Tag: Bay Area Artists

“Villains” The Mixtape by Supreme Sketch

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After many years, days, contemplation, and a rites of passage, Supreme Sketch releases his first mixtape “Villains” as an independent solo artist.  Born Anthony Ragland and raised in the Bay Area, Supreme Sketch has always had a love for music and the Hip Hop culture.  He decided to use his “Villain” alias to capture the essence of him as an artist. When describing his movement he says, “I really feel like there is good in every bad guy.  Villains make it happen, regardless.” By throwing up the peace sign to stamp Villain on the map, Supreme Sketch has made himself a known staple for upcoming artists of the bay area.  The mixtape itself as he describes “Down to earth music; if you aren’t down to earth or understand my perspective with life you will not be able to relate to this mixtape.”  Sketch uses original beats and well-known samples to help him tell his real life scenarios that one can relate too.  In my opinion, he gives me the feel good music vibe but I can also crank it up when I want to hear a message. “Color Boxes” derives from his phase as a shoe head and by using this as a metaphor you are able to figure out the meaning behind it.  My favorite songs happen to be Color Boxes, Back Stabbers and Show Me, but I’ll let you be your own judge.

Download the exclusive mixtape HERE

Miles Brandon x Mile High Club

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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.

Monday Soul at The New Parish

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Mondays are now the hottest days of the week thanks to The New Parish in downtown Oakland. Every Monday The New Parish teams up with a group of local up and coming artists to put on a weekly event entitled “Monday Soul”. Soul is the perfect way to describe this event as artists with great talents grace the stage and the crowds brings confidence and a good time to the Bay Area.
Monday Soul was originally located at Air Lounge and was moved to the New Parish this summer by JE Media Company founded by Jackson Elis (better known as M. JE), Jareem, and DJ DSharp. These young gentlemen collaborated together to build a platform for aspiring bay area artists specializing in Hip Hop and R&B to showcase their talent in front of a respectable crowd every monday from 10 pm-1:30 am. Artists like J. Myers, Samm, Erk Tha Jerk, and the R.O.D project are amongst the many that share a relationship with the hosts to perform each Monday.
I was immediately drawn in by the New Parish’s lightly dimmed red lights and the diverse and expressive crowd that came out on a MONDAY to share their love of music, to enjoy a signature cocktail and comfortable conversation with their peers. I couldn’t picture a better place for such a soulful meanng. The house DJ (DJ DSharp) kept us vibin’ and head rockin’ to the sounds of James Brown, Common, Drake, and even Slum Village. The guest artist of the evening was the gorgeous recording artist Deja Bryson, Bay area’s own, that graced the stage with backup singers and dancers performing her hit single “I’m Power”. Making sure that she interacted with the crowd, Deja brought audiences to the stage and sang current Bay Area Anthems to keep us interested throughout the night.
Monday Soul is not just another party, what’s interesting about this production is that they value entrepreneurial endeavors as well as community efforts. In retro respect to making sure this event is worth your while, The New Parish provides memberships for $15 to have free entry, discounts, and updates on all events. Monday Soul has also partnered with Oakland Tennis and Macy Gray’s media group “Fusicology”. So ladies and gents, there is no reason why you should be sitting at home watching re-runs on a Monday night when you can enjoy an evening with the up and coming, best looking, well oriented, and influential people at the forefront of today’s Bay Area music.
 

For more information please visit http://www.thenewparish.com & http://www.twitter.com/MrJE

and Email ContactMondaySoul@gmail.com

Afro Chic’s Pick: J Myers

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My Photos | Photo By: Laura Davis | J Myers

I’m a bit behind on the music in the Bay Area, but I was recently put on to J Myers and I’m pretty excited.  This Hayward Native, has been in the game for awhile and his raspy and soulful voice shows that he is the next musical inspiration of our generation.  He plays guitar, sings, and raps, what more can a true Hip Hop lover ask for?  You can also find him at MondaySoul so come out and support. Check out his single “I Give You My Soul” and tell me what you think 🙂