Semillas De La Paz
Roughly 2.5 million people call the El Paso/ Ciudad Juárez border their home. Every day people from Juárez come across the border to go to school and work. People who live state-side may have family back in Juárez. Some-how, everything seems to be connected. There is a lot of history and culture… a lot of life. Statistically El Paso is one of the safest cities in the United States. Ciudad Juárez has been publicly recognized as the most dangerous city in North America. The level of corruption and violence surrounding the drug war, politics and social issues are almost indescribable. Over 28,000 people have died in drug related violence. This year alone there has already been over 1,700. If you turn on the TV or search the web, all you see is tragedy.
A few months ago I had a conversation with a new friend about creating something reflecting the people and the social issues surrounding the El Paso and Ciudad Juárez borderland. We wanted to bring people together to raise awareness of the other side of things. We wanted people to see the beauty and inspiration within the people here and how they could affect the world around them by simply realizing that there is another side to things. Or at least kinda of remind them. People seemed to relate to the idea.
The images and video featured in this article document a series of events involving many people from both sides of the border that spawned from the conversation over a period of several months; including a photo-journalist journey into Juárez and community protest walk, as well as a short documentary creative film project featuring a collaboration of local artists.
This past Saturday, we invited the community to come out to join us to celebrate life, reflect on the idea that creativity and expression can change the way we see the world that surrounds us and to bring peace. The event, “Semilla De La Paz” featured the artwork of Cimi and Victor Casas, as well as a collaborative piece created by local artists, and raise money for Hands of Love and Hope, a charity in Juárez dedicated to providing food and shelter to area orphans. There was some amazing art, music, and people.
*Featured artists:
Arturo Arce
Fernie “GFX” Fernandez
Werc
Gera Lozano
Frank Rosales
Luis House
Shedrick Allen
A lot of people have been involved with “Semillas De La Paz” in some way or another. This wouldn’t have been possible without them. I’d like to give a special thanks to everybody at the San Carlos Building (especially Koi Studio Productions and The Root Yoga Studio), Arturo and Ellisa Arce (Hellpaso), Celisse Villagrana, EP Culture Beat, everybody involved in The Green Beans Project, Sons of Villa, Rafa Pistola and The Immigrant Noise, Christina Velia Gurrola. Not to mention, Sonic Ranch Studios, L&P Scientific Consulting, Klothes Lime Fashion who sponsored the movement. Thank you to anyone that I’ve missed. If you do not have an understanding of the issues surrounding the violence in Juarez and the rest of Mexico, please take a moment to search Google. There is a good amount of information out there.
Here’s a link to the images surrounding “Semillas De La Paz” contributed by Bianca Cerventes, Joseph Lozano & Rob Leal:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lafamigliamagazine/sets/72157624721593113/
Mr. Unek (CBS) – Born and Raised
Some of the most inspirational experiences over the years have been the moments in time that I find myself in places I’ve never been, and had a little time to take a moment and soak it in. Meeting new people and realizing how many of us there really are. Since I’ve been spending some time in the Southwest, I’ve really enjoyed the unique & diverse styles and the energy of the people.
A little ways back I posted some pics from the “BREAK YO’SELF” Paint Session in El Paso, TX., roughly 60 artists from all through-out the Southwest including L.A. based artist Cre8 – (RTN, WCA, LTS) and artists from CBS & C4P crews. I had a chance to meet Alberquerque-based graffiti artist and photographer Unek (CBS) for the first time face-to-face. Over the past few months, we’ve kept in touch and took some time to talk about his work and experiences.
La Famiglia – Could you give us a little background and introduction?
Unek – My name is Mr. Unek, I was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation in the Four Corners of New Mexico. I remained there until I graduated in 1998 and have spent the remainder of my time in Central New Mexico.
I got into graffiti when I was a freshman in High School. I didn’t start counting till the day I actually picked up a spray can to paint, but I was in the 5th grade when I got interested in graffiti. When my parents were still together my dad would take us on vacations to make up for the times he wasn’t there. So we would go to LA, San Diego, Tucson, Vancouver BC, Albuquerque, and so on. Graffiti had caught my eye and inspired me to learn this amazing form of art that was just based on letters.
So when I got back home, I would pull out the paper and start drawing what I saw. From then on I started to develop my own style. When I became a freshman in High School my mom bought me some cans of Krylon and that night I went out painted my first piece on the side of the highway on this old beat up trailer. The next morning on the bus I heard the kids talking about my piece. From there on I fell in love with the hype a name can give and letters would create.
Since then, I kept painting and 18 and 1/2 years later I’m painting with some of the best graffiti artists that I looked up as my mentors to getting into the game. I never thought I’d make it this far ever in my life. Every time I meet people like my good friend Pose2 FX, Vyal, Dytch66, SnowFX, Bates, and the MAC I’m still in shock that I got to meet them. Now I’m rolling with one of Cali’s oldest crews, CBS. That to me is a major accomplishment especially a poor Navajo boy, coming from a small town who didn’t give up and kept pushing to something better. I don’t see too many natives ever trying to better themselves, I want to be that example and inspiration to the Navajo people.
La Famiglia – For those that might not be up on things, could you give us a little more background on CBS?
