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Swollen in Burlington VT

We love Burlington. We have gone from playing the small room to the big one at Higher Ground and, it is always an amazing time. The day was chill, hit the gym, watched Stay Alive, the horror movie, not to be confused with John Travolta's hit film from the 70's, and then got ready on the bus. As soon as we hit the stage you could feel it. It will go down as a classic in my books. Thank you my friends. Crazy Vermont smokathon after the gig and then caught an episode of Horatio and the crew on Spike. This afternoon we pulled into North Hampton. The show is a few hours and I just smashed on some shredded beef tacos. Last time we were here we played with Ghost and it was dope as hell. There was a party next door afterwards and they were playing the jams. We'll see what happens tonight. 5000. P

15 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Portsmouth NH

When Mot and I pulled the Jeep up to the Red Hook Brewery, I could feel the love. I had an excellent lunch and washed it down with a Winterhook ale, an IPA and, a Nitro porter. The service was awesome too, shout out to Mora. We were playing in a tent that was attached to the back of the facilities. It held a cool 750 or more. It was packed and it was muddy. The stage was real low too so we were right in the dirt ourselves. Rowdy show. There was a thick steel cable running the width of the tent, about 4ft in front of the stage. When I surfed I had to duck under it or it would've decapitated me. And then we would have had to stopped the show. After the filth fest there were murmerings of a houseparty. We trekked out there, thanks for the ride Jordo, to open the door to a house full of.... furniture? There was one person. We all had a drink then down the street where there was apparentley another jam. No go same steeze. Back to the Batcave. Woke up to a day off and I watched football. Yeah Eagles. That Bears/Giants game was great too. Right now I'm about to have lunch. Tonight will be berserk. Update tommorow. P

13 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in New London CT

I should never have put anything in yesterdays entry about Salem and Black Magic. I think someone put a curse on the show. But like skilled sorcerers we countered the opposing forces and prevailed. When we got to the Cro's Nest on campus at U of New London, everything appeared cool, until the gear started to arrive. All three pieces of it. The last group to play there blew the speakers and we didn't want to go out like that. We made a group decision to pass on the show and explain to the students why. As soon as word got out that we needed more gear, people were on their phones trying to help us out. Last minute, who knows how its going to sound, keep our fingers crossed, hope the people that had left come back, kind of gig. And come back they did and the show was mad fun. We filled the room and had heads rocking. Good people. Shout out to Akir for playing with us too. After the show we smoked and then headed to one of the homies dorm rooms to hit the bong. Damn those rooms are small. He had the first 10 editions of Spiderman in a one volume collection and I was lost in that shit for an hour. Back to the bus to watch Inside Man and then crash. Mot and I drove the Jeep this afternoon to Portsmouth and pulled up to the place we are playing tonight, Red Hook Brewery. I'm having a Wintehook Ale and Stevie Wonder just came on the radio, now that's perfect. Big bad Saturday night. Happy b day shouts to my homegirl Leidi. This beer is getting warm so I should pay it its proper respect and drink it. I'm outta this piece, Peace. Pr

11 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Buffalo

After Shanghai Reds, I went to the Pearl st brewery, had an IPA, then jetted for the movie theater to see The Departed. What? That movie was awesome. Amazing. Great cast, great plot and script and, of course, Martin Scorcese. Ate a shit meal at TGIF then back to the bus. When I got there, Justins mom had baked us three pies and made us three huge tupperware containers full of homemade soup. Thank you very much it will be appreciated. The Icon is a cool spot and Buffalo came to party last night. The whole front row were rocking the skull bandanas. That's the shit. Kicked it with our people afterwards for a minute then got down on some good hash. Some dudes were trying to get me to smoke some dht or something like that but uh uh. Not happening. Keep it green. Long drive to Connecticut but it is a nice day out and the old houses are pretty cool. I think its funny though we drove past Salem in a bus that says Black Magic on the side of it. Tonights show is on campus and its a Friday so we should have a good time. Have a great weekend, be safe, designate a driver and then party your asses off. Peace. P

