Description: This July, Substantial & Marcus D (Bop Alloy) head back to the West Coast for another adventure, this time, joined by Baltimore MC, Greenspan.July 03 - Blue Lamp - Sacramento, CA July 06 - Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, CA July 08 - Everyday Music - Seattle, WA (In Store) July 09 - The Crocodile (Back Bar) - Seattle, WA July 11 - Kava Lounge - San Diego, CA July 14 - 924 Gilman - Berkeley, CADetails and ticket info: http://www.iamsubstantial.com/events/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BopAlloy/eventsFootage shot and edited by Chris Gioacchini (IG: @chrislog3) Song: Bop Alloy 'The Art of Work' featuring Steph https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/track/the-art-of-work-ft-steph-the-sapphic-songstressTwitter @BopAlloy @IamSubstantial @marcusd @Greenspan410

Description: With only one date left on tour, Substantial & Marcus D share this video giving us a behind the scenes look at their 'Better To Give' Tour in Seattle.Watch. Enjoy. ShareFinal Date: 3/30 - Lock & Key - Los Angeles, CA (Free show. 21+)The 'Better To Give' Tour is brought to you by Blue Marble Apparel (http://bluemarbleapparel.com), HiPNOTT Records (http://hipnottrecords.com) and DTR45 (http://deepthinka.com)Follow Substantial & Marcus D on Twitter @IamSubstantial @marcusd @bopalloyVideo edited and shot by: Paul K. Hong Song: Bop Alloy 'Jazzmatic' ft. Steph, The Sapphic Songstress

Description: From the album "Another Day in the Life of..." in stores now: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/album/another-day-in-the-life-of Available on CD, Digital & Vinyl.Animation Director: Carlo-Roman Picaso for Studio Picaso http://facebook.com/carloromanpicaso | https://vimeo.com/carloromanpicasoSONG DETAILS Artist: Bop Alloy (Substantial & Marcus D) ft. Oma Pearl Song Title: Sketches of Pain Written by S. Robinson & O. Ichile-McKenzie & M. Marino Produced by Marcus DLyrics: VERSE 1 Peacemaker Son of a violent man Dream chaser Raised on divided land Where thieves raped us Treated like I’m not a man Our behavior Like rebels without a plan Step false get offed by a coward’s hand Life’s shorter than an hour hand But the least of my worries is the Taliban Or hopin’ that they’ll pass an assault rifle ban Most guns where I’m from aren’t licensed fam The ones that are Usually held tight in hands By the cops and so called authority figures Cringe at my black skin while calling us nigger But 6 letters can't define me I'm so much bigger The path I walk, Most people can’t endure the rigor Back up talk By displaying so much vigor Mastered art The blind just ignore the picture Passed a tart But of course my portion’s bitter That or starve Cause round here they don’t deliver Grabbed a quart Rather be engulfed in liquor Lacked support And I wasn’t born a winner An afterthought These know-it-alls won’t consider A man of God Who sits upon a throne of wicker Who scratched & Clawed to reach the very point I’m sitting After-all That’s what fuels the poems I’m spittingHOOK (Substantial) I’ma take this pain I’ve been dealt with and use it This ship can’t reach the stars if I don’t fuel it Without my music and art I’d be useless I always knew I got to do so... I’ma take the pain I’ve been dealt and use it This ship can’t reach the stars if I don’t fuel it Without this music and art I’d be useless I always knew What I had to do 'cause...(Oma Pearl) You can’t hide from who you are You can’t hide from who you are Not even the highest peak The lowest place In every space You always leave a trace You always leave a trace Always leave a trace!VERSE 2 Blood pressure high, Self-respect low Could be cancer inside Am I’m scared to know Lucky to be alive At the age of 34 Livin’ in fast times Still manage to die slow IV pumping morphine in my bloodstream Woke with a scratchy throat & groggy what a rough dream Something’s Not right, nurse can you help me sit up Felt like I was stabbed, Every time I try to get up Hurt so damn bad, I can’t even cough this phlegm up Pain every minute Every moment that I been up When I told the fam They looked at me like I’m finished Huh! I’ll be damned if anything we’ll make me give up Wishing I was home in my chair Anywhere but here Baby girl completely unaware Lives without a care It ain’t fair When your child, you can’t even pick up But I did it for her, so I’ma keep my chin upHOOKBRIDGE (Oma Pearl) No matter what happens today Tomorrow the sun will rise We'll be there We'll be there We'll be there To greet the sun Good Morning Good Morning Good Morning Good Morning

