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.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), a Washington DC-based marijuana advocacy group, has partnered with jam-based dub rock heavyweights Slightly Stoopid and hip-hop juggernauts Cypress Hill on the Legalize It 2010 tour for a YouTube based video contest to raise awareness for California’s Prop 19, the initiative to regulate and tax marijuana. The initiative will be on the California ballot November 2nd, 2010 and its passage would be a historic step forward in the fight to end marijuana prohibition and legalize marijuana nationwide..
NORML, Slightly Stoopid, and Cypress Hill invite US residents to create 30-60 second videos of themselves answering the question, “What could California do with the revenue generated from taxing marijuana?” Participants are to upload their entries to YouTube with the tag “YesOnProp19.” Members of both bands and representatives from NORML will personally pick one grand prize winner and two runner-ups from a selection of the most viewed, rated, and commented upon videos. Prizes include a personal phone call from B-Real, a limited edition Slightly Stoopid vaporizer, a framed autographed tour poster, a free one-year membership to NORML, plus more. Winners’ videos will be shared on all the partners’ social network profiles. For official contest rules visit: http://bit.ly/aGYsJx
Proposition 19, the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 (www.taxcannabis.org), will give local governments the ability to tax the sale of up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes to adults age 21 and older. According to the Board of Equalization (BOE), California’s tax regulator, controlling and taxing marijuana in California could generate $1.4 billion in much needed revenue each year.
Crewest Gallery is proud to present Friends With Knives, a cutting edge stencil art exhibition curated by PaperMonster, featuring a collection of outstanding and intricately detailed works by world class stencil artists: Blek le Rat, Broken Crow, Chris Stain, Dave Lowell, E.L.K, Greg Boudreau, HAHA, Henry Quiara, Joe Iurato, Koleszar, Leckomio, Mefee, Nathan Phaneuf, PaperMonster, Peat Wollaeger, Scotch and Shai Dahan.
A broad range of stencil graffiti styles including photorealism, political, pop, abstract, and those focusing purely on beauty will be on display. Emerging and established artists will be on view side by side as a testament of the history, evolution and future of stencil art. Artists in this exhibit form a collective that defines the power and beauty of stencil art which continues to drive one of the fastest growing street art movements throughout the world. In attendance on Opening Night will be exhibiting artists Greg Boudreau, Henry Quiara, Koleszar, Nathan Phaneuf and Scotch.
Crewest’s featured artists room will exhibit an installation by the godfather of graffiti in LA, Chaz Bojorquez. Bojorquez’s symbol or “tag”, created in 1969, was a stylized skull called Senor Suerte inspired by Mexican folklore and especially by the cult of Holy Death, and is one of the first examples of stencil art applied to the street and it subsequently became an image for protection against death among the street gangs. Bojórquez was one of the first writers to employ special typographical characters, creating an original synthesis of psychedelic style, Fraktur and Chinese calligraphy. Chaz will be present on opening night to autograph copies of his new book:”The Art and Life Of Chaz Bojorquez”
Montreal-based producer, DJ, and illustrator Kid Koala has just reached out to the world and announced a very exciting project that involves the love and support of all his fans. We thought that we would share it with you.
In December 2010 Kid Koala will be going to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), www.massmoca.org, for a week-long creative residency to develop a family-oriented live show based on his soon-to-be released graphic novel/soundtrack project Space Cadet. During the residency, Kid Koala and his five-member creative team will live in the museum’s artist housing, build a set with the production staff, and perform the show (along with a Q&A session) on Saturday, December 11.
For his show at MASS MoCA, Kid Koala will perform Space Cadet’s soundtrack on six turntables and a piano. At the same time, images from the book will be recreated live on custom-made screens to create an all-encompassing experience.
MASS MoCA’s black box theater will be transformed into an intimate, living room-like environment, allowing the audience to have a personal experience of the work while sharing the space with others. The audience will watch the projections on stage while listening to Kid Koala’s performance of the soundtrack using headphones.
Donations to fund the residency, production costs, including artist housing,
equipment and technical services can be made here:
If you are in the Bay Area you should check this out. Graffiti artist and organizer Estria is getting ready for The 4th Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle, the USA’s 1st Nationwide Graffiti Battle!. This year’s battle will be in the Bay Area, and held at Defermery Park in Oakland, CA, on Sunday October 3, 2010 during The Life Is Living Festival.This event is open to all ages and is definitely worth experiencing. If you are an artist, videographers, or volunteer interested in participating contact paloma@papalodown.com.
