Step Off Magazine

30/07/2024

Today Step Off! Magazine celebrates the life & legacy of Derek Emmanuel Barbos, better known professionally as Chino XL who has passed away today at the age of fifty. Over course of his career Chino XL released four studio albums, several collaborative projects and appeared in dozens of films and television series. Over his career Chino XL collaborated with underground Hip-Hop heavyweights such as Immortal Technique, Vinnie Paz, Kool G Rap, the Beatnuts, Celph Titled, Apathy Crooked I and Sick Jacken. As if this posting So no official news on his cause of death has been released thus far. Step Off! magazine extends condolences to Chino XL’s family, friends, & fans. With a truly heavy heart Step Off! Magazine remembers the life & legacy of Derek ‘Chino XL’ Barbosa

20/06/2024

Underground Hip-Hop legend Immortal Technique joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the Democrats’ hard-right turn on immigration, genocide in Gaza, & the creeping rise of far-right authoritarianism & fascism in the United States.

Underground Hip-Hop legend Immortal Technique joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the Democrats’ hard-right turn on immigration, genocide in Gaza, & the creeping rise of far-right authoritarianism…

14/06/2024

Last night was a huge personal milestone! Thank you Immortal Technique for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk with us for an interview prior to last nights show here in San Diego! Huge shout out to Clay Scheller for always doing an amazing job with the video and photography documenting these interviews. And as always shout out to Jose Cortes for co-hosting! Likewise, thank you to Technique’s manager Connell for helping coordinate all of this and for making this interview happen! Thank you again Technique for an amazing interview, sharing your insight about what’s going on in the world right, and for making this incredible interview a reality! ✊🏽🙏🏽

27/03/2024

Stacey Uy returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss the Radical History Club, the importance of curating decolonial curriculum, & why representation in U.S. history texts is more important now than ever...

Stacey Uy returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss the Radical History Club, the importance of curating decolonial curriculum, & why representation in U.S. history texts is more important now than…

13/02/2024

San Diego emcee Sham Blak joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the inspirations behind his music, growing up as an aspiring artist in Southeast San Diego, his time in the military, the backstory behind some of his works, & upcoming projects.

San Diego rapper Sham Blak joins Step Off! Radio to discuss growing up in Southeast San diego, his time in the service, & his upcoming music

19/09/2023

Today Step Off! Magazine pays its respects to Anthony Williams, better known by his stage name as Grandmaster Roc Raida who passed away on this day fourteen years ago in 2009. Roc Raida was a world renowned DJ, turntablist, producer & member of the acclaimed DJ group the X-Ecutioners. He first joined the group in the late 80s, which was at first called the ‘X-Men’. But due to copyright reasons, the group later became known as the X-Ecutioners. Alongside group members Rob Swift, Total Eclipse, & Mista Sinista; The X-Ecutioners released three studio albums. In the 90s Roc Raida & MF Grimm were an emcee/DJ team, & his DJ contributions can be heard on Grimm's album ‘Scars & Memories’. Roc Raida also provided scratches for the refrains on a number of underground hits such as O.C.'s "Time's Up" & The Artifacts' "C'mon Wit the Git Down." Raida was particularly know for his scratch routines, which were as physical & personality-driven as they were musical. Often he would perform rhythmic body tricks, scratching with his nose or catching a record after performing a full body spin. He eventually won the DMC World DJ Championship in 1995 & was inducted into the DMC Hall of Fame four years later. Roc Raida was also an avid martial arts practitioner. While in a class for Krav Maga, in freak accident a sparring partner landed on top of Raida's spinal cord, by his neck. The accident ultimately left Raida paralyzed from the waist down. A few weeks later after several operations, Roc Raida unexpectedly went into cardiac arrest & died, he was only thirty-seven years old. Today Roc Raida is still remembered for his skills as a battle DJ & his contributions to the culture. Today Step Off! Magazine celebrates the art, life & incredible legacy of Grandmaster Roc Raida!

