Da'Shade Moonbeam

Da'Shade MoonBeam is busier than you are.

When the Austin artist is not working his 40+ hour a week job at the youth development nonprofit LifeWorks, he is practicing for upcoming shows with his martial arts performance team Cry Havoc Action Choreography and promoting his new solo hip hop EP, Just Me..., which just dropped in March.

Of course, these are just three of the venutres he's working on right now until festival season kicks into high gear. That's because MoonBeam is also a skilled cinematographer, a nationally recognized slam poet, an award-winning actor and a tireless advocate against human trafficking.

Oh, and there's one more thing that influences all of the other amazing work that he does: Da'Shade MoonBeam is also a big ol' nerd. And proud of it. One look at the "Picard vs. Kirk" T-shirt he's sporting on this day confirms that fact for me.

To be more specific, MoonBeam classifies himself as a "street-nerd," pointing out that his appreciation for video games, science fiction and fantasy arrived while he was growing up in the pre-gentrified East Austin of the 80s, where drugs and gangs were a real part of his everyday environment.

"I used to get beat up all the time because I was different from everyone around me. I just got tired of it, so I decided I had to do something," he says. Motivated by a grandfather who served time in the military during WWII, MoonBeam took up martial arts "like the Ninja Turtles" to start protecting himself and his younger sisters from the very real threats of his environment.

In his song "The Most Magnificent" (playing in the video above), MoonBeam speaks to his upbringing:

"See, I'm an oddity/A street-nerd/I study the street/A geek from the concrete/When there was nothing to eat/Now I munch rappers for lunch... I'm a misfit, a heretic/Never fit in the box/Like the gutter on the curb/I've been embraced by the block."

Rather than succumb to the constant pressure created from his adversities, MoonBeam channeled his need for self-expression first into martial arts and then into writing, art and fight choreography.

Pretty soon, MoonBeam was recruiting like-minded friends to join him in these ventures, which eventually led to the formation of the socially-conscious hip hop group Blacklisted Individuals and the Cry Havoc Action Choreography team.

"[My friends and I] would stage these epic battles that looked like we were beating the hell out of one another, but it was all planned out and nobody was getting hurt," he says. "The kids in my neighborhood loved it and they would come to watch in the park every weekend."

When I initially use the word "dance" to inquire about what Cry Havoc does at shows, MoonBeam is quick to point out the difference between dance and fight choreography: "I have seen a lot of beautiful, intricate dancing and it is hard and tiring, but it's not dangerous as far as I know. What we're doing, even with dulled edges on our blades, is. If we move wrong or turn in the wrong direction, we could get pretty messed up."

Dropping plenty of Japanese terms to verify the authenticity of both his martial arts and nerd training, it's abundantly clear how his appreciation of Jackie Chan movies has influenced his development as an artists as much as, say, Star Wars and Star Trek. (As if the light sabre routine in the video above didn't cement that for you.)

Recognizing the plethora of talents MoonBeam possesses, RAW Artists Austin has selected him to participate in their next two multi-genre arts celebrations at The Parish. These monthly multi-city parties are an excellent fusion of static and performance art and music hosted by a local coordinator (in Austin's case: Meghan Jones).

On Sept. 20, MoonBeam will be performing tracks from his new EP as one of the featured musicians for the Austin version of the "Ensemble" show. Then, on Oct. 18, he will be performing with Cry Havoc in the performing arts section of the "Provocations" show.

With such an eclectic approach to arts engagement, RAW Artists is the perfect match to Moonbeam's array of diverse talents. "It's an amazing thing Meghan and her team have put together," says MoonBeam. "I love these nights, getting to see how other people approach their work. I'm grateful to be a part of it. And it will give me the chance to perform with RAW in other cities."

Even with his attention divided between his music, his choreography, his acting, his writing, his filmmaking and his full-time job, the street-nerd has his eye on the future and how to always keep building upward.

"It's tiring, man. And if someone came along and handed me a record deal and a contract, I can't say I wouldn't take it in a hertbeat," he laughs. "But until then, I gotta keep moving forward."

---

You can download Da'Shade MoonBeam's EP Just Me... from his website or pick up a personal recording of it from him at the Sept. 20 RAW Artists show at 8 p.m. at The Parish. - Culture Map AUSTIN - Michael Graupmann

Da'Shade MoonBeam is busier than you are.

When the Austin artist is not working his 40+ hour a week job at the youth development nonprofit LifeWorks, he is practicing for upcoming shows with his martial arts performance team Cry Havoc Action Choreography and promoting his new solo hip hop EP, Just Me..., which just dropped in March.

