The Phatal Blog

Voting Closed; Blastphumis Makes Stir It Up Film & Music Expo's Top 25 Artists

2010-07-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

The voting stage for the Battle of the Beach is now closed. Blastphumis ranked in at No. 20 and will continue on through to the "Jury Stage" of the competition. Here, members of the Stir It Up crew will judge and submit their choices for top bands. The top 5 will be selected to come to Jamaica and battle for No. 1 at the Battle of the Beach in Montego Bay.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Phatal Team would like to thank all of our supporters who voted to get Blastphumis into the Top 25! CONGRATULATIONS, BLAST!!!

Blastphumis Entered in Stir It Up Film & Music Expo's Battle on the Beach

2010-06-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Stir It Up Film & Music Expo has selected Phatal Industries' own Blastphumis as one of 100 artists to potentially perform at the expo's Battle on the Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica from Sept. 5-11. Out of the 100 artists currently selected, only the 25 with the most votes will move on to the next stage of the competition. Voting ends on July 15, 2010. Show your support for Phatal and vote for Blastphumis once a day everyday!!!

Tracks From Smoke EP Now Available For Download on iTunes

2010-05-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

"Karma", "All My Life" (feat. Yung E of Likeblood) and the title track "Smoke" from Phatal Records' and Blastphumis' debut EP are now available for purchase at AmazonMP3 store,eMusic, Zune, MySpace Music and now iTunes! If you saw Blastphumis rock the mic at the 4/20 Smoke EP Release and "Joint" Show then you know these songs are worth having for just 99 cents each. If you didn't, shame on you! Download one or all of these tracks onto your iPod or mobile device today!!

Tracks From Smoke EP Now Available For Download Online

2010-05-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

"Karma", "All My Life" (feat. Yung E of Likeblood) and the title track "Smoke" from Phatal Records' and Blastphumis' debut EP are now available for purchase at AmazonMP3 store, eMusic, Zune, and MySpace Music! If you saw Blastphumis rock the mic at the 4/20 Smoke EP Release and "Joint" Show then you know these songs are worth having for just 99 cents each. If you didn't, shame on you! Download one or all of these tracks onto your iPod or mobile device today!!!

Phatal Records' Blastphumis a Feature in The Beat Clash vs. The Mic Clash Tonight

2010-04-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Phatal Records' own Blastphumis will feature for a second time at The Carry Out and One Vs. Many's "The Beat Clash vs. The Mic Clash" tonight. This wildly popular hip-hop event takes place at Bohemian Caverns (2001 U Street NW) and will include live performances by Bomani Armah, Enoch the 7th Prophet, Stef and others. The night promises to be filled with great music and great beats as hip-hop artists go head to head and producers go toe to toe in this "battle" style open mic. Don't miss it!!!

Tracks From Smoke EP Now Available For Download From AmazonMP3

2010-04-26T11:36:00.001-07:00

"Karma", "All My Life" (feat. Yung E of Likeblood) and the title track "Smoke" from Phatal Records' and Blastphumis' debut EP are now available for purchase at Amazon.com's AmazonMP3 store! If you saw Blastphumis rock the mic at the 4/20 Smoke EP Release and "Joint" Show then you know these songs are worth having for just 99 cents each. If you didn't, shame on you! Download one or all of these tracks onto your iPod or mobile device today!!!

4/20 Smoke EP Release Equals Success For Phatal Industries

2010-04-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Jean Estel, Hood Dream Photographie. From left: Dior Ashley Brown and Blastphumis at Bohemian Caverns, April 20, 2010 for the Phatal Industries Smoke EP Release Party and "Joint" Show.

Over a year in the making, April 20 marked the much-anticipated release of Phatal Industries and Blastphumis' debut EP, Smoke. "We knew that when this album dropped we had to do something really big and really fun," says Arielle Jordan, Phatal Industries Director of Marketing. "Releasing an album called 'Smoke' on 4/20 was perfect. We knew we had it in the bag with that one!"

In the infamous caves of Bohemian Caverns located on D.C.'s historic U Street, the Smoke EP release party and "joint" (pun intended) show drew all kinds of people together. "I believe it was a diverse event because people were not only able to celebrate '4/20' but were also able to experience a broad range of D.C. hip-hop at its finest," Jordan says. "There was definitely something for everyone."

Opening the show co-hosted by Phatal's Blastphumis and Dior Ashley Brown, was The Real Jay Mills. Even though dressed in a delicate blazer, striped skirt and high heels, the power of a strong D.C. female MC showed through in her performance of "Coming to Break You Off (420 Remix)" and "Good Life." Both are from Mills' upcoming Summer Madness mixtape which drops on Jun. 20. She concluded her set with the sexy, confident D.C. hip-hop ballad, "Watch It" available from TheRealJayMills.com. No doubt, Mills did her job in warming up the crowd. Local D.C. artist Felix "Flex" Osuchukwu was also on hand painting live artwork inspired by the sights, sounds and vibe of the show.