Chromeo - Don't Turn The Lights On
Chromeo has just dropped their new single, “Don’t Turn The Lights On”, from our forthcoming album Business Casual and his getting prepared for a North American and European tour in support of the new project. You can go to GREENLABELSOUND.COM to download singles and remixes by Chromeo and Holy Ghost! for free. A few of the dates are already sold out. Here are the tour dates.
NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES
Jul 26 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
Jul 27 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
Jul 29 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
Jul 30 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
Jul 31 – Montreal, QC – Metropolis
Aug 02 – Ottawa, ON – Capital Music Hall
Aug 03 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix
Aug 05 – Detroit, MI – Majestic
Aug 06 – Chicago, IL – LOLLAPALOOZA Festival
Aug 07 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
Aug 10 – Calgary, AB – Flames Central
Aug 11 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore
Aug 12 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Market
Aug 13 – Portland, OR – Roseland
Aug 15 – San Francisco, CA – OUTSIDE LANDS Music and Arts Festival
Aug 16 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
Aug 19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Twilight Concert Series [FREE SHOW]
Aug 20 – Denver, CO – Ogden
Aug 24 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s
Aug 25 – Dallas, TX – Palladium Ballroom
Aug 26 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Ballroom
Aug 27 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Aug 29 – Los Angeles, CA – Live at the Hollywood Bowl!
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES
Jul 02 – Malsucy, FR – EUROCKEENNES Festival
Jul 03 – Paris, FR Point Ephemere (Sold Out)
Jul 06 – Montruex, CH MONTREUX JAZZ Festival
Jul 08 – Novi Sad Vojvodina, RS – EXIT Festival
Jul 09 – Zamardi, HU – BALATON SOUND Festival
Jul 11 – Barcelona, ES – The Loft
Jul 15 – Arvika, SE – ARVIKA Festival
Jul 16 – Dour, BE – DOUR Festival
Jul 17 – Grafenhainichen, DE – MELT Festival
Jul 18 – London, UK LOVEBOX Festival
If you are in Las Vegas this Friday (July 2nd,2010), come out to “Lost Wages,” an art exhibit showcasing Los Angeles-based street artist, Shark Toof. The opening is from 6pm – 11pm at Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd Suite 115 (Las Vegas).
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
The infamous Fatt Father, a living Detroit hip-hop legend, is getting prepared to release his latest full length album titled Fatherly Advice. The release party will be held at The Shelter on June 20th and feature performances by the Fatt Father himself, Danny Brown, Duniva (D12), Rio Data, MU, Ro Spit, and the Fatt Killahz. DJ Houseshoes will be on the 1′s and 2′s. You don’t want to miss this.
Crewest Gallery in Los Angeles just had their opening for a celebration and art show focused on the 2010 World Cup. The show featured custom painted soccer balls and art by ASYLM, ISAIA CROW, VYAL, WERC, and many other artists including custom toy designer Steve Talkowski. Here are a few pics. Make sure to check out all the work at Crewest’s Flickr page.
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.
This May, Factory Fresh will be opening it’s doors for Belgium-born artist ROA. The artist’s organic animal forms huge in both their reputation and impact. ROA’s very wild wild-life on the industrial canvas of the city produces a juxtaposition of the overtly natural against the mechanic that is both feral and nostalgic, a reminiscence of what the world used to be before cement and concrete. His work has been shown in London, Berlin, Warsaw, and sold out in two days in Paris. He now returns to New York.
ROA runs May 14th-30th at Factory Fresh, located at 1053 Flusing Avenue, East Williamsburg/Bushwick. The opening reception is Fraday May 14th from 7-10 p.m. The Gallery is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 1-7 p.m.
USM (United States of Mind), Magnolius & LEO37 have just kicked off their North American Tour, The Clipped Wings Tour, featuring dates in over twenty five cities from the midwest to Montreal through the Bay Area and back to Detroit.
