Amongst the varied collection of tunes serenading the crowd is Raphael Saadiq’s forewarning: you should be here. It’s too early to detect whether Dj E, the co-host of Brown Sugar’s Vibe, has a “ good dick and some money” (see lyrics of Be Here) but tonight, if our lives depended on just music alone, she does not disappoint. An array of selections from Mary Jane Girls to Too Short is more than enough temptation to stick around, even if you weren’t aware of what the night would hold. Charisma and distinctive personality are the floating words of the evening. Tonight is the celebration of Brown Sugar’s Vibe’s 3rd Anniversary: the green, the wild, the elongated meadow. So far beyond that every memory of your life can be accessed tonight. And to be able to infuse that with the 25th anniversary of The Color Purple is the subtle, summer breeze brushing these two wild purple orchids together in a fluidly swayed sea of art you can believe in, in your lifetime. Thus, birthing The Sugar Shack Juke Joint.
The CUT Barber and Styling Salon on 166 Stovall St.
In Atlanta, 166 is an expressway that dissects the cities of Eastpoint and Southwest Atlanta. It can lead you to Greenbriar Mall, one of Atlanta’s popular shopping centers. It can lead you to Ben Hill, one of the most referenced communities in Atlanta urban music. On the evening of May 08, 2010, 166 became the vessel to The Joyful Experience. 166 Stovall St. is located in East Atlanta, just a few miles from Little 5 Points. On any other day, 166 Stoval St. is the address to Mae’s The CUT Barber and Styling Salon. But, that tidbit you wouldn’t have known tonight, unless you were reading the sign above the entrance door.
Alluring. Warm, yet confidential. The atmosphere of The Joyful Experience is culturally relevant. A bricked, art gallery, it seems, with pieces of art hanging on each wall. Four art pieces, of which belong to the mother of this conceptual child, Meek. Along with Che’ Johnson of Gemini 2 Productions, Meek puts together and brings to life a synergy session. There’s comedy, there’s drums, there’s vibes, there’s violins, there’s keyboards, there’s vocalists, there’s love, there’s love lost, there’s memories of intimate moments, there’s plans to create new moments, and there’s a dog.
50 Second St Drum Cirlce
In the corner, surrounded by drums large and small, are the 50 Second St Drum Circle. This drum circle consists of five women, representing various corners of the world and bringing forth a tone of collaborating experience and innovation. The selection of performers supersedes Meek’s critique of the trained “nigger” ear. Che’ begins the second half of performances with a call and response etiquette. She’s as engaged with the audience as the impromptu team to the side of her. Planted by Meek for fluid entertainment, Super Bear, Young Katie So and So, and a dog, tag the audience with a rejuvenating practicality, as they provide a moment by moment critique of this experience, while it happens. Che’ and Meek, both recognize music and art to be their transports of life. For Che’, music, preferably live, provides a retreat to peace and meditation. Its easy to believe Che’s passion for music when she introduces ‘The Viosocalist,” Brooke Alford.
The stage, eclipsed with art work by Meek
On stage, Brooke breaks out her silky black violin, commanding the floor. Against the instrumentals of the lyrically engaging Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, and Beyonce, Brooke’s violin makes more than an even exchange, substituting vocals with a piercing, melodic journey. As Brooke makes her exit, Super Bear and Young Katie So and So continue to engage, alongside Che’ until Che’s microphone goes out. But, she doesn’t need it, so the performance continues. Sarafina is up next. Che’ reminds the audience that she is the special guest. At such a younger age than most of her musical peers, Sarafina is well on her way to perfecting the art of storytelling. Sarafina admits that her astrological position in the universe allows her to grasp existential wisdoms, capriciously. Smile. In “Made Over,” she sings about a passionate and wholistic bond through earthly imagery, a talent she regards as energy, verbalized. Ms. Franz-Che grabs the baton, after Sarafina milks the audience of deep emotion, breaking in another element involved throughout the night. That of Spoken Word. Ms. Franz-Che’s spoken word was in French, entitled “Speechless.” If you don’t have a Rosetta Stone application on your iphone, you’re S.O.L during this performance. But with “Speechless,” Ms. Franz-Che does more to accentuate in her performance, using her voice to translate the language.