10 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Ann Arbor MI

I walked around last night before the show, got some food to go and sat outside to eat and watch the world go by. Nice little town. We play at a venue called the Blind Pig that is always host to a great crowd. I had a beer downstairs at a spot called the 8 Ball Saloon. Had a nice chat with a lady named Emily and then it was time to rock the house. And rock the house we did. The crowd was awesome. There were a few people who got dropped when they tried to crowdsurf but besides that it was smooth sailing. After the show rocked rhymes with my man Crisco who you guys should keep your eyes open for. We left afterwards and made our way here to Buffalo. I've been walking around all day and now I'm sitting at a bar called Shanghai Reds that is right on Lake Erie. Its getting cold but is was a sunny day when I went on my adventure. Smoked a fat stoge ( thanks Nelson ) and listened to Etta James on the I Pod. Cnn is on the tube and its official, Dems won majority in Senate. Also, Rest in Peace to Ed Bradley, the great journalist from 60 Minutes. Tonight should be good, I like the club we are playing at. All right gang, until manana. P

09 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Allegan MI

Caught the first three quarters of the Colts/Pats game then hit the stage. The
Ground Sphere is more like a coffee shop that transforms itself into a live
venue. It was a unique night for sure. We rocked a set that showcased a lot of songs from Balance and Bad Dreams as well as the new stuff from Black Magic. Post show I kicked it with the folks and we had a 6 blunt 3 jay freestyle session. The hotel was walking distance. I ended up watching House Hunters, I now know what to look for when apt shopping in Prague. This morning Mot and I drove the Jeep from Allegan to Ann Arbor. Rob and I went for lunch, I hit the gym, recorded a verse and now I'm reading and waiting for my buffalo chicken salad to be delivered. Shout out to my people from Brutal Ensurgency, it was good to build with you all. Stay up. Tilll tomorrow. And yo, apologies to our heads in Bowling Green, we owe you one. Cannonball Crush.

07 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Minneapolis/Chicago

Saw 3 was all right. Nice set up at the end for part 4. And there is a scene that was pretty gnarly involving brain surgery. After the movie I hooked up with my friends Mark and Lacey and hit the bus for a few birthday beers. Our brother Nelson came through too and it was good to have the posse in effect. We were doing more of a guest spot at First Ave. opening for Pepper and Slightly Stoopid. We had a 20 minute set. The show was a great success. Shout out to the Swollen Army. The crowd, most of them anyway, had only heard of us for the first time that night. By the end of the set they were jumping and when it came time for the pledge everybody chimed in. After the gig rolled across the street to a club called Escape and kicked it for a bit. It was a great day. The drive to Chicago was about 7 hours. We got in early and I was out the door as soon as the bus stopped. Spent all day walking around and hitting up different spots to watch football and drink beer and eat food and watch football and drink beer and eat food. I love Chi Town. Sitting at the bar I end up meeting this cat who starts telling me about his families old school mafia connections. This dude had some interesting stories. As we were waiting for my friend Anna to arrive he goes to use the washroom. He never came back. He got too faded I think and just decided to go home. Myself, Anna, and her friend Rob drove out to the Abbey Pub in record time. We have a loyal corp in Chicago and they were all there last night. The show rocked and we had a dope session afterwards. One of the homies threw his boys shoe on top of the bus by accident so I climbed up there to grab it. It was sketchy but he was stoked. Mad and Rob worked on a song for Mads solo album and it is nasty. I tried to watch Pirates Dead Mans Chest but I fell asleep, I was tired. Right now headed towards Michigan for tonights show. I'm going back to sleep. Peace it out. P

07 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Fargo ND

I had been through Fargo once when I was driving across country from Vancouver to NY with a few friends. Last night was a pretty sizable venue but the energy made it feel full. Playmakers is a multiplex but the sound is off the hook. The front four rows were wilin out. Shout out to the Swollen Army. Headed to a house party after the show. It was all right but we all went back to the club aftrwards. I hung for a but then back to the hotel to smoke a jay and watch CSI. Today is my b day and I just took myself to lunch and now I'm about to watch Saw 3. Talk to you tomorrow. Peace. P

04 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Missoula MT.

