LIFE AS I KNOW IT (GHETTO @ NEWBURGH NEW YORK)

Well first and fore most, I'd like to thank my viewers for stopping by. Well here I am, another chapter of this journey... I haven't had any time to work on the blog much as I'm still homeless and don't have much access to a computer. I now live in Newburgh, one of New York's most dangerous and deprived cities. It's the end of the line, the last place Orange County DSS dumps your sorry ass when your down and out. Since my wife has become very ill, I've had to become her full time care taker, it's not an easy task when you live in the shelter. I work day and night with the little we have to keep us afloat. I get no sleep, barley eat and they treat us like animals. We need to get out of here... We're trying to find a way to move back to NYC, most likely Brooklyn.

Although I will never allow our dreams to die, I used to have everyday goals. Nowadays we just try and make it to the end of the month alive. People tell me smile, be happy... I'd love to. In reality I'm so tired. Everyday is a battle for survival, plus the system is so corrupt. I even had my wife's phone stolen off me by a cop.

I'll never give up on life, someday I might even live. I'm well aware that there are an overwhelming amount of people in the world that suffer much worse, but this path takes me down some rough roads. This is my life, I would die protecting the people I love and the values that keep my dream alive.

If you're reading this and going through hard times yourself... much love to ya, keep ya head up.

If there is one positive note to end on... I realize that I'm a fighter. I will never let anything break me. When it seems the most hopeless and your the most tired, fight like you've never fought before.

One love...

This is some of my scenery:

Support RECAP

RECAP is a non-profit organization that aims to equip low income people with life's basic needs while they receive education, training and valuable experience in order to build a future. We are always in need of donations to our food pantry and will accept any kind of food as long as it's before it's expiration date, no donation is to small. One of our main goals is working towards eliminating hunger in our community. We also provide affordable housing. For more info go to our website: http://recap.org.www.recap.org/

40 Smith Street Middletown New York 10940 P.O. Box 886

(845) 342 3978

L.Vijalanti "Day Of The Underdog Mixtape" FREE DOWNLOAD!!!

Now available for free download click the links below or right click then select save link as..

1.Step Back Feat. Dr.Das (Uptown Were Itz At)

2.Heroes Rmx

3.NY

4.Everyday Struggle

5.Dubstep Murderous

6.Black Swan Rmx Feat. Thome York

7.64 Bar Massacre

8.Drum N Bass Killa

R.I.P Guru

Even though we never met, you had such a positive impact on my life. Your words of wisdom, truth, reality struck a chord in so many. Hip Hop would not be what it is, Gang Starr in essence pioneered the Brooklyn sound. I've always considered you a person who stood up for what mattered and brought light to the world. I would not be were I am without you as a role model. Listening to your music gave me a head start in street smarts and positively influenced my sense of direction as a youth. I hope you would be proud of the music I bring to the world, I will always honer you as the Guru.

Long live Gang Starr,

This legacy is eternal.

R.I.P Guru

Indigenous Resistance and The Freedub project

Indigenous Resistance is a label that promotes the spirit and strength of Indigenous people in the face of oppression worldwide. I will be bringing updates and news on such projects as Dub Reality, which will soon be releasing IR24:Galdino 2010, which features a line up of legendary artists from around the world, collaborating to honer and bring light to the story of Galdino De Jesus Santos, an indigenous Patoxo activist who was tragically murdered in Brazil’s capital Brasilia in 1997.

Much love to all those involved in the fight for justice, it's been an honer knowing and collaborating. Special thanks to Ramjac and Dr. Das, Visionary Underground, Asian dub Foundation and all those who mentored and paved the way for myself and others like me. Without you my own mission would not have been possible.

Stay locked for updates, video footage, news and photography.