Interlude at "The Joyful Experience"
The experience is not complete until Meek speaks. Meek, like Che’, presents a natural connection to a voyeuristic audience, as she’s more than willing to reveal herself. She talks, driven by how spiritually enlightened 166 has become tonight…not to negate any other day or night in The Cut. Tonight, Meek repeats in the mic that she is on a different journey. More than just performing, God moved her to just speak. When God leads, Meek follows. That is the only approach she has ever taken towards life. So tonight, after she opens with prayer, Meek talks about going back to one’s baseline of joy. She describes how our essence should mesh in a balance of positive and negative, yet maintain that strive for happiness, wisdom, and tranquility. To be of life is to be of flesh and Meek incorporates that belief best when she finishes the night with “The Talking Pussy,” about a divulging conversation between a Caribbean- dialect having, zestful-responding, wise-speaking pussy and the woman, whose behavior towards it, sparks a penetrating inquiry. Talk about a crowd pleaser, which was the goal tonight. To experience pleasure, to experience joy.
Last night, City Scenes Magazine headed uptown to watch several of your favorite celebrities compete in the Celebrity Strikeout bowling tournament, a fundraising event celebrating the 4-year anniversary of Harlem Lanes, the country’s first black female owned bowling alley. Since opening in 2006, Harlem Lanes has become Harlem’s premiere destination for bowling and entertainment, and a variety of tastemakers, personalities, and stars of film, television, and music turned out to pay homage and compete for money for the charity of their choice.
A number of big name companies were represented in the tournament by teams, including CoverGirl, Nike, The Source, Clear Channel Communications, Sean John, and GlobalGrind.com, with each team featuring hip-hop boldfacers such as Joell Ortiz, Ron Browz, DJ Enuff, and Webstar. Others, like actor Tristan Wilds, BET personality Alesha Renee, and radio personalities Angie Martinez and Miss Info, sat or stood on the sidelines and cheered each team on.
In between schmoozing with celebs and our fellow media types, CSM’s Editor-in-Chief Bre Sylvia and I took advantage of Harlem Lanes’ luxe accommodations by hanging out in the plush lounge that’s located on the second floor of the facility, which also boasts a(n) sports bar, arcade, and café. After several minutes, we forced ourselves to abandon our seats in the lounge, and made our way downstairs where the atmosphere was just as lively, and the camaraderie between competitors could be felt in the air. While making the scene on the lower lever, I spotted J. Alexander Martin, vice president and owner of FUBU, who also had a team in the tournament. Seizing the opportunity to get the inside scoop, I approached him and inquired into the status of the FUBU line (look for big things from FUBU, now called FB Legacy, in September of this year). Since it was a night of fundraising and merriment, I decided against digging any deeper, as was also the case whenever I approached any of the notables in attendance.
By the end of the night, the Sean “Diddy” Combs owned Sean John clothing line, led by team captain Byron Kirkland (Sean John’s Director of Marketing), emerged victorious in the tournament, with a portion of the proceeds from the night’s festivities going to Daddy’s House Social Programs Inc., a not-for-profit corporation for urban youth. Overall, it was a great night for a great cause…here’s looking at next year’s tournament…
As always, you can check out pictures from the event below…
You are cordially invited
Three things you should know about Enyia:
She’s straightforward, she’s determined, and she’s an aspiring Buddhist? Maybe not a buddhist, but if you’re lucky enough to, at least, have her as a Facebook friend, then you are very familiar with her daily affirmations of growth and triumph. Enyia has a million and one powerful, yet consolidated one liners that shed light on the businesswoman, the friend, the leader, the daughter, the sister, and the peer that she is.
Imagine yourself residing in a one bedroom loft large enough to fit, at the most, 220 of your closest friends. In which, you decide this Monday night, you want some company. You provide them with the best view of Glenwood Ave, 3-D almost. You have just enough lighting. You have hookahs. That’s right, hookahs. You have beautiful furniture. You have flat screens. You went green and benefitted from Obama’s solar energy tax credit because you’re futuristic, of course. You have a selective quality of liquid spirits. You have the atmosphere. Yes, at the iLounge Bar, you have it all. Its aesthetically alluring. The architecture is so detailed and particular. Its sexy and intimate without the female persuasion. With all the sexual synergy manifesting throughout the walk way of iLounge, all you need is the music.