Unek - Cali Bomb Squad – Can’t Be Stopped Family is one of LA’s oldest graffiti crews. I joined up with CBS about a year and a half ago thru my good friend Dytch66. Since him and I became friend’s we started painting a few productions and he would come out here to Albuquerque because of a graffiti event I would help organize and promote called “Bomb the Canvas”. After a few painting sessions in Albuquerque and in LA, Dytch and Anger asked me to become a part of CBS because of the expansion of the crew was being directed worldwide. It was an honor being placed into the crew. I do wear the 3 letter badge proud when I paint and represent myself, and as well as the crew because we Can’t Be Stopped.
La Famiglia – Where did the name “Unek” originate?
Unek – One day I was trying to figure out a name for myself. Something that would best describes me and who I am. I was always the quiet and artsy person that sat alone and drew. So I thought about the name Unique, but that was too long to write. So I played with the name a bit and came up with Uneek, but that didn’t look appealing, so it just became Unek. I thought that name best suited me as an individual. It became my life. So i sat and sat thought about what this name means to me. That’s how I came up with U.N.E.K. now when i do all my work “Unek” is what I use.
U. N. E. K. (Universal . Native . Endigious . Kaptivator)
Universal- Computer Graphics, Fine Arts, Body Art, Photography and Graffiti.
Native- Just being a Native American (Navajo) my culture. Not forgetting where I come from and how hard it was to get where I am today.
Endigious- Using my surroundings, originality, emotions and pain to show my creativity.
Kaptivator- Using the tools, mediums, style, color schemes, uniqueness, imagination to capture my audience and society to see inside my world.
La Famiglia – How would you describe the influences and styles in your work?
Unek – My influences come from studying tattoos and pin stripers. I got into Pin Striping in High School and loved the a freedom of the flow it has. I mimicked that technique in my graffiti. The sharp look has the tribal effect – which turns into what I call the “Razor Phase.” The style of lettering I’m more known for is the “Razor”. It’s formed of sharp points like a razor and has crazy wild style lettering. This style was formed from pass experiences in life and all that I’ve been through. Sometimes life can hurt like needles and razors. If you let it get to you, it can take you down. This expression is a way to protect myself to show that I can’t be stopped in life.
The other style developed is the 3D form what I called the “Technical” phase. This style of letters I use to challenge myself. It’s much more advance with color schemes, shading, realism, and more technical physics. Today I’ve merged the two styles together, which is known as the “Rebirth.” It’s a way to redevelop myself as a artist and as a individual in a new way.
La Famiglia – Who are some of your favorite graffiti artists and why?
Unek – My favorite current artists today are still my friends like Vyal, Dytch66, Woier, OG Gill, Pose2, SnowFX, Hex, Codak and I can keep going down the list but I will always look up to them. Everyday their work amazes me. I may be up there with them but them’ cats will always be a step ahead of me. I’m just glad that I worked hard enough and stayed in the game long enough to have the privilege to meet them and get to know them.
They influenced me thru styles and skill that I can’t find here in New Mexico. So traveling a lot, I am able to bring back new techniques like blends, colors, style and knowledge. They just make me a better writer. Dytch took my 3d to a whole new level when I paint with him. I like to thank him for it and my boy Woier who has a cutting edge style like mine. So I thank everyone who I’ve met.
La Famiglia – What inspires you as a photographer?
Unek – This is my view from graffiti to model photography. I light the model the way I sculpt my 3d letters, Perfecting the highlights and shadows as I adjust my light. When she poses, I bend, position and mold her like my letters. You can twist, shape, flow and exaggerate just like graffiti a letter . Taking a simple letter/model and making it into a beautiful form of an amazing masterpiece. That’s my inspiration for photography. I always refer back to graffiti with everything I do.
I have other photographers that I like to study such as Joel Grimes and Richard Reinsdorf. They both have amazing styles and lighting that I admire. The other good resource for photographers is Flickr. People don’t know how powerful that site is till they actually sit down and see what it has to offer photography and model wise.
La Famiglia – How you feel you’ve evolved as an artist and what were some of the major transitions in the evolution of things?
Unek – Over the years of being an artist, I’ve developed many styles. Based on what my life was like around that time. Every year it changes as I meet many other artists out there across the country. It’s amazing seeing what other people can create and see thru their eyes of what art is. I feed off their vibes and creativity to better myself. Just like a MC or music artists they will read books, newspapers and magazines to see what’s evolving around the world in news to get that inspiration.
After getting caught with graffiti I took a change in wanting to help others get started. Being a leader in giving back to those in the art and photography field who don’t know where to start. Which is something I didn’t have, I learned the hard way by just jumping in and see where it takes me. I guess the best way of learning, is learning the hard way. Right now my friend Lauren and I started up a project/business called Elaborate Collaborate. It’s the same concept of helping others from fashion designers, make-up artists, photographers, and hair-stylist get started in the field that don’t know where to go.
They build up their portfolios and network by attending our workshop meet and greets. Sometimes I do speeches to the youth in directing them in the right direction. Telling them about my background where I come from. Showing them that you can turn a negative into a positive to better themselves. So guiding others has been the evolution to my life and I’m loving it. Knowing that I inspire others to begin somewhere.
La Famiglia – What have been your greatest struggles as an artist?
Unek – My greatest struggle of being a artist is to keep getting myself out there. It’s a lot of hard work. I learned that it all takes time and years. In time and patience things will evolve. There’s been times I almost gave up on my art life because of the struggles of having no money and no one is buying my work. The hardest part is everyone wants something for free. They don’t understand the craftsmanship and time it took an artist to create that. I get upset a lot of the time and try to explain to a non-artist about that.
