{"id":1521,"date":"2024-10-25T09:43:32","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/?page_id=1521"},"modified":"2025-02-25T10:16:12","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T15:16:12","slug":"audio","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/audio\/","title":{"rendered":"AUDIO"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing up in Lima, Peru, I fell in love with music through salsa and Afro-Peruvian rhythms that shaped my childhood. When I moved to Southern California in the early 80s, hip-hop captured my imagination. I still remember hearing KDAY\u2019s legendary Mixes for the first time in 1984\u2014Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and the Mixmasters layering hit after hit, blends, cuts, and scratches into something new, innovative, and fresh, and I was blown away by it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The audio compositions here are my tribute to those mixes, and that golden era of rap. I hope I\u2019ve done them justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">-5:37<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">All audio found here is dated: 2003 &#8211; present<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">DEAD BODIES<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"DEAD BODIES by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F2015649715&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Dead Bodies &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wanna see a dead body?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">READY TO DIE <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"ReadyToDie by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1907298839&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to die &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>made a mix just for kix and you&#8217;ll be on our &#8211; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>and oh yes there&#8217;s a highlight to the show of course, to hear d.j. les la rock go off! go off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ZERO<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"ZERO by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1856096514&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>zERO &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>eyes wide mixed<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">INTERLUDE NO.5 IN A SERIES OF 37<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"INTERLUDE NO. 5 IN A SERIES OF 37 by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1826584584&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>INTERLUDE NO.5 IN A SERIES OF 37 &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>just a quickie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size\">\u306a\u306b? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">matthew 5:37<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Matthew 5:37 by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1803802977&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4993214efa3ac7185c11698bdefcdca8\" style=\"color:#ffffff\">matthew 5:37 &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4c09a228f469957922bbc311e0f3478c\" style=\"color:#838383\"><em>All you need to say is simply \u2018Yes\u2019 or \u2018No\u2019;&nbsp;anything beyond this comes from the evil one.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boom Bap Original Rap<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">2THE1EYELove<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"2THE1EYELove by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1723085703&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0699bca6ce997a35f274fa2c43340bcb\" style=\"color:#ffffff\">2THE1EYELove &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is dedicated to the one i love. HIP HOP BODY ROCK DOING THE DO<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">put it on<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Put It On by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1713750702&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4ccc1a409f89125b621f5749c6fdbe92\" style=\"color:#ffffff\">put it on &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some boys see me gun nozzle and take a we fi joke<br>Boy, you gwan dead before you see me gun smoke<br>See me gun nozzle and take me fi joke<br>You gwan dead from a me you provoke<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Jig-A-Low (jig jig a low)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Jig-A-Lo (jigjigalow) by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1480740664&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0d38fc32838c63c8cd5df4b8c3b447a6\" style=\"color:#ffffff\">JIg-A-Low (jig jig a low) &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>fly like a dove, and come from up above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>an amalgamation of many of the sounds I personally find to be rated: DEF. pure uncut intravenous golden era  in your blood system. forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Deepspace<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Deepspace by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1434162199&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4fc850ea4892f3c2bcdf9e51e3bd7acf\" style=\"color:#ffffff\">Deepspace &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;bobby, who&#8217;s the greatest man in america?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;i don&#8217;t know? the spaceman i guess?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>I travel to the ends of the universe and beyond<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">CHAMBERS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Chambers by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1266692749&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4e0da61bcc9773140e5e103c2284a7d6\" style=\"color:#ffffff\">chambers &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>enter the chamber, and it&#8217;s a whole different sound<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A small sampling of some of my favorite Wu-Tang songs over classic golden era rap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">semantics (many many styles, this one i chose to choose)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Semantics (Many many styles, this one I chose to choose) by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F955062313&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0a3efc180eb1d9744f4a5d9e7a79b1f4\" style=\"color:#ffffff\">semantics (many many styles, this one i chose to choose) &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>it&#8217;s another one of them ole funky 537 things unowudimsayin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ROCKETINTHEPOCKET<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Rocketinthepocket by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F827230039&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>ROCKETINTHEPOCKET &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>got a rock, rocket in the pocket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">1580 ALLDAY<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"1580ALLDAY by semigod.com\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F778477981&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=1000&#038;maxwidth=720\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>1580 ALLDAY &#8211; \u2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>pass the peas like they used to say<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size\">aBOUT MY MUSIC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7ec97801d5c808fafdc1dac9e1ce90aa\" style=\"color:#8e8e8e\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1448\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/semigod-dance-peru.