Check out up and coming memphis sensation, Jazmin Akea’s latest song “In Your Dreams”. She’s been doing big things since the previous post done in the beginning of the summer; she’s opened for Memphis Summer Jam and performing at local venues. Tell me what you think about this track!
If I were to describe Rock the Bells 2010 in the bay area this year in less then 10 sentences I would fail. Why? Because there aren’t enough words in the English Dictionary that would describe this Hip-Hop Phenomenon that took place this weekend. The International festival series, promoted by Guerrilla Union, teamed up with exclusive artists to bring a successful show to the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View this past Sunday. I can only speak for myself that legends Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, and A Tribe Called Quest were the highlights of my evening. There were 17 artists on the lineup and about a few sets that I could tell you rocked the crowd of over 50,000 spectators sprawled out on the grass, in the bleachers, and between the two stages. I will tell you this; Hip Hop was definitely alive and kicking this weekend.
The Bay Area is known for its melting pot, but I didn’t realize the effect Hip Hop had on its fans because there were all different shades, cultures, and textures that were showing love. The Paid Dues Stage gave mad respect to the up and coming artists like Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean where they shared the stage with well known Immortal Technique, Murs and 9th Wonder and Yelawolf (who surprisingly bounced back after chocking on a bug mid-performance).
The Main Stage was in constant rotation with Rakim, Slick Rick, KRS-One, and a Tribe Called Quest where they performed hit songs “Bonita Applebum”, “Electric Relaxation”, “Award Tour”, and “Can I Kick it”. Not to mention Wu-Tang Clan brought out Busta Rhymes that brought we right back into 1994.
Although Lauryn Hill’s music will always be timeless, I felt her set was rushed and off tune and it made it hard for us to sing-a-long and for her to hit her notes to the legendary songs. Mind you it was 75-degree weather and she wore a trench coat ensemble with a glittery hat just to highlight her randomness. She did managed to bring out her L-Boogie with an etchy acapella of “Fugee-la-la” but overall I was happy to have the experience of a lifetime to be in the presence of such a legendary woman.
I’ll show you her in San Bernadino cause I feel she sounded better.
The suspense was killing me but I managed to keep my eyes open and bundle up for Snoop Dogg’s set where he performed hits from the Doghouse with Lady Rage and he semi-afro puffs. As always he brought out his character and made sure to have us entertained between songs. With the greenery flowing, Skits, an actual Dog mascot, and his low rider bike Snoop claimed his fame as headliner going overtime just to please his fans.
From the artists bloopers, to the diversity of Hip Hop, Rock the Bells Festivals always manage to leave every Hip Hop lover satisfied that they spent 12 hours of their time, over seventy dollars of their hard earned money, to enjoy a priceless experience of exclusive legends in today’s Hip Hop Culture.
One of my tweeters last night were watching this program and tweeted to me how cute this HBO Family program was so I decided to stay up and catch the re-run because I was curious to why Happy and Nappy was in the same sentence on television. HBO Family has a program called “Happy To Be Nappy and Other Stories of Me” which was taken from the actual book series by Bell books. This program has small segments narrated by popular voices like Mary J. Blige and Rita Moreno to teach young children to be happy with who they are. I thought it was so cute because insecurities do start at a young age and its very seldom that you will find a show in the runnings with Seasame Street and Barney (are those still running?). Story lines like “It’s Okay to Be Different” and “Happy To Be Nappy” would be the many reasons why I would let my child watch these shows.
Happy To Be Nappy comes on around 8 a.m then repeats in the evening around 6 pm so its a show you wouldn’t want your children to miss 😉
This is the dopest video concept of love I’ve seen all summer. “Loverazor” is off Sir Froderick’s debut album Heartaches and Heartbreaks on Record Breakin’ Music. This video was directed by OneiRose and it captures the essence of the song using his mysterious origins as an artist. Sir Froderick is known as ” The Alchemist of or musical MacGyver”. His debut album is complete with his rollercoaster ride of emotions with relationships. Check out the short video and tell me what you think. Is love like a razor?
If you are into Hip Hop a name that you must remember aside from Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and Jay Z is the up and coming aspiring music artist and producer, Miles Brandon. This Oakland native is coming full force with a duo combination, talent, style, and versatility. Miles started his interest with a love of poetry at the age of 13 years old, where he grew up to discover that his passion was in Hip Hop. By taking spin offs from his name, he produced a few mixtapes with his current one “Mile High Club” that has been released this summer. He writes, produces, and raps about his voyage and his determination to elevate one’s mind in society’s growing music culture. The song “Overdose on Love” derives from the relationship woes with his girlfriend. By mixing party songs and strong messages, Miles designed a versatile mixtape that all Hip Hop heads could agree with.