Detroit-based hip-hop collective, USM, is a group of diverse, yet like-minded individuals who have come together to advance today’s stagnant hip-hop culture. The collective consists of five emcees (Asylum 7, Metasyons, Draztik, 5-Ill, & D. Allie) and two dj’s/producers (Crate Digga & Sleepy Biggs). Flexing an array of musical styles and influences, this distinct batch of artists provides a fresh and innovative approach to the art form, merging new school lyricism with old school foundation and ethics forged in Detroit’s blue-collar blood. Ever since their formation in early 2007, they have taken huge strides for themselves and the music, performing all around Michigan and frequently venturing into other midwestern cities. They have shared the stage with many of hip-hop’s elite, such as Zion I, OneBeLo, Ill Bill, Sean Price, R.A. The Rugged Man, Blueprint, and Souls of Mischief. “USM continues to stun audiences with their energetic live show while impressing critics with their recordings” Real Detroit Weekly (Best Hip-Hop group of 2008 honors). “New York has Wu-Tang Clan. Detroit has United States of Mind” Metro Times (Best Hip-Hop Group 2010 honors).
The eclectic Toronto-based duo, Magnolius has independently headlined tours across Canada, Asia, Europe and Brazil including shows in Tokyo, Hong Kong,Seoul, Singapore, London, Berlin, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Hailing from Toronto, members Shan Vincent de Paul and Derek DaCostause hip-hop as the core vein to connect with various other genres such as electronic, drum and bass, jazz, punk,house and rock. Bothmembers have been writing and performing as part of a larger six man collective known as Soliva Spit Society. As a collective, the groupreleased their debut EP “Test the Waters” in 2003 and began to create a buzz in the Canadian independent hip-hop scene. The EPreceived rotation on various college stations across Canada, the US and the UK. The group went on to share the stage with someof hip hop’s key figures such as Del the Funky Homosapien (Hieroglyphics), Edan, Louis Logic, C-Rayz Walz (def jux), and Canadian heavy hitters Kardinal Offishall and Swollen Members.
LEO37, a solo artist, a turntablist for the heavily decorated WPBE, as well as being the co-founder and head of the PPF House Music Division, LEO37 has accomplished quite a bit in his short career. Having toured 11 countries as a headliner, released 2 albums, executive produced 3 compilations and shared the stage with artists ranging from Del The Funky Homosapien (Hieroglyphics, Gorillaz) to the Bad Plus, Tittsworth to Swollen Members (Battle Axe, Rocksteady Crew), LEO37 shows no signs of slowing down. Having just released his brand new single ‘Icarus’ to rave review, and with his 3rd full-length on the way, expect to hear LEO37′s name a lot more from here on in.
We highly recommend making it out to see these acts if they come to your city. Or you could just take a road trip if you have to. Many of these artists have music available for free download and for sale. Make sure to follow the links below.
TOUR DATES
MAY 17TH | PITTSBURGH, PA @ THE SMILING MOOSE
MAY 18TH | COLUMBUS OH @ OLD FIELDS
MAY 19TH | EVANSVILLE IN @ THE JUNGLE
MAY 20TH | ST LOUIS MO @ THE FOX DEN
MAY 21ST | BLOOMINGTON, IN @ CLUB 902′s
MAY 22ND | CHICAGO, IL @ THE DARK ROOM
MAY 23RD | ST CHARLES, IL @ CHORDON BLUES
MAY 24TH | MILWAUKEE, WI @ THE HIGHBURY
MAY 27 | NELSON, B.C. @ FINLEY’S
MAY 28TH | FERNIE, B.C. @ BULLDOG’S NORTH
MAY 29TH | CALGARY, AB @ THE MARQUEE ROOM
JUNE 1ST | JASPER, AB @ PETE’S NIGHTCLUB
JUNE 4TH | PORTLAND @ TBA
JUNE 5TH | SAN FRAN @ 111 MINA GALLERY
JUNE 11TH | REGINA, SK @ QUEEN CITY PIZZA & PUB
JUNE 12TH | SASKATOON, SK @ AMIGO’S CANTINA
JUNE 14TH | THUNDER BAY, ON @ THE APOLLO
JUNE 18TH | DETROIT, MI @ OLD MIAMI
JUNE 18TH | DETROIT, MI @ TBA
The 6th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival will be here before we know it. The Brooklyn Bodega has announced that this year De La Soul will be the headliner. “To be honest, we have been trying to get De La Soul to headline the Festival since we first came up with the idea in 2005. On many levels they are the perfect flag bearers for our mission to use Hip-Hop as an agent of change. For over 20 years they have traveled the world inspiring MC’s, producers, DJ’s and fans alike. I can think of no better artist to usher the Festival into its new home in Brooklyn Bridge Park.” Says executive director Wes Jackson. Over the past years the festival has always had a good line of talent as headliners such as Krs-One and pharoahe Monch. The festival’s organizers have always made this event stay close to its roots and always supported the community. It’s always had a low ticket price and lots of raw talent. Good vibes and good sounds. The festival will run from July 5th – 10th. Tickets just went on sale.