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2287\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">DANCE! &#8211; LEFT: Me busting my salsa moves at 6 years old. RIGHT: My uncle dancing with my grandma while my aunts look on. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing up in lima, Peru in the 1970s, I was exposed to a wide variety of music, particularly salsa, m\u00fasica criolla, which included Afro-Peruvian rhythms, a favorite of my grandma&#8217;s brothers and sisters, and whatever popular American music came to us through movies, radio, and TV. I clearly remember hearing the Bee Gees, ABBA, John Lennon&#8217;s &#8220;(Just Like) Starting Over,&#8221; Michael Jackson, and others. Still, the one constant was salsa, which dominated as the soundtrack of my early childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1546\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/music-of-my-youth.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/music-of-my-youth.png 1546w, https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/music-of-my-youth-1536x382.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1546px) 100vw, 1546px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Oscar de leon &#8211; Eva Ayll\u00f3n &#8211; John Lennon &#8211; Michael Jackson- a snapshot of the music of my early life <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a large family of uncles and cousins and never-ending reasons to celebrate, life was never without sound, and music was a major part of that. Dancing played an equally significant role in my life in Peru, as it was common to see the older uncles and their girlfriends dancing\u2014and for us kids to join in as well. Salsa dancing was the definition of cool, and it was incredible to witness the entire living room filled with my aunts, cousins, and uncles, all dancing to the latest salsa hits blaring through the speakers. Even the older relatives got a chance to dance to more traditional Lima-style music, like valses criollos, while the rest of us watched, clapping and cheering them on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"OSCAR DE LEON - Mi Bajo Y Yo (80&#039;s)\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ug1-Bn-O0F0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This song, by oscar de leon was typical of my time in peru and instantly transports me there each time I hear it and others from this time<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">1981<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon my arrival in Southern California in 1981, the music I was exposed to changed drastically. Salsa, which had been a constant presence in Peru, was now mostly played at infrequent family gatherings, as my family here lived hours apart, spread throughout Los Angeles. It was no longer as persistent or all-encompassing as it once was back in Peru. Instead, I discovered new sounds through the car radio\u2014a novel experience for me at the time, as even being in a car itself was something new. On the radio, I heard Top 40 hits, classic rock, and occasionally, through 8-tracks, some Spanish ballads by artists like Camilo Sesto and Juan Gabriel, as well as the music of Elvis and Tom Jones. Salsa still played, but only at the once- or twice-yearly gatherings, and usually late into the night when most of us kids were trying to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through one of my uncles, who was closest to me in age, I was introduced to the Beatles, Ozzy Osbourne, the Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I didn\u2019t yet have a sense of my own musical taste. None of the music I heard truly moved me\u2014not like salsa, which made me want to dance or tap out rhythms on a table. It was mostly just cool tunes playing in the background. If I had to name a favorite group before I turned ten, it would have been Van Halen\u2014partly because I heard their music a lot, but also because their sound was, and still is, incredible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"And the Cradle Will Rock... (2015 Remaster)\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/11mBDT5mpdw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When My uncle first played the intro riff here, I flipped out, literally tossed myself backwards and asked him to play it several more times.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">an Impromptu dance leads to a life altering discovery<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the 1982 school year, I attended a private Baptist school\u2014the kind where memorizing Bible verses was part of the weekly grade, and the uniform dress code required dress shoes and a tie. The school was located inside a large church, which included a chapel and classrooms situated along its sides. It housed all grades, from first grade to senior year, within a single building, bringing together about 200 children of all ages in mixed classes for the entire school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That year, I befriended a classmate and one of his friends, a boy with the last name &#8220;Lewis,&#8221; who was a few grades above us. The three of us bonded over a shared love of Marvel comics, and most of our conversations revolved around that topic.