Long live I.R.


http://www.dubreality.com/

Visionary Underground

Visionary Underground are one of the livest, most innovative bands I've had the privilege of working with. VU are an electronic, audiovisual drum ’n’ bass/breakbeat band from London. The band consists of DJ Feelfree’s unique, animate beats are fused with hip hop, ragga, soul, dub and Asian styles, accompanied by VJ Coco’s vibrant, interactive visuals, Ramjac, the engineering and percussion wizard (and my mentor) on the drums, along side the legendary Dr. Das (former Asian Dub Foundation bass player) on bass. Damion Mulrain’s soaring vocals are a perfect counterpoint to the fluid delivery of rapper Duane Flames. Their performances are intense, energy driven and flow with passion and consciousness.

Stay posted for news and updates and news about Visionary Underground and the Indigenous Resistance project.

L.Vijalanti "Day Of The Underdog Mixtape" COMING SOON!!!

Coming soon
The L. Vijalanti Mixtape
"Day of the Underdog"

April 23 rd 2010!!

Bringing the sounds of Hip Hop, Drum and Bass, Grime, Dubstep blended with raw, reality driven lyrics. I got love for the movement. If you got love for music like I do don't pass this one by!!! We got this on lock!!!

What is Immortal Tech's Roll In The Obama Era?

Tech is one of the most lyrically advanced, relevant artists ever. He spit in the face of cooperate "hip pop" culture and was everyone's antidote to the lie's and evil perpetrated by the Bush administration. His highly controversial, anti establishment lyrics hit the underground like an atom bomb. Selling over 400,00 cd's with no major label backing, often on the street, he rose up as one of the most successful independent artists of his time. The Peruvian rappers lyrics are largely a mixture of commentary on issues such as politics, poverty, religion, social class and racism. He is also an activist, frequently on the front line, fighting for human rights in the most deprived and hostile countries worldwide.

My Life

Well time to get personal, this is me...

Maybe one of the most slept on artists. One day the world will know me I swear.

That's the crew, Freshkidz are one of the most positive things to happen in the Bronx, Hip Hop, Dancehall and Reggae parties all day. We have a whole stronghold were we have dance battles, sound-clashes and even a recording studio.

K'naan Somali Hip Hop Artist

K'naan spent his childhood doing what he could to survive during the Somali civil war in the early 90's. Such experiences heavily influenced his music. K'naan later moved to Harlem, then to Canada, escaping the war on the last commercial flight to leave Somalia. Undoubtedly, he has a tremendous sense of purpose and is not shy about reflecting it in his music. The proud African speaks of war, poverty, the rich cultural resilience of his people, spoken of in the song "Smile", which brings the message, "smile while your bleeding". In other words, the African way is to find happiness in your existence and wear a smile no matter how painful life is. No doubt, with the brutality and violence these people endure daily, it amounts smiling while your literally bleeding.

K'naan released his debut, "The Dusty Foot Philosopher" One of my personal favorite albums. He speaks of the meaning behind the title, "The Dusty Foot Philosopher" refers to one of his fallen brothers who earned that name from living a life of poverty, but living in a dignified way, having no access to education but being aware of the solar system, having a rich sense of history and culture, being deep with wisdom and poetry.

K'naan also isn't impressed by the so called hardcore rappers who brag about gun play and the hard life in the US ghetto, as he reflects in the song "What's Hardcore".

I think K'naan's music has something in it for everyone. Check his albums out on i-tunes.

NYC Ghetto's, Bronx to Brooklyn, The Forgotten Corners New York

People have a certain fascination with the ghettos of New York. I have tons of photography that I took over time. These are all recent photos, just a few of thousands of shots I took. Believe it or not this is a massive improvement since the 70's and 80's.

L.Vijalanti "Heroes"

This one remixed by myself, L.Vijalanti, for my E.P. Fusing Hip Hop and Drum N Bass in a unique way. This song takes a deep, inward look at our humanity. Do you turn the other cheek when you see injustice on your own doorstep?

Lupe Fiasco's album release pushed back again.

