This is an interesting question that I was often asked @ the Q&A sessions after the various film screenings I attended. So I thought I'd officially pose the question and start the discussion so we can figure out what the best and worst parts of our collective had then, and has now to offer. Trippy thing is, once I started jotting my points down, I realized that we're really not that far off from where we were, AND MOREOVER we have great potential to progress. Here's my take, please chime in:
The Good Life
1. Rules/Censorship
2. People were more entertained by what happened inside onstage than outside in the parking lot, even though there were a couple classic battles outside.
3. Distinctive groups like Unity Committee, ATU, FF, CVE, S.I.N. & Figures of Speech who worked with in house producers Cut Chemist, Fatjack, EQB, NgaFsh & Ridd, and Digiak to create classic songs that they'd perform; most of which became crowd favorites over time.
4. Started and closed on time 8-10p every week allowing only 15 minutes @ the end for open mic time, so you knew you had to be on time to be heard, and you had to have something to captivate people for your short time of 1 song onstage.
5. Very small stage and weak sound systems over the years.
6. Announcements by B. Hall referred to community events & political points of interest.
7. Good life related music projects put together by B. Hall.
8. Good Life related events away from Thursdays were supported by Goodlifers regularly ie; UCLA, Audubon Junior High, Slam It Or Jam It, Unity
9. Healthy food
10. Many of the artists/producers/djs came together to do a classic compilation
Project Blowed
1. NO censorship/few rules
2. The park/corner tends to be the kick it and battle spot, thus the hotter spot to experience the Blowed.
3. The emergence of Nocando, Thirsty Fish, Swim Team, Sistem, JNatural, DJ Tommy Blak & Dibiase among others as the new generation next.
4. Start & End times vary...the list is still in effect and people still come prepared to do songs, but freestyling is more championed throughout the night than just 15 minutes at the end.
5. Bigger stage, way better soundsystem thanks to Ben Caldwell & J-Smoov.
6. Mr. Caldwell takes various Blowedians on trips for cultural exchange with hip hop youth out of state and in international communities ie; Cuba, South Africa, various colleges.
7. Project Blowed related music projects executive produced by Aceyalone, CEO and Sole Proprietor of Project Blowed Recordings.
8. Monthly Blowed events away from Thursdays ie; Grasshopper - attended by majority of 21+ Blowedians. However, when someone from the Blowed has a show whether an OG or a young G, there's not always a unified Blowedian attendance - that could get better. We CAN buy tickets to each others shows - support each other more.
9. Record/clothing store inside features some soft drinks and snacks.
10. Project Blowed 12yr anniversary compilation featured many of the Project Blowed attendees; as did Kenny Segal's Ken Can Cook, and recently on Ab Rude's upcoming lp Dear Abbey which features 8 Blowedians: Acey, Myka Nyne, Sathyre, Alpha MC, Busdriver, Nocan, Open Mike Eagle & Dumbfoundead.

your thoughts?
agree?
disagree?
feel free...
peace
tha
Rudest