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1033\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/marvel-comics-baptist-temple-semigod-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2431\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">time capsule &#8211; kept the tie and a few comics from this time<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">1983<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the last day of school, as the final bell rang, I made my way out, past the lingering kids in the hallway, toward the swinging exit doors that led to the outdoor parking lot, which doubled as our gated playground and lunch area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scene is still vivid in my mind: the bright, early June sunshine streaming through the double doors into the dim hallway. Once outside, immediately to my left, a crowd had gathered. A circle of about 15 kids stood transfixed by something happening at its center. Curious, I quickly made my way over to see what had captured everyone\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the middle of the circle was Lewis. He was popping his arms in a wave-like motion, letting the movement ripple through his body from his right arm to his left. As the wave left his body, he pointed to another boy in the circle\u2014a younger kid I recognized by name because it was so unique. This boy, a year or two younger than me, stepped forward and began performing his own version of the wave. His movements were distinct from Lewis\u2019s but equally mesmerizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although no music was playing (a sacrilege in that setting!), the boy began singing the chorus of a popular Pointer Sisters song. &#8220;Aaaautooomatic,&#8221; he sang, letting the melody guide his movements as he sent the wave through his body and back out again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Automatic\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-qvTFnLwWOM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I can still hear the kid&#8217;s voice as he&#8217;s doing the wave in the parking lot\/playground<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was in awe of what I was witnessing. Something stirred deep within me\u2014a memory I hadn\u2019t thought of since leaving Peru. I recalled being in a dance contest held inside a small corner restaurant there just a few years earlier. My cousin and I had practiced a dance called <em>El Robotito<\/em> (&#8220;The Little Robot&#8221;), which featured stiff, robotic movements reminiscent of a mime. We were inspired by watching Michael Jackson perform the robot dance on TV and we even wore makeshift costumes to complete the act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, we placed second, losing to a kid who performed a more traditional Peruvian dance in full traditional costume\u2014and who happened to be the niece of the restaurant owner hosting the contest. We took home a rotisserie chicken as our prize, but what stayed with me was the reaction on the faces of the neighborhood kids who watched us perform, a mix of wonder, awe, and curiosity. For most of them, it was the first time they had seen anything like that in person. For me, it was the first time seeing strangers react to my dancing, and their favorable reactions filled me with pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Michael Jackson Robot (Dancing Machine) Compilation\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CrTp4-3HQ0Y?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Michael Jackson doing the robot dance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">1580 KDAY<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Lewis and the other kid danced, I felt an overwhelming desire to understand what I had just witnessed. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, but I knew it was a dance\u2014and dancing required music. After the two stopped and the crowd began to disperse, I approached Lewis, bombarding him with questions. One exchange, in particular, remains crystal clear in my memory:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat kind of music do you listen to when you do that dance?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lewis replied, \u201cWhen you go home, put your radio on AM and turn the dial all the way to the right. You\u2019ll know it when you hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/1580-kday.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2186\" style=\"width:1274px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">1580 KDAY AM RADIO &#8211; early new york and los angeles hip hop, AM static and all.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was instantly hooked. Run-D.M.C., Whodini, Kurtis Blow\u2014all the hottest rappers of the time played in heavy rotation for me that summer. Their music felt accessible. You didn\u2019t have to be a rock-and-roll god to belt out a song; you could just talk\u2014but in a slick and clever way. From that day forward, I kept my dial locked to that station until it eventually changed formats sometime in 1991.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Something about the early New York beats and scratches captivated me instantly. The rapper\u2019s words and wordplay struck me as clever\u2014a quick, witty, streetwise attitude that reminded me of Peruvian street smarts and the sharp humor I\u2019d grown up with. We call that quality <em>mosca.<\/em> The phrase <em>ponte mosca,<\/em> which literally translates to \u201cbecome fly,\u201d doesn\u2019t make much sense in English, but metaphorically, it means to stay sharp or alert, like a housefly\u2019s quick and perceptive movements. This music felt exactly like that. The attitude coming from the rappers embodied it too\u2014fast, clever, and alive. The way the rappers juggled their words with the beats and scratches over a simple yet funky and catchy rhythm was like nothing I had ever heard and, at the same time, eerily familiar. It wasn\u2019t my parents\u2019 music, my uncles\u2019 music, or what was playing on the car radio. It was mine, and I\u2019d discovered it by chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was drawn to the simplicity of the drums, the almost tongue-twister way of the wordplay, and especially the scratch. One of the first tracks that caught my attention on all those levels was Run-D.M.C.&#8217;s \u201cHere We Go.\u201d There was something so raw and dangerous about Billy Squier&#8217;s \u201cBig Beat\u201d drum being cut up by Jam Master Jay. The fact that it was live\u2014I could hear the crowd\u2014it sounded like a s\u00e9ance to wake up the hip Hop body rock ghosts. There was something so confident, so sure, about how Run and D.M.C. rhymed over the beat. The curse word at 2:23 (bleeped for the radio, of course) was scandalous at the time. But that <em>zigga zigga zigga<\/em> scratch from JMJ had me hypnotized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Here We Go (Live at the Funhouse, NYC - 1984)\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/i3SdERdqwCA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">RUN-D.M.C. here we go &#8211; Rap music stripped down to its essence &#8211; two turntables and the mC, what more do you need?