La Famiglia – Outside of art, what inspires you?
Unek – Outside of my art life, Mountain climbing and my family is my inspiration. Mountain climbing is what keeps me going… Life is like mountain climbing. You start out at the bottom. Working your way up it gets harder, but you can start to see everything. You want to give up at times, but you can see the top and see how beautiful things are. Once you reached the top it’s rewarding. It’s the best feeling you can ever have, because you made it through life’s challenges and it makes you stronger. Life just doesn’t end there. There will always be higher peaks and bigger challenges to go through.
The best way to put this is I push myself as far as I can get, I don’t’ give up when things get hard or gets in my way. I taught myself there are always other ways around it. In the end it’s very rewarding. I always keep those thoughts in my head when I need inspirations to life. Also my mom is my greatest inspiration, seeing what she has gone thru to make a life for my sister, brothers and I with no father around. She’s the mom and father all in one. I give her my biggest love that she showed me that it’s a lot of hard work and that anything can be done.
La Famiglia – What would you like to do in the future that you haven’t had a chance to?
Unek – There’s a lot of stuff I want to do. I want to travel overseas to paint with some of the Euro writers and to also show them my cultural background of being Native American.
La Famiglia – Any last words?
Unek – My last words to people is, don’t give up on a dream. If you have dreams peruse it. Only you can stop yourself from going forward to a brighter future. It’s a lot of hard work but in the end it’s all worth the effort. I started from a poor family with nothing on the Navajo Reservation to someone.
Mr. Unek CBS World Wide Family
Check out Unek on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unek_505
Kuniva – Midwest Marauders Mixtape
08-kuniva-night_people_(feat._marv_won)-hif.mp3
D 12′s own Kuniva is back, and just dropped this Midwest Marauders Mixtape. If you take a good look you’ll see that Detroit Hip-hop is clearly represented in the artwork. There’s no need to sleep on this drop. Download it. Share it.
Download Link:
Download Kuniva’s – Midwest Marauders – Click Here
Via: Paul Rosenberg
Shouts out to Whatupdoe.com
Bob Marley feat. Guru ~ Johnny Was (Remix)
Bob Marley ft. Guru - Johnny Was (Remix)
7 Grand Records once again pays homage to one of the greatest emcees who ever graced the game, GURU. This time around, you have the chance to listen to an outstanding and very rare remix from GURU and Bob Marley .
In 1999, GURU was asked to record a remix to Marley’s hit song “Johnny Was”, which was originally released in 1976 on Marley’s album “Rastaman Vibration”. GURU’s version was featured on “Chant Down Babylon” (1999), a full remix album by various Hip-Hop and Rock artists covering songs by Bob Marley & The Wailers.
“GURU was asked by the younger Marleys to record the remix song for ‘Johnny Was’ from their legendary father, Bob Marley, in 1999. GURU had never done anything of that sort in his career but he had tremendous respect for Bob Marley as a historic Black man,” 7 Grand Records reminds.
“GURU felt honored to be involved in the project so GURU flew to Kingston, Jamaica and met the Marley family at their compound in the city. After greeting and engaging in traditional rituals, everyone was well inspired. GURU recorded his part for ‘Johnny Was’ and felt it was a high point of his career and one of his most favorite works.”
Almost 10 years later, in 2007, GURU linked up with Damien Marley, Bob Marley’s son, also an aspiring and extremely talented musician. Both collaborated on the song “Stand Up”, which was featured on GURU’s “Jazzmatazz Vol. 4″ (2007) project
“GURU came back to Jamaica in 2006 to record a collabo with Damien Marley titled ‘Stand Up’ for the ‘Jazzmatazz Vol. 4′ album. When we gave Damien the
track, we were not sure what his response would be but he killed it. GURU was blown away at the skills of Damien on the vocals he delivered and the rest is history. GURU has often said that it was a blessing to work with the Marley family.”
Links:
Interview: Rammellzee ~ The Biginnings and Evolution
As most heads have already heard, Rammellzee has passed away. According to his wife, Carmela Zagari Rammellzee, he passed away from a long illness. Today we received a email from Uncommon Records, a small non-related independent label including a podcast of an old interview with Rammellzee from a few years ago. Even though many blogs and sites around the world have already posted information about this tragic loss we thought that this interview was worth sharing. This interview touched base on the beginnings of hip-hop, the evolution of his career and played a bunch of his music including some stuff that was not released at the time. He also dropped a super abstract freestyle at the end of the show.
The tracks featured are:
1. Beat Bop (Original Version) feat. K-Rob {End portion}
2. New Meaning (Japanese Import)
3. Jamming Zabar (Bi-Connicals of The Rammellzee)
4. Quack (Bi Connicals of The Rammellzee)
5. Caution (Unreleased, from Bill Laswell project features Buckethead on Gtr)
6. This Was My School Bag (Unreleased from forthcoming “Gothic Futurism” LP)
Rammellzee, pronounced “Ram: Ell: Zee” was a visual artist, graffiti writer, performance artist, rap/hip-hop musician, art theoretician and sculptor from New York. Rammellzee’s graffiti and art work are based on his theory of Gothic Futurism, which describes the battle between letters and their symbolic warfare against any standardizations enforced by the rules of the alphabet. Rammellzee first became known in graffiti circles in the late 1970s for hitting the A train and other lines around Queens with his signature spiky lettering.
