Month: July 2010

Tamar-Kali Debuts new ablum “Black Bottom”

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I am a strong supporter of AfroPunk.com and the Afro Punk Culture. For those of you not familiar with this culture, just think Alternative, Hardcore Punk Rock by black artists in a community.  Up and coming artist Tamar Kali recently debuted her first album “Black Bottom” for download.  Her voice is very wholesome and timeless over the acoustic and rock instrumentals, it only makes you feel like you are powerful and dominating in every aspect of your life.  Her Bandcamp description describes this album as “a reflection of where she found herself after a particularly disheartening period.” Tamar-Kali is a Brooklyn Native that has alot of respect in the Black Punk culture.  Check out her album below and tell me what you think?

Fatshion Blogger @GabiFresh makes Top 5 MTV TJ Competition

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Chicago Based Fashion Blogger, Gabi Gregg, also known as @GabiFresh is now one of the Top 5 finalists for the MTV TJ Competition.  I’m pretty sure you have seen the ad’s and publicity on this competition and if you were like me tried to solicit yourself but couldn’t make it but I am proud to support Gabi not only because her blog is bomb http://www.youngfatandfabulous.com but because she is a curly haired plus size fashionista that is putting herself on the map.  Not to mention making “Fatshion” the new crave out there!  Next week, the finalists will be flying to New York City for the Live Finale. on August 8th 10 pm EST MTV will be announcing the winner by LIVE VOTES! So that means all of you guys should support and vote for her! I know I will be.

Follower her at http://www.twitter.com/gabifresh

http://www.youngfatandfabulous.com

The Opening Act: The Dreamer x T-Ran

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While other artists are in competition to be different, Ta’Darrell “T-Ran” Randolph, Oakland native, has already won and is taking the next step by breaking the barrier for today’s Hip Hop music.  At a very young age, T-Ran first fell in love with hip hop after watching the movie “Kush Groove”.  Inspired by the talent and culture the film progressed, he was determined to make his love for music his career.  He began pushing his music freshman year of high school where he networked with artists and participated in local events in his community.  When transferring to Howard University (the other HU lol) his support system was so strong that he dived right into the scene, performing opening acts for homecomings and participating in events in Washington D.C.

“I am an artist from the bay, but I am not a typical bay artist,” he says as he describes his versatility to not conform to a certain genre.  With an opportunity to attend a school with all kinds of cultures from around the world, T-Ran’s exposure outside of the bay area is what shaped him.  By looking up to artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Wale, and R&B sensations Pattie LaBelle and Usher, I would say that he has developed his own sense of music in the genre of Hip-Hop.  It’s very rare that you come across an artist willing to build its own brand in an industry that has all been recycled and reused.

T-Ran currently has a mixtape that has been out since March entitled  “The Opening Act: The Dreamer” which includes poetic stories created over recognizable instrumentals.  One of his first songs “Give it To Me” was inspired while working at his job for Nike.

“They would give me stacks of shirts to fold, so I started writing the first verse in my head to kill time,” T-Ran made sure that his voice was heard in and out of the studio.  Whether it is an on-air personality for Howard’s radio station or an internship for a business executive, his constant dream is on rotation to becoming a reality.

I always ask artists to share advice because with culture rapidly advancing, it is always aspiring to know one’s journey to their dream.

“If you always stay true to yourself more doors will be opened then closed”- T-Ran

For more info on T-Ran visit:

www.twitter.com/T_ranhiphop

and Download his latest mixtape here: http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/en/view-album/424-opening-act:-the-dreamer

Saks Fifth Avenue Goes Plus Size

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I have always loved to window shop in Saks Fifth Avenue knowing good and well that I could barely fit their sizes, but those days are over because they will soon be adding plus size womens wear with designer labels like Chanel and Dolce & Gabanna.    This fall, Saks in Manhattan, NY will be previewing their fall collections with sizes up to 20.  Although these piece will be available there will definitely be no bargains but I am so glad that plus size is on the come up.  Fashion are finally realizing that the “normal” sizes are what makes your market.

Ryan Nicole- The Lady MC of the Bay Area

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Although Ryan Nicole is not a new name to me when you are close friends with her brother,  I find this artist to be one of the most artistically inclined Lady MC’s (as I call it) to be birthed from the Bay Area. Oh, and not to mention she rocks and embraces her natural hair :).  Social networking and her support system are doing a great job at putting her voice out there.  I hear about her at events, word of mouth, and mutual blogs websites.  For those not familiar to the Bay Area, Ryan Nicole was born in Oakland, California where she discovered her passion as an artist.  She is writer, Artist, Rapper, Singer, Poet, and lyricist which has become a rarity in the urban culture….and for all that talent to come out of a WOMAN!? I must show my respect!!  With famous Lady MC’s like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Missy Elliot holding the fort the down for many years I think its now time for Ryan Nicole to take over the throne.  To tickle your hip hop soul and intellect, she recently dropped her new mixtape entitled Dis’onance Vol. 1 which is currently on rotation with one of my favorites “Um Ums” & “Magic Carpet Ride”.  In my opinion this compilation captivates her whole persona poetically speaking.  She spits versus with references to her hometown, love, and empowerment on beats of The Neptunes and features with other local artists.  Ryan Nicole is next aspiring Lady MC that you should be looking for in the future!


Here is a few of her art pieces that are displayed on her online store:

For more information on Contacting Her:

http://www.ryannicole.com

http://www.nyannicole.bandcamp.com