After his single "I'm Beaming" was leaked to the public prematurley, Lupe has delayed the release of his latest album. It's not clear when the public can expect to the superstar's newest music, but he had this to say:

"I was plotting on doing the follow-up to that," Lupe said. "Simply because [Enemy of the State] was short. And I felt like it was space to do another one. I was gonna do another one called Friend to the People, but I started to get wind that people had songs they shouldn't have had. I was like, 'This is just gonna open the floodgates if I come out with another record. I know these dudes are threatening to leak records and do crazy stuff.' Sometimes I feel there may be too much Lupe music out there — whether it be old stuff or new stuff or freestyles. I don't want to have a ton of music sitting out. I made the decision to fall back from it and really focus on the climb. We were a couple of weeks away from doing that."

We can only hope that eager fans will soon get what they've been patiently waiting for. The game needs you Lupe!!!

A NEW YORK SPIN ON UK GRIME

This is one of my latest Grime tracks... For those of you who don't know, "Grime" is a musical style, originating in the UK with roots in UK Garage, Hip Hop, Jungle and Dancehall. Being Pioneered by the likes of Heartless crew, So Solid Crew, Roll Deep and Dizzy Rascal, Grime has emerged as something of the voice of the disenfranchised, UK youth culture. Possibly one of the first to bring this style to New York, I'm not really trying to promote it or create a sub-genre of New York grime. I just think this is what a lot of my music naturally sounds like, being that I was heavily influenced by UK music during my years living out there. What makes my music unique is that I reflect on life experiences in New York and have heavy rap and Dubstep influences fused into the style of grime I produce.

Drunken Tiger, Korea's best rapper?

One of the most original and innovative artists to take the stage, he's a legend in Korea. His music is powerful and a breath of fresh air in the rap game. Having lived in LA at the age of 12, he witnessed the LA riots and experienced the racial tension first hand. With an aim of inspiring unity, his music breaks down many cultural barriers. Drunken Tiger is as controversial as he is passionate. Many anti establishment and sexual themes are common in his music. I chose to put him in this blog as I'm a big fan and consider him very relevant to hip hop and world culture. So I leave you with "Monster"

THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM (Intrologue: "Mind Control, Energy Harvesting & The Grand Central Terminal")

This video follows the subliminal symbolism we encounter which is designed to control our minds. Many techniques of behavioral modification exist to keep us in our slot. Our system depends on these methods of social control to to exist. The ignorance of the masses keeps this culture of wage slaves running the machine while the ruling elite cash in on production profit and expand their reaches of power worldwide. This video goes into specific symbolism that subliminally alters our consciousness in attempt to hold us in that particular cube shaped mind set.

Middletown New York

This is Middletown New York, a place that like any other, contains the good, the bad and the ugly. Being that this place is becoming over run by drugs and gangs, I hope the rapid decline dosn't destroy a good town. Here's some of what I see day to day...

L.Vijalanti "Open Your Eyes" Feat. Tomphonic

This is a song I recorded I think back in 07, produced by Tomphonic. I used my photography mixed with various art to try and tell the story.

Back to The Bronx

Over the years, many places have been home to me... The Bronx was my habitat through some crazy times. There wasn't a place like it. The noise, intensity in the air. All times of day music echoing off every building, drowning out the shouting in the background. Upstairs downstairs, parties all day and night, seven days a week. I still go back to visit... I still record and produce music with people there. Whichever way you look at it, living there shaped me as a person, for better or for worse. Here is what life looks like back Uptown.

Upstate Blizzard!

Ok, so we took pics and videos upstate after two days of being pounded by snow. Orange County is in a state of emergency right now, everything is literally shut down. Here are the pics I took, from Last night to today.

