I got an interesting phone call from my nephew yesterday.  He was going through the credits of “Fresh Donuts” and “PayDay” with me.  (By the way, his favorite songs are “Don’t Hassle Me,” “I’m So Angry!,” “T ‘n A,” Alien Police: Theme from the Major Motion Picture,” “Mystery Track,” So You Think You Can Rap?,” “Nerdstock,” “Trek/Wars,” and “Got Game?”  He’s seven.)

During this phone call he asked me a question.  Did I really mean it when I gave special thanks to God?  ‘Cause Grandma doesn’t believe me.  Over the sound of my mother’s protesting that she ever said that, I answered the boy honestly.  Yes, I am serious about it.  Why? he responded.

Because without Him, none of it would be possible.

I guess I should explain.

I guess the first time I really understood that the Chalkskin project was special was when I added up the costs for the first album.  Somehow on a retail manager’s salary, I had managed to come up with over ten grand.  What?  Where did all of that come from?  If my car had broken down and required repairs… or if I needed extensive brain surgery…  or had to fly out of town to go to a funeral… or needed to get gas…  Literally, anything else I would have tried to do, I don’t know how I would have pulled that much money out of my chalky white rear end.

But that’s not really the most compelling argument.  And admittedly, I am prone to believe in miracles more than the average skeptic. (Though not nearly as often as the Jesus-in-the-toast-has-a-stigmata crowd.)

I’ll leave out all of the minor points of fact and move right on to the biggies.  The next one was a bit… harder to deal with.  Remember that retail management job I had when I made the first album?  While working on the second one, I lost my job.  Actually, I got fired for something really stupid.  You know how people say “God works in mysterious ways”?  Sometimes miracles can seem like punishment, even when you see the silver lining.

Since I got fired…  And since the reasons for why they decided to cut me loose after ten long years was dubious…  I was able to get unemployment and work on Chalkskin full-time.  I also was able to cash in all of my vacation time (which, thanks to California, had rolled over into quite a tidy sum), 401 K plans, Health Savings Plan accounts, etc. etc. etc., I was able to funnel a great deal of money into “PayDay.”  Like another ten grand.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking… none of this argues the point that miracles actually do occur.  You’re right.  They might shine a light on mere shadows.  And besides, many would argue that I really owe the results to the actions.  I mean, wasn’t it human ambition that made all of this happen?  Wasn’t it my own tenacity and unwillingness to give up combined with the support and talents of everyone else involved that made the real difference in all of this?

All I can say is that anytime I would get to a dead end, was ready to throw up my hands, was sweating my own health and security, was almost completely without hope (Obama be darned!)… Anytime I would say that the only way we could continue was if money fell out of the sky… well, it kind of did.

Sure, you may all point at the kickstarter campaign and tell me that that’s not a miracle.  That’s good friends.  True dat, n word*!  But you forget that even after that campaign, we ran into yet another dead end that spelled the last for Chalkskin.  How would we get another thousand bucks?  We had just asked every person we’d ever met for their assistance!

Enter Nathan Williams.  He is a guy that used to work for me at that retail job I mentioned before.  He and I have remained friends through social networking and will always have a good bond.  But give me a moment to tell you a bit more about how I know him.

Ten years ago, Nathan was the first guy I ever had to fire.  He was actually a really good worker, and Tina (my boss) and I really loved him.  That’s why we promoted him to a key holder.  With great keys comes great pain in the butt responsibility, and unfortunately for Nate, he had trouble in just one area.  He didn’t always wake up in time to go to work.  Or to open the store.  That happened twice in so many weeks, and our hands were tied.  If he slipped up again, we warned him, we would have no choice.  We offered to be his alarm clock, but Nathan, being the determined, young man that he was told us that would be unnecessary.  He would simply get up in time from then on.  The next day…

Yeah, it sucked.  For all of us.

The next job he got after working with us was at a company that specializes in investments for Roth IRA accounts.  I think he worked there for two weeks.  I think I was his only customer.  I did it more for him than for myself, and when I lost the information for the account, I shrugged it off, put my head down, and kept right on working.

