Recently released track by Choklate entitled “Overdose” I love it and it’s not because Drake was on it but because her voice so smooth and it’s lyrically fitting for the perfect love atmosphere. Choklate is Seattle based singer/songwriter that has been in the game since 2006 where she released two albums and obviously in the works for another masterpiece. Look out for here!
Oh and I love her earliest single, “Grown Folks” check out here video with a suprising lead face! Ow!
In remembrance of Michael Jackson, Bay Area’s hottest DJ’s himelf, DJ D Sharp produced a bomb mix for Michael Jackson’s Birthday weekend. Missing Michael is great compilation of remixes and samples of the King himself. Make sure you download it because I promise if not today, it will be in your rotation for that monday morning.
Go to http://www.therealdjdsharp.com for download instructions!
Photo Courtesy of HBO
Last night I watched the HBO Spike Lee documentary “If God is willing and da Creek Don’t Rise” which is the The LeveesSequel about the devastating natural disaster called Hurricane Katrina. The news did somewhat of a good job at highlights the aftermath but Spike Lee took it into his own hands to get the voice out that New Orleans is still going through a struggle and the aftermath is nothing short of a progression. Through interviews with local and former residents I was able to capture the anger and disappointment that has affected them since Katrina.
I find Spike Lee to be phenomenal at projecting a message through spoken word, psychological analysis, and different angles of the camera. I was able to see footage of happiness, disperse, regret and even darkness from the New Orleans communities. I’ve studied his films so I know that when he does a documentary he makes sure to leave you pondering your thoughts and rebirthing your revolutionary mind.
Two years after the hurricane hit, I was able to travel with my school in helping to rebuild and bring life back to New Orleans. Never in my life did I find myself in such devastation when they were demolishing the projects and building housing that was not fit for the community. Spike Lee covers many issues in this two-part sequel, which airs again tonight at 9pm (PST) on HBO. There are many issues that have been brushed under the rug or are still ongoing and I feel that he does a great job at giving you visuals of the aftermath of this disaster. We are vastly approaching the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and progress is being made but not enough. I am currently working with Bay Localize on ways to uplift this issue and I’m sure that you can do your part too. So check out the second part if you haven’t already and educate yourself with the cold facts and the effects on Hurricane Katrina.
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.
I have always wanted to know how Esperanza Spalding, gets her curls to be so big and perfect. Earlier this week, she sits down with Parlour Magazine to talk about the products she uses and being natural. Check out the full article Here
And also if your feeling real curious check out my previous article on the who-abouts of Esperanza Spalding Here
John Legend and The Roots with Melanie Fiona and Common, did a remake of “Wake Up Everybody” Originally by Harold Melvin. I love this song because my mother used to play it every morning when it was time to go to school and it would always play on KBLX in the bay area every morning. Just listen to the lyrics, it has a lot of significance today. Enjoy!
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 😉
These kids are so adorable. The Bots are these two boys, Mikaiah Lei (17) and Anaiah Lei (13) who sure to be out the bieber craze with their up and coming rock band. With Mikaiah on the guitar and vocals and Anaiah on the drums together they make a tough dynamic duo in punk rock culture. Check out these hit song “Stop” which will be played all over the country as the youngest boys band to perform with the Warped Tour. P.S. you don’t have to be a pre-teen to rock out to this aggressive/expressive band!
check out their site http://www.thebotsband.net for more information on their music
I was watching VH1 Soul last night and came across Rebbie Jackson’s video for “Centipede”. At first I thought it was Janet but sure enough after I seen her lack of rythmn it had to be Rebbie. I thought I’d share with you guys this because I don’t know if you can remember but Rebbie tried to come out with her own album. #FAIL I actually like this video, It’s funny!
Reesa Speaks 