SactownConnection said:
Thanks for the feedback, y'all! I really appreciate it! But seriously, mad props to TheLAConnection too for startin' a review thread too & to everyone who goes out to a P show.
Ol' School Lover said:
I noticed you are very close to the P to be able to hang out with them backstage and help them out. You even visited Thes' house!!! That is amazing. So how would I be able to hang out with them backstage? There is only general admission at these events in nyc. I would like to have some beers with them and just vibe with them ( which I noticed others have been doing as I seen on Instagram). What are your thoughts?
Keeping it basic: I've noticed that Thes and Double are all about the fans, and if you're reppin' them and their albums on instagram (& tagging them on it) and get their attention, or you're bringing your friends to the shows and building the fanbase and generally a super-fan, then they tend to appreciate it a lot. At the shows, it's just about being chill and giving them a pound and having a normal conversation with them. Maybe like... telling them you've been a fan since (such and such) era, or maybe that you're on the fan forum all the time or something, and then maybe ask them about their experiences (if they enjoy your town when they come and visit, ask them about the background story on one song or something).
Lemme stress the chillness factor, 'cause I feel like the tone matters: I went to a DJ set that the P did in SF way back in like 2007 or 2008, and I hadn't really met the guys yet, so I was super geekin' and I did one of those air-headed, OMG, "you guys are so great" things, and I could tell Thes was a little "ehhhhh". I wasn't chill at all, and it was probably just a little too much bro-love, haha. Just geeking out in general. When I caught them a second time in Sacramento a while later, boombip, myself, and some other cats just hung out with Double and chatted for a while and then just told Thes that we were fans and just engaged him in normal conversation, and it was super-chill. It went over a lot better.
As far as backstage access goes, that's a little harder to come by. Doing big things for the crew is always appreciated: I mean, look at YoYoPo, he made this fan forum, and he's mentioned in a track on Stepfather (I still haven't made it there yet, haha... "Sactown" is mentioned in "California" on Fun DMC, but that was before I was in tight with them, so I know they ain't talking about me). I'm sure the homie SF Knight gets mad perks too.
After the Sacramento show, I created the entire lyrics website (I transcribed practically everything in their catalog), and that got the homies' attention... I also told them I wanted to do two interviews with them at shows, and that probably helped to get me backstage where we could chat. Even though the interviews weren't for a major magazine or anything, I did share them with the fan forum (as sort of "hardcore PUTS fan" interviews), and they seemed to appreciate it. Recently, I've just been really up for helping them out at shows, I completely revamped all their wikipedia pages, and I've kept the lyrics site maintained and things.
But it's not unattainable to get backstage... I mean, at two different shows I've been to, there were fan forum peeps that were also backstage. eightbitbreaks & boombip...
Side note: Sometimes I worry that it seems like I'm putting myself on blast too much (partially 'cause of the fact that I'm writing friggin' essays on here), and I hope you guys don't get any vibe from me like I'm showing off about the backstage stuff. As it stands, I can only tell you about what's happened, so you guys can sorta share in the experience vicariously. I hate it when I've seen people rubbing special treatment in other people's faces... just know that, if I could, I'd get all y'all to come with me if I get to go backstage again.
Oh man, no doubt. I posted a review two years ago when the P went to NYC. Some of the things that happened on the "other side" ( I am not sayin it as a eastcoast versus westcoast thing like in the 90s hahaha nuttin but love). Like Double K's mom being from the Bronx or New York City for that matter and how rowdy the crowd almost got because the P was from the westcoast. I will post another one soon guys so keep tuned.
But keeping it focused on your topic I feel that there are very few fans of the P over here and it seems rather weird to like recite their lyrics when they are on stage and people around me are just sort of confused. Although I care less about what people think it seems like I gear towards someone that is into more supposed "chill elevator music". I have gotten that a lot. This is not simply a rant but more of an introspection through the lens. So when I see fans of this board I tend to connect a lot more and feel a bit better which leads on to my next point.
I remember meeting both Thes and KK and I was really nervous actually to the point where I kinda stuttered. It was way back when they came to fatbeats nyc store ( which is now closed R.I.P.) to do a minishow to promote FUN DMC. The track "Enjoy" was playing in the background. I bought the album in front of them and Thes was talking to the store manager about how bummed out he was about the weather here. I sorta of awkwardly walked away and they said thank you to me and I sort of nodded my head as they left in a taxi to their hotel. I kind of wish I said more but since I was in high school at the time I was rather introverted.
Years later at a show for their Highlighter tour I brought my girlfriend at the time.I mentioned that my name is Ol School Lover on the forums blah blah blah. I asked them a couple questions about certain songs and my relation with Thes Ones accident that was pretty similar to his, Double K's solo album etc... No one really actually knew what the hell I was talking about when I did. I was perceived as a hardcore fan. I wanted to more or less talk to them for the little time I had before they started the show because I probably wont see them again in a while. I gave other fans a chance of course but they just bought their merch and went back to their place in the standing area, My girlfriend got pretty annoyed of the fact that I was literally standing and talking to them the whole time. Of course she understood afterwards.
Now that I think about it I was a bit geeky I gotta admit and Thes did feel a little like "uncomfortable" because I was kinda in his face talking about so many things I liked. But afterwards he felt that not many people from this city actually come up to him like talk as opposed to CA. So he did tell me some personal things about a really angry fan (hate mail). But I feel that it could have been a lot worse in my opinion and I feel that its normal the first when you "actually" try and engage in conversation with your favorite artist.
You are truly right about the whole backstage pass. It definitely comes with time and respect for them and of course the appreciation. And what YoYoPo did ( you da man) was remarkable and to connect niche fans like ourselves. Truly thankful. And no worries Sactown you will see yours soon. Believe me the P always has wonderful surprises. 
I also wanted to get to your contribution. First, I feel that you are a truly humble dude to have done that to be honest. At times I feel like I really want to know what the P is saying in their songs lyrically and figuratively if that makes any sense at all. So I feel like you deserved the experience of having two interviews and the being part on a personal level is a big deal. Since I sometimes become rather philosophical I feel that you are not only this for personal enjoyment but for a bigger and better connection with our fanbase. Just as YoYoPo did I feel that there needs to be a centralized union with how we communicate. In other words, I am saying that being able to connect and share experiences, ideas, feelings, and enjoyment really sparks the passion for even supporting independent artists. I feel that it is great.
Personally, I know many out there not including you guys most certainty get an envious feel and whether they are P fans or not. I think you should not worry, because I feel that it is very appreciated. I know you would definitely invite other people. Heck, I wish I could meet you one day and chat about the funk and thank you personally. The fact of the matter is that I have never been part of a fan base like this one where we all share positive thoughts and opinions and there is instant loyal feedback. I ate sugar coating but as it seems I am starting to know a lot about myself in terms of taste.
Lastly, I would like to thank you for responding to me and it was a pleasure reading every single sentence. Seriously man I think what you are doing is great! And now it seems like I am trying to 1 up you by writing as much as you or possibly more! 
hahaha Now I have to get back to studying for my finals since I am in the college library as I am writing this I feel a little relieved writing this and rather fun.
* I also wanted to mention that I am trying to figure out a way to kind of collaborate and make something for the fans. Perhaps a PUTS mini flash videogame or kind of an interactive simulation of some sort. Like having levels for certain songs and stuff. Just something to have for enthusiast or for laughs and giggles. The question is how could we go about that? It doesn't have to be expensive or anything. Just a fruit for thought.