Fast forward ten years.  I get an interest free loan from Nate Williams for a thousand bucks, and we get to finish the album!  He’s cool about the loan, and I will pay him a hundred bucks for the next ten months to pay it off.  I’ll start in August, and unless the album is insanely successful or something else outside of the box happens, I’m going to be subsisting off of a mere $12 a month after my bills.  (That’s for food and fuel.  And that’s if the unemployment checks keep rolling in.)

So about a week ago, I get this letter in the mail.  Seems it’s chased me all over the country.  It’s addressed to me but at my grandfather’s address.  The grandfather that died about seven years ago.  I tear it open, and it’s from that investment company.  If I don’t update my information, by law they will have to consider my account abandoned.  (And they will spend my money on hotdogs for the company picnic or something.)  I call the lady and update things, log on to the website, and check out my long-lost portfolio.

Just under a thousand bucks.

In case you weren’t keeping score at home.  Ten years ago, Nathan Williams invested a paltry sum of money for me that was lost until now.  That money grew exponentially and is now enough to almost fully repay a loan that I am indebted to make good on.  To Nathan Williams.

I don’t know about you, but I think God made a pretty good case this time.




*The “n word” is neighbor.

Wolf In Wool Productions has decided to run a kickstarter campaign to get the funds necessary for the completion of "PayDay."

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wolfinwool/chalkskin-pay-day

Chalkskin came out with "Fresh Donuts" on April 1, 2011, setting the tone for their self-described Character Driven Comedy Hip Hop.

In May, they hope to release their follow up album, "Payday."  It is a major leap forward musically, lyrically, and comically.  The nineteen to twenty tracks that will be on this album feature the group in it's glory.  M.C. Chalkskin, D.J. Pop'N'Fresh, J-Man, and Rich Prophet shine with a boldness and intensity that is sure to engage every listener.

While "Fresh Donuts" may have had it's share of great music, "Payday" will blow you away.  This album has been produced by Jaz "Hookmaster" Williams, Godson, Dennis "D-Man" Ingram, and Hunter Bressan.  The instrumentation is rounded out byYochanan Winston, Ph.D (saxophone and flute), Dennis Ingram (guitar), Mark Shapiro(guitar), Dominic McNeil (organ), Rama (sitar),and Rahis Khan (tabla).

The group specializes in dope lyrics.  The writing and delivery are a great measure more advanced as well.  The boys really brought it this time, and the high concept approach has only advanced between the seminal album and this one.  In addition to the boys, "Payday" features the vocal talents of Jaz Williams, Kathy Robbins, Candice Thiem, Sangeeta Singh, and Rahis Khan.

The album has been rounded out by comedy sketches that involve Jesse Dillon Sorrells, Mark McKinney, Stella Ingram, and the crew in some situations that I will not divulge here.  You'll have to hear them to believe them.

The album has been described as "a beast," and it's been suggested that we could be a contender for "Best Rap Album in San Diego" for 2012.

We have recorded all but one of the songs, but everything needs mixed and mastered. Bottom line is that we've run out of money making the songs as awesome as possible, and we need your help to finish this off.  We encourage you to give what you can, butwe're really looking for 25 devoted fans to post up $100.  This will get you the amazing Chalkskin package as a reward and make you a part of the magic.

Wolf In Wool Productions has decided to run a kickstarter campaign to get the funds necessary for the completion of "PayDay."

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wolfinwool/chalkskin-pay-day

Chalkskin came out with "Fresh Donuts" on April 1, 2011, setting the tone for their self-described Character Driven Comedy Hip Hop.

In May, they hope to release their follow up album, "Payday."  It is a major leap forward musically, lyrically, and comically.  The nineteen to twenty tracks that will be on this album feature the group in it's glory.  M.C. Chalkskin, D.J. Pop'N'Fresh, J-Man, and Rich Prophet shine with a boldness and intensity that is sure to engage every listener.

While "Fresh Donuts" may have had it's share of great music, "Payday" will blow you away.  This album has been produced by Jaz "Hookmaster" Williams, Godson, Dennis "D-Man" Ingram, and Hunter Bressan.  The instrumentation is rounded out byYochanan Winston, Ph.D (saxophone and flute), Dennis Ingram (guitar), Mark Shapiro(guitar), Dominic McNeil (organ), Rama (sitar),and Rahis Khan (tabla).

