VIDEO: Arabian Knights - Colby Stiltz

Colby Stiltz is a polarizing figure despite being a genial, even goofy hippie who keeps it positive in the truest sense. He splits his time between several states these days, but he's been around for awhile. Seven Days was referring to him as the leader of "a new generation of rhyme-slinging talent" back in 2010.

Since then he's spent time in Maine, his childhood home, and Florida, which has given his sound a distinctly Dirty South drawl in recent years. He raps about marijuana, higher consciousness, and being a better person. Also, Illuminati mind control.

Yet somehow he was the catalyst for the 802's July Beef-A-Thon, back when Judge Da Beast dropped his "Slenderman" diss -- a reference to Colby's famous Stiltz. (Dude is tall.) Like most conflicts, the July Beef-A-Thon started on Facebook, immediately spiraled out of control, and fizzled out fast after that.

Everyone involved kept it moving, too. Achievement is the best revenge, and besides, this is a Show and Prove kinda culture. As summer settled into winter, #STILTZgang eased up on a constant show schedule and disappeared to do work behind the scenes. This new video is our first look at their next season of material.

"Arabian Knights" is on a jazzy, classic wavelength, the production coming courtesy of Orlando musician & beatsmith kfelk. He's going to have a few more cuts on Colby's upcoming album Down2Earth, a sequel to his 2015 LP, Down to Earth.

This video was shot by King Spencer, who put in serious damn work in 2017. He aimed to shoot videos in all 50 states that year, and managed a truly impressive 47. That, on top of his already prodigious professional output around his native Oklahoma. Spencer has a lean, glossy style, with a clear sense of how to assemble a compelling product. If he ever winds up back in BTV, give that man a call.

You can catch Colby Stiltz grinding around New England despite the cold this month. On January 13th, he'll be at the 1st Annual Granite State Hip Hop Festival in Manchester, NH. It's three consecutive nights of live hip hop at the Jewel -- Stiltz will be playing the Saturday night "Hip Hop Heroes" showcase, alongside Eyedos of JYNXinc, opening up for legends like The Artifacts and Sadat X.

Oct. 20th - East Coast Indie Jam @ Club Metronome

Calling a Club Metronome gig a "Music Festival and Networking Event" may sound like a stretch, but Colby Stiltz has out-done himself with this one. Featuring six vendor booths and no less than thirty two acts over the course of the evening, this is Kind Of A Big Deal. Superfan & scene documenter Brett North Photography will also be in the building.

The lineup: Spocka Summa and Friends, Colby Stiltz, Dommy Divine, Split Soul, Twentypiece, and Swizzy B are the featured acts. Special guests include Jibba "The Gent," Eyedos, BL SPITZ, Trono & J Kanga, David Chief doing a DJ set, Faded Flow, Madscatta, D French, Wes the Best, Jacobsen, Rycoon, DJ TJ, JMC ENT, Corty Booth, Smoove Boy Jay, Khaosity, King Dyno, DJ Ace on Earth, Jordy Riv, Damian Raye, Drive, DZY, Big Skrilla, It's Ant & Al Tree, Tony-O & Lazy, and Johnny Haze. Is that some kind of Club Metronome record? Serious question.

Anyways, a packed night and a big networking opportunity -- definitely a lot better than Facebook, at least. Make plans. 8 pm. 21+. FREE SHOW.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in October

Oct. 6th - 33 1/3 Anniversary of "The Cultural Bunker" at Club Metronome - This is a huge party honoring one of the true founders of "Vermont Hip Hop," by any standard, DJ Melo Grant. Naturally, this will feature an all-star cast of DJs, like Big Dog, Cre8, Sexfly, Luis Calderin, and Nat Woodard. There is also going to be an epic cypher with Konflick, S.I.N.siZZle, Jarv, and Learic trading bars over Es-K beats. Be there. 9 pm. 21+. $5.

Oct. 9th - Brother Ali at Higher Ground - One of the best to do it will be swinging through to support his new album, All the Beauty in This Whole Life. He's bringing along some top-notch support, too -- Sa-Roc, Last Word and Sol Messiah will also be playing. 8 pm. $20 adv / $22 door. ALL AGES SHOW.

