Did I really just spend 5 hours shoveling snow today?  It feels like the 90’s all over again.  I don’t know about yours, but these first couple of weeks in the new year feel like they’ve blended right in with those from the end of last year.  It’s almost like there was never a line drawn in the sand (or more appropriately, snow) to mark the annual new beginning that yields resolutions and gym memberships.

After reflecting on the year that has past, despite both the hardships and seemingly endless hard work, there were more than a couple bright spots that made all of the bad pills a little easier to swallow.  I just wanted to take the time to give a couple of thanks to everyone who helped the medicine go down.

Thanks to Allhiphop.com for giving Bassment Beats a home at at the beginning of the year, and WESU 88.1FM for picking it up towards the end and bringing it into 2011. Much respect to all of the deejays who have shared the turntables at the 50+ events last year.  Thank you for being a source of motivation when most needed.  Channel1, Redscroll Records, Shuga Records, and all other havens of great music, thank you for going against the grain to deliver it to the people.

To the homies Bisco Smith, Sketch tha Cataclysm, YC the Cynic, Mizery Crew (Metalheart, Benn Grim, Timmy Wiggins, Deefy), Left Field Rhythms, it’s been a pleasure to touch the stage with y’all in 2010, can’t wait to do it again in 2011. Optiks, strictly upward movements this year, here’s to new collaborations and getting that money for making beats.

A million thank you’s to every one whose paths I’ve crossed in my travels this past year, especially in Spain, Holland, Morocco, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Italy.  To everyone in San Jose, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Austin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York City thank you for showing love,  can’t wait to come through again this year.  Thank you to everyone who’s opened up their home and a provided a floor, air mattress, or a little bit of bed to sleep on.  You are all wonderful.

Last but not least a huge thank you to all of friends and fans of the show.  If it wasn’t for all of you who make it a point to listen-in on the radio and internet, download the shows from the site, download the podcasts from iTunes, and support all the live events that we are a part of,  none of this would be going on.  Thank you for being a source of inspiration, and the driving force that keeps the mission to continue providing the public with an alternative to the commercial offerings of mass media alive.

With 2011 going full-speed ahead, it’s safe to say I’m just as excited at the beginning of this year as I was last year, if not more so.  I’m blessed to be able to work with such great people and I really looking forward to reaching the sky with all of you.  Here’s to a happier, healthier, more prosperous next 365 days.  salud!

peace and blessings,

DJ LOKASH