That’s where DJ Fahrenheit comes into play. The music selection is eclectic and mature. Something funky, yet relaxing to match your glass of Hennessy Black and your hookah smoke. However, at 11:15 p.m., the tone changes and Perfect Dissonance tests your stamina with a rendition of Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man.” Out of nowhere, Vanessa Chisolm taps, taps, taps to Muddy in your face, his face, her face. Her hands, legs, feet, and locs are all over the place. You didn’t k now she had all that talent, did you? No worries, her brother, Abyss shows you they “get it from they momma.” As Abyss motions Perfect Dissonance to change the tempo, Trav Wright promptly takes his position to assist Abyss with the vocals. And then you hear Rihanna’s “Go Hard.” Live. No Autotune. Just Abyss, introducing those, that will be making your body rock for the rest of the evening. A 15 year old drummer controlling the head nods, as the other musicians play their position. Finally, you hear Abyss.
The
first song Abyss “spits” on is Kanye West’s “So Amazing,” live…you already know. Fourteen years ago, Abyss started this journey into music. An accident that took the lives of three of the most important women in his life, Abyss turned tragedy into triumph as he mentions in song ”Keep God first, that’s always the policy.” So Amazing. Abyss is a true lyricist. The first poet to be on 106 and Park, the first poet Prince has ever placed on his cd. Not only does he have lyrical skills but he, also, plays the guitar, the trumpet, the piano, the harmonica. Abyss is not a microphone hogging brother, which is why you are able to get the full effect of his right hand man, Trav Wright.
After performing with Abyss, Trav takes center stage and performs his hit, “Find a Good Woman.” Trav wants you to go there with him, so he takes you. Trav becomes so moved by the emotional expressions the song invokes that he ends up on top of the all white ‘leather so soft’ couch. You consider if its necessary to give him the same look Charlie Murphy gave Rick James in the infamous “F*** Your Couch” skit on the Chappelle Show. After Trav pours out his heart, two young brothers, Chris and Rashod of Perfect Dissonance, ‘wow’ you and the crowd with their energy and synchronizing melodies. They invite up a young lady to sing along on “Straight, No chaser,” leaving you wondering if that’s the chick from the “Morris Brown” video. But it isn’t. It’s Shante Lewis, with a voice as beautiful as she is. The night turned out well, you think to yourself. But, the iLounge is still a private venue, so consider yourself lucky if your Monday night fantasy came true.
Scene at DBS Sounds on Record Store Day in Atlanta
“ We may not be in the same room, but we’re under the same roof.” Mentioned, as a reference to his 24 yr. marriage to wife Bridgett Benito, Tobago Benito’s summation of partnership captures the essence of National Record Store Day. Just by clicking on his DBS Sounds FB (that’s Face Book, for you dinosaurs) profile, it can be seen how much Brother Benito has prepared for this event. Yet, the success of National Record Store Day could’ve been marketed on a page in ‘Virtual Publicist for Dummies.’ The consistent twitter updates reminded everyone in the music industry, as well as its consumers, of the pivotal role independent music stores play in bridging ground up, networking gaps that the digital social networking industry can miss at times. But, we still love Al Gore for inventing the internet. Artists, Producers, Managers, DJs, Photographers, Videographers, Record Label CEOs, Consumers, and kids that missed cheerleading practice( child rapper/actress/model Lil Jazzy, who performed her song, “The Boss”) all came out to support this major event, marking DBS Sounds as a main pillar in south Atlanta’s music community.
Tobago Benito and Trea Day
For National Record Store Day, DBS Sounds is reminiscent of communal hang out spots, in all chocolate cities, that held communal events in the name of social and political activism. From 10 am to 9 pm, Brother Benito slapped fives and embraced hugs from the likes of Jody Breeze, DJ Goldfinger, DJ Jomad, Photographer Riley of Pebble Beach Studios, Playaz Circle, Kokane, Trea Day, Dem Get Away Boyz, Mr. Collipark, Maceo, Ms. Chee, Da Syndicate, G.M.M.$, Bravo Young, Maff Test, DJ Judgemental, and Hurricane of Big Cat Records. Rasheeda, initially coming through to show some love, broke out into an impromptu performance of her hit, “My Bubble Gum” mesmerizing the crowd. The artists mentioned are nowhere NEAR inclusive of everyone who showed up to support National Record Store Day. DBS Sounds inspired that old, early 1900’s Auburn Avenue Atlanta (before the riots), where celebrity status did not separate the people. We ate together, jammed together, talked together, danced together, laughed together, reminisced together, and mourned together. All ages, from newborn to elder status, came through to support the multitude of artists and DBS Sounds. Even the Radio Shack workers used their lunch break to check out the scene. People from the gym, located next door to DBS Sounds, slid through to support, or maybe they were just showing how prepared they were to break hearts this summer. Whatever one’s vice was for coming out, many took that opportunity and not one Facebook status will claim that it WASN’T worth it. What a peaceful, enjoyable, and positive event that never exploited this weekend’s “Freaknik” marketing ploy to tease people into showing up…Just the pure love of music and people. Peace to DBS Sounds for a wonderful event.