Oct. 14th - Khaosity Birthday Bash at Social Club & Lounge - Khaosity has been hustling hard in 2017...reckon he's earned a big party. And this will be big: current lineup goes a little something like Jarv, Jibba The Gent, Eyedos, Mister Burns, Kingbread, Suss Brim, BL SPITZ, HatePH34R, Modest, Corty Booth, Drive and JMC Ent. 7 pm. $2 until 10 pm, $5 after that. 21+.

Oct. 19th - Third Thursday at Monkey House - Third Thursday is always a family celebration, but this one is going to be special. Portland, ME madman / rap hobo Brzowski will be playing in support of his impressive a.f. new album, Emnityville. This cat is at the top of his game right now. There will also be a set from Wool See, aka Portland, OR rapper/producer IAME, who recently moved to Vermont...and released a new album, Leaving/Left. Still not enough? Fine. Jibba "The Gent", will also be rocking the Monkeyhouse, and the evening kicks off with a set from Khaosity & Drive. 9 pm. 18+ $8 / 21+ $3.

Oct. 20th - WRUV presents Milo and Sammus. As part of WRUV's "Rocktober" series, they've been kind enough to make some space for beats & rhymes. Milo having an amazing run, building a genuine indie empire with his Ruby Yacht extended family. Sammus is an awesome emcee from Ithica, NY with an unforgettable stage show. Also, Sam Paulino will be opening, fresh off his triumphant South Cove EP, one of the best Vermont releases of 2017.8 pm. $15. ALL AGES SHOW.

Oct. 20th - East Coast Indie Jam at Club Metronome - this is a huge networking event in addition to a rap show. There will be a lot going on upstairs on the 20th. Current line up hails from all over: Spocka Summa & Friends (RI), Colby Stiltz (VT), Dommy Divine (MA/CA), Spilt Soul (FL), Twenty Piece (DC), and Swizzy B (CO) -- with more local support to be announced shortly. 8 pm. 21+. FREE SHOW.

Oct. 27th - Boomslang Album Release Party at Sweet Melissas - Boomslang will be releasing their new album, Attack the Vampire, on a Friday night in the capital city. Maiden Voyage is co-headlining, and surprise special guests will also be in the building. 9:30 pm. Under 21 $10 / 21+ $5.

Oct. 28th-29th - Fear Fest is a private party in Royalton, VT. (A good town to be holding a private party in.) Party is being thrown by Yours Truly Inc, and there will be costume competitions and bonfires aplenty. This will be a two night BYOB party with tons of music - current lineup is Judge da Beast, Bar None The Best, Dee Block, EyeDos, Jarv, BL Spitz, Biozone, I.M.L, and JMC. $15 / $20 VIP

Oct. 31st - Jonwayne at Club Metronome - Jonwayne is an unlikely looking rap superhero, but he dropped one of 2017's best albums. He's on tour with young Texas spitter Danny Watts, who just released an album on Jonwayne's label (and quit his job at CostCo -- congrats!) Also on the bill: EMV and an opening set from Loupo, who definitely deserves the spotlight. 8:30 pm. $13 adv / $15 door. 18+.

THURSDAY: Home Grown Hip Hop @ Club Metronome

An interesting twist on the usual showcase gig: Home Grown Hip Hop is half Massachusetts, half locals. The out of state delegation includes Party Boy Woodz, Joe Grizzly, City Lights and Busy Bars. Vermont is being represented by Colby Stiltz, Suss Brim, Chyse Atkins, Jibba "The Gent," Modest, JMC ENT and Khaosity.

DVP Cinematography will also be in the building -- you may have noticed that is the second time in one week we're giving a shout out to Miles Goad. Honest hustle always pays off.

If you're looking for some happening hip hop in the Queen city, this is pretty much it for this week. Be there. 9 pm. 18+ $5. 21+ Free.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in September

September 6th: Yo! BTV Raps Vol. 9 @ Sidebar. This should be approximately hype as fuck, packing some high energy rap acts into an intimate lil' craft bar. Jarv and Boomslang are both party demolition units. In addition, Face One continues his comeback streak, Khaosity will be staking his claim to BTV, and PR Department will deliver a set. That's a new collaboration between Rico James of Self Portrait and local boom bap head PreciseMC. Also, happy birthday to hip hop superfan and live show cameraman Brett North! 10 pm. 21+. Free.

