Life Don't Rhyme

Crap Teddy Says

manchildindsider — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:07:44 -0500

Happy Wednesday, Everyone. In this installment, I’ll share with you some of the wild things that come out of my youngest Son (Teddy)’s mouth on an absolutely consistent basis.

If you don’t know, Ted is a wild man. He plays by no rules and considers the fact that he likes cookies as the only real constant in his life…And also Candy. He likes candy too.

Dinner is done the other night and he’s eaten nothing. He’s disappeared into the house elsewhere because, he is not interested in Vegetables, nor protein.

After dinner, I’m doing dishes and everyone is upstairs besides me and Ted Boogie. My man gets up on a bar stool and asks me for Ice Cream I say he has to eat SOMETHING for dinner, so I get him some raisins and a Yogurt. You know, the good stuff.

Two Minutes later, I look over and he’s got yogurt all over him and he may nor may not have his shirt off, because how am I supposed to keep up with this stuff , right?

In his signature raspy, Method Man meets Rain Man voice he says.

“Dad! Is… this…Yogurt……Pretending to be my Dinner?!?”

After drying the tears of laughter from my eyes, I say, “Yes, Buddy. That yogurt IS pretending to be your dinner.”

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg Manchild Owens

Look at the Dam Pictures

manchildindsider — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:46:15 -0500

Such a Clever Idea for a Business name. Buford Dam Road has a ton of Clever people starting businesses along that stretch.

(I believe this one to be some sort of Consignment Store).

Who is giving who a “Dam Dollar”? I’m not clear on that. Is that a demand? A new type of currency only traded close to the Dam? Not entirely sure.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

Free Advice Friday -- Shirts Off?

manchildindsider — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:40:13 -0500

Free Advice Friday:

Peace Party People. Thanks so much for your patience. As of March 1st, I’m making a concerted effort to up the content on lifedontrhyme to the level of a much more consistent actual-factual blog. So by popular demand (does my wife and 4 friends count as popular demand?), We’re Back!

In this Friday segment , I’ll be posting a little advice for you that you can take or you can leave broken down on the side of the road. It’s your choice.

To Quote Slick Rick (R.I.P.) and G.R.I.T.S., “Here We Go!”:

As Spring and Summer approach, we’re all starting to think about going to the beach, laying out next to the pool, playing FROLF, Slip-N-Sliding….really any activity that may require us fellas to shed the Cotton Man Blouse and go shirtless. So, resolutions are kicking in, Hopeful P90X-ers are getting it in and we’re basically all turning into Modern-Day Adonises, right?

I personally started running back in the Fall. I had gotten up to what I like to call, “Backbreakanomics Weight”, which happens to be the 2003 Mars ILL album that coincides with my heaviest weight ever. I had hit this milestone weight again after taking my dream job at Bell’s Brewery back in March of 2012. Beer has calories? Really?

It’s been great for me, and 27 ELBEEZ lighter, I’m feeling great. I feel like a freaking corporate hipster in my non-baggy pants. My other Run-and-Gun men might be able to relate. We feel good about ourselves and there is nothing wrong with that. Except for this:

What you will not see, ATL, I’m out there putting one clunky foot in front of the other, is G.O. running with my shirt off. AS GOOD AS I KNOW I LOOK (I Kid, I Joke), IT’S JUST NOT HAPPENING. Why?

Because running with your shirt off; unless you look like David Beckham…Unless you look like Taye Diggs in “Stella Got her Groove Back” or Brad Pitt in “Fight Club”, you look like……like…..

Like…Something horrible has happened somewhere and you’re running away from that disaster area. You look like you were attacked by a Mountain Lion on the running trail and you escaped with your life but not with your shirt….You look like you were mugged by a group of young ruffians who misunderstood on the news that Dri-Fit was a valuable commodity and your sleeveless Under Armour would get them big bucks on the black market…..You look like you’ve become disoriented and you just up and bolted out of the house and are trying desperately to find your way back after taking 3 shots of Cheap Tequila. It ain’t pretty.

(Above: You on Mile 1)

To my fellow Middle-Aged, relatively-in-and-or-out-of-shape party monsters; Do me, yourself and the unsuspecting bystanders to your glory a favor and keep that weird looking torso covered up as you sweat it out. Too many moving parts. Just…too…many…moving…parts. I promise to do the same…wait…where’s my shirt?