Gypc, Yung E, and Mbea Da 1 of Likeblood Entertainment took the stage next as the special guests of the night performing "Get It All" and "202 Boyz" as well as their latest single "Money Ova Here" featuring Bobby V., which recently aired on BET's 106 and Park as New Joint of the Day. Likeblood's performance succeeded in getting the crowd on their feet and proved why this D.C. trio was recently named Best Rap Group at the 2010 DMV Music Awards. Their current project, out now, is titled 3010 We All Alone.

As the bar continued serving up Phatal's two special 4/20-themed cocktails, The Sky High and Formula 420, Baltimore's own experimental hip-hop band, and "joint" show performers Soul Cannon went on. This highly talented quartet consists of frontman, Eze Jackson, vocals, Matt Frazao, guitars/effects, Jon Birkholz, keys/effects, and Nathan Ellman-Bell, drums. The crowd seemed to respond especially well to the hip-hop/jazz/rock infused set which included tracks such as, "F sharp," "Run Faster," "Man Power," and "2010 A.D." All are available on their upcoming project, The Mixed Ape, out this summer.

After a brief intermission, the lights went low and a stirring riff played by New York guitarist, Steve Bornet, caused the crowd to shout in excitement. After being introduced by Phatal's own in-house producer, Micheal "Awkward Silence" Saltzman, headliner Blastphumis emerged from the haze of a smoke machine on stage causing the crowd to go wilder still. Fittingly, he opened his set with the title track of his EP, "Smoke." After thanking the show-goers and performers he launched into his 1 and a half hour set which included songs from Smoke such as "Thin Line," All My Life" with Yung E of Likeblood, "Show Me Love" with Eze Jackson of Soul Cannon, "Crooked" with Gypc of Likeblood, "How Can I Tell 'Em" and "1981."

This may have been his first major show but Blastphumis performed like he was headlining at Madison Square Gardens. Cool and confident in a D.C. hat, shades and Johnny Walker Black in hand, he kept the crowd attentive, bopping their heads and occasionally screaming "WOOOO!" at the the top of their lungs. Supporting Blastphumis' set were the uniquely infectious beats of Awkward Silence who produced all the tracks on Smoke. Also alongside the headliner was Dior Ashley Brown, Phatal's own Hostess, Poet, Actress, and MC. This show marked her debut performance as a female MC not to be reckoned with. The statuesque Brown spit her own original material with Blastphumis in "Trouble" and the tantalizing performance of "Get It" in which Awkward Silence sang back up on. Both are tracks from Blastphumis' upcoming project, the LP, Mirrors due out this fall.

The set concluded with Blastphumis' encore performance of "Karma," the final track on the Smoke EP, marking a milestone for the D.C. start-up, Phatal Industries. "When the lights came on and the show was over, it felt like we had reached our destination after a long plane ride - we finally made it!" Jordan says. "But this surely isn't our last stop."

Phatal Industries has more performances, projects and events scheduled throughout summer and fall. For more information, visit www.phatalindustries.com.

Smoke EP Released Under Phatal Records

2010-04-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

A few years in the making, Smoke dropped appropriately on 4/20, 2010. The project serves as Phatal Records' and Blastphumis' official debut. "The album is called Smoke for a lot of reasons," he says. "Smoke is always the first signal that a fire is coming. [It also symbolizes] I've inhaled life and I'm exhaling it." All tracks on the project were produced by Phatal Record's very own in-house producer, Michael "Awkward Silence" Saltzman. Local collaborations include tracks co-written and performed by GYPC ("Crooked") and Yung E ("All My Life") of Likeblood Entertainment, and album cover art work by Felix Osuchukwu and Miles Bumbray -- all of whom, along with Blastphumis and Awkward Silence, are alumni of Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. Also featured on the album is Eze Jackson, frontman of Baltimore's experimental hip-hop band, Soul Cannon, in "Show Me Love." "I want [listeners] to understand that this is my 'early work,'" Blastphumis says. "I hit a lot of real life subjects; for this first project I had a lot of sh-- to get off my chest real quick." See what music bloggers are saying about the Smoke EP and other Phatal press here!