13/09/2023

Twenty-seven years ago one of the most iconic & polarizing figures in Hip-Hop history passed away. Lost to a senseless act of violence, provoked by the media, egged on by an egotistical hyper-masculine Hip-Hop beef culture & a long series of bad personal decisions. Seven days after being shot in Las Vegas, Tupac Shakur died of his wounds while in a medically induced coma. He was only twenty-five. At the time of his death Tupac was young man filled with so much anger & conflict. But, he always spoke with an uncanny conviction that still resonates with listeners to this day. Tupac spoke & performed with such raw passion, intensity & conviction that listeners couldn't help but feel like they themselves were experiencing his perspective first hand. Tupac's reach today even in death is unprecedented world wide, going far beyond the realm of music & refusing to be confined simply to Hip-Hop or even within the confines of the U.S. His words still resonate to this day echoing across every corner of the globe, across different languages, nationalities, cultures & creeds to the disenfranchised & oppressed. Emcee, actor, gangster, thug, outlaw, poet, teacher, revolutionary. One would be hard pressed to find another artist in the genre that has been labeled so many different times & yet mean so many different things to different people. Tupac's tragically short life & cruel untimely death not only serves as cautionary tale of a complex & talented young man struck down far before his time. But, also serves as a testament to just how much of a lasting impact a young person with conviction, drive & undying burning passion can accomplish in this crazy, backwards, very troubled world. Today Step Off! Magazine celebrates the art, life & incredible legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur.

14/08/2023

Today Step Off! Magazine celebrates the life & legacy of Melvin Barcliff, better known professionally as Magoo (one half of the Hip Hop duo Timbaland & Magoo) who has passed away. Magoo achieved mainstream success in the late 90s - early 00s with the movement Timbaland & Missy Elliott had along with the late Aaliyah. Notable tracks I. Magoo’s catalog included “All Y’all,” “Drop,” “Up Jumps Da Boogie” & “Luv 2 Luv U”. As if this posting So no official news on his cause of death has been released thus far. Step Off! magazine extends condolences to Magoo’s family, friends, & fans. With a truly heavy heart Step Off! Magazine remembers the life & legacy of Melvin ‘Magoo’ Barcliff.

12/08/2023

Step Off! Magazine celebrates five decades of music commemorating Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary.

Step Off! Magazine Celebrates five decades of music commemorating Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary

09/08/2023

Founded by Shellie Baxter, Our Genetic Legacy is enabling young women to use state-of-the-art drone technology to document San Diego’s Forgotten BIPOC History.

27/07/2023

Internets! Make sure to check out the latest single from our hermano Jag Arreola of Kozmik Force! It’s called ‘Payback’ and features Azomali, Chop the Father, Layzor Ghunnzz, iLL Zakiel, Aspekt, M’ster Lewis, & Infiti. Check it out & give the joint some love!! ✊🏽✊🏽

Track features:iLL ZakielAspekt The Aztek Layzor Ghunnzz Long Beach Guess Chop The FatherM’ster Lewis Infniti Jag Arreola Azomali Produced by Accosta The Man...

22/04/2023

We have a booth at Chicano Park Day!! We’ll be here til’ 5 pm. Kozmik Force and Indigenous Cats will be vending later in the afternoon as well! Come through, say hi, and support real independent Hip-Hop!!

17/04/2023

S.K. Winter Yat joins Step Off! Radio to discuss growing up in New York, decolonization in Hip-Hop, & latest solo project ‘FKISUTALKINBOUT’.

S.K. Winter Yat joins Step Off! Radio to discuss growing up in New York, decolonization in Hip-Hop, & latest solo project ‘FKISUTALKINBOUT’

04/04/2023

Lucas Cruz, Chairman of the Chicano Park Steering Committee joins Step Off! Radio to talk about the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center, the struggle to make the museum a reality, and what the museum means to the residents of Barrio Logan.

Lucas Cruz, Chairman of the Chicano Park Steering Committee joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center, the struggle to make the museum a reality, and what the m…

30/03/2023

Texas rapper Chop the Father joins Step Off! Radio to discuss growing up in Houston TX, his entry into rapping, & his latest project ‘Vader Time' with Accosta the Man.

Texas rapper Chop the Father joins Step Off! Radio to discuss growing up in Houston TX, his entry into rapping, his very latest solo project ‘Vader Time’

21/03/2023

Amon the Emcee, Verde, & DJ JG of the Neighborhood Kids join Step Off! Radio to discuss the group’s origins, early influences, as well as their experiences in San Diego’s underground Hip-Hop scene.