(You Look Mahvelous)

Happy Birthday to my Mom! She’s _____!!!! I’m a good son.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

is that mars ill record with dust that gets hinted at every so often ever going to happen? :)

manchildindsider — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:18:30 -0500

Yes. Yes it is….Stay Tuned

Black Friday to Cyber Monday

manchildindsider — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:30:09 -0500

The sale that we’ve been running at www.manchild.bandcamp.com and www.marsill.bandcamp.com with the $4 Album Downloads ends tonight at Midnight. Don’t sleep, cuz sleep is the cousin of death.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

Black Friday Sale

manchildindsider — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:30:32 -0500

From now until Midnight Monday, 11/26

It’s Black Friday at www.manchild.bandcamp.com and www.marsill.bandcamp.com .

All Full-Album Downloads are only $4. Thanks for Listening.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

Cleveland Beer Week -- Tips for Success

manchildindsider — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 22:07:00 -0500

Two Weeks ago, I worked Cleveland Beer Week. As some of you know, I’m lucky enough to

A)Work in the Craft Beer Industry and

B) Be employed by my favorite brewery of all time: Bell’s Brewery.

In working a beer week, there are obvious tips that I’m going to glaze over because we are adults and I shouldn’t have to remind you about pacing yourself, moderation, etc etc. If those rules are out the window, take a cab, go to sleep, and so on ad so forth.

That Being Said, here are some helpful tips for a fun-filled and safe CBW, should you find yourself in the Metropolis of the Western Reserve around that time.

These rough guidelines may or may not be based on my own experiences in the Forest City (Forest City…really?).

1) Beers over 10 % ABV should probably not be served in pint glasses. If they are, think about limiting yourself to Quantity ONE of them and nursing it like you were Florence Nightingale. Possibly drink a glass of water after, before moving your session along with a beautiful, much smaller beer.

2) Before you go on a run, check the weather. We have technology coming out of our earholes these days. The Weather Channel is DYING to tell you about low pressure systems. When there is no hurricane on the horizon, those poor people are looking for any poor schmuck they can find to tune in. Throw them a bone and see what’s going on with a rain cloud near you. If you choose not to, you’ve dug your own grave.

3) If you are at a CBW event where Karaoke could break out, BE CAREFUL. Your “friends” will throw hypotheticals at you like, “I KNOW you don’t want to sing, but IF YOU DID, what song do you think you’d do?” Next thing you know, you hear a Digital Underground Bassline, a Mic is in your hand and you’re fumbling your way through the “Humpty Dance.” Since most of us have never gotten busy in a Burger King bathroom, the words aren’t as fresh in your mind as you might think.

LUCKILY, some of us know how to freestyle :)

4) FINALLY, if you find yourself in a bar in Cleveland….This really goes for any time that you’re in Cuyahoga County and isn’t restricted to a Cleveland Beer Week event.

DO NOT EVER, NEVER, EVER, NEVER EVER EVER….tell people that Bone Thugz totally bit their style from Freestyle Fellowship. It is not the time or place for that argument because it’s Hot in Cleveland.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg Manchild Owens

Pitbull...the great divide.

manchildindsider — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:43:00 -0400

Now I am not one for rants. That being said:

Pitbull is (as my friend Joey the Jerk would say) a “Talentless Rap Millionaire.” Now, to be fair, there are many many TRM’s out there that I could put on blast here. I only choose Mr. Bull because I have a personal problem with him. And where better to air personal beef than…..THE INTERNET!

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with Pitbull’s music, imagine a drunk vagrant has wandered into a wedding and procured one of the microphones. Now, the band strikes up Barry Manilow, but John C. Reilly from Prestige Worldwide grabs the drum sticks and starts to play. What ensues is about 12 times better than any composition Pitbull has ever slopped together.

My problem is this: My wife LOVES his music! As a matter of fact, In a survey of housewives conducted recently (by me), MOST suburban women love this guy’s music. ”It’s catchy!” or “I love running to it!” echo terrifyingly in my ears even now. This is my own personal hell.

In men surveyed in the same time period (is asking guys about Pitbull at the local Pub weird?), The Pitster’s approval rating was dismal. This helps me know I’m not crazy…..or at least realize that all of my friends and cohorts are as hateful as I am.

Is it jealousy of this guy’s success? Possibly. That my lovely bride likes horrible raps….Probably. But, then again, I don’t have anything to say about the success of Jay Z, Kanye, etc. I think because I personally see value in what they offer.