Of course, these are just three of the venutres he's working on right now until festival season kicks into high gear. That's because MoonBeam is also a skilled cinematographer, a nationally recognized slam poet, an award-winning actor and a tireless advocate against human trafficking.

Oh, and there's one more thing that influences all of the other amazing work that he does: Da'Shade MoonBeam is also a big ol' nerd. And proud of it. One look at the "Picard vs. Kirk" T-shirt he's sporting on this day confirms that fact for me.

To be more specific, MoonBeam classifies himself as a "street-nerd," pointing out that his appreciation for video games, science fiction and fantasy arrived while he was growing up in the pre-gentrified East Austin of the 80s, where drugs and gangs were a real part of his everyday environment.

"I used to get beat up all the time because I was different from everyone around me. I just got tired of it, so I decided I had to do something," he says. Motivated by a grandfather who served time in the military during WWII, MoonBeam took up martial arts "like the Ninja Turtles" to start protecting himself and his younger sisters from the very real threats of his environment.

In his song "The Most Magnificent" (playing in the video above), MoonBeam speaks to his upbringing:

"See, I'm an oddity/A street-nerd/I study the street/A geek from the concrete/When there was nothing to eat/Now I munch rappers for lunch... I'm a misfit, a heretic/Never fit in the box/Like the gutter on the curb/I've been embraced by the block."

Rather than succumb to the constant pressure created from his adversities, MoonBeam channeled his need for self-expression first into martial arts and then into writing, art and fight choreography.

Pretty soon, MoonBeam was recruiting like-minded friends to join him in these ventures, which eventually led to the formation of the socially-conscious hip hop group Blacklisted Individuals and the Cry Havoc Action Choreography team.

"[My friends and I] would stage these epic battles that looked like we were beating the hell out of one another, but it was all planned out and nobody was getting hurt," he says. "The kids in my neighborhood loved it and they would come to watch in the park every weekend."

When I initially use the word "dance" to inquire about what Cry Havoc does at shows, MoonBeam is quick to point out the difference between dance and fight choreography: "I have seen a lot of beautiful, intricate dancing and it is hard and tiring, but it's not dangerous as far as I know. What we're doing, even with dulled edges on our blades, is. If we move wrong or turn in the wrong direction, we could get pretty messed up."

Dropping plenty of Japanese terms to verify the authenticity of both his martial arts and nerd training, it's abundantly clear how his appreciation of Jackie Chan movies has influenced his development as an artists as much as, say, Star Wars and Star Trek. (As if the light sabre routine in the video above didn't cement that for you.)

Recognizing the plethora of talents MoonBeam possesses, RAW Artists Austin has selected him to participate in their next two multi-genre arts celebrations at The Parish. These monthly multi-city parties are an excellent fusion of static and performance art and music hosted by a local coordinator (in Austin's case: Meghan Jones).

On Sept. 20, MoonBeam will be performing tracks from his new EP as one of the featured musicians for the Austin version of the "Ensemble" show. Then, on Oct. 18, he will be performing with Cry Havoc in the performing arts section of the "Provocations" show.

With such an eclectic approach to arts engagement, RAW Artists is the perfect match to Moonbeam's array of diverse talents. "It's an amazing thing Meghan and her team have put together," says MoonBeam. "I love these nights, getting to see how other people approach their work. I'm grateful to be a part of it. And it will give me the chance to perform with RAW in other cities."

Even with his attention divided between his music, his choreography, his acting, his writing, his filmmaking and his full-time job, the street-nerd has his eye on the future and how to always keep building upward.

"It's tiring, man. And if someone came along and handed me a record deal and a contract, I can't say I wouldn't take it in a hertbeat," he laughs. "But until then, I gotta keep moving forward."

---

You can download Da'Shade MoonBeam's EP Just Me... from his website or pick up a personal recording of it from him at the Sept. 20 RAW Artists show at 8 p.m. at The Parish. - Culture Map AUSTIN - Michael Graupmann

The myth that there are no spitters in the South amuses me. As an underground head, I know better, and I gave up arguing about it long ago... I prefer to show not tell, ya dig? Da'Shade MoonBeam is sick with beats AND rhymes, so eff your stereotypes, labels and backhanded compliments, tough guy! Now listen...
Da'Shade is from the fertile and under appreciated hip hop scene in Austin, TX. While he is well-known for rocking mics with Snyp under the collective moniker Blacklisted Individuals, he is doing it all solo on Just Me... as the name implies. I had heard of Blacklisted Individuals before through hip hop evangelist and rhyme animal Bavu Blakes, which SHOULD have been reason enough to get these dudes a permanent spot on my radar (I swear I wasn't hating on their MTV shine), but for whatever reason, I never wrote about them, and once they were out of sight, well... you know the rest. BUT, thankfully Da'Shade took a minute to send me an email that didn't look like SPAM and a link to this solo record, which is freaking phenomenal...

