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Them Mcease / Blog

In Memory of Anthony M. Baca Part II

Unfortunately 2 months later Baca was shot and killed on the Southside of Minneapolis. It was June 21st 2006 at 6:45 pm when Anthony Baca was murdered at the young age of 24. He was shot multiple times and left to die. Police and an ambulance arrived shortly after but he was left in his car until almost 11:00 pm, why wasn’t he rushed to the hospital, could he have been rescued? Why was his car perfectly parked on 38th and 22nd ave s? Who did this? So many questions but none more important than why and how could this happen to such a beautiful genuine person like Anthony? Baca’s death spread throughout the community like a wildfire; everybody was talking about it and many knew Baca personally. It was a very emotional time for thousands of people across the city, he was that well known. Mourners couldn’t believe it and were looking for information about his death, which led them to THEM MCEASE website. People would share their feelings, look for support, ask questions, and gather any information they could about his murder. The website became a sanctuary for him, as people would write messages as if they were speaking to him directly. We received thousands and thousands of messages in a matter of days. His funeral turned out to be the same, so many people that not even standing room was available, the line stretched all the way outside. People were escorted out the back door so that others outside could at least come inside and pay homage after the ceremony. The amount of love shown over that period of time was a testiment to the type of person Baca was and shows how one person can touch so many in such a short time of Earth. He was only 24 years old and he is gone from us forever, all we can hold on to is the memories. Several months after his death 3 young men were arrested in connection to his murder. All 3 were affiliated with the bloods gang, and 2 were convicted of murder. Still to this day Baca is missed and remembered by many constantly. His birthday is celebrated with family and friends every year at Stella’s Fish Café in uptown Minneapolis. It has become a tradition. As hard as it is we try to celebrate his life and make it a day of fun and excitement in his memory. We party as if he is still with us, in a sense he still is: his presence is felt. In addition to his birthday every father’s day weekend there is a BBQ and Basketball event at Lynhurst park in south Minneapolis in his memory. Once again it has become a tradition to many, family, friends, and so many young kids come out and enjoy the sun and play game after game of what Baca loved most, basketball. On June 21st annually we gather at the tree where Baca died on 38th and 22nd ave s. Minneapolis at 6:45pm. We pray, share memories, and most importantly stand in silence together and take a moment to think about the wonderful person lost that summer day. Additionally, we write messages or letters to Baca and deliver them to him in Heaven with helium balloons. It gives us all a piece of mind. Baca has become a symbol of togetherness, non-violence, and love for life. He continues to impact the world even without being in it; his legacy will last forever. Baca has been instrumental in the development of THEM MCEASE musically. We do this for him, RIP Bac G!!!

Memory Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/startribune/guestbook.aspx?n=anthony-baca&pid=18270898

Nicknames: Baca, Bac G, Bac Gezus, Baby Jesus, En Fuego, Chewy, Chew Baca

In Memory of Anthony M. Baca Part I

Anthony Manuel Baca Co-Founder of THEM MCEASE was born March 20th 1982 in California, but was raised by his Grandmother (Nana) on the Southside of Minneapolis in Minnesota. He grew up with his Auntie, Tiffnie and his little cousin Julian. It was in high school where he and J-Lew formed the team MC’S (THEM MCEASE). Originally THEM MCEASE was a collection of young entrepreneurs, whom dedicated their lives to having fun, enjoying life, and to CEASE each moment life presents with self-determination (Kujichagulia). THEM MCEASE; we considered ourselves brothers and THEM MCEASE was our family, we knew we had each other’s back through thick or thin. Baca established a legendary status on the basketball court; known as a deadly 3-point shooter, unlimited range, and lightning quick hesitation moves. Once in a Washburn high school game Baca scored 20 points in 4 minutes as the crowd chanted “Baca, Baca, Baca” led by J-Lew and DZ Boi in the stands. Basketball was his passion; he thrived at it as he did his everyday life. He lit people up on every out door court, YMCA, health club, and every park in Minnesota. His jump shot was like his tattoo said, “En Fuego”. Baca easily made friends, he treated people the same; all walks of life. It was like it was natural for him, Baca was well known socially throughout Minneapolis/St Paul. His easy going personality and love for others made him liked by many. The man had swag lets be honest, Baca stayed in new Jordan’s, new gear, sick coats, crispy Timberland’s, every color saucony, every color chuck taylor, stunna shades galore, icy grills, Polo’s, throwbacks, you name it he had it and his was newer and fresher. That was just how Baca was; he had to be swagged out. In 2004 Baca insisted we pursue music. He loved our music, and he knew that he could get the word out about THEM MCEASE. After recording our first songs Baca had us plugged in at Legendary Quest nightclub downtown Minneapolis. Our first single “Redbone, Dark-tone” hit the streets with a bang, as Baca led the charge promoting in the community riding his all red mustang listening to “wangers” as he called a hot track. In April 2005 we were booked to perform with TI and the StreetKingz at Myth nightclub in Maplewood, Minnesota. At the time this was the biggest show in Minnesota for years to come. During the performance Baca had his own segment and had the sold out event going nuts, leanin and rockin; it was his moment. This gravely was the beginning and the end.