Halloween night is always a fun night to rock a show. The vibe was good and there were a lot of great costumes. Ghostbusters, Zombies, a girl dressed like Dorothy. You know. As we were rocking, I stepped on a cable box the wrong way and tweaked my ankle. I hate that shit. Luckily for me we had two days off to follow. After a great show we had about an hour to chill and then we started rolling. Yesterday was movie marathon. Today is kick it. We play again tomorrow and I'm hype. Might try and catch Texas Chainsaw tonight if there is a theatre close. Be good my friends. P

02 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Spokane WA

When I stepped off the bus I almost froze my ass off. Luckily Red Robin was only a block away and a Banzai Chicken Burger was calling my name. When we left the spot, a homeless woman yelled out, "I hate Blacks, they're out to kill Whites." It was obvious she wasn't in a proper state of mind so nobody took it seriously. She must have some deep rooted issues up there in the old attic. Mad, Rob and I hit the gym and then back to the Big Easy for the show. Hell yes Spokane. The crowd was ill. It was a great night. The security barricade was a little to high so people trying to crowd surf were getting fucked up. Dropping on their heads and shit. But they all walked away with a smile and that's what counts. Freestyled with one of the homies and then called it a night. Today is Halloween, Sam Hain, Hallow's Eve. Its also my boy Jayson's birthday. Lots of folks in costumes tonight at the show but we can talk about all that tomorrow. We hit two days off but I will post an entry in the afternoon. Don't eat candied apples with razor blades. Goodnight my goblins and ghouls. P Won.

01 Nov 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Bend OR.

Rocked those verses for Onry and watched a bunch of CSI. Next morning rolled for Portland. Eugene has always been a great place for us. We moved up from the small stage at Domino Room to the big one. It was a great crowd. All ages and it was cool to see the younger cats out. After the show we had a freestyle session and then started rolling to the homies house to burn. As we were walking I heard a dude ripping by us on a mountain bike. He was hammered and ending up slamming head first into a brick wall from about 6 feet out. We got security and they called an ambulance. The cat apparently got the green light to ride his bike back home. He probably has a nasty hangover today. Tonight we are in Portland and the pre sales were real good. Hit the Saturday Market and then kicked the soccerball around with Sweatshop. Had dinner and now we about to chill the funk out. Hit you up tomorrow. Be cool my people and enjoy the weekend. Prev Won.

28 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in San Francisco and Sparks

The show at Slims was our best connection with our people in San Francisco yet. Sweatshop opened and set the mood. The movie went on and then we took stage. It was a great night for us. I felt like we really got on the same vibe as the crowd that night. Shout out to Tina. After a late night pizza pocket frenzy it was lights out. Mellow drive to Sparks NV. Just outside of Reno its a small little town that's got a cool vibe. I ripped out to Fed Ex to grab my new Blackberry and then hit the hotel for a nap. The New Oasis was host to a cool 550 last night. This place was jumping. Girls hucking themselves off stage, dudes doing flips onto the crowd, rowdy show. It was crazy. All four of the stage monitors were blown so we were rocking off sidefills and they were pushing the limit too. We burned at least 10 jays during the gig. After the show hit a freestyle with Kyprios and Crisco then sessioned some more herb in the alley. Big up to McFly for the sick verse. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes before bed makes for nasty nightmares, just a tip. We are on another day off but we are going to record a verse for our boy Onry a little later on. Then hit the gym and eat a $100 worth of food at the casino buffet for $8.95. Yeah Boyeeeee.