Rammellzee was also instrumental as one of the original hip hop artists from the New York area who introduced specific vocal styles which date back to the early 1980s. His influence can still be heard in contemporary artists such as The Beastie Boys and Cypress Hill. Over the years he worked with a wide range of artists outside of the hip-hop industry such as Buckethead, NIN, Iggy Pop, and Bootsy Collins.
Please take a listen to the interview. Do some research if you’re not familiar with what he is talking about. R.I.P.
LEGENDARY REGGAE BAND THE WAILERS ANNOUNCE NEW SONG ~ ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT UNITED NATIONS’ WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME
Legendary reggae group The Wailers, are pleased to announce the inclusion of an exclusive new track, “A Step for Mankind,” recorded in Jamaica specifically for Oniric Records’ Solution for Dreamers: Season 3, and is set for release on July 1, 2010. The Wailers have been supporting the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) efforts to eradicate hunger throughout the world, and they specifically focus on Ethiopia.
“A Step for Mankind,” written by singer-songwriter Duane Stephenson, is a call for world unity and strength to support the ongoing struggle against world hunger. Stephenson, a songwriter renowned for his portrayal of love, culture and spirituality, is recognized for many incredible reggae songs, most notably for his work on Jah Cure’s reggae anthem “True Reflections.” The band is joined on the track by new lead singer Koolant, a fresh talent from the heart of St. Thomas known for blazing a positive future for reggae music with his work, which has already spawned hits such as “Rat Race.” Graced by the Wailers’ singular groove, “A Step for Mankind” is a small taste of more music forthcoming from the Wailers, who recently entered the studio in Jamaica to begin work on an album of all-new material. Duane will also be going out on the road performing on select dates with the band as well as helping spread the word about hunger in the world.
All proceeds will benefit the World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide. A United Nations institution, the WFP is committed to getting food where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in 70 countries.
In honor of the WFP’s noble cause, Oniric Records created Solutions for Dreamers: Season 3. The label, founded in 2005, is an independent company dedicated to the promotion of artists who advocate social and environmental change through their music. The “Solutions for Dreamers” series was created to raise awareness and funds for non-profit partners of Oniric Records, such as environmental group Heal the Ocean.
Formed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, The Wailers have gone on to become the most successful reggae band of all time, selling 250 million albums, and playing live to an estimated 24 million people worldwide. The Wailers’ leader and musical director Aston “Familyman” Barrett, helped forge the template for reggae with his booming, thunderous bass patterns. But more than just a bass player, Family Man was also the right-hand man of former band leader Bob Marley. He also played a large part in arranging Marley’s songs and co-produced a number of the late icon’s albums.
The band continues their relentless touring schedule bringing their message of peace and “one love” to their audiences worldwide.
This year Familyman celebrates 40 years as a Wailer clearly embodying what Marley once said, “My music will go on forever. Maybe it’s a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever.” Get your reggae groove on and catch one of these dates and help support the Wailers in their efforts to eradicate world hunger.
Wailers US Tour Dates:
Friday, June 18 - Greensboro, NC – N Club
Saturday, June 19 - Atlanta, GA – 2010 Midsummer Music Fest
Sunday, June 20 – Memphis, TN –Newbys
Tuesday, June 22 – Covington, KT – Radiodown
Wednesday, June 23 – Grand Rapids, MI –The Intersection
Thursday, June 24 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
Friday, June 25 – Apple Valley, MN – Weesner Amphitheater
Saturday, June 26 – Chicago, IL – Green Music Fest
Sunday, June 27 – Bloomington, IN – Bluebird
Wednesday, June 30 – Council Bluffs, IA – Whiskey Road House, Horseshoe Casino
Thursday, July 1 – Des Moines, IA – Simon Estes Amphitheater
Friday, July 2 – San Rafael, CA – Marin County Fair
Saturday, July 3 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater
Tuesday, July 6 – Seattle, WA – Neumo’s
Wednesday, July 7 – Portland, OR– Crystal Ballroom
Thursday, July 8 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Friday, July 9- Inglewood, CA – Hollywood Park
Saturday, July 10 – Las Vegas, NV– Mandalay Bay Beach
Sunday, July 11 – San Diego, CA – Soundwave
Thursday, July 15 - Madrid, Spain – Veranos De La Villa
Friday, July 16 – Barcelona, Spain – Cruilla De Cultures @ Parc Del Forum
Sunday, July 18 – Alicante, Spain – Nave 8
Monday, July 19 Valencia Spain – Jardines de Viveros
Thursday, July 22 – Firenze, Italy – Fortezza de Basso
Friday, July 23 – Genova, Italy – Villa Serra Breakout Festival w/ The Skatalites
Saturday, July 24 – Simaxis, Italy – Campo Sportivo Comunale
Thursday, August 5 – Hyeres, France – Festival de Toulon
Friday, August 6 – Beauly, Scotland – Belladrum Estate
Saturday, August 7 - Aveiro, France – Barro Beach
Sunday, August 8 – Odemira, Portugal – Festival TMN Sudoeste w/ David Guetta, Steel Pulse & more
Tuesday, August 10 – Budapest, Hungary – Sziget Festival w/ The Aggrolites, The Skatalites, & more
Wednesday, August 11- Gijon, Spain – Gijon Festivities
Friday, August 13 – Chichester, UK – Vintage @ Goodwood
Saturday, August 14 – Pontevedra, Spain – San Sebastian Festivities
Sunday, August 15 - Aschaffenburg, Germany – Afrika Karibik Festival
Monday, August 16 – San Sebastian, Spain – San Sebastian Festivities
Friday, August 20 – Ottery Saint Mary, England – Beautiful Days Festival
Saturday, August 21 – Bedford, UK – Rhythm Festival w/ Donovan, & more
Saturday, August 28 - Aspatria, England – Solfest
Sunday, August 29 – Ubersee, Germany – Chiemsee Reggae Summer festival
Thursday, September 9 - Bucharest, Romania – Sala Palatului
Links:
Twitter: @wailers
BP Your Heart is Black!