Crewest is getting ready to open their doors for a new solo show , “Before the Revolution”, featuring the artwork of Gusmano Cesaretti. Gusmano originally immigrated from Italy to Los Angeles in 1970 and this will be the first public exhibit of his work. His three-part fine art installation, Before the Revolution, with which he had long experimented privately while continuing to exercise a parallel vocation, photographing ethnic enclaves of Greater Los Angeles during the past thirty years. Check out this video of Gusmano talking about the show as he was preparing.
Gusmano has published two books: Street Writers- A Guided Tour of Chicano Graffiti, and Physical Graffiti-4×4=24. He is a contributing photographer to the book, 24 Hours in the Life of Los Angeles. His photographs have been exhibited at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. In 2008, Gusmano participated in a major collaborative exhibition entitled, This Side of Paradise: Body and Landscape in Los Angeles Photographs at the Huntington Library.
Fourteen of Gusmano’s photographs are part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institute (Smithsonian photo link) in Washington, D. C. and the Museum of Contemporay Art, Los Angeles. The many countries that Gusmano has made photographic studies of include: Mexico, Central and South America, Haiti, and South East Asia.
“Before the Revolution” has a public opening at Crewest in Los Angeles, CA on Friday, April 30th from 7-9 p.m.
“BREAK YO’SELF” The 2nd Annual Graffiti & Art Show celebrated at The Silo’s in El Paso, Texas. The space is is actually in a set of converted old silos. Paint sessions were organized for the weekend at The Barnyard.The art show and session was organized by locally based BY (Boo Yah) Crew. 60+ artists from all through out the Southwest including L.A. based artist Cre8 – (RTN, WCA, LTS) and artists from CBS & C4P crews. Here are a few pics from the show at The Silos provided by Koi Studios. Make sure to check out all the pictures from the paint sessions if you have not had a chance in our flickr account.
“BREAK YO’SELF” The 2nd Annual Graffiti & Art Show celebrated at The Silo’s in El Paso. The space is actually in old silos. We didn’t make it to the show but we did make out to the paint session that was held just outside downtown in The Barnyard over the weekend. The art show and session was organized by locally based BY (Boo Yah) Crew. 60+ artists from all through out the Southwest including L.A. based artist Cre8 – (RTN, WCA, LTS) and artists from CBS & C4P crews. We’ve posted a few pics here but make sure to check out more in our Flickr or Facebook accounts.
New York based Clockwork Music and Paris based CO2 Activity have teamed up to bring an extraordinary event to Europe. Just Blaze and Alchemist, two multi-platinum producers, have announced the “Soundclash Tour.” these two legendary producers are putting it down on the decks as they play off each other in a display of skills and selection in true sound clash style. If you’re not familiar with the term, Sound Clash’s are musical competitions where members from reggae sound systems or crews compete for the crowd’s reaction in a battle of sound and skill.
Just Blaze is one of the most creative forces in the game. Having cut his teeth in the late 90’s creating underground bangers for the likes of Buckshot, his distinctive sound soon caught the ear of the major players in the game and he soon had beats featured on albums from the likes of Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Big Pun & Jadakiss. However, it was as an in-house producer for Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records imprint where he initially became a household name, producing instant classics for Kanye West, Cam’ron, Freeway, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel; and of course the main man himself, Jay-Z, who has featured Just Blaze’s epic production on six of his last seven albums–all of which have gone platinum!
The Alchemist, as the name would suggest, has a knack of turning things into gold, in his case samples and loops. Having got his start in the production game under the tutelage of two of the biggest names in the game (DJ Premier and DJ Muggs), this California native has made a name for himself for his trademark rough Boom Bap style hits. Through his work on albums for underground favorites Dilated Peoples & Defari he came to the attention of Mobb Deep who chose to feature his beats on their classic Murda Muzik LP; and he has has not looked back since.
With a resume that now reads like a who’s who of Hip-Hop’s elite; including work with Nas, Ghostface, Lil-Wayne, Emimem (The Alchemist serves as his tour DJ), Big Pun, Fat Joe & Raekwon to just name a few. Just Blaze and Alchemist’s “Soundclash Tour” promises to be a legendary performance from two of the most respected names in Hip-Hop history; its also one that needs to be both seen and heard to be believed.