Description: Bop Alloy's 1st Holiday Project 'Winter Breaks' Download & Lyrics Available Here: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/album/winter-breaks00:00 Let The Flakes Fall Where They May 03:00 Hottest Christmas On Record 06:36 Resolutions Per Minute 11:31 Spent 15:40 Longing For Nia 19:43 A CelebrationReleased 09 December 2014All songs written, produced, mixed and mastered by Substantial & Marcus D. | http://www.BopAlloy.comIndependent Hip Hop duo Bop Alloy will release their first holiday project on December 9, 2014. In February 2014, Bop Alloy was able to fund their 2nd LP, ‘Another Day in the Life of...’ using Kickstarter. The initial goal of the project was $7000. They more than doubled that amount in under one month and issued stretch goals, one of which included a holiday EP which would become ‘Winter Breaks’.‘Winter Breaks’ compiles 6 sonically vintage Hip Hop tracks. Producer, Marcus D handles the live instrumentation mixes masterfully while infusing jazz, soul and a pinch of Afro beat samples. Lyrically, Substantial touches on the personal, social, and economical effects of the Holiday season, using thoughtful lyricism, wit, and a variety of flows to paint a different portrait of Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s.“I wanted to do something that wasn’t a traditional Christmas/Holiday album. I celebrate Kwanzaa as well and I set out to make songs that give you a peek into this underexposed, wonderful world”, says Substantial.“Regardless of how you celebrate, what you celebrate, and/or who you celebrate it with, this is the best time of year, and I think ‘Winter Breaks’ embodies that sentiment without the cliche "holiday raps factor”, says Marcus D. The ‘Winter Breaks’ EP is sure to be the only holiday music you’ll be playing from now through February.

Description: Download Song: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/track/a-celebration Download Full EP: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/album/winter-breaksFrom Winter Breaks, released 09 December 2014 (M. Marino, S. Robinson) Produced by Marcus D Lyrics by Substantial Additional vocals by Marcus D, Rachelle Etienne-Robinson & Serenity RobinsonVERSE 1 We celebrate a week long Gonna get our eat on Many things we'll speak on, elevate minds And spirits is the reason That we gotta keep on ‘Cause ‘tis season to congregate. Shine! Headed to my man crib Where the whole fam is Together we banded since the days of old Families expanded Gave our parents grandkids Unified we’re standing reaching our goals Elders, children My peers in the building To those no longer living we say ashe Pouring libations Peaceful faces Soulful vibrations made my day Talk of better tomorrows Life with less sorrow A place where all folks value our lives Fam and my next of kin Chillin’, no flexin’ Counting our blessings, watching our wives... do the sameHOOK It’s all about (Family) It’s all about (Community) It’s all about (Culture) It’s all about (Life) Repeat 1XWe celebrate (Family) We celebrate (Community) We celebrate (Culture) We celebrate (Life) Repeat 1XVERSE 2 Strengthening our bond as we thank the divine Moving our people forward a day at a time Speaking to our problems, making time to listen Commemorate our past, restoring our traditions While creating new ones… for instance To my daughter Kwanzaa’s as normal Christmas Gotta give her more if her future’s to be brighter That’s my true duty as her father & provider See her with her friends taking pride in her history So overjoyed like witnessessing victory Seeds making crafts while we chat ‘bout progress You’d be hard pressed to hear us spatting out nonsense Watching candles burn as we countdown the days Greeting you with peace followed by the phrase… “Habari gani?” Depending on the day One of these 7 principles is what you would say Follow me now.. Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa Nia, Kuumba, Imani Repeat 2xOUTROI know when times get hard We put all our faith is God You still gotta elevate with me Still gotta celebrate with me‘Cause until we work as one You know our work’s far from done You know you gotta elevate with me You know you betta celebrate with meWe see that times are bad And it’s got us fighting mad I need you to elevate with me Really need you to celebrate with meStand up and lets rise Open up your mind and eyes So you can elevate with me I want you celebrate with meHOOK It’s all about (Family) (Community) (Culture) (Life) (Family) (Community) (Culture) (Life)We celebrate (Family) (Community) (Culture) (Life) (Family) (Community) (Culture) (Life)