The group specializes in dope lyrics.  The writing and delivery are a great measure more advanced as well.  The boys really brought it this time, and the high concept approach has only advanced between the seminal album and this one.  In addition to the boys, "Payday" features the vocal talents of Jaz Williams, Kathy Robbins, Candice Thiem, Sangeeta Singh, and Rahis Khan.

The album has been rounded out by comedy sketches that involve Jesse Dillon Sorrells, Mark McKinney, Stella Ingram, and the crew in some situations that I will not divulge here.  You'll have to hear them to believe them.

The album has been described as "a beast," and it's been suggested that we could be a contender for "Best Rap Album in San Diego" for 2012.

We have recorded all but one of the songs, but everything needs mixed and mastered. Bottom line is that we've run out of money making the songs as awesome as possible, and we need your help to finish this off.  We encourage you to give what you can, butwe're really looking for 25 devoted fans to post up $100.  This will get you the amazing Chalkskin package as a reward and make you a part of the magic.

Today marks a very special anniversary for Chalkskin.

Exactly one year ago today, the boys held The Benefit for the Unloved at the Stage Saloon in San Diego's gaslamp district.  It was their first show together.

That weekend, they had recorded all of "Fresh Donuts," done the photo shoot for the album art, and shot the primary footage for the music video for "Peace in the Mid East."

Kind of hard to think of all that has happened within that year, and here's to many more!

This message was originally a personal e-mail sent from MC Chalkskin to the participants of "Fresh Donuts" on February 16, 2011.

The album had been completed over a marathon three day weekend (from February 11th to February 13th) and the first ever Chalkskin show was February 14th, Valentine's Day.  It was called Chalkskin's Benefit for the Unloved.

As you will see from the personal details herein, it was a monumental time for everyone involved.


The sun was setting over a gradient of blues to my right, casting a halo of burning orange onto the mountains and valleys to my left.  As clouds lingered in pink and gray, I tried to remain focused on the road ahead, but my mind was spinning across the journey we had already taken.

Godson - my engineer and music producer - had texted me a Christmas gift back in November.  He offered me twenty four hours to book an incredible amount of studio time for an absurdly low price.  I sprang into action and set down the cornerstone for what we were about to build.  Without a clear architectural design, I would soon be planning something far more ambitious than even my largest plans.

I had only recorded four songs in the past, and going into all of this, my knowledge was quite limited.  So green was I at this point, I often didn't even know what questions to ask to figure out how amateur I was.  But I had learned one very important lesson: Surround yourself with the best people possible.

I felt like I was in one of those "Oceans Eleven" films, scouring the world for the best team to do the job.  And just like in "Inception," we would be engineering a dream.  I called in old friends, people who were like family to me distanced only by time and space.  The appeal went out to those with whom I wanted to build up an empire.  These people would be the basis of Wolf In Wool Productions.

Even as positions were being filled, more challenges arose.  My imagination can sometimes be larger than my stomach - or my wallet - and while people told me I was crazy and that I should scale back, I pursued what was in my heart.  Failure wasn't an option for me as long as I clung to my instincts and was prepared to adapt, but that didn't stop me from having moments of panic or doubt.

What had started off as a simple album soon swelled into a beast of objectives.  In one weekend, we would record an entire album, do an extensive photo shoot for album art and promotional materials, film a music video, record behind-the-scenes footage and interviews for both a mockumentary and a documentary, and. . . Well, we needed a club location...  Why not blow it out and have a live show?  And film it too.

Filling every moment I had after working 45 hours a week at my actual job, I planned to the best of my ability, but as I found out once the project loomed closer, my inexperience would be a challenge.  However, I had learned my lesson well, and I had the best people in place.  Both teams - the record studio and the video studio - were stocked with veterans who elevated my humble proficiencies in a way that far exceeded even my loftiest imaginings.

There are so many people to give thanks to.  It was a major labor by everyone, but you could feel the love in every part of it.  I just know that will translate to those who enjoy our creation.  All I can say is that once I began taking people back to the airport the last night, as I drove back in my car with only the cloak of night to keep me company, I turned up the volume and let "Peace in the Mid East" wash over me.  And then "Still Kickin' It."  And I was so overwhelmed by the dedication and passion that went into this project by every single person who had answered the call that I broke down and cried.  As I got back to the hotel, where the others were celebrating our victory, I locked myself in a room with Peter John Ross (the music videos director) and let it all sink in.