This dude has a serious handle on writing raps with multiple layers, and knows how to construct beats that serve as a showcase for what he can do lyrically. Da'Shade brings multiple worlds together in his music, making songs for nerds, hood cats, cool guys and fly girls all at once. Chicks will totally appreciate the seductive vibe of Girl Song and Love (Reflective). He spits a totally different type of game on the nerdcore anthem Gotta Get On UP! But for me, it gets NO better than the zombie invasion battle hymn They Are Coming...
There are only 7 tracks on Just Me... and one of them is a remix (the free promo track Fresh f/NOOK), but I can honestly say Da'Shade didn't put any filler or wack songs on this joint. His songs are headphone ready and also danceable, which is (apparently) a hard combination that he makes look easy. If you feel it as much as I did, you should click here to support with your dollar...
you're welcome...
-samax.
ghettoManga.com - Ghetto Manga

Just Me by Da’shade Moonbeam – or Why Austin Hip hop ought to be on the dang radio.
Some people you meet in life are there to lift you. They do it in different ways. Some folks have your back. Some people always include you. Some are funny. Some always make you smile. Then there are folks like Da’Shade Moonbeam who are all those things and freakishly talented to boot.

Let me take that back a bit. Freakishly talented is not fair. That’s my baggage. I want Da’Shade’s talent to be something untouchable and odd, so that the distance I feel between his and mine can be explained away as a gift or an aberration. Truth is he works too hard for that. He always has. The proof of this is simple to find. Just go to any of the amazing shows he puts on around Austin (or the country). His live shows are a carefully sculpted mix of over a decade of writing, performance, MC mastery, dance, stage combat, and nerd culture that culminate in a sort of inspirational, hard core, dorkgasm of truth and power.

If you’re not yet convinced or at least titillated, (what are you, dead?) allow me to offer an aperitif. Just Me is the new CD out by Da’Shade and from first beat to final reverberation it is the best combination of fun, hard, cool, and crazy and a great introduction to Austin Hip Hop and one of its hardest working ambassadors. Da’Shade does it all as the title implies and it is one of my favorite CDs bar none.

Here’s what I would do if you’re not used to new, local Hip Hop music. Use the first couple of tracks to tune your ears in. You’ll get another taste of Fresh at the end so just let it be what it is (which is a booty shaking call to . . . well . . . shake your booty). Practice your head bounce. If nobody’s looking, toss in a stank face and a shoulder roll. (Maybe use Google to look up stank face and shoulder roll.) The point is to have fun. Serious doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of humor.

The Most Magnificent is an old tune with some new hotness and a great track. At some point you need to let yourself say, ‘uh’ or ‘what’ or ‘damn’ to this one. You also have to laugh. There is too much toilet humor in this one not to. Next is Love, a bad-ass little piece of reflection that feels borne from a thousand notebooks worth of serious musing. It makes me long for those old days when I dragged my butt all over Austin writing and making the kind of mistakes that teach you more than you want to know.

Then, Gotta Get On Up serves up a fat chunk of energy-drink-filled, Original Gamer, jocularity. Seriously if you’re not a fan by this track, you’re doing it wrong. Start again. You should be laughing your butt off and dancing by now. This is maybe the best hook I’ve heard and is a great example of Da’Shade’s incredible writing ability, verbal skill, and serious mojo.

It just gets better from there. I wish I had Girl Song ten years ago. My poor wife would have been defenseless. There would have been candles and kisses and . . . that’s all I’m saying. (note to self – no need for a time machine, set candle and kisses plan into action.) They Are Coming is so much street nerd cool that I wish they would come and I want to run with whatever crew Mr. Moonbeam is hanging with when they get here. I feel bad for ‘em though. These folks don’t play. (see https://www.facebook.com/cryhavocaction) Yeah that’s him too.

And that’s it, except for a remix of Fresh (featuring the always amazing Nook) which gives the CD a bit of closure and cool. This is Austin Hip Hop. It’s not the only think going on, but it is a great example and I highly recommend it. You can get the tracks here: http://dashadespeaks.bandcamp.com/album/just-me-ep. You should also find Da’Shade on FaceBook, (http://facebook.com/dashade), twitter (dashade), and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/dashadespeaks) and like him or friend him. Then find out when his next show is and see it. Do it now before he hits it big and we lose him to his calling. As for me, I’m gonna listen to the whole dang thing again and then I’m going back to the lab (such that it is). I’ve got work to do and a coolness deficit that must be dealt with.