26 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in San Luis Obispo

Our first introduction to the fine people of SLO was at a show the Cal Poly Ski Club brought us out for in Whistler, that was around a year ago. Since then we have been building a great relationship with the community. On Sunday night we played at Downtown Brewing Co. for the second time. A fantastic place that had people everywhere the eye could see. 40 oz Criminals and Sweatshop Union opened and smashed it. We hit the stage and the energy clicked into full throttle. Most everybody knew the words and they were right there with us for the whole set. As per usual we had an afterparty at the homies house and it was sick. Kicked it and got faded then crashed hard. Yesterday was a day off and it was much appreciated. I saw a dope movie called The Prestige with Michael Caine, Christian Bale, and Hugh Jackman. Old school magicians locked in a revenge ridden battle. Nuff said. I got out of the flick, checked the time and realized it was all about MNF, Giants/Cowboys. Exciting game. Back to The Beast ( the tour bus ) to grab a key for the room and call it a night. This morning Mot and I took the Jeep up the Coast to San Simeon and tried to hit Hearst Castle. The tour would of left us too late to make the load in for the show so we had to pass. Ripped through Big Sur and then re-connected with the 101 just after Monterey. A quick ride and we were in San Francisco. Rob and I hit Annabelle’s for Ignatius IPA and the first five innings of the baseball game. There’s an Oracle convention in town so getting a cab was impossible. We walked back to Slims to be greeted by our friend Sara who was audio tech on the Peas tour. Hung for a bit and now I’m typing this entry. Shout out to Jose who makes the best food at a venue this side of Illinois. On in 10 mins gotta go. P

25 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Santa Barbara

Velvet Jones is not only a cool name for a club, it also has a nice ring to it for a porn star. Last night was Mads birthday so we were in party mode. The show was a great time. It was a perfect way to celebrate the occasion at hand. For our first time in Santa Barbara there were a lot of heads. I chilled with some of the homies after the show and talked about Sinai Beach.
When I was about 14 I took a road trip with a friend and his family down the Coast. We hit Hearst Castle and I was blown away. I wish I had seen
Citizen Kane at the time, it would have made it even more interesting. Mot and I drove the Jeep today and I fell asleep half way to San Luis Obispo. When we got in I went to the venue watched my Eagles lose because of the 2nd longest field goal in the history of the NFL. What the fuck? Anyway, linked up with our homegirl Murphy and we went to her crews house
for BBQ and horeseshoes. Fun afternoon. I saw two girls get "antiqued", it was hilarious. Showtime in 10 mins I gotsta break. More tomorrow. Stay up. P Won

23 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in So Cal

When we last spoke I was about to tell about a surprise that took place in San Diego. As I was walking back to the bus I heard someone yell my name I turned around to be standing in front of none other than our original DJ and old friend, Zodak . We hadn't seen each other in a long time so it was great to be able to catch up. Mad had the same reaction when he saw him as I did. The show that night was at 4th & B. A great spot that held a cool 500. We rocked the spot and had good night of building with our people. Shout out to Paulo for being the host of the century. Yesterday morning I woke up to the sound of a ladder being put up. The guys from the El Rey were putting our name on the marquee. Deuce, Jeremy, and Robert flew in from Vancouver for the show so I went to meet them for lunch and beers. We had a great afternoon. Back to the bus for an interview with Go TV. We were watching a podcast of an interview with Talib when Jay came up
to me and said, " Nelly's outside, she wants to say what up." I excused myself from the crew and headed downstairs to catch up with my friend from back in the day. It was a very insipiring conversation and great to see her. I'm proud of Nelly and the way she carries herself, not only personally
but professionally as well, mad love and support forever. The crew started showing up shortly after that and the bus filled up quickly. Thirty minute countdown to our biggest and most important show in LA. I hear a knock on the door. There's a brother outside named D asking if they could get 5 passes for them and Kool Keith. Of course. Pressures on now. Block, Segal, Fred Wreck, Terry Fitzgerald, C Minus, Johnny Juice, Derrick, Marcus, Mex, Casey, Bart, and almost all our LA people in the house. Shouts to Dilated and J5 who are both out smashing tours of their own. Shout out to Everlast and La Coka Nostra. As soon as we hit the satge, the energy filled the room.
It was one of the most natural highs I've ever been on. The crowd ruled, hands down. Our best show in LA. Nothing like following a crazy show with I Hop. Ate and crashed. Deuce hooked me up with a ticket to fly to Santa Barbara so we chilled all day. Hit Retrospecs and got some sick sunglasses
then to Kitson for gear. Lunch and brew at the Mondrian then into a cab to the airport. Charmed my way into the lounge at United and watched the first inning of the baseball game. 25 minute flight and Mot picked me up in the Jeep. We got lost but found the club eventually. Grubbed and now I'm on the bus. Canucks won in overtime too. Tonight is looking like it should be busy. Have a good Saturday night. I'll get up with y'all tomorrow after the Eagles game. Yeah D Nab. Peace. P