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another track that immediately stood out to me was \u201cStick \u2019Em\u201d by the Fat Boys. The pattern of Buffy\u2019s beatbox, combined with the way Markie Dee and Kool Rock-Ski\u2019s rhymes rode the beat, was the very definition of cool to eleven-year-old me. The scratch in that song was mesmerizing, and I quickly recognized it, as well as Buffy&#8217;s beat patterns as fundamental elements of hip-hop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To me, Those patterns seemed to extend beyond the music\u2014they mirrored the arrows and shapes of graffiti letters, the footwork of breakdancers, and, of course, the lyrical flows coming through the radio. It was all interconnected\u2014funky, dope patterns that felt like pieces of the same larger puzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The Fat Boys - Stick &#039;em\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/z98-s0Wxaxk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fat boys &#8211; stick &#8217;em &#8211; the simplicity here, combined with the patterns in the rhyme schemes and the scratches was phenomenal to 11 year old me<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking back, I realize that even in this new genre, there was a familiar sound and soul to the music: the African drums. Whether in the salsa, or m\u00fasica criolla that flooded my early life or the rap breaks that came later, they were like threads connecting the rhythms of my childhood to this new world. Hip-hop offered a cultural and emotional bridge to my past, to my time in Peru that was filled with dance and the never ending sound of the drums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">1986-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Around this time, I was fully immersed in hip-hop, decked out in Pumas and Le Tigres, fresh off the breakdancing craze, and since I already loved drawing, diving straight into <a href=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/category\/hands\/\">graffiti<\/a>. The soundtrack of my life was whatever KDAY was playing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"594\" src=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/537-1985-semigod-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2470\" style=\"width:245px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Le tigre and Pumas with the fat laces <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Although KDAY played scratch mixes by dr. dre and dj yella as early as 1984, where they would play an instrumental such as roxanne, roxanne by UTFO, and scratch along with it, blending into another song after the first had played on, It Wasn&#8217;t until sometime in &#8217;86 that I first remember hearing the Mega Mixes. These consisted of multiple songs and scratches played back to back, a never ending carousel of pure dopeness, which continue to inspire the mixes I create today. I believe the first DJs behind these mixes were Dr. Dre and DJ Yella. They crafted intricate compositions using the rap hits of the moment, expertly layered\u2014sometimes with up to three tracks playing simultaneously, all in perfect synchronicity. These mixes often featured exclusive records from their own artists and world premieres from others. Later, DJs like Tony G, Gemini, Joe Cooley, and the rest of the original KDAY Mixmasters took over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Tony G - 1580 KDAY Mixmaster\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IQQMeAGoVYg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tony G. One of the kDAY mixmasters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Friday night mixes were like an auditory feast\u2014a buffet of hit after hit that lasted for hours, starting as early as 4:30 in the afternoon and going well past midnight. They were filled with scratches, interludes, and seamless transitions from one dope song to the next. If a single song from this era, like \u201cEric B. Is President\u201d by Eric B. &amp; Rakim or Biz Markie\u2019s \u201cMake the Music with Your Mouth, Biz,\u201d could have me rewinding my cassette a hundred times, then an entire mix packed with back-to-back hits of this caliber had me in hip-hop heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"DJ DR. DRE - 86 IN THE MIX - COMPTON ROADIUM SWAP MEET MIXTAPE FROM 1986\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iA_-tPekpbg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There were hours and hours of these mixes back then, you can find many online under &#8220;Roadium swap meet mixtape&#8221;.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While my musical tastes now span a wide array of genres, the music of my formative years\u2014the golden era of rap\u2014will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my first love, and its influence continues to guide my creative journey to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-5:37<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"610\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/KDAY-1580-LOS-ANGELES-HIP-HOP-SEMIGOD.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2185\" style=\"width:665px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/KDAY-1580-LOS-ANGELES-HIP-HOP-SEMIGOD.png 610w, https:\/\/semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/KDAY-1580-LOS-ANGELES-HIP-HOP-SEMIGOD-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">1580 KDAY &#8211; &#8220;A.m. radio oh k-d-a-y&#8221; &#8211; i can still hear the jingle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK-STRIP.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-450\" style=\"width:123px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:269px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/stage.semigod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/semigod-tab-big-BLACK.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-390\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Growing up in Lima, Peru, I fell in love with music through salsa and Afro-Peruvian rhythms that shaped my childhood. When I moved to Southern California in the early 80s, hip-hop captured my imagination. I still remember hearing KDAY\u2019s legendary Mixes for the first time in 1984\u2014Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and the Mixmasters layering hit&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_tbt_post_transparent":"","_tbt_post_title":"","_tbt_post_layout":"","_tbt_post_sidebar_id":"","_tbt_post_content_style":"","_tbt_post_vertical_padding":"","_tbt_post_feature":"","_tbt_post_feature_position":"","_tbt_post_header":false,"_tbt_post_footer":false},"class_list":["post-1521","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1521","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1521"}],"version-history":[{"count":71,"href":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1521\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2740,"href":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1521\/revisions\/2740"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/semigod.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1521"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}