I Hate My Life!!! pt. 3

Here I go taking my 2 and a half hour walk home through the ice cold wind and snow:

 In case you haven't figured, I covered my face because the wind was so intense and I didn't want frost bite. Of course I still been at it with the music, things have been up and down lately. Recently I went to a hiring event at a local supermarket. The job actually seemed descent with pretty good wages and was close to me. So I got there early, before the managers had turned up. I filled the application out and ended up talking to this guy that also filled out an application. After briefly conversing, we decided to ask one of the employee's when the hiring event was taking place. She looked at us all stank and snarled that there was no hiring event but she would take our applications. Bad idea, I said something isn't right, I asked another cashier there and she smiled and said told us the hiring event took place from 4-9 pm. Really?! This bitch straight up lied because she didn't like the look of us. Lady, IT'S WINTER TIME!!! What do expect us to come in a 3 piece suite?! It's a fucking job stocking shelves, get off your high horse.

Upstate Winter Wonderland

Music Sucks These Days!!! (Brokencyde, The Millionaires)

Now I've hated mainstream music for a long time. Every time I think it can't get any worse, some band or artist comes out and takes it to a new low. Here are a couple examples:







Now I won't torture with any more of their songs as I'm sure your ears are bleeding by now. Those of you who haven't committed suicide by now, thanks for sticking with me.

Die Antwoord

When I saw this video my reaction was, "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!!!!!". But to be perfectly honest, I got hooked on the music instantly. I got their latest album SOS and have been listening to that for days straight. I haven't been this excited about music for a while.

I like music that sort of feels like the place a person is from, in this case South Africa. It has a certain bass heavy, griminess to it, and it's danceable at the same time. Being that they mix Afrikaans, with south African English slang it's a little hard to understand all the lyrics, BUT WHO CARES IT SOUNDS DOPE!!! I can't wait for the US tour.

Here's another one of my favorite videos from Die Antwoord.

K-os

Now, I think K-os is one of the freshest things to happen to music, coming out of Toronto, I think his success says a lot about Canadians taste in music. His versatility is, from what I've seen almost unmatched. Remember these are just my opinions guys, just bigging up an artist I love and saying thank you for caring about the music over money and material gain! Love the production, musical layering, melodies, raps and harmonies, just all around beautiful and soothing, I leave you with the official video of 4321, which I might add is an excellent video, see for yourselves:

L.Vijalanti NYC Drum N Bass Killa

If your tired of whack ass hipster mc's spitting simplistic lyrics with phony British accents over Drum N Bass, then I got the antidote. I love DnB, Jungle and Dubstep with all my heart, I'm not asking permission to blow the spot, don't step in my way. The music needs lyricism as deep as the production and Dj skills out there, at least I think it dose. You disagree, pass me by. I'm not cocky or big headed, I'm a humble, real mothafucka tryna flow with the music. I see nothing wrong with reality driven lyrics. Is there some kind of a rule that says you can't dance to something unless it's entirely superficial? Rhythm is still rhythm your spitting real lyrics or saying "bibbiddabiddaboobiddablabladiddede mc, dj MAKE SOME NOISE!!!" If my music is to depressing for a current NYC Jungle audience, then I guess I don't need to be involved with people that are trying to make a scene soly based on luring coke head, trust fund babies in because they have money. If your only concern is money... THEN WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU GET INVOLVED IN UNDERGROUND MUSIC?!!! GO GET A JOB AT A BANK OR SOMETHING!!!! Anyways, enough ranting... Here's the first sample of my Drum n Bass and Dubstep flows:

Selling Out

I'm going to start by showing two video's with completely opposite perspectives. I think they speak for themselves. First video is from the legendary KRS One speaking about what it means to sell out:



Now the second video is an interview with Paul Wall were I think he epitomizes the mentality that killed Hip Hop:




Now, I'm going to play something of my music:

On My Grind In Prospect Heights

Brooklyn Winter

Bronx to Midtown (photography)

DMX Slippin

Love this song!!! That's all I have to say.

NYC Graffiti and Street Art Pt. 2

This is a collection of pictures I took following different artists in the 5 boroughs. I put these video's together with Dubstep remixes of Wu Tang. Big up all NYC artists reppin!!!

