TAKE THE THRONE is a monthly Hip-Hop competition at House of Blues San Diego. Each month, artists compete to take “The Throne” at the most prestigious venue in the Gaslamp of Downtown. And we are proud to announce that Arsunic Crew officially took the throne on April 11th! Let’s have a few words with them, shall we?
If you would like to compete in the next Take The Throne event, click here!
Q1: What is Arsunic Crew? Who makes up the group?
A1: Arsunic is a family first. We started the crew back in ’97 or ’98. As a family there are over a dozen of us. As for the crew that is currently performing and making music together, it’s me ( JaqPot), BadLuck, and Mundo a.k.a Big Thirsty. We also work with a group of Dj’s called the Needle Ninjaz. So when we’re all doing our thing together it creates Arsunic Entertainment.
Q2: How long have u been performing live?
A2: We’ve been performing live since about 2003. I think I remember our first show being in Inglewood California. It was a great turnout. I believe we had more fans come out there from San Diego to support us than the local acts had there in support of them! I’d consider that show being a big success as well as a great start.
Q3: Who are your biggest influences in Hip Hop?
A3: I try not to speak for all of us but I feel pretty comfortable in saying some of our influences would be Rass Kass, Wu Tang Clan, Tha Alkaholiks, Red Man, Devin The Dude, Dre, Busta Rhymes, Big Pun, Fat Joe and the Terror Squad, Boot Camp Click, The Pharcyde. There’s probably too many to mention. I can go on and on but to sum it up, just that real hip hop from the 90′s. Personally I think our biggest influences are each other. From the lyrics we individually spit to BadLuck’s productions, all the way down to the Needle Ninjaz being the last of a dying breed to spin the 12inch.
Q4: Have u ever been in a battle or Hip Hop Competition before?
A4: Of course! We are not “rappers”. We are EMCEE’S. With that said, free-styling and battling comes naturally. It comes with the territory. It’s what we do and what we’ve always done. As far as competition, I have yet to see any. At least any that does what we do which is give it to you in its rawest form.
Q5: What were your reactions as the other groups took the stage before you?
A5: Well we went on second so there was only one group that took the stage before we did. I think they did well. All we were really concerned with was how we were going to do. That’s all we’ve ever been concerned about in the days or minutes leading up to a performance.
Q6: How did u feel some of the other competing artists did?
A6: The other competing artists did well. There’s a lot of talent in San Diego and I think this competition is a perfect opportunity for people to show those talents and for other people to see what San Diego has to offer. Shout out to F.A.B! I thought they did great. F.A.B is like an extended family of Arsunic. They were one of the runners up so hopefully in this next competition we’ll be passing the Throne to them.
Q7: What was your reaction when you found out you won the Take The Throne competition?
A7: When we heard the names of the two runners up we thought that we had to be the winners. The two groups that shared 2nd place had tough performances but we thought that our performance was just different from what all the other groups had done. We feel appreciative that the judges were able to see that difference.
Q8: What is next for Arsunic?
A8: The first thing is to Headline the next Take The Throne competition on May 9th at The House of Blues. After that who knows? We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing, producing and making our own music. Maybe put out a mix tape for the summer and continue working on an album together as we’ll as our own solo projects. You can also be on the lookout for BadLuck’s clothing line “Major Brand”. All other info on upcoming events u can find out on facebook/Arsuniccrew or on facebook/Needleninjaz. Shout out to you Jon Avila, Groove International, Sound The Groove and all of the Take The Throne competitors, The House of Blues, F.A.B, the judges, What The Chuck Productions?!!, Brian Bentley, Dj LoneStar and everyone else involved, APB Clothing, All of the Needle Ninjaz: Dj C Daygo, Dj Verb, Dj Mots. Much love to all who came out to support us! See ya on the 9th!
TAKE THE THRONE is a monthly Hip-Hop competition at House of Blues San Diego. Each month, artists compete to take “The Throne” at the most prestigious venue in the Gaslamp of Downtown. South Psycho Cide is our first official winner of this competition, and we decided to sit down with them and have a few words!
If you would like to compete in the next Take The Throne event, click here!
What is South Psycho Cide?
I’m glad you asked! South Psycho Cide is a Rap/ Hip-Hop group from San Diego. Besides being a group, we are more like a Family. We specialize in song-writing, music, production, recording, mixing, mastering, performing.. And most of all kicking ASS on the mic!
You guys seem to have a lot going on! Who makes up the group?
The current group members are Mr. Heat (aka Tha Fire Starter) and Cookoo (aka The Hater Terminator). Heat and I drop dope lyrics and I am also the producer behind all of our music. We used to be a four man group, but now Sir. Booz (former member) is just working behind the scenes and our fourth member was Big Yikes, but due to complications with pneumonia, he passed away in 2009. Actually while I was on stage at Take The Throne I had a vile with his ashes hanging around my neck. R.I.P. Big Yikes we did it doggy dog!
How long have you been performing live?
We started getting serious and performing shows in 2001 after our first album “Back To Da Streets” was released that same year. The group started with Sir. Booz and Cookoo (Mr. Coox) and on our next album “Welcome to Reality” we added Mr. Heat and Big Yikes.
Who are your biggest influences in Hip-Hop?
We are inspired and influenced by Dr.Dre, N.W.A, Eazy-E, Tupac, Above The Law, Dj Quik, Dogg Pound, West Side Connection, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Too Short, Scarface, Rakim, Public Enemy and Eminem. There are many more too much to name but that’s gives you a good idea. We are actually influenced by all music Rap, Rock, Reggae, Classic Rock, Old School etc.