~ Aaron Sanders - Aaron Sanders

Da’Shade Moonbeam is a writer … period. Whether it involves putting words together that inspire and incite at poetry slams and open mics, or ripping stages as an emcee, he’s been there and done that at a high level with consistency and humility. A staple of the Austin, TX, spoken word and Hip Hop scene for many years, Da’Shade is considered by many to be a legend and pioneer. All of his musical output thus far has been with the group Backlisted Individuals, a Hip Hop duo that also consists of fellow emcee Snyp. Da’Shade has recently been going at it alone though, and his first official solo release comes in the form of an EP titled Just Me. Da’Shade and I had a great conversation that revolved around his new EP but also ventured off into Hip Hop, reading habits, Sci-fi, Dark Night Rises and a few other interesting topics. He’s a man on a mission and he’s focused on adding to the culture of Hip Hop in the most authentic and sincere way possible.

Easy: What comes to mind when you hear the words Hip Hop Grew Up?

DM: When I think about the words Hip Hop Grew Up, I think about Hip Hop culture as a whole GROWING up. I think about where Hip Hop is currently and the struggle we went through to get to where we are. I think about our maturity and how the culture, the art form and its 4 elements have matured.

Easy: I really appreciate that you used the words “we” and “our” as you described Hip Hop’s growth. It’s a community and culture and it’s ours. That connection exists and survives at different levels — locally, regionally, nationally. Was your new EP written with your region or the world in mind? And who do you envision gaining the most from Just Me?

DM: The new EP was created with the world in mind, hell … the universe. As a Southerner and as a Hip Hop artist, I have always wanted respect for my region. I have always wanted music lovers to respect our craftsmanship, lyricism, artistry, intelligence and diversity. I’ve always wanted that acknowledgement and recognition for our contribution to the culture as a whole from jump.

Honestly, when I created Just Me I had stepped back into the “me” that loathes categorization and neat little containers. I think that compartmentalization is a cancer that is killing rap music, not Hip Hop. When I was younger, there was room for it all — rap songs about dancing were played right along with conscious rap and gangsta rap on radio and TV. We don’t get that nowadays, so when I created Just Me, I didn’t create with a certain group of people in mind. I think everyone can gain from Just Me if they’d take some time out to listen, ya dig.

Easy: Well it seems the universe always wins. Although FM radio has been in the hands of soul-less number crunchers for the last 15 years, the internet and satellite radio are quickly becoming preferred ways of consuming music. That has seemingly put the power back in the hands of artists and music fans. Do you see any light at the end of the tunnel?

DM: Funny thing about light. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I was told that light is eight years ahead of us. So if light is symbolic of the prize or possibilities then I’m playing catch up to the possibilities of success. As we all are! In these times, with funding and connections, it’s easier to get to a place where your art is more accessible.

Easy: Keywords: funding and connections. That’s an important part of the equation. It has always taken “backing” to get art to the masses, so whether an artist plays the radio game or the underground hustle, we’re all looking for backers. I truly believe a poet of your skill and especially an EP as powerful as Just Me deserves backing. Financial support and reward are natural concerns for artists. How do artists like you and I go about getting the attention of potential backers for our art?

DM: I believe artists like you and I, being from the era we’re from, should continue to create the art that we feel and hit the streets like the old days while taking advantage of what the internet has to offer to promote our art to a broader fan base. The Third Root album is already a classic so I think it should have a video to every song! I think we have to feed the masses in another way, ya dig. Like literally start thinking about how this food we make is prepared, the nutritional value of what we put out. Let it slow cook, simmer in a pot, bake, as opposed to the microwave option. All of that with constant supply equals quality the masses will look forward to beyond a mixtape. Push push push slick, gotta keep pushin’! Shout out to Queen Deelah! We just have to create and push!

Easy: You’re right — push buttons, envelopes, boundaries. I also agree that these days the visual presentation is just as important as the audio presentation. Before we get into the audio content of Just Me, let’s talk about the cover. What is the meaning of the image used as the cover of your new EP?