L.Vijalant "Every Day Struggle"

If you've been following my "I hate my life" blog, you'll understand some of the under lying themes of this song. This piece was produced, written and composed by me. The song reflects the struggles myself and many others endure, from trying to get by on piss poor wages, to life in the violent overcrowded ghettos of New York. It also reflects a positive outlook, no matter how hard life can be it's a beautiful thing to be alive. I try and showing the blessing within the curse, it's a kind of paradox of life I often ponder on.

So I leave you with "Every Day Struggle".

I Hate My Life!!! Pt. 2

Ok so as I already established, I don't hate my life, just the grimy nasty shit that I have to put up with at times.

When I was cleaning the fryer filters above, that night they were particularly full of oil... The manager was rushing me, I burned my hand on the metal part of the filter, dropped it and ALL THAT SLOP SPLASHED ALL OVER MY FACE, IN MY EYES AND IN MY MOUTH!!! I stumbled into the the bathroom and was scrubbing my face down... I freaked out and thought I was blind when I opened my eyes and could only see white!!! Turned out the oil was just coating my eyeballs.

The crazy bitch manager sends me home... The next day I find out she tells everyone I left early and didn't punch out and I had just left without telling anyone. Turns out the manager didn't file an incident, or even tell anyone that I had hot oil splashed in my face the night before. Luckily it was cooled down enough not to leave me with third degree burns, but still hurt like a bitch and was a really disgusting experience!!!

You know... I never liked my job, but would have happily just done it without complaining had they not harassed me, made my life a living hell and treated me different from all the other employees, but... THANKS FOR THE LAWSUIT!!! I'm gonna expose the hell out of this place.

My World

Since photography is one of my favorite hobbies, here's a collection of pictures from my life:

L.Vijalanti Black Swan Remix

I created this remix of the Thom Yorke song "Black Swan" from his solo album "The Eraser". Thom Yorke, the lead singer of Radiohead, is one of my favorite artists of all time. I consider Eraser to be an abstract, musical master piece. This album gives me a similar rush of emotion I get when I watch anime's, it really takes you on a journey of imagination. I first heard Black Swan when I watched "A Scanner Darkly". I immediately looked for the song but couldn't find it. A few months later I heard "The Eraser" playing in a tattoo parlor in Manhattan, I was hooked. Sitting in Prospect Park one summers day listening to "Black Swan" all these lyrics came into my head which I jotted down on a scrap of paper. At first I anticipated sampling the song and building my own drums and synths over it, but the song was just to damn perfect so I let the composition be and just added my vocals to it. I'm hoping with permission that I can release this eventually, so here it is:



Check out Thom Yorke on i-tunes: The Eraser

Heroes Remix by L.Vijalanti

This is one of my most recent songs, produced by myself, a remix of the Roni Size classic heroes. I like to think I create something of an underdog theme, the under lying message "I don't know no heroes". It's not to say that there aren't some genuine heroes to this day who are dedicating their lives to help people and end human suffering... It's just that I feel that the world is dying, our humanity is dying, we're losing the very soul and spirit that makes us who we are. At the same time, being a person trying to change my surroundings, I feel that our true heroes, people who fought and often died for our rights and freedom are being forgotten. People do not seem willing to stand up to the evil raping our world... Being outspoken and rebellious is ridiculed, while the people idolized are often some moronic reality stars that achieved nothing but acting like a fool on camera.

Is this really what our society has come to? Anyways, the song is about my turmoil, trying to reach out to the world with my message of revolution and valuing our humanity and being forgotten and stepped on by the world in the process.

So here it is, hope you enjoy...


Also check out Roni Size on i-tunes: Roni Size

Tech N9ne

Tech N9ne is one of Kansas city's  most decorated emcee's. Recently selling over a million copies of his album "Killer", his career has reached a new, ground breaking milestone. He demonstrates all around musical versatility with one of the fastest flows in the game, top notch production and a wide range of lyrical content. It's a huge inspiration to see someone reach this level of success and really deserve it, it's a rare sight to see. Every track keeps you on the edge of your seat... Not only dose he bring originality, but I find he's able to take more commercial styles and with his own touch, breathe new life into them. I hate auto-tune with a deep seethed passion!!! To think that I would ever like a song with auto-tune again is saying something. Tech N9ne undoubtedly has an ability to take something played out and make it exciting again, as well as a talent for creating something unheard of and unique. So I leave you with the video for "Low" from the K.O.D album.