Have you ever been in a rap battle or Hip-Hop competition before?
We’ve been in many competitions in past but just live performances in general out-weighs our competition performances.
What were your thoughts when you were selected to go on stage first? Were you nervous?
When we found out we were going on 1st we weren’t nervous at all. We thoroughly rehearse our shows so at any moment in time we were ready, it has happened to us before. We prefer to go on a bit later so the crowd builds and people get their drink on but we started 1st and ended 1st so I guess you can say the Lord wanted it that way. Sometimes we’re a tough act to follow!
How did you feel some of the other competing artists did?
Some stood out some didn’t. Anybody who goes up on stage I respect because they’re out there chasing their dreams. We know what it’s like and this is not an easy industry to please with so many trends coming and going. My advice would be to be original pave your own lane. Quality over quantity and originality is key.
What was your reaction when you found out you won the Take The Throne competition?
We were blown away felt let grabbing the Mic and doing an encore! Especially to win at the first Groove International “Take The Throne” House Of Blues Contest, that’s huge. House Of Blues is a legendary venue. This may sound weird but this is the first live competition we won. We have always been the underdog.
In our opinion many competitions are not based on real lyrical content and the actual performance itself. They seem to be swayed in one direction or the other by what’s hot on the radio or trendy at that time. So were glad our actual lyrical content and stage performance had the crowd and judges blown away! Back to real lyrics, heart and soul. Amazed and thankful we took The Throne!
What is next for South Psycho Cide?
What’s next, of course were getting ready to Headline the next Take The Throne Contest! We will start promoting the show already and start putting together another dope mix for that show.
We have an unreleased album “The Repidemic” that we will be releasing soon. It’s an album with all four group members. Last album we recorded before Big Yikes passing. We’ve been saving it for the right time. Then in Summer/Fall South Psycho Cide will release another album title TBA. We are in the studio working on it now. Look for us to make an appearance on San Diego Music TV. We will also be shooting a new video for our new Padres Anthem so Padres fans lookout for that this spring. We have a few more projects we are keeping on the low pro and about 3 digital re-releases, 4, videos all going down this year. You can also hear us every Sunday at 3pm on Xavier The X-Man Oldies Show on Magic 92.5fm we recorded his intro that airs in San Diego and Phoenix. So were staying busy.
We are also looking to do more events with Groove International and House Of Blues in the future like the vibe and organization of the kick ass events. Thanks for the opportunity let’s Sound The Groove South Psycho Cide the California Underdog is on the move!
Groove International is proud to announce that we are officially expanding into Hollywood. As our company continues to grow, we are making it a point to work solely with the best venues along the California Coast; and we could think of nothing greater than the prestigious House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard.
On Thursday, May 30th, 2013, Groove International will host our highly popular event “SIN” in the Voodoo Lounge, Foundation Room, Parish Room, and outdoor stage at House of Blues. Embrace yourselves for an incredible night filled with live-bands, DJs, go go dancers, models, photographers, hosts, and anything else we can expose under the stars.
Whether you enter the club to be entertained by your favorite DJ, live-band, dancer, or celebrity; Groove International lets you interact with our performers on a completely different level than any of our competitors. No audience member should be limited to watching a show in front of their favorite artist, when they can watch the show with them.
Attend. Watch. Interact. Party WITH your Rock Stars.
| Book Your Band on This Event | Model for This Event | RSVP on Facebook |
San Diego has become the beating pulse of Groove International, and in April, we are cranking the volume up to eleven.
In a city where only the best bands, DJs, models and dancers come to be a part of our events, we are proud to say that we are keeping the lights flashing and the speakers blazing t House of Blues San Diego for at least an extra couple of hours.
Our themed parties have always ended at midnight in this city until now. Come enjoy the perfect blend of a live concert mixed with a Vegas-style nightlife party. Except this time, our DJs, dancers, and models are going through last call.
Work hard. Party hard. Wait for no one.
Groove International is proud to join the lovely ladies of Sweethearts Salute in their effort to give back to the brave men and women who have fought and served for our country overseas.
Sweethearts Salute is a pin-up photography project that sells skateboard decks and donates all of their profits to the Wounded Warrior Project. Founded in the City of San Diego by Victoria Ortega-Allen, this organization has been spreading the word about helping our amazing wounded veterans coming home.
Join us in our effort to raise awareness to the public and encourage aid for the needs of our injured service members. Our event will have everything from live-bands, live DJs, go go dancers, models, photographers, and anything else we can throw in the mix. Help us raise awareness and encourage aid for the needs of our injured service members!
All profits from Sweethearts Salute sales, and 20% of all ticket sales go directly to the Wounded Warrior Project.
RSVP on Facebook | Purchase tickets on Ticketmaster
Read about the Wounded Warrior Project:
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Become a Fan of Sweethearts Salute:
https://www.facebook.com/SweetheartsSalute
Become a Fan of Groove International:
http://www.facebook.com/soundthegroove
Entire album can be found on www.facebook.com/soundthegroove !
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Entire album can be found on www.facebook.com/soundthegroove !
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Entire album can be found on www.facebook.com/soundthegroove !
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All photos can be found on www.facebook.com/soundthegroove !
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All photos can be found on www.facebook.com/soundthegroove !
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