Which brings us back to the car trip in the California sunset.  We were leaving a small bookstore in Irvine where I had stood in a line to have some books and paraphernalia signed by my hero, Al Yankovic.  An actor, I haven't really had aspirations of being a musician, so recording a music album was a major challenge for me.  I could only reference what I knew, and what I really knew best was "Weird Al."  He had inspired me since I was in middle school and heard him for the first time, and his stamp is all over my work.

We could only have him sign one item per book.  We had three books, so I chose three items very carefully.  Kariem would have him sign the EP for "Fat."  Stella would offer him the press kit for "UHF" and have him sign a carefully selected photo, and I would present him with his first 45 for "Another One Rides the Bus" and "Gotta Boogie," the rarest item in my collection.  This tiny record had come out in 1979, the year I was born.

I clutched my demo CD and realized then and there what I held in my hand was the culmination of 31 years.  Inside the sleeve, I had scrawled a note to Al telling him my "Skipper Dan" story and thanking him for inspiring me.  As I handed him the best tracks from the album and started to tell him the story of how it came to be, the moment overtook me, and I again felt the love from everyone who had worked on making this moment a reality.  Despite being a man who rarely shows his emotions, tears of joy poured out of me as a new chapter opened up in my life.

I wish to thank all of those who went into making M.C. Chalkskin & D.J. Pop'N'Fresh a reality.

First and foremost to Godson and Richard Baker for seeing something in us and helping us to bring it out.  You've shown amazing patience and have given incredible insight.  You are as much a part of Chalk and Pop as Kariem and I am.

Kariem Marbury, it isn't easy for me to relinquish the reigns of my dreams to anyone, but you truly are my twin.  I can't imagine a better partner for a comedy duo than you.  You're the Abbott to my Costello, the Jake to my Ellwood.

Jason Nestler, you are a good and true friend, and it feels so great to inspire one another, doesn't it?!  Thank you for letting yourself be vulnerable and putting yourself out there.  I just know that you've found out the potential you possess inside.

I'm glad that you've been changed by all of this, Mahmoud Maanaki.  I have too.  May we both be better men from this day forth.  :)

If every time I used google I found someone as talented and beautiful as Kathy Robbins, I would never turn my computer off.  You trusted us enough to play with us with childlike wonder, and our game resulted in something so unique and inspirational.

Yochanan Winston Ph.D.  I actually get to put that name into the liner notes!  And it's not just for novelty.  Yoch, I knew how good you are, but you managed to exceed my expectations and elevate the music to such a dynamic level.  It gives me goosebumps, man.

If you're running behind schedule, and you need to get ahead, The Sneaker Kings will knock it out of the park for you.  Your professionalism and experience blows me away.  What you can do in such a short period of time amazes me.  Now that I know more about the process, I can't wait to see what Jim Lakin, Mike Magnuson, and Dennis Ingram will be able to do when I give them more time to craft.  All four of the songs you performed on the album are hits.

Chase Pado, you are a phenom.  You just know exactly how to capture a mood and layer in context.  You were such an important part of making these songs into what they are.  I'm learning a lot, and just as with The Sneaker Kings, I know when I give you more room to explore, you'll have a more conductive experience, but I am so impressed by what you've been able to do despite the limitations my inexperience has presented you with.

Rama Douglas, you really shred on that sitar, man!  That song simply wouldn't be the same without you!  You are such a sweet and gentle soul, and I truly enjoyed every moment of our short encounter.  My mind is racing for ways to get you on future tracks.  Thank you so much for taking this project so seriously and being so adaptive.

Peter John Ross, you've been a friend for a long time.  When you first said you were willing to "pull cable" for anyone, I thought it was just hype, but you've given me the perfect model for how a filmmaker should act.  With humility and precision, you work your craft.  Thank you so much for "pulling cable" for me every time I've asked.  :)

The hardest working man in show business is actually Kurt Braun.  You truly are the MacGyver of filmmaking, and you managed to put out my fires with duct tape, rubber bands, and charm.  You are the best at what you do, and you solve problems faster than a calculator.  Thank you so much for lighting more than just the set, for lighting the way.