Albums available on i-tunes: Tech N9ne

Real Hip Hop (Lupe Fiasco)

"Dumb It Down"

Check out this video... I think it's an excellent parody of commercial hip hop and pop culture. The fictitious idea that you need to resort to ignorant "bitches and hoes stereotypes" to be a successful artist is completely shattered by this song alone. Lupe's main stream success with cultured, provocative, musically innovative and socially relevant music is not only a breathe of fresh air, but an inspiration to all other artists making meaningful music. Selling out is not our only option. Personally, I would rather be unsuccessful then sell my soul for a pop audience.




Check out Lupe's new single!!! Available on i-tunes:

I'm Beaming

The World Through My Eyes

This is a collection of photos I took from all over NYC, Upstate NY, New Jersey and Baltimore. These are some of the things I see on my journey through life. I try and capture the moment through images and music.

NYC Graffiti and Street Art

Growing up in NYC, you see some unreal shit, from gun fights on the street, to someone jumping out of the trunk of a moving car... There's definitely no place like the place I'm from. I feel a deep connection to the cities art and beautiful scenery. For years I've been building a collection of graffiti photography, snapping pictures anywhere I found a good graffiti spot. I've put together some videos of such images to Dubstep remixes of Wu-Tang songs.

Here's part 1:

I Hate My Life!!!

----------------
Now playing: Estelle - American Boy
via FoxyTunes Ok I don't really hate my life, I love the many blessings I have but Got damn!!! At the start of my day, I always tell myself, "This is gonna be a good day, stay positive just believe." Anyways, get to my stinking ass job, gotta take the garbage out and the elevators broken. Ok no problem, I'll just drag all the garbage cans down the stairs. Go down, put the garbage in the dumpster, realize I'm locked out. Ok so I start to walk the other way and slip in melting ice and land in a puddle of stinking garbage slush which had been collecting in front of the dumpster and mixed in with the snow. Ok so being locked out I drag the garbage cans through the movie theater into the mall only to find of course, the up escalators not working the down escalator is of course and there's some little kid playing on the escalator blocking my path. I say excuse me repeatedly and he just ignores me so I start to loose my patients and get in an argument with his parents. Finally make it back to the kitchen and get yelled at for taking to long to take the garbage out. To make my day even better, I'm told that nobody cleaned the refrigerator area floor like they were supposed to so I have to clean it (typically, not only do I have to do my job, but also everyone Else's and the grimy jobs no one else will do). I have to hand wash the rubber mat on the floor which has years worth of rotting vegetables on it and stinks like shit (Literally). So now not only do I smell like garbage I smell like rotten vegetables. Of course everyone notices the stench and won't shut up about it. Then I find out that the wash pump in the sink is broken so I have to scrub every dish by hand great!!!


BEWARE GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW!!!

(This being about 5% of the amount of dishes I have to do every night)

A day in my life

Like so many, I work like a slave for minimum wage. This is me waiting for the bus to get to work...





Oh and this is what I do at work:






Yeah, cleaning out fryer filters and scrubbing dishes everyday, coming home late night saturated in grease and smelling like chicken nuggets and cheap greasy bacon, only to get up early the next day and do it all over again for wages that couldn't rent you a crack den is not were I want my life to be.

So I'm trying to make enough of this:





So that I don't have to see this:






Seems simple enough right... But when every aspect of your life seems to be raped and sabotaged by shitty luck and situations that shatter everything you work so damn hard for, you find yourself wanting to tear your hair out.

This is my music space:



Might not look like much but it's everything I need to make proffessional quality music. I feel sorry for you people out there that have million dollar budgets out there and still suck!!! One day I'm gonna make it, you'll see!!!

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