Phatal Records Reveals Smoke EP Cover Art

2010-04-17T14:20:00.001-07:00

On April 10, 2010, the cover art for Phatal Records' and Blastphumis' debut EP, Smoke, was unveiled. The artwork combines an original oil painting of Blastphumis by D.C. artist Felix "Flex" Osuchukwu and alluring graphics by D.C. graphic designer Miles Bumbray. This collaboration among the three graduates of Duke Ellington School of the Arts was the final piece in making the Smoke EP project complete. "The music [on Smoke] is very cerebral," says Arielle Jordan, Phatal Record's Director of Marketing, "the cover art is reflective of that. It's letting you know that you're about to step into Blastphumis' world."

Phatal Records is celebrating the release of Smoke with a release party and show at Bohemian Caverns (2001 U Street NW) starting at 8:30 PM on April 20, 2010. There will be live performances by Blastphumis, Soul Cannon, Likeblood Ent., Dior Ashley Brown and others. Tickets will be on sale at the door but will be going fast -- order online now at www.phatalindustries.com/420showtickets.html.

Phatal Industries Interview on WMUC FM 88.1

2010-04-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

Blastphumis and Dior Ashley Brown of Phatal Industries were featured guests on the BeautyShop show at UMD college radio station, WMUC on Tuesday. In addition to topics prompted by BeautyShop "stylists" Shauna Stuart, Jolie Doggett and Noelani Davis, the Phatal duo performed live in the studio and Blastphumis spoke about his upcoming EP, Smoke. Click here to listen!

Purchase your 4/20 SMOKE EP Release tickets online!

2010-04-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Just fill in the amount of tickets you want and order away. We'll see you on 4/20 along with Blastphumis, Soul Cannon, Likeblood Ent., the Phatal crew and MORE!!!

Hoyas Helping Haiti Write Up in DC Examiner!

2010-03-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

Last month Phatal put on a Haitian benefit concert called Hoyas Helping Haiti at Georgetown University. The event was a success raising hundreds of dollars for Partners in Heath's Haitian relief fund. It was even written up about in THE DC EXAMINER!!! See link below:

Hoyas Helping Haiti by Will Starks, 3/2/10 DC Examiner

Posted using ShareThis

It's Here...!!!! Phatal Records' Blastphumis drops his debut EP, Smoke on 4/20

2010-03-30T12:07:00.001-07:00

After much anticipation, Phatal Records' own BLASTPHUMIS is dropping his debut EP, Smoke. And what a better day to release it than 4/20?! This JOINT show will include live performances by Blastphumis himself and Soul Cannon of Baltimore. The opening act will be D.C.'s own Likeblood Entertainment and live art will be painted by local area artist, Felix "Flex" Osuchukwu. The show promises to bring the hip-hop and art loving crowds together for a fun night of smoke-inspired music!!!

Where: Bohemian Caverns, 2001 U Street NW
When: Doors open @ 8:30 PM

Tickets are $10.00 in advance,
$15.00 at the door.

The Phatal Team will be selling tickets to this show at:

*Lounge of Three, 1013 U Street NW (between 10th and 11th), 7-10 pm

*Hominy, 2001 U Street NW
9 pm - til

Can't make these events? Email us at phatalpr@gmail.com and we'll get tickets to you somehow!!! You definitely don't want to miss the hottest 4/20 show in D.C.!!! For more info visit www.phatalindustries.com/420show.html and RSVP here!

Phatal Networking Event and SMOKE EP Listening Session

2010-03-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Come join Phatal Industries for a night of networking, music, art, food and drinks. This will be the first 'sneak peak' of the EP Smoke as well an introduction of international artists Henny Mendo and Evgeniya Parish!! There will also be performances by Blastphumis, Ms. Dior Ashley Brown and more!!!! If you are a photographer, producer, publicist, artist, graphic designer, stylist - this is the event FOR YOU...

@ Lounge of Three
1013 U Street (between 10th & 11th)
7pm-10pm

$4 Margaritas/Rail drink
$3.50 Draft beers
$5 Wine
$5 Wings and Tenders
8pm-10pm
Bombay Gin
Bacardi Gold Specials!!!!!!!

Hoyas Helping Haiti: A Haitian Benefit Concert featuring Blastphumis & Dior of Phatal Records with special guest GYPC of Likeblood Ent.

2010-02-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

Blastphumis and Dior Ashley Brown of Phatal Industries will be performing at Hoyas Helping Haiti: A Haitian Benefit Concert this Saturday, Feb. 27. 2010. The show will kick-off at 9 pm at Georgetown University's Bulldog Alley (O ST & 37th ST NW) and also include performances by Rafrechi, DC's very own Haitian band, and D-Lock & Medik, hip-hop artists representing Haiti, Jamaica and New York.