Amon the Emcee, Verde, & DJ JG of the Neighborhood Kids join Step Off! Radio to discuss the group’s origins, early influences, as well as their experiences in San Diego’s underground Hip-Hop sc…

13/02/2023

Brooklyn rapper NVY JONEZ LKR joins Step Off! Radio to discuss growing up in New York City, his time in the service, & his latest EP with Accosta the Man ‘Angels Loyal to Demons’

Brooklyn rapper NVY JONEZ LKR joins Step Off! Radio to discuss growing up in New York, his time in the service, & his very latest solo project ‘Angels Loyal to Demons’

05/01/2023

Happy New Year everybody! To kick off the new year I got a brand new podcast episode of Step Off! Radio out today! For the first episode of 2023 I’m joined by KILLcRey & Gene Flo, better known collectively as the Invisible Pancho’s; who came on to the show to talk about their experiences as emcees, producers, podcast hosts and their general experiences as independent artists in San Diego’s Hip-Hop scene. In this interview you will be able to hear our conversation diving into KILLcRey and Gene Flo’s early years, their influences, their journey into podcasting, and great general insight from two incredible artists that have made a name for themselves as innovators and envelope pushers in the local scene.

The Invisible Panchos join Step Off! Radio to discuss the group’s origins, influences, as well as their experiences in San Diego’s underground Hip-Hop scene

24/12/2022

Today Step Off! Magazine celebrates the life & legacy of Courtney Dewar Jr. better known by his stage name Capital STEEZ, a member of Joey Bada$$’ Pro-Era Crew & the Beast Coast collective. Ten years ago today on Christmas Eve, STEEZ tragically took his own life at the age of nineteen. It’s widely believed that STEEZ had long suffered from undiagnosed Schizophrenia, a mental health disorder that often manifests itself as individuals reach early adulthood. STEEZ had suffered from bouts of depression & manic breaks in the past, leading friends & family to believe that he took his own life in the midst of a pyschotic episode. Mental health & psychiatric disorders are often so negatively stigmatized in our communities that rarely do we discuss them openly & honestly until it effects own ourselves or someone we love. Between between these two years with the pandemic, unemployment, & racial violence from the state so many people’s mental health is hanging on by a thread. Mental health is important to us & we here at Step Off! Magazine hope that you all take care of yourselves this holiday season & look out for one another!
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts please contact the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988
Available 24 hours everyday to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress
Rest In Peace Capital STEEZ, (July 7, 1993-December 24, 2012)

01/12/2022

L.A. Hip-Hop artist Selene Selah returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss her brand new album 'Taste of Satorí'.

Selene Selah returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss the release of her latest project ‘Taste of Satorí’

18/11/2022

Ina of underground Hip-Hop group Indigenous Cats returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss the release of her debut solo EP, ‘The Ina Project’.

Ina of underground Hip-Hop group Indigenous Cats returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss the release of her debut solo EP ‘The Ina Project’

13/10/2022

Producer Accosta the Man joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the origins of his music career, Hip-Hop and Horror movies, as well as what the immediate future holds for his music...

Producer Accosta the Man joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the origins of his music career, Hip-Hop and Horror movies, as well as what the immediate future holds for his music

29/09/2022

Today Step Off! Magazine celebrates the life & legacy of Artis Ivey Jr., better known professionally as Coolio who passed away yesterday at the age of fifty-nine from an apparent heart attack. Coolio achieved mainstream success in the 90s with his albums ‘It Takes a Thief’ & ‘Gangsta's Paradise’. Prior to starting a solo career Coolio was also 1/4th of the West Coast Hip-Hop group WC and the Maad Circle. Coolio would also gain popularity amongst younger crowd in the 90s appearing on television shows of the time such as ‘All That!’ & performing the theme song for Nickelodeon’s ‘Kenan and Kel’. Step Off! magazine extends condolences to Coolio’s family, friends, & fans. With a truly heavy heart Step Off! Magazine remembers the life & legacy of Artis ‘Coolio’ Ivey Jr.

11/07/2022

Our friends Indigenous Cats performed their track ‘The Anthem’, which is featured on our compilation ‘The Collection’ which is available now on all streaming services! Shout out to DeAndre DjRoot Harrell who laced the production for this track!