Why wouldn't I thank Jen Kolhagen?  She made me look @#$%ing great!  And not just by putting on my make-up.  She also dolled up all of the honeys and other guys, thus making me look even better!  Jen, you were worried we wouldn't vibe at first, but I think we vibe on frequencies only dogs can hear.  ;)  You are so dedicated and awesome, and this project would have suffered without you.

What a talent we have in Brian Canini.  He's our photographer, graphic artist, and web designer.  Brian, you're one of my oldest and dearest friends, and you've always believed in me.  I hope that you can see that I believe in you too.  Our work is just getting started, and I'm excited by what we'll be able to come up with together!

You had said at one point didn't know if it would be worth flying you out here, Mike.  What do you think now?  Mike Maletic is the perfect person to host an intellectual discourse and create an interview with various personalities.  You and "Dick" Cheswick were amazing, and I can't wait to see what that material looks like.  Thank you for your dedication, belief, and for being one of my closest friends.  I hope we didn't spoil your birthday too much.  ;)

I've been friends with The Hodges Boys (Christian and Nate) through thick and thin since 1990 and I was 11 years old.  We've been creating characters in various ways for a long time.  We've rolled the dice and tried to turn up luck over many years, and I think this time, we've got a natural.

Candice Thiem and Laine Perry, you both signed onto this project at the eleventh hour... or the twelfth even.  It was an absolute pleasure working with both of you, and I hope you enjoyed theproject as much as I did.  Thank you for rolling up your sleeves and taking care of the dirty work.

You can't spell morale support without Debra Plante.  You totally have given your heart and mind to a belief in what Kariem is capable of, and your fervent belief in him is an amazing fuel that has driven him to do some amazing things.  You were always ready with a kind word, advice, and your camera.  An enormous help.

No one was as punctual or jolly - yep, jolly, Chuck - as Charles Castro.  If I said I'd be by to pick him up at 7:30 am, he was on the curb with his gear at 7:28.  Charles, I am so glad I was introduced to you that it almost made the acquaintance with the introducer worth it.  ;)  Seriously, you are great, and I always want you on my team.

I wasn't there when David Shoemaker came on the scene, but I hear he did a great job.  All I can speak of is how smart and fun you are, Mr. Shoemaker.  I'm so glad I was able to make you a part of this.

We were supposed to have three "hot guys," but we only had one Haydar Alayidi.  Al, you more than made up for the others.  If you were nervous or unsure of yourself, you did an amazing job of overcoming it.  You're a natural for a music video!

Angela Cousins, Kei Min Kim, Cristina Leduc, and Tiffany Williams, I'm so glad you could be my "Dope Hunnies" on this!  You look amazing and really took this silly project seriously, and I can't wait to build on our new relationship.  I can't wait for you all to hear the album.  Thank you so much for putting yourselves out there for me.  I hope you're satisfied with the results.

Monique Fleming, Sarah Melick, and Misha Sedgwick really know how to class up a joint.  That music video will be so much better because of you.  You made Arab Money and me look like we might actually be able to land a dream girl like one of you, and I know that took a lot of skilled acting.  ;0)  I can't wait to see how it will all turn out!

My finances are in ruins, and I know Aaron Frantz has that on his mind.  Aaron, you made a great cop, and you've already done so much in helping me create the business behind Wolf In Wool.  I'm so glad you're on board to make this dream a financial reality.  I would be lost without you.

I'd also like to thank Stella Ingram (for being an incredible sounding board), Estrella Ingram (for putting love into the food), Rich Kunkel (for my awesome Sweatsedo), The Stage Saloon (for taking a chance with our first live performance), Young Olmos (for making the show so @#$%in' good!), Esteban Carreno (advising my Spanish), Robert Becker (gearing up my computer), Mary's Donuts in Santee (for being the perfect location), Kerry Steers (for suggesting The Stage), Craig Wilson (for advice), Pedro Rodriguez (for trying to fit us in), and Sarah Melick and Michelle Gabele and Shaun Berry (for letting us turn your home into a studio for a weekend).

I simply can not say "thank you" enough.  Thank you to anyone who has believed in me and supported my dreams.  To those of you who put your fingerprints on this project, you are a miracle in my life, and I am forever changed by this experience.

Yours truly,

Sheepdog David Grant