Spectrum 9-04 - The Spectrum Magazine - Redwood City's Monthly ...

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COVER Going ‘Big’ in the R-C Woodside High student gets on the right track by writing tracks on self-produced hip-hop CD It’s been said that youth of today are bombarded by more politics, skepticism and misleading information than ever. Critics state mainstream television pumps out endless hours of sex-selling videos and gossip, while breaking news stories highlight tragic accidents, lack of education funding, unemployment rates, social security and more. Multi-million dollar businesses target young adults with violent video games and all types of music that advocate sex, drugs and easy money. Outspoken young people like Bennett Roth-Newell, a.k.a. “Big Murph,” are able to see through the media smoke screen and the persuasions of glitz and glamour. Big Murph isn’t just some ordinary kid; he already knows the meaning of going above and beyond expectations. Roth-Newell, who was born in Wisconsin and relocated to Redwood City in 1991 at the age of three, has always been interested in music — its melody, rhythm, beat, instrumentation, lyrics and messages. At the age of eight, with the support of his parents, Roth- Newell was introduced to an array of instruments and decided that the piano was it for him. By the sixth grade at John Gill, Bennett was into writing and received creating writing awards for his efforts. While attending Kennedy Middle School, Roth-Newell took classes from music instructor Elena Mori who described him as a “fun kid with a great since of humor, whom was very creative.” She stated he came from a “great family” and Roth-Newell was one of The Spectrum • Redwood City’s Monthly Magazine Bennett Roth-Newell in his “BiG Murph” persona. 14 • February 2005 Roth-Newell: “I’m here to stay and I just want to let people know that I’m hungry in this game ( those “super kids.” The admiration works both ways, as Roth-Newell says Mori “has a good spirit.” Roth-Newell now plays jazz piano for his school band at Woodside High School while participating in basketball and working part time. In Fall 2003, Roth-Newell joined The Riekes Center for Human Enhancement. The Riekes Center is a mentoring-based facility that borders Redwood City and Menlo Park, offering nature studies (nature awareness, expeditions, natural history, etc.), creative studies (singing lessons, recording services, audio services, etc.), physical fitness programs and more. Roth-Newell initially joined the Riekes Center to strengthen and condition himself for the upcoming basketball season with the Wildcats, but it didn’t stop there. He found his way to the Riekes Center recording studio where he took interest in the creative arts program. “It all started at the Riekes Center. That’s where I met my manager/mentor Shamako Noble and my executive producer/mentor BJ Alexander, a.k.a. B-Jada. They’re apart of the hip-hop program. They propelled me and helped broaden my spectrum on things,” an enthusiastic Roth-Newell said, noting he also attributes his success to long time family friend and trumpet player, Geechi Taylor. Roth-Newell admires rappers such as The Roots, KRS One, Nas, The Game, and Tupac Shakur. “I like to listen to any type of music that’s down to earth and touches the community. Story by Michael Fabel, Photos by Jam
The Spectrum • Redwood City’s Monthly Magazine COVER Roth-Newell then goes onto say, “Where’s the love, not here, it’s been gone for a while, this town’s got problems, it needs to stop living in denial.” Big Murph hasn’t had it easy since coming across this new form of expression. He’s white, an affliction that doesn’t make it easy to be appreciated or respected in the hip-hop arena. Roth-Newell says he supports people no matter what they do and just wants the same in return. Roth-Newell has had to deal with racism and has dedicated a few lyrics in his music to combat it. One verse goes, “I’m stared at, ya’ll look at me funny, I get dissed and I ain’t hurt nobody, you think I’m a pervert, you think I hate being white, but forget that, you haters are far from being right.” Roth-Newell also mixes in humor and has fun with his debut album. Big Murph knows his music isn’t for everybody and he confirms this by stating, “I speak the truth, but I might not be able to set you free.” His use of similes and metaphors helps bring a deeper and “Where’s the love, not here, it’s been gone for a while, this town’s got problems, it needs to stop living in denial.” — Bennett Roth-Newell AKA “Big Murph” clearer understanding of his everyday situations. Roth-Newell also likes to compare and contrast, which gives the listener an edge in truly seeing his perspective, that’s if you want to make the effort. Roth-Newell anticipates completing another album by the end of 2005 and expects to have between 10-15 tracks of new material. “ I’ve been writing like crazy lately,” he exclaimed. He assured his audience that he’s going to stay focused, work harder, and get better with his word play. Big Murph has received overwhelmingly positive feedback thus far and is just grateful to be reaching people with his music. He also knows that his critics aren’t far behind, and that he has to take the good with the bad. Roth-Newell spends a lot of time at the Riekes Center making beats on the Yamaha Motif, writing raps, and giving piano lessons. He’s determined to give his fans more this next time around. Big Murph knows that education is very important and he currently holds a 3.5 grade point average. He plans on attending The University Of The Pacific, where he intends to further his musical studies. Although music is top priority, Roth-Newell is also interested in broadcast communications and becoming a radio disc jockey. hip-hop music).” I also appreciate spirituality in music,” he said. “I’m here to stay and I just want to let people know that I’m hungry in this game (hip-hop music).” Now 16, Roth-Newell released his first hip-hop album, The Unexpected, in October 2004 and has sold more than 70 copies to date. He had a record release party at the Riekes Center on Jan. 15 and on Feb. 11 he participated in Woodside’s African American Festival. The Unexpected contains five tracks, and listeners can expect to hear, “a West Coast Style Delivery (a smooth/easy to hear pace), hard baselines (steady beats) and distinct chords (such as a piano or keyboard).” When it comes to his content/messages/lyrics or what he likes to call his “hip-hop craft,” it’s all about what Roth-Newell sees and what he’s had to deal with thus far in his life. “Big Murph” isn’t interested in rhyming about jewelry, fast cars, or weak, waste-oftime, misleading topics. As a matter of fact he’s interested in expressing his outlook on real issues such as racism, housing costs, and other social problems he sees around Redwood City. Big Murph seems to be concentrated on progression and doesn’t focus on trying to represent Redwood City, but more importantly, points out the things that have to change within it. On track five, “I Hate to Rep it,” he hits you with, “A millionaire can barely afford a two-bedroom, one-bath, a lot of kids in summer school and the district loves it, so they can wear-out students and still slash the budget. It’s a shame there’s people waitin’ on the blocks to be employed, get in a pick-up truck to work on property they can’t enjoy.” Jr., Special to The Spectrum es R. Kaspar “Big Nurph’s” first album cover. February 2005 • 15
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