September 7th: Hip Hop Heals @ Backstage Pub and Restaurant This is a benefit show for the Garrows, a local family who had a house fire this summer. Admission is free and there will be a variety of fundraiser activities throughout the evening. Props to Colby Stiltz for putting this on.

September 12th: Big Boi @ Higher Ground. Hot damn. Not a lot needs to be said here. 8 pm. All Ages. $35 adv / $38 door.

September 14th: Vermont's Finest @ Social Club and Lounge. Another showcase affair at Social Club, a great BTV venue that makes a point of putting on real events. This should be no exception, an evening of local rap sponsored by God Squad and Heartless Ent. Lineup includes Eyedos, BL SPITZ and Dok Trauma. 8 pm. 18+ $5 / College ID $2

September 15-17 Above The Radar. This is a Very Big Deal: a three-day graffiti festival right on the Burlington waterfront, bringing in some legendary crews to collaborate on massive walls. This is a family friendly, pure hip hop event and represents a massive amount of work by Vermont's own Anthill Collective. Free. Go check it out.

September 15th: Mics and Strikes @ Champlain Lanes. The lineup hasn't been announced yet but if you want raps, drinks and bowling all in one place, this is your fix. Always a good time.

September 16th: Capital Punishment @ Sweet Melissas. Current lineup is Khaosity, Drive, Modest and Lifelesson -- expect more names to be added in the weeks to come. 9 pm. All Ages. $5.

September 16th: Upper Valley Summer Music Festival @ The Engine Room. Packed bill in White River Junction. 9 pm. $10 adv / $15 door.

September 21st: Home Grown Hip Hop @ Club Metronome. Colby Stiltz, Suss Brim, Chyse Atkins, Jibba Tha Gent, Modest, Party Boy Woodz, Joe Grizzly and City Lights. 9 pm. 18+ $5 / 21+ Free

September 30th: The Fall Come Up @ Gustos. A guaranteed good time. This is a homecoming party in Barre for Bar None The Best, and they'll be celebrating with a serious lineup: Judge Da Beast, Jibba The Gent, and NYT (aka Jamell Rogers). To top it all off, this is your chance to see the Street Religion crew live onstage without having to drive at least an hour south. 10:30 pm 21+

September 30th: Boomslang & Jarv @ Charlie O's. Another guaranteed good time, and in the same county, no less. It's a Vermont tradition. Best dive bar in the state if not the country, great party rap, colorful regulars grumbling about great party rap -- just because I've said all this before doesn't mean you shouldn't be there. 21+. Free.

Apathy, August 2nd @ Club Metronome

The gravitational center of the Demigodz crew will be touching down in Vermont next Wednesday night. One of the best rappers alive and definitely the best rapper from Connecticut, Apathy is currently touring in support of his latest album, The Widow's Son. That's his second full-length album this year, and it won't be his last.

The show is a collaboration between Stiltz Brand -- the multinational corporation that holds the rights to STILTZgang, presumably -- and JYNX Inc. Apathy will be bringing along N.M.E. the Illest, and it looks like the rest of the bill will be locals: Jarv will be there, along with JYNX Inc, Lil Chil aka Brady Chilson, and the Stiltz extended family. Also on the bill is Modest, a new name to me and a rapper from Royalton, one of prettiest damn small towns on Earth.

Same as any other night at Metronome, doors are at 9 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. This show is 18+.

You can buy advance tickets right here.

Eyedos - "Buried IN Barre"

Summer of Love 2017 continues. Vermont has never been known for rap beef, but when it rains, well...it's monsoon season, bud. After shots from Judge Da Beast and M. Rich of Bar None The Best -- and a response track from Colby Stiltz -- now Eyedos is getting involved.

I'm not entirely clear on how Eyedos got drawn into this -- it's not like he's out here repping STILTZgang. But I'm betting it involves Facebook. This beef has been a classic study in conflict: war is all about unintended consequences, and those begin immediately.