When Blastphumis and Dior hit the stage you can expect to hear bits of Haitian history and culture told through Haitian poetry followed by Phatal Records' original tracks emulating the "love, pain, and life" of Haiti. Performing alongside the Phatal duo will be special guest, GYPC of Likeblood Entertainment.

All proceeds go to Partners In Health. Donation of $5-10 is suggested. Support the cause: RSVP and share with your friends at Hoyas Helping Haiti's Facebook page!!!

Dior Ashley Brown of Phatal Industries Wraps Up Filming "The Talented" Movie

2010-01-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

"The Talented," directed by Howard University graduate Marcus Richardson, highlights the crazy twists and turns of two college students' search for their place in a society that promotes promiscuity and irresponsibility. (See more of the synopsis here).

In this, her second, movie role Dior Ashley Brown plays the mother of the male protagonist, Joe (played by Howard Brown). In one of the films many powerful scenes, Joe confesses a haunting secret to his mother, leaving her shocked, disoriented, and in fear of her son's life.

"Howard is one of the most committed and detailed actors I have ever worked with," Brown said. "We both wanted this moment to remain honest to create Marcus' vision. This was such a wonderful experience with an incredible cast and crew."

"I'm excited!" she continued. "There is a constant theme in the urban community of senseless tragedies; 'The Talented's' unique depiction still displays hope that we as a community can become aware and bring about change."

For more information on the film, Director Marcus Richardson and the rest of the cast, visit the movie's Web site at www.thetalentedmovie.com.

Photo credit: Arielle Jordan. From left: Assistant Director & Production Coordinator Vincent S. Williams, Dior Ashley Brown, Director Marcus Richardson

Blastphumis, DJ Award Silence, Dior Ashley Brown to headline at The Beat Clast, Jan. 19. 2010

2010-01-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

Phatal Record's own Blastphumis, DJ Awkward Silence and Dior Ashley Brown are one of six acts performing live at one of DC's hottest hip-hop showcases, The Beat Clash, on Jan. 19, 2010 at Bohemian Caverns.

A Carry-Out Productions event, The Beat Clash allows various local DC producers to showcase their beats battle-style. Between "beat clashes" local hip-hop acts perform live on stage. It's a great way to check out what's new and poppin on the DC hip-hop scene and support your local artists - be sure to check it out!!!

Video clip: Phatal Records Feat. Blastphumis and Dior Ashley Brown at Spit Dat! Open Mic

2009-10-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

Phatal Record's very own Blastphumis and Dior Ashley Brown made an appearance at DC's Spit Dat! open mic on Thursday, October 29, 2009. This Phatal duo performed "Thin Line" from the soon-to-be released SMOKE EP and "Icebreakers" (see video clip) from the sequel LP, MIRRORS, to a full house.

More appearances and performances for Phatal Records featuring Blastphumis and Dior will be occurring throughout the DMV - stay tuned for where and when!

For information on booking or performance dates, email phatalpr@gmail.com. To hear more tracks from the SMOKE EP including Blastphumis' remix of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" visit www.myspace.com/blastphumis82

Dior Ashley Brown Wraps Up Filming of "End of Occupation"

2009-10-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Jayne Cho. From left: Director Michael McMullin, Dior Ashley Brown

Phatal Industries' executive MC, Hostess, Actress and Poet, Dior Ashley Brown, has just finished filming her first independent film, "End of Occupation."

For three unsuspecting telemarketers who are about to lose their jobs, their last day of employment is spent making you laugh. This dark comedy is a series of short films about lives interrupted by a call from a telemarketer. 21 short stories are connected through the telephone lines and back to one of the telemarketers played by Ryan McMullin, Regina Lee, and Dior Ashley Brown. Each call they make interrupts a different story already in progress; from kidnappers to a man on death row, and from lovers to killers. The calls change the environment just enough to makes us laugh at ourselves.

In the film, Dior's character is "light-hearted, free-spirited and isn't afraid to take risks," she explains. In working with director Michael McMullin, Dior's character took on the many different facets of a black woman. "I wasn't pigeon-holed," she says. "I was agressive, passionate, funny and alluring." The entire experience of working on "End of Occupation" taught Dior to take chances and maintain versatility. "This role really pulled me out of myself."

"End of Occupation" Written by Bill Williams, Directed by Michael McMullin. Running time: 75 minutes. Currently in post-production.

Blastphumis remixes Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"

2009-09-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Phatal Records' Blastphumis remixes Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" with Gypc of Likeblood and Sim City in "Make Her Say." Listen to it on MySpace or imeem now!!!

Smoke EP announced

2009-05-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Phatal Records announces its first EP, "Smoke" by Blastphumis, is in the making. Head over to www.myspace.com/blastphumis82 for free downloads. For more information email phatalpr@gmail.com.