Please excuse my broad-sweeping generalizations. And may all the bad things in this life happen to Pitbull.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

Ultimate Boarder

manchildindsider — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:53:16 -0400

When I was passing through Santa Barbara, Ca recently, I got to grab lunch and a beer with a buddy of mine, Tim Hoover. Some years ago, Tim founded Ultimate Boarder, the first Triathalon Board Competition in the world.

Mars ILL was tapped on the shoulder to write and record the theme song for the event, and we flew out to Cali that first year for the competition. Great experience.

Here’s the Song: http://manchild.bandcamp.com/track/ultimate-boarder-theme-song

If you want to know more about UB, hit up the website at www.ultimateboarder.com

It’s an amazing event created and pulled off by an amazing dude, Not to mention, This hat….

is my new favorite.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

Latest video from one of my best friends in the world....

manchildindsider — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 07:51:13 -0400

Latest video from one of my best friends in the world. #Deepspace5 This guy is a rock star, in my book.

From the upcoming album “Writer Dye: Deux or Die” available on 10/22 at www.iamplaydough.com with features from OhNo, VonPea, CopyWrite, Adeem, Theory Hazit and more.
Directed by Jason Frerking
www.iamplaydough.com
www.twitter.com/iamplaydough
www.facebook.com/playdoughmusic

Winery / Castle Rap Shows

manchildindsider — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:13:22 -0400

If you’re a self-respecting MC, listen up. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve rapped at a Winery….or a Castle. I don’t mean under your breath while you’re touring Robert Mondavi with your Aunt Edith either…”On the tour, still sipping it slow, but I’ll knock em Sideways if they give me Merlot.” That doesn’t count. And kicking a freestyle in the drive thru at White CASTLE doesn’t count either, unless you’re one of the Beastie Boys, where I’ll make an exception.

Well, your boy recently visited Killa Cali and made it up to the Central Coast and did a private concert in the mean streets of Paso Robles. Was it at a Winery, you ask? Oh Yeah. But that Winery doubles as a Castle, where Manchild is king.

Doing music over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to see my die hard fans grow up, get married, start families, etc. As a matter of fact, one of my closest friends in the world started as a fan. Life is weird.

Enter, the Pelisheks. Matt and Rebecca. Married 10 years now. 3 kids. For Matt’s Birthday, Rebecca had me record a song for him. For her birthday, he had RedCloud do a song about her……where he dissed me….again. What is it with that guy? :)

Let’s be honest for a second though. If I gave my wife a song from Ghostface Killa for her birthday, she may move the kids to Kansas in the middle of the night.

If I threw a party for our Anniversary (Very Good). If I had 3rd Bass come play said party, frying pan to face. If it was Q-Tip and Tribe…I might be okay, but I digress.

That’s the type of fans these guys are. Great people. For their 10th Wedding Anniversary, they brought me out to the WinoCastleRama for dinner and a private show with friends and family. I had a blast. I’m very thankful for people and experiences like this one.

I also got to visit Firestone Walker’s Taproom right down the street before, so you KNOW the Freestyle was on point.

Thanks to Matt and Rebecca. And everyone else, if you’re looking for that PERFECT gift for the little lady…..

And if you have a winery or castle in need of a hands-in-the-air type of night, I’m your guy.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

This One Goes to 11 Ale

manchildindsider — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:35:45 -0400

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

09.10.2012

Our Batch Series ended at 10,000, but This One Goes to 11 Ale is a bit louder.

Brewed to commemorate our 11,000^th batch, this Imperial Red uses hops from the Southern Hemisphere, but also features those from the Pacific Northwest, including a freshly named and newly released varietal.

The official description:

This One Goes to 11 Ale opens with bright, juicy aromas such as tropical fruits & ripe cherries, largely derived from massive kettle & dry-hop additions of Southern Hemisphere hop varieties such as Galaxy, Motueka, and Summer. The citrus & resinous pine notes of the Pacific Northwest hop family are also well represented, making their presence known through Simcoe, Citra, and the newly released Mosaic varietal, just to name a few. A wide range of specialty malts anchor the hops to this Imperial Red Ale, contrasting the assertive bitterness & juicy aromatics with a robust, toasty depth of flavor. Fermented with Bell’s signature house ale yeast, This One Goes to 11 Ale finishes with a lingering warmth.

Coming in at 11% ABV, this limited single batch release will be available in both bottles (six-packs) and on draft. It will begin shipping later this month.