"Buried IN Barre" is definitely the hardest shot so far. Unlike "Beef Stew," it's an actual diss track, and Eyedos has bars for days. This is also the best production, on all fronts. Wherever our Summer of Love goes from here, hopefully the quality control stays this good.

As they used to say in Europe: ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?

Colby Stiltz - "Beef Stew"

After a diss track from Judge Da Beast -- and a follow-up shot from M. Rich of Bar None The Best -- we've got a response from Colby Stiltz. Personal punchlines, beatbox intro, and full studio production: it's on, approximately. Atlanta trap is perhaps a weird direction to take it, but "weird" has been part of the STILTZgang aesthetic for years now.

"My one and only response for the fans of hip hop in this state," reports Mr. Stiltz. "Doing it for the culture and for fun and to show these guys I won't be dissed on my home turf. Peace and love is what runs Vermont and we will defend that!"

Not sure if I should make a DJ Vlad joke or a DJ Kayslay joke, but either way: enjoy. It's going to be an entertaining summer from here.

Stiltz & Posse will be in the house for the upcoming Regional Indie Hip Hop Compilation Release Party at Club Metronome on the 20th.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in July

Happy 4th, folks. Make it count.

July 6th: Spose x Shane Reis at Higher Ground. Spose is a yung rap phenom from Maine who was smart enough to build a sustainable fanbase off his viral hit "I'm Awesome." Expect a fun show and copious amounts of ganja raps. 8:30 pm. $12 adv / $14 at the door.

July 13th: Burlington Hip Hop Night at Club Metronome. Another stacked showcase gig; this is a strong lineup. S.I.N.Sizzle, Jibba the Gent and Cultural Chemistry, plus appearances from Chyse (with DJ Ross) and a set from Young $eth & David Chief. 9 pm. 21+ $7 // 18+ $10.

July 20th: 3rd Thursday at the Monkey House. Anthill Collective's excellent monthly series continues, this time bringing Montreal true school rapper Monk'E to BTV. Also on the bill: Face One will be back onstage for the first time in awhile, and Self Portrait will be in full effect. 9 pm. 21+ $3 // 18+ $8

Also July 20th: Regional Indie Hip Hop Compilation Release Party at Club Metronome. Not a very catchy name, but it promises to be an entertaining evening. This is going to be a "live mixtape" affair featuring a ton of artists, a collaborative production from Heartless Entertainment and STILTZgang. The big news here: live set from Kingbread. You know you have to see that. 10 pm. 21+ free // 18+ $5

July 22nd: Music for the Good Earth at Parker Pie Co. It's out there, but Parker Pie Co. has some of the best food in the state -- and, without question, one of the best beer lists. Maiden Voyage will be headlining this one, which is a guaranteed good time. NEK heads are strongly advised to check this one out. MC Mycelium will be there with his Speaking in Tongues improv rap outfit. 8-11 pm. $5 donation.

Also July 22nd: Hip Hop Showcase at Charlie-O's. This legendary Montpelier dive is always a great venue for rap music, but this bill is especially interesting. There's going to be a lot of regional talent - Cody Pope and Two Story are from New Hampshire, and Ill By Instinct is a wicked talented emcee from Maine who's been having a great run in 2017. Rounding out the bill: Fresh Patterns, Trono and a solo set Mister Burns. 9 pm. 21+ only. Free as in free.

July 26th: Northern Exposure at Higher Ground. Northern Exposure is a monthly series that usually showcases rock, but this month's edition is heavy on local hip hop. These are all new names to me: Kastaway, Khaocity, Italics, and Drive. More details and hilarious bio copy available here. 8:30 pm. $6 adv and day of.

Remember, every Wednesday evening from 10 pm to midnight, Mister Burns is running the studio at 105.9 FM -- THE RADIATOR. His show, Words & Verbs, is a celebration of Vermont hip hop.

2017's celebration of A-Dog Day will be on Saturday, August 26th.

Judge Da Beast - "Slenderman"

It's a beautiful thing to see diss tracks in the 802 again. As important as community is, listen: we've got enough to spare here in Vermont. Genuine beef is a rare thing. Even our actual emcee battle tournaments are friendly, family affairs. Judge Da Beast is having none of that shit.

