written by Mr. SOS on Mar 4, 2008

As many of you may know, Tonedeff (the head of this voltron we call QN5) is doing his European tour with CunninLynguists. I wish them tons of success on their journey over seas, but I can’t help but recall times I’ve ventured (both in and out of the US) to perform for large crowds of fans, all for the love of hip hop (and money to pay bills of course). So lets all wish them the best of luck as our vision becomes blurry and harp sounds flash us back to when I myself was touring with CunninLynguists and Cashmere The Professional in a nice little country some like to call the Netherlands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ytV58pst8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN4MqmAFHs0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYqT_EBDgvc

The live experience has got to be my favorite part of being a music artist. I’ve said it, many of us have said it, and I’m sure any other performer will tell you the same. It combines all the great elements of making music, such as expression, creativity, public reaction, and then it throws it all in your face (pause) and combines work with a “paid vacation” experience that is difficult to explain. It’s tough to choose what part of performing is my favorite, because as much as I enjoy giving fans a chance to experience my music live while seeing their reactions, you gotta love traveling and seeing the world as only a touring performer can see it. And some of the best moments on the road aren’t on stage at all, they’re behind the scenes. I cannot articulate how much fun we have or how many laughs and smiles are shared behind the scenes when we’re partying, meeting new people, or just clowning. Here is one clip of me behind the scenes in the Netherlands doing a beatbox routine I did a million times behind the scenes while I was chillin. Again, I did this a million times while I was there (at least 100?) and this was just one of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHwFQs8cp2c

As you can see I was high, maybe even drunk, and a little slap happy from lack of sleep, but nevertheless there’s nothing like the adrenaline from touring on the road that pushes you to that next venue. And even though touring can have it’s stressful moments and sometimes even disappointments, overall we are blessed as artists to be living out our dreams the way we do. So to the crew currently over seas tearing it down and cuttin up right now as we speak …

Break a leg, fellas! See you when you get back!