Description: Download Song: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/track/longing-for-nia Download Full EP: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/album/winter-breaksFrom Winter Breaks, released 09 December 2014 (M. Marino, S. Robinson) Produced by Marcus D Lyrics by SubstantialLyricsVERSE 1 When I was little I had plenty of dreams But football & art stayed at the top it seemed The peak before I reached mine still doubt I have yet Studied greats, took notes like I’m stealing tablets Placid. Hadn’t a clue of why I was here Long as fun exceeded the total amount of my tears Years pass and peers flag my dreams with jeers And soon my vulnerable mind appeared to be drowning in fears Plus I was broken up physically But what really stopped me was they got to me mentally To be or not to be is my quandary, picture me Smoking opposition like Barbeque, Hickory Flawless victory what would you have done Should’ve been a track star all I could do is run Done playing on the field but still playing the field of dreams But football star no longer seemed real to meHOOK Real or not I want it And once I got it You know I gots to flaunt it for all If it’s there I’m coming Hundred miles and running With the world on my shoulders to haul Down a lonely road, trying to find my purpose No telling what I’ll see Low and behold, after all my searching I found out its up to meVERSE 2 Still ain’t sure what I’m here for ‘Cause sports faded from the plan in my mid teens Though art was still apart of the scheme I’m writing rhymes, part time Trying to hop on the scene I won’t be ignored Wasn’t hard to make green creativity And drive made my hustling keen, couldn’t stop me I was just spreadin my wings, trying to live out my dreams Wanted to live like Akeem and King Jaffe Raps on point but my grade’s obscene Momma saying I should join the marines I mean the army She think no college probably want a kid like me I told her let them see my art and we’ll see. Shouldn’t doubt me Meanwhile, teachers taking me to schools to speak And show my work, yo these youngin’ were me but even better Saw I made a difference later on when they would visit Then join the school I attended, look, another new beginning… Eh ma, by the way, peep this Pratt acceptance letter Never say never.HOOKVERSE 3 Now as a man, Stan managed to stand On my own when life was sketchy ‘cause I drew up a plan To combine my art and music and expand my brand Giving back to my students and of course the fans I’m sure my purpose is service So I see our challenges and work it out the best I can Below the surface, don’t do it for the vine or cam Fronting for a little backing never part of the plan So what you here for? Me? Busy chasing down these dreams When they close enough to see I be like “there it go” Got’cha! Never will I knock a-nother trying to discover Their path and where it leads. We travel at different speeds Battle until we bleed when it’s looking rather bleak Courage gather from deep til grasp what we seek Long for it like Nia but Nia is what we needed Some will chase it forever and may never get to see it (Most don’t see what I see / Most don’t hear what I hear)HOOK