A transplant from the Bronx, Judge Da Beast is part of the emerging Street Religion crew / label / collective from down south. (Other members include recent New England Hip Hop Awards winner Yung Breeze and standout spitter Raw Deff.)

On one hand, talking about "Southern Vermont" is absurd when it's two hours from Newport to Brattleboro. On the other, though, it is bizarre how everyone south of Montpelier gets ignored. If that's an exaggeration, it ain't by much. This humble blog is every bit as guilty as anyone else. The Burlington scene dominates the coverage -- it's the biggest city with the most venues and home to most of our media outlets.

It's also the part-time home of Colby Stiltz, purveyor of good vibes, weed raps and New Age spirituality. Like too many rap beefs in 2017, this conflict got started on social media. Journalistic obligations aside, I refuse to research who started what. Life is fleeting. All we need to know is that Judge Da Beast was motivated to aim two verses at Colby Stiltz, and thus was "Slenderman" created.

So far, Stiltz is sticking to his #PositiveVibesOnly brand and acting like this doesn't exist. Too early to call it, though, considering this track isn't even 24 hours old yet.

In the meantime, check out Judge Da Beast's album Arraignment. He's got a track in the works with Jarv, who dropped a brutal four minute diss track of his own earlier this year, "Stifle". Colby's most recent album is Down to Earth.

Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Loaf Muzik w/ Jansport J, Cultural Chemistry, 2/23 @ Higher Ground

Higher Ground will be hosting one hell of a hip hop show next week as young NYC crew Loaf Muzik touch down in BTV for the first time. If you're into that raw, hungry, high-energy live show type rap, this is your ticket.



Also on the bill: Jansport J, who is touring in support of his excellent instrumental album p h a r a o h.

The local support end of the operation is on point, too. 802 supergroup Cultural Chemistry will be representing along side Almattic, Self Portrait, and ... Stiltz Gang. I'm hoping that means Colby Stiltz is making a return appearance. All Ages.

More details/ticket sales here.

VIDEO - "Can We Grow" - Colby Stiltz

New video from Colby Stiltz for his track "Can We Grow" off his album Down To Earth which dropped last year. Track is produced by Then What Muzik and filmed and edited by DVP Cinematography Services. Even based in Florida Colby Stiltz stays representing Vermont with this fresh new visual.

Colby Stiltz - Spacetime Tour

Colby Stiltz will be swinging back through New England in support of his new "Purple Universe" album with NH producer BeatsDaily. The biggest stop will be tonight at the Zen Lounge, with opening support from Somewhere in the Solution and the emerging mega-posse, Brain Gang.

Video: "Purple Universe" - Colby Stiltz

I spaced out when this first dropped last week -- lost in my own Purple Universe, perhaps -- but we've gotta share this, right? New visuals for the title single off the new album from Colby Stiltz. He's collaborating with NH producer BeatsDaily, a combination that clicks nicely.

Colby Stiltz will be live in the flesh at Zen Lounge on June 19th -- more on that soon.

Colby Stiltz - "Down to Earth" Kickstarter

Props to Vermont ex-pat Colby Stiltz for refusing to half-ass his crowdfunding: to launch his next album "Down to Earth" properly, he's looking for a five figure budget. Although this is one of the larger Kickstarter campaigns I've seen, it's also one of the most realistic. The cost of doing quality work is huge, and most artists in VT operate on slower schedules than we'd like thanks to budget constraints.

Music is wicked expensive. This simple truth has kept the "Music Industry" alive and well despite 10 years of hype about their impending death. They have scale, they have resources, you do not. A local engineer / drinking buddy who had no interest in speaking on the record told me "You could spend ten grand just on your album, the beats, the sessions, the mix and master. Easy." Folks like him are wary about talking prices in public, and for good reason, too. Artists have no realistic concept of what their money entitles them to, what they themselves need to deliver, and what constitutes a reasonable payment schedule.

So yeah...design, videos, promotion...it adds up fast. Colby Stiltz is going big, and I think it's dope to be transparent about how much that really costs. The kids have to know.