The song “Top Kill” and the accompanying protest video against British Petroleum is a project by New York City musicians and film-makers (www.bpyourheartisblack.com). It is dedicated to humanity’s endless struggle to overcome mass insanity, and to the global community victimized by the greatest act of theft in recorded history.
Planned as a performance art piece by New York’s blues-rock band Electric Black, the Flash Protest at the BP station on Houston and Lafayette on May 28th turned out to be the largest of its kind. Earlier that week the band, joining forces with activist group CodePink, took the streets with 7000 flyers. With no time to procure a protest permit, a few mobilized many.
“We organized this protest with the intention of creating a multimedia performance piece aimed to fan the fires of outrage against BP, TransOcean, and Halliburton, and so spread consciousness about this abomination,” says organizer and lead singer of Electric Black Johnny B. With the support of accomplished film-makers and artists such as Shoja Azari, Nariman Hamid, and Tommy Mokas, a powerful protest video was turned around in 48 hours.
The works vent our frustration and encourages others to do so as well. Though the feeling amongst most people seems to be of a helpless paralysis, such attitudes are counterproductive in the effort to punish the companies responsible, and attempt to prevent future acts of catastrophic negligence.
Banksy ~ “Preserved” or “Stolen” ~ Live Discussion
In case you are not familiar with the artist or his work, here is a brief overview. Some people might say that Banksy has become one of the most successful street artists to date. His work has always primarily provoked thoughts touching on such topics as politics, culture, and ethics. Most of his creative work has been stencil and graffiti based artwork. He has never sold or supported the idea of photographs of his street art being sold. But some of his gallery accessible work in the past has auctioned of and sold for over £100,000 (roughly $140,000).
As Banksy fans have noticed, the British street artist recently visited Detroit to promote is latest film project, “Exit Through The Gift Shop,” and ventured out to explore and leave his mark. One of Bansky’s recent works, “I remember when all this was trees,” was found in in the ruins of the old Packard Plant. The Packard Plant was built in the late 1800’s and has been closed and abandoned since the late 1950’s. The plant is the largest abandoned building in North America and covers a 35 acre piece of land on East Grand Boulevard.
Well, here is the controversial issue that has created intense debate. About a week ago 555 Gallery removed the 7-by-8-foot, 1,500-pound cinder block wall with a masonry saw and forklift and relocated it to a new location at the foot of the Ambassodor bridge not far from their gallery in Southwest Detroit. They say that their focus was to “preserve” the artwork. We believe that there is no question about it, they stole it. Whether their original plan was to “preserve” it, sell it, or just use it for publicity reasons we feel that the people deserve an explanation and there is nothing that they can do to change the actions that they have taken.
The Craig Fahle Show will be hosting a discussion featuring Carl and Monte of 555 Gallery discussing there reasons for removing Banksy’s work from the Packard plant. Tom Thewes of CPOP Gallery, Matt Eaton, and Travis R. Wright of Metro Times Detroit will also discussing their position on the matter.
This discussion will be broadcasted live on 101.9 FM locally and will also be available streamed live online and eventually available in a podcast. Tune in Tuesday May 18th (tomorrow) at 11:30 a.m EST on 101.9FM and online at www.wdetfm.org. We encourage you to tune in and contribute your thoughts on the issue.
“Banksy does not endorse or profit from the sale of greeting cards, mugs, tshirts,
photo canvases etc. Banksy is not on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter or Gaydar.
Banksy is not represented by any form of commercial art gallery.” – Banksy
Links:
Formula Werks & Scumbag Nation ~ Secret Stash
Formula Werks & Scumbag Nation family are releasing a new Secret Stash tomorrow. The series features designs from artists Jim Mahfood, Jim Koch, Ken Keirns ,The Tree House Press, and Angry Face. Here’s a few of them. To check out all the new designs go to: premiumstash.com.
For more info go to:
http://premiumstash.com
http://www.formulawerks.com
Big Boi (Outkast) Debuting New Single Live From Electric Lady Studios Tonight
Big Boi from Outkast will be debuting his new single from his forthcoming album, “SIR LUCIOUS LEFT FOOT: SON OF CHICO DUSTY,” live on USTREAM from Downtown Manhattan’s legendary Electric Lady Studios.
Tune in to http://www.ustream.tv/bigboi at roughly 8:30pmtonight to watch BIG BOI debut his new single "SHUTTERBUGG"
Big Boi’s USTREAM
http://www.ustream.tv/bigboi
Herbie Hancock – “The Imagine Project”
Herbie Hancock’s “The Imagine Project”, the new CD from multiple Grammy-winning artist and musical pioneer Herbie Hancock, is an unprecedented international recording and film project featuring collaborations between music legend Herbie Hancock and over a dozen superstars from every region of the planet. Utilizing the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility, the musical collaborations combine Hancock’s genre-defying musical vision with the “local” musical identity of cultures from around the world. Additionally, noted Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (“Taxi To The Dark Side”) is serving as one of the film’s producers with veteran music producer Larry Klein serving as one of the album’s producing consultants. “The Imagine Project” is set for release June 22, 2010 via Hancock Records/RED.