The different tone and structures in creating his own beats is what makes him stand out amongst the many aspiring to reach the top. When asking about his latest mixtape he says, “You should never feel to settled, which is why I am ready to do even better than before.” By having that mindset to perfect every song, Miles Brandon encourages anyone else aspiring in his field to bring the most presentable and sound bound music that you can create. In my opinion he reeks originality in more ways then one.
What makes Miles Brandon standout? Creativity; Not only is it from within but it’s shown on the outside as well. With a love of shopping and fashion, Miles makes sure to keeps his threads fly inside and outside of the studio. With his 80’s influenced style and his Hip Hop inspired creativity, Miles Brandon “Mile High Club” is what needs to be leaking through your speakers.
Listen and download his mixtape here:
Check out this video for “The Take Off” produced by The A List Team’s Charles Jim-George (@keepitCharlie) a very creative producer, photographer and awesome friend.
Congratulations to Gabi Gregg on winning the MTV Twitter Jockey Challenge tonite! Not only is she the newest face of MTV but she is also representing for all the Plus-Size young women in the media. This media mogul who writes for her blog http://www.youngfatandfabulous.com won all 3 challenges tonite on the show where she was crowned the BEST! I am so excited that she has this opportunity to be the curvy face as MTV TJ. Although this may be alot of pressure I know and so do all of her followers, that she is the best fit for this position. I am so jealous she gets to attend and tweet everything MTV but I wouldn’t want anyone else to win (besides myself). Be sure to follower her now at @mtvtj for all the latest on what’s happening with MTV.
This one one of my favorite songs on her latest album, and this video bring so much emotion that it almost brought me to tears. The constant ball of proofing a point in what’s an ongoing cold war. She really shines as an artist, I hope that you understand it as well. Tell me what you think?
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Wale has been in heavy rotation, August 3rd, 2010 when he released his latest mixtape “More About Nothing” with features of Rascoe Dash, Tiara Thomas, Avery Storm, Wocka Flocka, Dre from Cool & Dre and more. The songs I really like are “Ambitious Girl” “The Trip (Downtown)” and “Manipulations part.2” Yes, I am a fan of Wale’s sensitivity to his fan and especially his women. I would loved to hear him do spoken word because he really is dynamic artist! Give a listen!
download link—> http://limelinx.com/files/b915e0f2cfcbfb4be3f236ca21c126c3
Acceptance and Change are the words that I can use to best describe Keon “Supreme” Hall, an aspiring artist from Claremont, California. Growing up living under a Jehovah Witness household, Keon has always seemed to stand out with creating his own identity. At the age of 17, Keon reached a breaking point and decided to change his outlook on life, by developing his love for music. “My mother accepts me because I’m her son, but she’s never heard my music,” he explains to me about his relationship with his mother and the choice he has made. With his new mixtape entitled “Supreme” Keon shares his life-changing experiences and enlightenment. In my opinion his featured song “Love Me Again” best describes his character as an artist. When telling me about how much emotion was put into his words and relationship with his mother, I knew that he was passionate about his artistic ability to express himself through music.
“Dark, Enlightening, and life changing” is how he describes his mixtape but if I were to give my own take I would call it a breakthrough. He spits versus that some young men like him can relate to as well as anyone who shares a love for Hip Hop. After speaking with him it only made since that Keon is studying History in college because he stresses his vision to change the world. With book knowledge, personal experiences, and the ability to musically express oneself, Keon Supreme is on his way to making his career a staple in today’s Hip Hop.
“Believe in yourself even if no one else will” –Keon “Supreme” Hall
For more information on Keon Supreme visit:
Steph Jones has the potential to being a pop artist with this song “Beautiful” which is on his upcomping album “Imperfect Me” with his cover looking quite interesting. He says the faces are blurred because he wants you to picture yourself next to him, kind of like relating to his music in your own way, pretty cool huh? Download his song “Beautiful”, it has a cute ring to it and I always enjoy music that uplift women.
download link—-> http://usershare.net/dtl1jabr2s3y
Reesa Speaks 