Description: Download Song: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/track/spent Download Full EP: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/album/winter-breaksFrom Winter Breaks, released 09 December 2014 (M. Marino, S. Robinson) Produced by Marcus D Lyrics by SubstantialLyricsVERSE 1 My favorite holiday is Christmas Though I hardly qualify as Christian Got that good hair 'cause I'm part Indian Plus whole fam go hard at Thanksgiving If I'm missing it's cuz I'm lined up Trying to give'em my business before its marked up Stiff arm shoppers like it's all mine what Boy dem deep discounts done got me fired up Don't fool with Kwanzaa dog it's so wack They don't even do gifts and I ain't pro black Man I'm pro green and I gots to get it Second that I got it I gots ta spend it All brand names, I’m looking splendid Yall got no class like yall got suspended Bling for misses copped my son Batman All praises due to jolly old fatman, Amen!HOOK Man it just don’t make no sense I can hardly pay my rent All this doe that I done spent Out here trying to cop these gifts Just don’t make no sense All these festivities got me spent Times are hard so hard we went Almost spent up every centBREAKVERSE 2 If my girl copped me a wack gift then we’re thru Might take back all that I copped for her too To be my boo and worthy of praise Need a PS4... plus some new Js I’m out here burning up doe real wreckless Swapped my check with a diamond necklace Nothing like diamonds to say “I love her” When you tryna slide her the stocking stuffer I know money can’t buy me love but I’m seeing more action Ji’like, somewhat Screwed like a lugnut when my funds shrank My account’s blank, no cash in the bank No gas in my tank Mrs. Clause leaving Nothing left to give, she done receiving No longer present, yet it’s a wrap... ironic Searching for gift receipts as I sip my tonicHOOKVERSE 3 They talking ‘bout boycotting Black Friday If I had my way, it would be 5 days Then they talking ‘bout supporting Black business I’m like it’s called Black Friday.. isn’t it Alright, I know that a tad too ignorant But I’d like to know why on earth should I give a ish When a TV worth a G’s now three… hundred Everything in me say hit the street running Then they say we’re that second class citizen, But we’re the first to give up all my dividends Outside of the neighborhood that we are living in Meanwhile our life’s treated like it’s insignificant Sure plenty times the service be dreadfool ‘Cause we ain’t really customers, thought of as a threat fool And the folks our tax pay to serve and protect us Most don’t do either let alone respect us So why should I care about a holiday special Tryna save a dime, when we need to save our self Too many of us dying and we funding movement They gonna kill your cousin, you ain’t gon’ do ish?! Who the real menace? Ain’t hard to call it But some of the ammo to fight back’s in your wallet They don’t worship prophets they worship profit Make them the target and hit them in the pocket Pow-er!!!HOOK

Description: Download Song: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/track/resolutions-per-minute Download Full EP: https://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/album/winter-breaksFrom Winter Breaks, released 09 December 2014 (M. Marino, S. Robinson) Produced by Marcus D Lyrics by SubstantialTrack includes "Ukrainian Carol" (Interlude) Keys played by Marcus DLyrics HOOK What you gonna do? What you gonna change? Try something new or remain the same? Will you follow thru or give up like a lame? Time to start again. 90 RPMs (Repeat 1x)VERSE 1 Trying to better myself every year but falling short Should do it for growth but i focus on cheers I long support Probably should cut back on all of the beers that I had bought Lessen my eff-ups and get some clearer-minded thoughts Clearly, I am fault but hear me, I’m a sport That’s making some new resolutions I fear or all for naught Smeared what I’ve been taught. Steering toward folk On the road to perdition, frontier of all the lostHOOKVERSE 2 She wanna be ready for beaches, that’s why she barely be eating Depriving her body of anything Godly impressing these heathens Any new diet she find on a blog she pledging allegiance Get any smaller and she will dissolve, what is the reason Blind like a venetian, crying from all of the teasing This ain’t attack on a titan she fighting her inner demons Trying to pick up the pieces, finding what she’s been seeking Promise to finally love her true self... ‘Tis the seasonHOOKVERSE 3 (Some people be like) I will quit smoking, I will tweet less, work out more Manage my debt, manage my stress, play a new sport Volunteer, travel abroad, even recycle Learn to knit, get a good job, study my bible Go on more dates, meet some new people, try not to boast Get laid, get married, probably both Fix up my home, have a baby, get a new hobby Read a lot more, hang outdoors, other guys be Like “This is the year to put it in gear and soar Can’t tell you what’s different but listen this isn’t the year before Cause I had a vision of living a life that meant much more Taking a chance to dance at the top won’t be ignore I ain’t ever stopping, failure ain’t a option Said to hell with caution, walk the trail no talking Principles to live by, no more resolutions Excuses replaced by fruitful executionHOOK