Tracks include “The Song Goes On” with Anoushka Shankar (sitarist daughter of Ravi Shankar), Chaka Khan and Wayne Shorter which was recorded in Mumbai, India, along with a stellar group of Indian musicians; “Don’t Give Up,” a duet with guitarist extraordinaire Jeff Beck recorded in London featuring Seal and Pink, “Imagine” with Konono No. l, Jeff Beck, Oumou Sangare and Lionel Louke recorded in Paris and London; “Tamatant Tilay/Exodus” featuring Tinariwen, “Times They Are A Changin’” featuring The Chieftains, Lionel Loueke and Lisa Hannigan recorded in Ireland; “Jackpot” with Dave Matthews and Marcus Miller, “Space Captain” with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, “Mi Tierra” recorded with Latin superstar Juanes in Miami and a track with Brazilian singer-songwriter Céu recorded in São Paulo.
“Music truly is the universal language,” says Hancock, “The Imagine Project” will explore that concept across the globe, uniting a myriad of cultures through song and positive creative expression. My hope is that the music will serve as a metaphor for the actions taken by the inhabitants of this wonderful planet as a call for world harmony on all levels.”
Herbie Hancock’s “The Imagine Project” is the next step in Hancock’s extraordinary ground-breaking career, and builds upon his recent successes and recognition. (2007 Grammy for Album of the Year – “River/The Joni Letters”, Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, multiple award-winning album/film, “Possibilities”, Jazz Chair for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, amongst many others). It is anticipated that “The Imagine Project” will take numerous forms — from traditional album to potential “webisodes”, film/documentary, real-time performances, and special concert touring dates.
Herbie Hancock’s “The Imagine Project” set for released June 22nd
Oddisee – “Kansas Bay (South Central Remix)” Feat. Stik Figa
Oddisee – “Kansas Bay” Feat. Stik Figa
The multi-talented emcee and producer Oddisee is back to the boom-bap with his “Kansas Bay (South Central Remix)”. After finding success with the celebrated Diamond District crew, Oddisee has stepped back out on his own with a new 24-track instrumental album, Traveling Man. Inspired and informed by his journeys to Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, Oddisee has captured the sounds of hip-hop the world over on Traveling Man, out now digitally and available as a limited edition vinyl pressing on February 23rd. The sonic voyage continues with the “Kansas Bay (South Central Remix)” featuring Kansas City native, Stik Figa. The Midwest meets the West Coast in this re-imagining, which finds Stik Figa riding the wave of a beat steeped in G-funk and dripping with bass best suited for a low rider. As Oddisee explains, “Bay Area hip-hop has been popular in Kansas for years, and Stik Figa uses a Too $hort-esque flow to tell the comedic story of an out-of-towner’s unfortunate luck on ‘Kansas Bay’.” Prepare yourself for your sonic travels, and let Oddisee guide you on this aural adventure from the heartland to the left coast and back again.
Links:
Download:
Download “Kansas Bay” Click Here!
Official Site:
www.oddiseemusic.blogspot.com
GOLD:Before Woodstock.Beyond Reality
In 1968, filmmaker Bob Levis led a rag-tag band of dreamers, drop outs and drug-happy darlings into the wilderness to make a movie and emerged a month later with GOLD, a bizarre and beautiful journey into the mind and madness of the late 1960s – one overflowing with fantasies of revolution, recreation and raunchy free love. At once a western, a comedy, a nudie, a drama and a musical – GOLD is a profound potpourri made in the spirit of shaking down square society, while systematically shattering every movie rule in the process. But then the film vanished, lost like the generation from which it came… Until now.
Starring the father of improvisational comedy Del Close (The Untouchables, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), Garry Goodrow (Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, The Hollywood Knights), and fueled by the hard kickin’ sounds of the MC5 and more, GOLD is a tawdry and twisted testament to a time when the world was ready for change, and the counter-culture set out to turn it upside-down.
In the current Hollywood film Pirate Radio (Focus) – the character played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman is based on Ronan O’Rahilly (Radio Caroline) – who produced the movie GOLD and got the MC5 in the movie since he was their tour manager ’70 to ’71.”GOLD: Before WOodstock. Beyond Reality” will be available for distribution in North America on March 23 for the first time ever. A film that has been lost for 40 years.
Georgia & Declaime feat. Black Milk, Kool G Rap, & LMNO
“Heaven or Hell” feat. Black Milk, Kool G Rap & LMNO
Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime (AKA Dudley Perkins) just released a new single from SomeOthaShip, “Heaven Or Hell.” Produced by Georgia Anne Muldrow, the track features Black Milk as well as the legendary Kool G Rap and Long Beach MC LMNO, each personifying one of the many layers between heaven and hell.
Mello Music Group founder and owner Michael Tolle explains, “I wanted to create a track that showed two extreme perspectives – Kool G Rap doing his Gangster/Drug Lord/Pimp thing while Declaime & Georgia did their righteous preacher thing.” He continues, “However, LMNO came with the most positive message out of the bunch. In the middle, Black Milk did his thing to perfection. Thus the ‘Heaven Or Hell’ title.”