Nas featuring Olu Dara - “Bridging the Gap” —...

manchildindsider — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:01:08 -0400

Nas featuring Olu Dara - “Bridging the Gap” — Imagine having your father on a song and it turning out as amazing as this.

For many reasons, this song will always remain one of my favorites.

Life Don’t Rhyme

Greg “Manchild” Owens

Too Not Hip-Hop Enough

manchildindsider — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:28:00 -0400

I’ve filled up crevices of my life since age 9 with hip-hop music. I continue to write, record and perform rap music, yes: but it’s more than that. Most milestones in my life, I readily identify with a hip-hop record.

1) Broke my arm when I was 10. — Run DMC “Run DMC” - Song, “Hard Times”

2) First girl broke my heart when I was 14 — Public Enemy “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back” — Song, “Don’t Believe the Hype”

3) Met my future wife and the love of my life when I was 20 — The Roots —“Do You Want More?” — Song, “I shall…PROCEED!”

4) Got my dream job with Bell’s Brewery at 38 - Theme song comes courtesy of my good friend, Playdough. Album: “Hotdoggin” — Song, “Ya Heard”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c01n_DOZy8

The irony of all of this is that I’m an A, Number 1 Self-Professed “Regular Dude”. I take out the garbage, drive the carpool, wash the dishes, fall asleep watching TV and pay too much for gasoline just like you. I make Ward Cleaver look like Rick RO$$, whose music, incidentally, marks no major milestones in my life.

There’s a song from called “Be Yourself” by Pigeon John that talks about him growing up in Nebraska. He said he was the blackest thing they’d ever seen. Then, he moved to Inglewood, CA and they thought he was the whitest thing they’d ever seen.”

That’s me and hip-hop. Among laypeople and average Joe’s, my street cred is high. I’m Nino Brown mixed with Shaft. When I’m amongst my cohorts and brethren in hip-hop, I am Jerry Seinfeld….period.

My worlds don’t collide all that often but when they do, it’s…offputting.

I remember getting my first job in the beer business. I had been doing music full-time for 7 years. I handled business then too, but in a much different atmosphere. I remember signing off on an email my first week on the job with, “Thanks Bro.”

My Sales Manager’s Response:

“Not Bro, Not Dude, Not Man….JOHN.”

Needless to say, I quickly tucked my 14K Gold Chain and Diamond Encrusted Manchild Logo into my Polo shirt and began a brand new approach to business.

I’ve managed to move forward as a grown (insert expletive here) man and love what I do these days. Craft Beer and Hip-Hop are still two sides of the coin that is me and my life. So, when my boss asks me to complete a task and I say, “Word”, or “Dope” or ……whatever….forgive me. I’ll get it. right someday.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

New Manchild Album Releases Today!

manchildindsider — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:30:18 -0400

Happy “Independents” Day!

“Thunderspeak” is officially available NOW! New Full Length Album from yours truly.

Thunderspeak (pronounced “Thun-Der-Speek”)

Definition: Language steeped in power and authority

Origin: UnkownThis is a title that I’ve been kicking around for quite some time for a solo project. It wasn’t until I began working on this album with Mista Min that I decided to attach that t heme to this particular record. It has been a real honor to work with Min to see this piece of music reach completion. Special thanks to Jaq, Jongenz and Fid Rizz for their contributions as well. Rest your souls. The next Mars ILL album is still coming, and it will be everything you expect it to be. “Thunderspeak” is simply a piece of myself that I had to lay down before the next wave hits you. Thank you for listening and for your continued support and motivation to keep making the music that I love.

– Manchild

Purchase now at www.manchild.bandcamp.com

I Got Run Over By Thomas the Tank Engine

manchildindsider — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:34:48 -0400

Kids Shows. I picture a room full of executives creating programming for the ‘Ages 1 to 5’ set like this: Dimly lit room that smells of cigarette smoke, Rogaine, and bad intentions. Around the table are a conglomeration of pale skinned characters who look like they either work for the IRS, or are involved in Organized Crime. Their leader, a husky voiced woman who resembles Danny Devito, says things like, “How do we shut these kids up in 30 minute blocks?,” and then the whole room proceeds to maniacally laugh as they plot to destroy us all. End Scene.

I have probably watched more kids shows over the years than the program director for Nickelodeon. For Example: I know WAY too much information. I know the name of Dora’s pet monkey. I know the exact height and weight of Clifford the Big Red Dog. I know how Perry the Platypus takes his coffee. Heck, I even heard a rumor that Sid the Science Kid cheats on his taxes (You can’t claim your toy microphone as a dependent, homeboy).

