Longshot but anyone interested in doing some mastering for a non-profit?

bitflipper
I would be reluctant to do anyone the disservice of mixing, mastering or advising on the making of hip-hop, as I simply have near-zero expertise in the genre.
 
But I do enjoy encouraging kids to explore intellectual pursuits that might eventually free them from the herd mentality of mindless consumerism, me-too-ism and the myth that you can purchase a personality at the mall. 
 
Tell me more.

one of the things I have found to be true ( at least for me) is that music is music. We may like some more than others and there may be a few fashionable trends for the moment, but the basic laws of physics stay the same.  In hip-hop the voice tends to be out front a little more but the knowledge you have is valuable regardless of what you apply it to. It is also an opportunity to learn. I certainly don't expect you to suddenly get platinum grills and 24 inch rims, but sometimes a better understanding of cultures different from your own can be rewarding even if you never fully embrace. I know I learn stuff constantly when dealing with kids from different backgrounds. I never would have imagined I would form close bomds with kids from Afghanistan, Iraq and even Nepal.
 
Our program is pretty simple. We have a modest studio available mostly consisting of donated equipment and software with a few things thrown in via small grant and ournown personal assets. Any kid in the community can use for free.  Although most simply record, they are welcome to get tutoring in music production as well. Most post on soundcloud or put file on phone, but a couple have ability that could have wider appeal.  There are is a diverse group who sing mostly gospel in their native tongues that blow me away with their raw talent but have not come in consistently enough to complete a full project.  Part of what we are trying to impart in these youth is the importance of finishing and following a process. I face many challenges  in this. From the complexities of handling the extreme diversity ( over 140 languages are spoken) in the school district due to this community being a UN settlement area for refugees, to the stunted development of dealing with kids who never had a father. Some are angry. Some are confused. I know I cannot save them all. I know that their language and outlook on life is not always what i want it to be, but this is my foot in the door to at least provide an outlet to express themselves in a way that beats the crap out of the alternatives.
 
Basically what I need is simple mastering. Our space has some limitations, although getting ARC 2 ( there goes the rest of my budget) has helped so I don't trust what I hear completely and I tend to find having someone else master at a different  location yields better results for me. Hip-hop mastering has a few minor differences but I stress minor. The kick, snare and voice are probably more pronounced than most genres but not as much as many assume. 
 
Thanks to both of you for taking the time to respond and listen.

i am so appreciative that anyone responded.  I know i am not roses and sunshine all the time, but off these boards I am mostly a "do gooder" or at least i try to be and this forum has helped me help a lot of people.  Thank you.

dubdisciple, I'm not in a position to help with your current project since I have no mastering skills whatsoever, but I'd like to applaud your involvement in your community.  I've been wondering how to get involved in mine, and it hadn't occured to me to do it through music.  You've found an interesting way to connect.
 
 
 

Bit, does that mean I should re-do and re-bounce my tracks using -14? I'd be glad to.
 
Are we just doing -12 and -14?

gswitz
Bit, does that mean I should re-do and re-bounce my tracks using -14? I'd be glad to.
 
Are we just doing -12 and -14?

I'm awaiting word from the artist, so no need to change anything yet.

Great work dub. Having an involvement with the youth in your community is a good way to give something back. I hope they appreciate your effort though I'm sure you're just glad to be doing it.

I had a few teachers as a youth who taught us music and on the side helped us become a small community of like minded young people. It was a great time in my life and I remember and appreciate their efforts and the influence it had in my life.

hello all who have agreed to help.  i will likely pvt message you all.  i think i will just share a drop box folder with anyone wishing to participate.  i have to say that gswitz and mettelus did an awesome job so far. 
 
gswitz..the consensus on the two you too crack at is that there may be just a little too much sizzle on the high end but very nice otherwise. I think if you dial that down just a tad and it will be exactly the sound the artist was seeking.
 
mettelus- your file was also awesome.  slightly different approach.  Yours sounds more like the underground hip-hop sound favored by the more "conscious' type of rappers.  Evidently the artist wants the exaggerated vinyl sound left in there.
 
I know i sound like a broken record, but i want to say thank you to all of you again. This is a prime example that solid sound principals trumps constructs like genres.  I'm almost finished mixing another and would like to give Grem a shot since I think such experiences are educational for all involved and help bridge gaps.

Anyone who i don't have an email for that is participating, please PM your email so i can add to dropbox shared folder, please.  Thank you

C cool, dub. What's the file we are looking for?