To celebrate the February 23rd physical release date for SomeOthaShip, Georgia & Declaime will be performing a handful of shows, in addition to an in-store meet-and-greet at Fat Beats, New York:
February 23rd at Fat Beats, New York – In-Store – 6:00pm – 7:00pm
February 23rd at SOBs in New York City – Doors @ 7:30pm, Show @ 9:00pm
February 24th at Liv in Washington D.C. – Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm
February 25th at The Arts Garage in Philadelphia – Doors @ 8:30pm
Official Site:
http://epistrophikpeachsound.wordpress.com/
MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/dudleyperkins
http://www.myspace.com/georgiaannemuldrow
Label Site:
http://www.myspace.com/mellomusicgroup
SPECIAL VALENTINE GIFT FOR YOUR LOVE
FOOX’s Valentine’s Day themed painting of a heart on top of an x-ray of his own chest. Because of the radiation this is a limited edition piece. I have no idea if there is still any left, but you should check. Each piece comes framed in a backlit box. Rumors have it that FOOX will be doing a July seriers of 8 back x-rays with a spine painted on them.
“i hope i don’t get sick and need any more x-rays, according to my doctor, i am not allowed any more radiation”, says FOOX.
Check out more of FOOXE’s work here:
www.FOOX-U.com
Paid Dues 2010
The “PAID DUES” INDEPENDENT HIP-HOP FESTIVAL presented by MURS 3:16 in association with Guerilla Union (Rock The Bells, Cypress Hill Smoke Out)–will return Saturday, April 3 to the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA for the fifth consecutive year. Named “Independent hip-hop’s premiere festival” by SOHH.COM, the festival supports this genre of music where advanced lyricism, stinging political commentary and quality DJ performances flourish in a seemingly parallel universe.
The 2010 lineup will feature performances from ICE CUBE, MURS & 9TH WONDER, TECH N9NE, RAEKWON, JAY ELECTRONICA, THA DOGG POUND, DILATED PEOPLES, PSYCHO REALM, NECRO, PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, DEL THA FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN, FREEWAY AND JAKE ONE, RANDOM AXE FEATURING SEAN PRICE, GUILTY SIMPSON AND BLACK MILK, R.A. THE RUGGED MAN, STRONG ARM STEADY, SHAPE SHIFTERS, CURREN$Y, DOOMTREE, MAC LETHAL, POTLUCK, AFRO CLASSICS, DOM KENNEDY, HOPIE SPITSHARD, DJ ROWDY A, MC PROTOTYPE PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUESTS: FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP; the event will be hosted by ANGELA YEE & DJ WONDER, DJ VAL THE VANDLE & DUMBFOUNDED.
PRISON INC
Prison Inc., group show exhibition curated by Gregg Stone, featuring a large collection of drawings created by incarcerated artists with letters from the artists. Additionally, Crewest officially opens a new “Featured Artist Room.” This new Featured Artist Room will feature monthly installations by featured artists selected by Crewest. Kicking off inside this new room, Crewest presents “Life Inside” a collaborative installation, directed under Edgar “OSOK” Hoill, featuring the creative works of Adrian Nieto, John Jarasa, Gregg Stone, Juan Sanchez Jr., Salim Assid Jr., Elena Dominguez, David Montes and Rafael Vasquez. Dedicated and inspired by the trying times of prison.
Exhibiting Artists:
Gregg Stone, Edgar “OSOK” Hoill, Kenny McDermott, J. Cheddah, Leno Delgado, William Woods, Klive Hulsey, Martin Bueno, Javier, Penko, Warlock, Oscar Campos, Adrian Nieto, John Jarasa, Juan Sanchez Jr., Salim Assid Jr., Elena Dominguez, David Montes and Rafael Vasquez.
This is exhibition will be open to the public till Feb 27, 2010. For more information check out Crewest, 110 Winston St., Los Angeles, CA
Links:
Supa Dupa Flow
“Supa Dupa Flow”by Draztic feat. 5ill”
This track, Supa Dupa Flow, is off United States of Mind’s (U.S.M.) latest sampler. U.S.M. has gotta be one of my favorite hip-hop collectives rising out of Detroit, hands down no questions asked. This is one of those raw classics you can’t force out. Check ‘em out, don’t sleep on this.
Diamond District – “Who I Be” Remix + European Tour Dates
“Who I Be” – Marco Polo Remix
Last year the DC based hip-hop group Diamond District dropped their debut album, In The Ruff. They stated that the focus was to create a boom-bap album for the DC area but after listening to it a few times you can see why it took the globe by surprise. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, you should. We just received this Marco Polo remix of “Who I Be” and news of a European tour. We were also told that they will be releasing a remix of “Streets Won’t Let Me Chill” by Detroit’s own Apollo Brown. If you don’t know about Apollo Brown, you’re sleeping…. he’s got something most producers in the industry dream only dream about…
European Tour Dates:
Thursday, Feb 11 – Red Cat – Mainz, Germany
Friday, Feb 12th – Blue Funk District – Brussels, Belgium
Saturday, Feb 13th – Skaters Palace – Munster, Germany
Monday, Feb 15th – La Bellevoise – Paris, France
Thursday, Feb 18th – Kapu – Linz, Austria
Friday, Feb 19th – Acrobax – Roma, Italy
Saturday, Feb 20th – Paci Paciana – Bergamo, Italy
Wednesday, Feb 24th – Halleo2 – Heidelberg, Germany
Friday, Feb 26th – Bohannon – Berlin, Germany
Saturday, Feb 27th – Kassablanca – Jena, Germany
Links:
Check out In The Ruff on Itunes
Disco Biscuits’ New Album: Planet Anthem
The Disco Biscuits are getting ready to release their long-awaited new album, Planet Anthem, which will be available March 16th. The album marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band. Since they formed in 1995, the guys created their own movement by fusing the jam band and electronic music scenes. However, their forthcoming release prominently features elements of pop, indie dance, hip hop, and straight up rock music. The Biscuits also collaborated for the first time with multiple producers, songwriters, and outside musicians, including Don Cheegro and Dirty Harry (Ludacris, Chris Brown, Beanie Sigel). The result is an album filled with sing along melodies and infectious beats.