22 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Vegas

Last night was the best show we have had in Vegas ever. We had the pleasure of rocking the last show ever at Jillian's. Hopefully it was a performance worthy of mention. It was, in my opinion, the best show we have had in Las Vegas by far. A very supportive crowd and a cool venue. Great staff too. After building with the fam I went to a club I can't remember the name of. It was good music though, fresh djs. Shout out to Rudy. Shout out to CSI. Woke up on the couch in the front lounge. Sat up front with our driver Scott for the drive to San Diego and took in the scenery, dope landscape. Watched the 7th game of the Mets/Cardinals and then went to Mortons Steakhouse for a Rib Eye. I have a cool surprise but I think I will wait to tell you until tomorrow. Thank you Vegas for the love. Prevail Wonder.

20 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Flagstaff

The Grand Canyon was amazing. I had no idea of the breadth of it. When we got back, someone had stolen the trailer we were using to tow the Jeep with. Whack. The Orpheum Theatre was the same venue we played last time. Its a great space and the sound was good. Everyone there last night was rocking. A group called the Funk Junkeez opened for us and they were dope, good energy. When we played, the crowd had pushed the security barricade all the way to the front of the stage just to make it a bit more interactive. There's a pub across the street called Mahoney's we hit up and got into some shots. Back to the Beast for a good nights sleep. Right now sitting by myself poolside in Vegas trying to chase the last bit of sun. I'm hoping to see Texas Chainsaw before the show, I'll let you know if its as gnarly as it looks. Go Leatherface. Peace. P

18 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Santa Fe

Warehouse 21 was a youth centre where the occasional show goes on. Hence, when I turned around to see smoke coming out of the back of the monitor, I wasn't surprised. The speaker was shot, the mics were mad quiet, and yet the crowd was with us the whole way. At one point the security guard went to his house to grab an extra speaker but it ended up being a Mesa Boogie guitar amp. No good in that particular situation. While he was gone, I was on the floor in a beatbox/freestyle cipher with Soundbank and his crew. 10 minutes later we were back on stage. I have to say, the people at the show last night were phenomonal. A truly unique Swollen gig. After we burned a bunch of goods, we possied up and hit up Cheeks. No need to tell you what that club is about. We walked in, sat down, got half way through a beer, and two of the dancers started scrapping. One girl was getting smacked around and then the fight found its way to the back room and all you could hear was sreaming and yelling, it was comedy. That's the
worst strip club I've ever been to. Never go there. Ever. Chowed some Denny's and crashed. Right now we are in the 2007 Jeep Sahara on our way to the Grand Canyon. Yeah boyeee. I'm amped. Look for it on Swollen TV sometime soon. Anyone see the Bears/Cardinals game last night? Wow. Ok ok I'm outta here y'all. Until tomorrow. Prevail

18 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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Swollen in Denver

Let me start off by giving mad shouts to our peoples Rasta Locks and Dent Rock. The Gothic Theatre was a dope spot. And it holds a cool 900+, and it was sold out. When we pulled up, the marquee wasn't bearing our name, so we had that corrected right away. It was one of those rooms you could feel that there had been a lot of performances on the stage in years past. I climbed the balcony, peolpe were hurdling themselves off stage, Mad was going crazy, it was a great night at the office. There were rumors of an afterparty, but a couple jays later and I was passing out with a bag of Newmans Organic Cookies on my lap and Die Hard on the tv. Today was all about football. My Eagles lost a close one to the Saints. Game 4 Mets/Cardinals on now. We're about to write a new song and then I'm crashing hard. Tomorrow we roll to Santa Fe. Hope you all had a good weekend, stay up yo. P

16 Oct 2006 posted by SWLN/MBRS

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