New Colby Stiltz: "Purple Universe"

Fresh music from Colby Stiltz, who was just back in the 802 in order to rock a set with VT Union and N.O.R.E.. This latest single -- "Purple Universe" -- is from his upcoming album "Down to Earth," which is produced by New Hampshire bangersmith BeatsDaily.

RELATED: Get Familiar with Colby Stiltz

Get Familiar: Colby Stiltz

With a huge show coming up this weekend, it was high time we had a chat with Colby Stiltz, the motivated madman who is coming up from Florida to rock his home turf in the 802 once again.

Thirtyseven: What was your first rap show in Vermont?

First rap show in Vermont was in Burlington at the defunct "2nd floor nightclub" now called LIFT. The event was put on by a group called Animal House lead by NYC native Sha Mecca Blaze. After that one was my first gig at Nectars w/ DJ A-dog & Nastee featuring Termanology. They put me on for flyering all over the city to promote their "TRUE SCHOOL Wednesdays," it was dope!

Thirtyseven: You've been busy as all heck in sunny Florida...where should Vermont heads start, if they want to get caught up on the majesty of Colby Stiltz?

Colby Stiltz: It's dope being in Orlando, there's so many connections to network with, and the weather doesn't suck. To catch up on all things STILTZ, follow me on social media man, my website is www.funwithstiltz.com and I keep that updated. A big outlet I use to share music is my SoundCloud. All of the projects I've done are available on there, "Showtime," "Escaping Insanity," "Higher Learning" and the most recent is "I Don't Wanna Grow Up."

Thirtyseven: What is your next project gonna be?

Colby Stiltz: NEXT PROJECT IS HUGE! ...and, a shit load of fuckin' work. But I love it. It's called DOWN-TO-EARTH and it's an EP produced by my homie from NH, BeatsDaily. It's mixed by Toledo's Ryan Jumper and all the video's are done by Vindicate Media.

Thirtyseven: Would missing this N.O.R.E. show be a huge mistake, a tragic mistake, or the worst decision someone could make in their entire life?

Colby Stiltz: My Family at A.S.A.P ENT. WENT OVER THE TOP WITH THIS ONE!!!!!! Yo, if you live in Vermont, NH, MAINE, anywhere close and you're a fan of Hip-Hop...it would be a fuckin HUUUGE mistake to miss this shit! N.O.R.E is a legend in the game and has impacted all of us with his music over the years. Even if your a backpacking underground cat, THIS is the Hip-Hop vibe you've been waiting for in VT. Also, he's dropping his final album "Student of The Game" and hanging up his mic, so this will be one of your last chances to see the man N.O.R.E aka Norega aka Papi .... EVER! (and I'm not just saying that)

Thirtyseven: What can we expect from your set this Saturday?

Colby Stiltz: Oh MY set??? Maaaannn I got some tricks up my sleeve. I've been delevoping this new freestyle I re-create each show. We play the instrumental for 10 Crack Commandments by Biggie and I spit the 10 RAP commandements off the dome. It's different each show. Also, I'll be performing my Higher Learning joints like "Take it to the Top" and will be mostly spittin this "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" shit like "Excuse Me" and "Dreams." Obviously, energy will be at an all time high, I can't wait to vibe the fuck out with the 802 on this one.

N.O.R.E., VT Union, Colby Stiltz, Patron Pone and SIN

Damn, what a lineup. This is a reunion party with N.O.R.E. headlining the festivities. The VT Union will be in full force, Colby Stiltz is flying up from Florida, and Burlington heavyweight SIN will be wrecking a set, too. I have no idea who Patron Pone is but he's clearly got great taste in tequila. The whole party will be going down at a new music venue, the awkwardly named "Venue" in South Burlington.

According to 7 Days, this will actually be one of N.O.R.E.'s last shows ever. The show is 21+ and tickets are $20.

Colby Stiltz - "Excuse Me" Video

Colby Stiltz, one of the funniest, most entertaining live acts Vermont has produced, is currently living and building his career in Orlando, Florida. This latest video for his single "Excuse Me" of his album I.D.W.G.U. is slick, slick stuff. Dig it.

Wombaticus Rex - Colby Stiltz - Somewhere in the Solution - Set Up City - Greta Frost

We got Friday night covered. Swing through. Triple Stax.