The Biscuits will be hosting their even Bisco Inferno at Red Rocks on May 29th. This year’s lineup will feature Aeroplane, Pnuma Trio, The Crystal Method (DJ Set), Booka Shade, The Glitch Mob and of course 2 sets of the Biscuits. Stay tuned for an announcement regarding the onsale and other shows in Colorado prior Red Rocks.
Disco Biscuits Tour Dates:
2/18 @ Ram’s Head Live, Baltimore, MD
2/19 @ Lupos, Providence, RI
2/20 @ Calvin Theatre, Northampton, MA
2/21 @ Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, NH
3/17 @ Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY
3/18 @ The Egg Center For Performing Arts, Albany, NY
3/19 @ House of Blues, Boston, MA
3/20 @ Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ
3/26 @ Ultra Music Festival, Miami, FL
(w/ Deadmau5, Tiesto, Will.I.Am and others)
4/14 @ Charleston Music Hall, Charleston, SC
4/15 @ Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC
4/16 @ The National, Richmond, VA
4/17 @ The National, Richmond, VA
4/18 @ The NorVa, Norfolk, VA
4/20 @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
4/21 @ The Jefferson Theatre, Charlottesville, VA
4/22 @ The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport, CT
4/23 @ Kirby Center For Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, PA
4/24 @ House of Blues, Atlantic City, NJ
4/25 @ Webster Theatre, Hartford, CT
05/29 @ Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver, CO (Bisco Inferno)
07/15 – 0/17 @ Camp Bisco, Mariaville, New York
For More Info:
www.discobiscuits.com
Alexandre Farto Aka Vhils: Empty Spaces
Alexandre Farto (aka Vhils) is a young artist from Lisbon, Portugal. Vhils is in his mid-twenties by now. His stencil work and street art has been catching the worlds eyes since the early age of 16. Over the years his work has evolved and been showcased in galleries and at festivals around the world.
“Generations meet and fall apart. Cultures are compelled to flow into big cities and gather there, the “Western bastion”, a world of dreamt opportunities that steals our roots, identity layers that overlap and are diluted, certain to create a new culture and to thin our essence, the path we want to follow is the one that leads us towards forgetting the place we came from…”
Links:
www.alexandrefarto.com
Hi-Tek & Talib Kweli : Reunion Mixtape
Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek are back with the RE:Union mixtape, mixed by Statik Selektah ! ! Over the summer on the Rock the Bells Tour these two talked about working on a new album together. We just found this new mixtape floating around the web. Listen and download the full mixtape here.
“Express”
1. Intro
2. Revolutions Per Minute
3. In This World ##
4. Hip-Hop (Unreleased)
5. Back Again ##
6. Wishing On A Black Star
7. Just Begun ft. Jay Electronica, J. Cole, & Mos Def ##
8. Come Around ft. Termanology & Royce da 5’9 (produced by Statik Selektah)
9. Internet Connection 10. Let It Go ft. Dion
11. Testify ft. Styles P
12. Time
13. The Thrill Is Gone ft. Styles P (produced by Statik Selektah)
14. Can We Go Back The Reflection Eternal Classics:
15. Fortified Live ft. Mos Def & Mr Man
16. Chaos ft Bahamadia
17. The Express
18. Respiration ft. Common & Mos Def
19. Definition ft. Mos Def
20. RE:Defininition ft. Mos Def
21. Move Something
22. Ghetto Afterlife ft Kool G Rap
23. The Blast RMX ft. Erykah Badu
24. Good To You (produced by Kanye West)
25. Get By REMIX ft. Jay-Z, Mos Def, Kanye West, & Busta Rhymes (produced by Kanye west)
26. Back Up Offa Me
27. Piano (Hi Tek ft. Ghostface)
28. Music is Life (Hi Tek ft. Nas)
29. Hang Ups (NEW Reflection Eternal not on album)
30. Outro
Download The Mixtape (FREE) here:
http://bit.ly/7G7Asm
Little Brother: Leftback
Little Brother has announced the release of their fourth album, Leftback. The album includes production by Denaun Porter and Zo!. As well as efforts from Symbolyc One, J. Bizness, and King Karnov. The initial pressing will also feature a limited edition DVD with recent tour footage and exclusive footage from the archives in a documentary format. Tour info to come. Leftback will be available April 20th via Hall Of Justus.
“I didn’t want our last record to be a bunch of second-rate material,” says Phonte. “I wanted to walk away from Little Brother knowing that I gave our fans all that I had to give, and said everything I wanted to say. With LeftBack, I’ve done that.”
Exit Through The Gift Shop – A Banksy Film
Check out the trailer for ,Exit Through The Gift Shop, A Banksy Film. This is being shown at this years Sundance Film Festival.
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