What is BANG???

What is this new BANG trend? -We don’t stunt now we BANG on they head-

B.A.N.G (Bands, Accessories, New Gear)

What does B.A.N.G stand for? B.A.N.G is an acronym for Bands, Accessories, New Gear.

What are Bands? “Got Bands, got Bread” A Band is a thousand dollars cash, so to have Bands means to have at least two thousand dollars cash or more; Bands.

What are Accessories? “You shinin wit all them accessories” Accessories are the items you use to create your swag, the final touch one could say. Such as; icy watches, rings, chains, earrings, hats, shades, tattoos, back-packs, piercing’s, ect.

What you mean New Gear? “New Gear on gettin’ fancy” This means you got the new fashions, fresh and clean style, exclusive out the box kicks, never seen before clothing.

B.A.N.G is not just an acronym, song, or mixtape title it’s a way of life, to have Bands, Accessories, New Gear means your Bangin’. If you’re Bangin’ that means you are independent, self-reliant, and can stand on your own. You are on top of your game; you BANG. So if you’re Bangin, let em know. “Bang on they mothafuckin head” B.A.N.G!

B.A.N.G Mixtape Coming Soon!

THEM MCEASE PRESENTS: The B.A.N.G Mixtape Hosted by The Iceman: Due to release September 2011

*B.A.N.G is our 5th mixtape but is the first project with DZ Boi and J-Lew exclusively. We went back to the drawing board and recorded the majority of the mixtape ourselves @ the Swish Booth. All tracks are written by THEM MCEASE and registered with MCEASE Publishing Co. Production by Ticky Timbo (Northstar Affliates), Superstar O (Wiz Khalifa “Say Yeah”, Benny Blanco (58 Ent), Thawed Out Productions, and J-Lew (Swish). All mixes done @ Blackapple Studios. Bands, Accessories, New Gear is a collection of tracks all with a different flavor.

*The opening track “B.A.N.G” is the Bands, Accessories, New Gear anthem breaking down the new BANG trend. “Times 10” is a hard hitter produced by Superstar O, who has produced for Wiz Khalifa among others. Superstar O also produced pop hit “Let’s Make Music”. Ladies will love “On My Mind”, which is a record about meeting a new woman and how she can stay on your mind. We switch it up with “Sex-tape” followed up by a J-Lew freestyle recorded with host Iceman @ Northstar Studios. Iceman aka Ticky Timbo aka DJ ICEE also produced “The Game” a recorded where DZ Boi and J-Lew spit hot back-to-back 16’s. We flipped it with “Stacks In My Backpack” on some hip-hop produced by Benny Blanco. Produced, written, and recorded by J-Lew, “Party Girls” is a fun song for all the girls that love to party in the World. We finish the mixtape with “Lend A Helping Hand” which is song with a message; take the time to help somebody instead of turning the other cheek. This project is the first of many to come by DZ Boi and J-Lew (THEM MCEASE). RIP BAC G!

*Track list:

1. B.A.N.G: produced by J-Lew (Swish) written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by DZ Boi/J-Lew Recorded @ Swish Booth Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 2. Times 10: produced by Superstar O written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by DZ Boi/J-Lew Recorded @ Swish Booth Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 3. Let’s Make Music: produced by Superstar O written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by DZ Boi/J-Lew/Johnny Juliano Recorded @ Blackapple Studios Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 4. On My Mind: produced by Benny Blanco (58 Ent) written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by DZ Boi/J-Lew Recorded @ Swish Booth Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 5. Sex-tape: produced by Thawed Out Productions written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by DZ Boi/J-Lew Recorded @ Thawed Out Studios Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 6. J-Lew Freestyle: produced by Ticky Timbo (Northstar Affliates) written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by J-Lew Recorded @ Northstar studios Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 7. The Game: produced by Ticky Timbo (Northstar Affliates) written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by DZ Boi/J-Lew Recorded @ Swish Booth Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 8. Stacks In My Backpack: produced by Benny Blanco (58 Ent) written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by DZ Boi/J-Lew Recorded @ Swish Booth Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 9. Party Girls: produced by J-Lew (Swish) written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by J-Lew Recorded @ Swish Booth Mixed @ Blackapple Studios 10. Lend A Helping Hand: produced by J-Lew (Swish) written by MCEASE Publishing Co. Vocals by DZ Boi/J-Lew Recorded @ Swish Booth Mixed @ Blackapple Studios

Executive Produced By: Jessye Lewis All Tracks written by THEM MCEASE W/ MCEASE Publishing Co. Follow us on twitter @THEMMCEASE

Shell Toe Adidas Anthem: "Superstar"

The new single "Superstar" is now available on itunes. Video coming soon