On Tuesday night, the National Museum of Hip-Hop (NMOHH) hosted its “Hip-Hop Immortal” event at NYC’s Pink Elephant. According to its website, “the Museum plans to acquire land at 149th Street and River Avenue in the Bronx; the purpose of which is to provide space for a museum, a hall of fame facility, galleries, public parks, offices, workshops and more, offering great flexibility for facility planners.” I’m all for establishing a venue where we, who live this culture, can recognize the individuals who made this culture what it is, so my attendance was a no-brainer.
When I arrived at Pink Elephant, the event had not yet begun, and the museum’s PR team was a little behind checking in press. Nevertheless, once we were allowed inside, all was forgotten thanks to the DJ who dedicated the evening to spinning only real hip-hop. After making myself comfortable at one of the club’s tables, I began taking note of the industry luminaries in attendance, including actresses Phyllis Yvonne Stickney of New Jack City and Jungle Fever fame, and Bern Nadette Stanis, best known for her role as Thelma on Good Times. Hip-hop legends Raheim of the Furious Five, Dana Dane, KRS-1, Chuck D, and Wonder Mike of the Sugarhill Gang also made the scene, while I was busy saving a seat for Ice-T and Coco in the roped off VIP area. When they finally arrived, I noticed Ras Kass was with them, and I quickly introduced myself; he being based on the West Coast, I was a little surprised to run into him hanging out in NYC. Introduction out of the way, I sat back and enjoyed the impromptu performance from Jeru the Damaja and set from the legendary DJ Premier on the 1s and 2s (the first thing he did when he got on the mic was shout out his former Gang Starr partner, Guru…damn a MC Solar, LOL!!!).
Although I enjoyed myself at the event, the museum is wrought with controversy. In addition to the legal issues the National Museum of Hip-Hop (NMOHH) have encountered with another organization called the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum Foundation, several hip-hop pioneers, including my good friend Grandmaster Caz, have publicly disclaimed any relationship with the NMOHH. Despite their names being listed in the press material that was released prior to Tuesday night’s event, Caz and the rest of the Cold Crush Brothers, Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, and several others are boycotting anything related to the museum. Apparently, the people behind the project are not interested in having any direct involvement from the pioneers, but I’m going to go deeper into that subject in a future post. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures I managed to snap…stay tuned…
Last night turned out to be a success for Tiny, Toya, and T.I. In the midst of taping BET’s #1 rated reality show, Tiny and her long time boyfriend T.I. put on a Alzheimer’s Awareness/ fundraiser. I can’t lie I was a little irritated at first because the 3:30pm show turned out to be the 6pm show.
The show kicked off around six with the introduction of the host for the night. The host was none other than the star of the show Toya. The show kicked off with a performance by _____ including Tiny’s father who as you know has been suffering with Alzheimer’s and her brother. Up next was a rising star by the name of QT. This not was my first time seeing her. If you remember a prior article I wrote during this season of the Tiny and Toya show, then you will remember me naming her one of my favorite teen performers of the night. The show continued to unfold with artists like Shun Hendrix, Nu Nu, and B.O.B of Grand Hustle, Jahiem, Pleasure P and Kandi. Tiny’s own artists, the OMG Girlz performed as well with a remix of their first single featuring Lil Chuckie of Young Money.
The night ended with a small speech given by both T.I. and Tiny. During the speech they asked two reps from the Alzheimer Foundation. After a few words from them expressing their appreciation, they were presented by the couple with a $10,000 check. T
The night was truly a family affair for T.I., Tiny, and Toya. Family from all sides came in support of the event. The night was almost over but there was one last surprise and it would be from T.I. to Tiny. The crowd could not be contained as they ran outside to see the brand new black Porsche that T.I. presented to Tiny. With the time that had been against them for the past year, I cannot think of a better way to close such a family filled event.