I even find myself curiously drawn into the “plot lines” on occasion. Me: “Bella, why does Binky look so sad and why won’t he talk to Arthur? Is it his schoolwork or is it that his head looks like a 10 pound sack of potatoes?” However!, I have to draw the line somewhere. And for me, that line stops with the engines of Sodor.

Unfortunately, my horrifically wonderful 2-year old, Teddy has taken a real shine to Thomas. Theoretically, I support this. Come on, Coal-Powered locomotives doing masculine, blue collar work all day? That sounds like the bomb. The problem is that they’ve apparently hired a crack team of chimpanzees to write their episodes. And I may be missing the point, but why are these paranoid Choo Choo’s always so concerned with “looking silly”? And why are 10 ton trains scared of the fat guy in the top hat? Does he abuse them when no one’s watching? These are questions that need answers, gosh darnit! Perhaps, the programs British undertones confuse my simple American mind. Regardless, something’s gotta give.

Three weeks ago, I made a concerted effort to block the audio out and read a magazine while it’s on. I thought I had been successful until this past Sunday. I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night in a full sweat screaming, “Oh my Buffers!!!” Two days later, I stubbed my toe on the stairs and yelled out, “Fizzling Fireboxes!” Now, to be fair, that’s probably better than other things I could have said, but I’m a grown man and this just won’t do.

I do hope that you’ll put me on your prayer chain, list, etc. We are good, relatively sane people and need all the help we can get. Please pray for my wife, Mary as well. The other day, I overheard her singing the Max and Ruby theme song in the shower.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

What is your favorite beat made by Dust? What is your favorite beat of all time (regardless of producer)?

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:32:23 -0400

Favorite beat by Dust. Hmmm. Good question. Really hard to nail that down because I’m so moved by what he does. I LOVE “Will Not be Sold” that was on the PnD record. I always love rhyming on his production. It’s really more than music with me and him. I think there’s something pretty outstanding in the chemistry when we make music. Favorite Dust beat might just be something off the new record we’re working on!!!

Favorite beat of all time. Again, tough to say. I have a real affinity for “Bridging the Gap” because I think it was such a special song for Nas, but again, tough to nail down.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

Will Deepspace5 ever tour nationally? My favorite collective never comes out West.

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:29:20 -0400

Anonymous,

Deepspace5, as a collective…touring…in a word…No. It’s really a logistical issue at this point. You’re talking about 10 grown men, only 3 of which do Music full-time at this point, coming from 5 different states. The other 7 of us have full-time jobs, so weekends are our only real option. We’ve been approached a couple of times about doing weekend shows, but the cost to bring us in is pretty substantial, as you can imagine. So, if anyone out there has a wealthy benefactor and a love for underground hip-hop and would like to fund a DS5 reunion show, let us know. We’re down.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens

Common Knowledge EP - Available Now

manchildindsider — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:07:07 -0500

www.manchild.bandcamp.com

After 14 years, We’ve decided to make this one available. Grab your piece of Deepspace5 history in this classic EP by the Pride. Soul Heir the Manchild (Glad I shortened that name), Sintax and High Tech the Recon put this thing together with help on production by Jendor the Praying Mantis. I personally got pretty nostalgic listening to these songs the past couple of days.

$5 for the Download, $10 for the CD (Includes Shipping).

Thanks to Jason “High Tech” High for digging out the old DAT tape and pulling this together with me. Thanks to Joe “Sintax” Brewer for having raps that hold up over time and probably having the best head of hair in DS5.

Thanks to Mikey Dooks at www.seraphimaesthetics.com for the Artwork and Layout. As always, he’s a lifesaver.

We hope you enjoy.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg Manchild Owens

Black Wednesday? $4 Album Downloads

manchildindsider — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:43:06 -0500

Black Wednesday to Black Friday

Yes, we all know about Black Friday, But I wanted to get the jump on things this week.

From NOW until Midnight, Friday, 11/25, ALL Album Downloads at www.manchild.bandcamp.com and www.marsill.bandcamp.com are only $4 !

Blue Collar Session Download is $2

It’s your shot to fill up your Ipod with the illest catalogue and not break the bank.

Plus, you don’t have to wait in line at 3am.

Life Don’t Rhyme,

Greg “Manchild” Owens