Los Angeles based underground Hip Hop duo Indigenous Cats stops by our DTLA HQ and drops their exclusive Mic Session performing "The Anthem".https://www.inst...

07/07/2022

What’s up Step Off! familia! We have a brand new episode of Step Off! Radio out this week! This time we’re joined by Rocío Zamora, San Diego based community organizer, educator who works to support & create pathways to a better future for students that have often get neglected, mislabeled, criminalized & pushed out of schools. In addition to being a community organizer, Zamora is also a former sponsor of California state legislation targeting police overreach, militarization, & promoting community-based responses as alternatives to policing. We had the chance to speak with Rocío about her experiences growing up in Oceanside, California, being a first generation Chicana college student attending UCSC, the struggles of being the eldest daughter of undocumented parents, & being a woman of color working in the field of higher education. Likewise, we also discussed her interest in disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, supporting formerly incarcerated students, & how the fight for police abolition & bodily autonomy are inextricably linked. I As always a big shout out to DeAndre DjRoot Harrell who does our intro music & Thomas Chacon who composed & performed our incidental scores as well. HUGE shout out to Rocío for coming on to the show to share her story & experiences as an organizer on the podcast! We hope you guys dig the interview & continue to be there with us for the next installment! You can access the interview through the link located in our bio & listen to other episodes on all major streaming platforms.
https://stepoffmagazine.com/2022/07/05/the-fight-for-policing-and-reproductive-justice-step-off-radio-the-rocio-zamora-episode/

In our latest installment of Step Off! Radio we interview Rocío Zamora, a San Diego based community organizer, educator who works to support and create pathways to a better future for stu…

08/06/2022

Calmplx Teteoquichtli of underground Hip-Hop group Indigenous Cats returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss the release of his latest album 'Abstract'...

http://stepoffmagazine.com/2022/06/08/words-from-the-abstract-step-off-radio-the-calmplx-teteoquichtli-episode/

Calmplx Teteoquichtli of underground Hip-Hop group Indigenous Cats returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss the release of his latest album ‘Abstract’

28/04/2022

San Diego brewer Kemet Ackee discusses his journey into brewing, the importance representation in developing industries, & how brewers of color are working to open doors & introduce new audiences the growing craft beer scene in San Diego, California.
http://stepoffmagazine.com/2022/04/28/black-brewers-continue-pushing-introducing-diversity-to-san-diegos-craft-beer-scene/

Brewers of color work to help diversify San Diego’s growing craft beer industry

10/03/2022

Today Step Off! Magazine celebrates the life & legacy of Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace. Famed Brooklyn born emcee & Hip-Hop icon who's life was tragically cut short on this day twenty-five years ago after being gunned down in senseless drive-by shooting at the mere age of twenty-four. Today B.I.G.'s music & persona is known the world over & even in death his legacy continues to live on decades after his passing. Rest In Peace B.I.G., Hip-Hop & music word dearly misses you! (May 21, 1972-March 9, 1997)

17/02/2022

BIG shout out to my people Calmplx & Ina (better known collectively as Indigenous Cats) & Selene Selah, for coming through today to the Space Dungeon, Chula Vista to record their tracks that will be featured on ‘The Collection’. This was was the first time that we had the pleasure of meeting Selene, Ina, & Calmplx in person! It was an absolute pleasure getting to work with them all professionally today & watch their creative process of conceptualizing ideas, writing their songs, & recording them on tape. As always, salute to my man, my brother behind the boards Pawps the Medic who makes all the magic happen when it comes to bringing these tracks to life & molding them into fully-fleshed-out songs. Our principle recording for ‘The Collection’ is nearly wrapped up! Hopefully we’ll have LP completed & ready to release by the end of March. We’re very excited to be sharing this music with you all! Big things are coming very soon so stay tuned!!

15/02/2022

Today Step Off! Magazine celebrates the life & legacy of Lamont 'Big L' Coleman. Famed Harlem emcee & 1/7th of the legendary Hip-Hop super group D.I.T.C., who's life was tragically cut for too short in a act of violence on this day twenty-three years ago. A testament to his music’s reach & longevity, Big L’s influence & legacy lives on more than two decades after his physical has long departed. In 2022, his music still being played by fans young & old the world over. Rest In Peace Big L! Hip-Hop misses you! (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999)