DM: It’s me lite - Hip Hop Grew Up

Da'Shade Moonbeam

Why: Because the longtime member of the socially conscious Austin rap crew Blacklisted Individuals is setting out solo to redefine the hip-hop live set, using theater, video, poetry, dance and more to immerse crowds in a complete creative environment. "I want it to feel like you're at a movie, to put the focus on theatrics, the crowd, the dancers, the DJ and go as far as people feel comfortable, and then keep on going," said the man born Jeffery Johnson, who also runs Cry Havoc Action Choreography and pays the bills as a social worker. "I like someone like Janelle Monae, who is known as a pure artist the same way Andy Warhol was." If Johnson's ambitions sound lofty, check the YouTube clip of his "Let This Be the Beginning" from South by Southwest and feel the hair on your neck stand up.

What's Next: A performance Saturday at the Emerge Grafitti Art Show at Pine Street Station (otherwise known as the Fader Fort location) and lots of time recording, with plans to self-release a four- or five-song EP every other month. (www.dashade.com .) - Austin 360

Da'Shade Moonbeam

Why: Because the longtime member of the socially conscious Austin rap crew Blacklisted Individuals is setting out solo to redefine the hip-hop live set, using theater, video, poetry, dance and more to immerse crowds in a complete creative environment. "I want it to feel like you're at a movie, to put the focus on theatrics, the crowd, the dancers, the DJ and go as far as people feel comfortable, and then keep on going," said the man born Jeffery Johnson, who also runs Cry Havoc Action Choreography and pays the bills as a social worker. "I like someone like Janelle Monae, who is known as a pure artist the same way Andy Warhol was." If Johnson's ambitions sound lofty, check the YouTube clip of his "Let This Be the Beginning" from South by Southwest and feel the hair on your neck stand up.

What's Next: A performance Saturday at the Emerge Grafitti Art Show at Pine Street Station (otherwise known as the Fader Fort location) and lots of time recording, with plans to self-release a four- or five-song EP every other month. (www.dashade.com .) - Austin 360

Please follow link for press review. - MTV & OurStage.com

By Deborah Sengupta Stith | Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 07:51 PM

I dropped by the Victory Grill on Friday night for the ‘Freedom Summer: Hip-hop for Justice’ showcase presented by PODER and the local chapters of the National Hip-Hop Political Convention and the ACLU. With the popular music airwaves dominated by gangsta tales, materialism and sexual bravado, it was downright refreshing to find a whole host of talented young rappers tackling issues of social justice and true-life struggles. Blacklisted Individuals were particularly inspiring. Those boys spit fire.

http://www.austin360.com/music/bands/etc/loadArtistPortal.jspd?artistId=54780 - www.austin360.com

Snyp and Da’Shade from Austin’s Blacklisted Individuals have been making insightful hip-hop since 1998. While many hail Lil’ Wayne as the ambassador of Southern Hip-Hop, Blacklisted Individuals forgo over-the-top production and egotistical antics by offering socially conscious lyrics and catchy beats to compliment their poetic flow. This week’s free track is a great slow jam called “Fist Full of Strife,” which topped the alternative hip hop rankings for June. The group’s community-centric values emanate through an infectious sing-a-long chorus that demands you to clap your hands from start to finish. The song perfectly illustrates the duo’s dedication to shedding light on “the triumphs and tragedies that surround the struggle of our everyday lives” through their music. Get Blacklisted and let yourself be enlightened.

http://blog.ourstage.com/2009/07/06/download-of-the-week-blacklisted-individuals/ - OurStage.com

Deborah Sengupta Stith

8 p.m. Blacklisted Individuals (hip-hop) Fearless poetry and real talk set to anthemic beats. The truth will make you move. (8:30, Back Alley Social)

http://www.austin360.com/music/content/music/stories/xl/2009/03/0321xlsxswpicks.html - Deborah Sengupta Stith

I’m no art aficionado (seriously) but I have to admit that with the notable exception of the awesome sculpture with the cattle bones and pennies that I’m a little bored with the Blanton’s permanent collection. Their new exhibit however, featuring prints from Japan has me thoroughly intrigued. Plus, this party features the excellent DJ Nicknack, slam poets and Blacklisted Individuals, which is quite possibly my favorite local hip-hop act of the moment. —-D.S.S.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/music/entries/2008/07/index.html - Deborah Sengupta Stith

And AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, local hip hop heroes BLACKLISTED INDIVIDUALS and THE CYPHER will also be performing.

DIRECT DEMOCRACY TOUR


Mike Henry
http://www.gotpoetry.com/News/article/sid=30051.html
- Mike Henry

From an interview with Zell Miller III-
Most of these folks I have worked with, or know about, and others came through people that I know and respect. Running down those performers and what they will bring to the table; I'll be working with the amazing guitarist and vocalist by the name of Phillip Owen. The other performers are:

Black Listed Individuals, Famecast finalists

http://austinist.com/2007/07/31/zell_miller_iii.php - Jooley Ann