. Also, I will respect your own tastes or philosophy of life, no matter if it fully differs from mine.
Some people feel the need to define their personality through their sexual orientation. I am cool with that too. Some of my contacts are gays and lesbians, so what? I don’t care about their life style, I do consider the person. I don’t judge people’s choices. It is quite obvious that this choice belongs to their privacy.
I still don’t get why so many persons, who -by the way- claim to be good Christians (LMAO)- feel the need to discriminate against lesbians. Do you think that they are sinners? If so, have you ever considered that you are also a sinner in God’s eyes…so why allow yourself the right to judge?
People I am not cool with are posers, potential Eminem stalkers who harass me to get his address or email and people who try to ridicule the person I actually am.
If you have a problem with my unconditional support towards Eminem, my dedication to Michigan hip hop and hip hop in general, you’d better stay away from me. If you talk shit, you have great chances to get verbally hit. Don’t mess with who I am, because I won’t change just to please you.
I am a woman with personality who perfectly knows what she wants.
My conclusion: live and let live. Open your dictionary…there is a word called RESPECT. Respect people and you will get respect in return. And those who don’t respect you and accept you the way you are are not worth it.

1.Since when did you have a real passion for the music?
…. I’ve had a passion for music ever since I was 14 years old listening to bands like ‘Stiff little fingers’ and ‘ The Beatles’..
2. What motivated you to become the artist you are now?
…. I suppose what motivated me was watching other bands live on stage like the bands I generally like and have seen in concert. Seeing how they perform and seeing the crowds reaction to this. I get such a kick outta this and it made me wanna play and write stuff and do the same.
3.How did you come up with the nickname Mad Dog Reunion?
Mad Dog Reunion, lol, this name is a cocktail drink in the Uk.. Its actually called MD 20/20 but everyone calls it Mad dog.. I was in a band called Mad dog in the Uk in the 90’s but that broke up when I came to France to live.. So when I started back up on my own I decided that MDR was a great and unusual name to use and plus it made sense to me..
4.You started playing with bands all over the UK, then you went to France. Why chose France in particular?
I used to work on boats in France and met this girl who stole me from the Uk, hee hee.. So I ve been in France ever since 1996 now and enjoying every moment here..
5. How does the French public react towards your music? Do you have many fans here?
I think they like it alot in general, they seem to react to it in a good way and even I hear some cd’s being played in bars and pubs around France now which is great to hear .. One pub in particular called The ‘Toucan’..
6.What is your most positive experience since the start of your career?
I think the most positive start was actually getting the record deal with Chromium , they’ve not done much really but it was a step in the right direction and felt great.. Though that’s’ come to an end and its back to the drawing board but any reactions I get from record companies is a positive start for me.
7. Among the contemporary mainstream artists, who has earned your respect and why?
I think if any band has earned my respect I’d have to say ‘Muse’ . I once heard this band and didn’t think much of them, until I really sat down and listened to their cd which totally blew me away.. Its the way they play and how they can make their instruments say things that words can t do. Also great powerful vocals and each musician in the band has a gifted talent to perform and write..
8. You talk about various themes in your music…what is your biggest source of inspiration when you write the lyrics to one of your songs?
The ides for writing comes from nowhere, its funny cos I’ll have this image in my head and then I’ll finish off the rest of the story or picture in a song way.. Sometimes someone might get on my nerves or make me happy and that comes across in my music too.. ‘December sun’ was a picture in my head and ‘Into the dirt’ was people who had annoyed me before..
9. According to you, what are the qualities needed to make a great artist?
…… I don’t know really cos I d say lyrics and the ability how to perform and play really well.. Saying that ‘Nirvana’ from the 90’s knew how to write excellent songs and get their points across but just couldn’t pull it off live ever.. Totally useless live but knew how to write great songs.. I’d say patience attitude and devotion oh and care too..
10. Do you have any further solo projects? If so, please let us know more about what they actually are…
Yes I have more projects or project inline. I m actually writing more stuff for my next cd which will be the sixth, so looking forward to hearing how this one is going to sound. I never take the driver seat in my songs. Meaning the song will just come out in a jam and my head and fingers will go free and there is a song. So I think maybe next year their ll be another cd finished..

Mad Dog Reunion has kindly responded to my questions…i will post this interview tomorrow…stay tuned:)

The French brandmark “Complices” copies Shady Ldt…this is certainly worth a lawsuit!

This is a shame!

« Jealous, Jealousy, Jealousy » (Eminem, Jealousy Woes)
No, this article is not about Eminem’s Jealousy Woes song from the Infinite album…but it will introduce you into the theme of jealousy.
Have you ever been the victim of people’s jealousy? I bet this has already happened to most of you!
Some people can’t be you, because they don’t have your skills, your imagination, you talent etc…Instead of working on their own qualities and focusing on their own goals, they develop a secret hatred of you.
While simulating a « playing-it-cool attitude », their secret hatred of you grows and grows and gets transformed in word flows.
Motivated by envy (they get mad because they are conscious they will never be you), they try to work out some strategies to weaken you.
Sometimes they find a subtle way to discriminate against you when you belong to an ethnical minority, for instance, trying to humiliate you by any means.
As the rap music lover I actually am, and having handled some freestyle battles (on the net, I wish I had battled people for real lol), I perfectly know how such enemies’ mind work. 8 Mile fully explains this battling spirit.
You have to weaken your enemy and make him look ridiculous. The most skilled rapper has the best chances to win the battle.
Jealousy Woes can hate you, attack you, discriminate against you, but they will never make you fall when you are fully conscious of your genuine value.
Exposing their jealousy is weakening them forever!
There will always be haters on your way. However, it is up to you not to give them power on you. Stay strong, be conscious that they hate you because you’re so special!
Stay focused and work towards you goals and let them jealousy woes destroy themselves with their worthless jealousy.

Watch the following video and leave your comments!