Whether I was dealing with my Sinuses, or partying at the Raekwon, Ghostface, and Method Man hosted party for Capone-N-Noreaga celebrating the duo’s mergence with Raekwon’s Ice H20 Record label, yesterday was a full one for me, but I’m sure you don’t want to hear about my nasal issues, so let’s bypass the events of the first half of the day to talk about the good stuff.
To start off the evening, my college pal Mel O. and I hit up Dallas BBQs, which ended up being a big mistake. After filling up on ribs and shrimp, the –itis immediately kicked in, and we began to rethink our plans for the night (in other words, I was about to head home to get in my bed, LOL!!!). Fortunately, Mel had a little bit more energy than I did, which provided us with the boost we needed to follow through with our original plan. After paying our waiter and exchanging pleasantries with the gay gentlemen sitting next to us (LOVE THEM!!!), Mel and I made our way to Club Imperial where the party was held.
When we arrived, there was a line already, but being in the media game has its advantages, as the two of us were put in a separate line where we were checked off the list and allowed into the club, but not before two hood chicks got into a fight on the back of the other line. Childddd, it took at least 3 bouncers to restrain one of them…it must be the water in the projects because those hood chicks are brolic, LOL!!!
Once we got inside the club, the crowd was kind of thin, and none of the special guests had arrived, but Mel and I easily kept ourselves entertained by dancing and reminiscing to the 90s era music the DJ was playing, including music from 702, Faith Evans, Soul for Real, and Horace Brown.
Eventually, we made our way to the back of the club where we found a couple of chairs to sit on while we took in the scene. Quick side note, what is up with chicks wearing shirts as dresses without tights or leggings underneath??? One wrong move and you birds are assed out, literally!!! As Mel and I discussed that same issue, an entourage of people walked through the door led by Ghostface. Over the years, I’ve met every member of the Wu at various events with the exception of Ghostface, so I’ll admit, I was a little excited to finally cross paths with him. Before chaos erupted, I approached him and mentioned my line of work, and he allowed me to snap a picture, but not before he had to tell this dude to back up a little because he was being a male groupie!!!
Ghost’s arrival triggered a domino effect, as I spotted both Rae and Method Man in the crowd soon after. Now look, I’m so not a photographer…I can write about an event (or anything else for that matter), but photography is not my lane. Luckily, getting great photos is a passion of Mel’s, and she approaches it with a fervor like I’ve never seen, especially when she realized Method Man was standing a mere few feet away. Childdd, she went in like she was getting a check at the end of the night – the paparazzi in Hollywood ain’t got nothing on her, LOL!!!
The rest of the night was spent exchanging small talk with all the MCs that were present, including Capone-N-Noreaga, who I felt were slightly overshadowed by their Wu hosts (I don’t even remember a CNN song being played, but as the alcohol flowed and the marijuana smoke filled the club, songs from various members of the Wu could be heard wafting from the speakers throughout the night). More than a few funny moments occurred during the party, including a disheveled Raekwon looking as if he’d spent the last 48 hours doing nothing but smoke weed and drink, and my falling over a step only to be caught by a guy who looked as if he would fit in perfectly with the cast of Jersey Shore, but perhaps the funniest moment occurred when Mel was getting her paparazzi on with Noreaga. While we were standing on the stage, I noticed Nore standing directly in front of us, but before Mel was able to snap his picture, he playfully admonished her by grabbing the camera and saying, “You suppose to ask ma.” Then he sweetly pulls her to his side so they could take the picture together.
Feeling extremely hyped but a little fatigued, Mel and I decided to call it a night. On the way over to claim our coats from coat check, I noticed Capone grinding on some girl’s booty. Wanting to get pictures of all the MCs in attendance for this write up, I pulled him off her (“Don’t mean to interrupt, but..” LOL!!!) to snap the last picture of the night. Fortunately for me, he thought the whole thing was pretty funny.
Overall, it was yet another great party. I hope Capone and Nore experience much success with their new situation at Rae’s label, and don’t forget to get The War Report 2 when it’s released later this year. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures from the event that I’ve posted below…
On February 22nd, Bet’s will be taping live for Season 2 of the Tiny and Toya show. During this live taping, Tiny and Toya will be putting on a Alzheimer’s Awareness/ Fundraiser. As you know Tiny’s father suffers from Alzheimer’s as well as many other people around the world. I think that this is a great cause that goes unmentioned in our community. CSM will be there to for this event and I will be keeping you posted on this event and more.