TOUR DATES
May 6 London, United Kingdom / East Village
May 7 Bordeaux, France / BT59
May 8 Nantes, France / Jongl’Hop
May 9 Amsterdam, Netherlands / Bitterzoet
May 11 London, United Kingdom / East Village
May 12 Zurich, Switzerland / Rote Fabrik
May 13 Milan, Italy / Tunnel
May 14 Paris, France w/ DJ Premier / Elysee Montmartre
Here’s a few pics from the Bullets & Love 3 Mannequin Art Show at Fresthetic in Brooklyn, NY. The show will be up till March 9th, 2010 and features the work of M. Tony, Destroy & Rebuild, Sylvia Ortiz, Kevin Champeny, ees & Msmensen, See One, Leo Tecosky, Marguaxtron, Josh Diaz, Juan Doe, KA, Marthalicia, Nelson Caban, Rob Fokused, Munish Asnani, Sofia Maldonado, Savior Elmundo, Cekis Salo, Made in Bklyn, Bonafide Rojas, and Mincho Vega. For more info go to: www.fresthetic.com
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., 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
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)
Piecebook Reloaded: Rare Graffiti Drawings, 1985-2005
Slide show and conversation with authors Sacha Jenkins and David Villorente and contributing artists Keo TC5 and Rab CAC
Piecebook Reloaded is a tribute to the work of New York City’s graffiti community in its most private form—the sketches and drawings that fill hundreds of piecebooks that make their way through some of the greatest artists in the community. Unlike the more controversial forms of graffiti, which are also acts of vandalism, the art of the piecebook breaks no laws and puts no one in harm’s way.
Sacha and David, longtime Brooklynites who are deeply connected to local street art culture, will host a talk with some of the artists, which will include a sideshow presentation of many of the pieces and the chance to get books signed by graffiti impresarios.
We didn’t plan on coming across this. We just decided to hit up Chicago in the middle of the night a week ago or so and got an invitation from a friend. Love/Hate is a collaborative art installation by Revise CMW and CZR PRZ, two respected artists from Chicago. The exhibit was curated by Allison Glenn and hosted by TOJO Gallery. We’ve been running around and a little behind but we still wanted to post this pics. All the work was amazing. Good sounds and good people. Thank you!
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), a Washington DC-based marijuana advocacy group, has partnered with jam-based dub rock heavyweights Slightly Stoopid and hip-hop juggernauts Cypress Hill on the Legalize It 2010 tour for a YouTube based video contest to raise awareness for California’s Prop 19, the initiative to regulate and tax marijuana. The initiative will be on the California ballot November 2nd, 2010 and its passage would be a historic step forward in the fight to end marijuana prohibition and legalize marijuana nationwide..
If you are in the Bay Area you should check this out. Graffiti artist and organizer Estria is getting ready for The 4th Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle, the USA’s 1st Nationwide Graffiti Battle!. This year’s battle will be in the Bay Area, and held at Defermery Park in Oakland, CA, on Sunday October 3, 2010 during The Life Is Living Festival.This event is open to all ages and is definitely worth experiencing. If you are an artist, videographers, or volunteer interested in participating contact paloma@papalodown.com.
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.
USM (United States of Mind), Magnolius & LEO37 have just kicked off their North American Tour, The Clipped Wings Tour, featuring dates in over twenty five cities from the midwest to Montreal through the Bay Area and back to Detroit.
Crewest is getting ready to open their doors for a new solo show , “Before the Revolution”, featuring the artwork of Gusmano Cesaretti. Gusmano originally immigrated from Italy to Los Angeles in 1970 and this will be the first public exhibit of his work. His three-part fine art installation, Before the Revolution, with which he had long experimented privately while continuing to exercise a parallel vocation, photographing ethnic enclaves of Greater Los Angeles during the past thirty years. Check out this video of Gusmano talking about the show as he was preparing.
New York based Clockwork Music and Paris based CO2 Activity have teamed up to bring an extraordinary event to Europe. Just Blaze and Alchemist, two multi-platinum producers, have announced the “Soundclash Tour.” these two legendary producers are putting it down on the decks as they play off each other in a display of skills and selection in true sound clash style. If you’re not familiar with the term, Sound Clash’s are musical competitions where members from reggae sound systems or crews compete for the crowd’s reaction in a battle of sound and skill.
The “
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.
Facebook
Twitter