Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "hip-hop"

HELLACAPPELLA 2012: Northern California’s Premier Showcase of Collegiate a Cappella Groups

2012-01-24T01:17:48Z

HellaCappella, the most highly anticipated a cappella concert of the year, will take place Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 7:30pm at the ARC Pavilion on the UC Davis Campus. Hosted by UC Davis’ amazing, all-female a cappella group, The Spokes, HellaCappella is an exciting collaboration between a cappella groups of all shapes and sizes. Hailing from various northern Californian universities, this year’s dynamic lineup includes show-stopping performances by two-time champions of the International Competition of Collegiate a Cappella, The Men’s Octet from UC Berkeley, Cloud Nine from UC Santa Cruz, NBC’s The Sing Off a cappella competition finalists On the Rocks from University of Oregon, and more!

HellaCappella has been gaining momentum and selling out more and more seats each year. Now, for the first time ever, this eighth annual HellaCappella is proudly being held in UC Davis’ premier entertainment venue, the ARC Pavilion following the likes of chart-topping groups such as Ke$ha and LMFAO! HellaCappella’s audience continues to grow, attracting music lovers across generations from the greater Davis and Sacramento community.

The Spokes are the only all-female group at UC Davis. Founded in 2004, the group currently consists of 13 talented and dedicated girls whose shared passion for music and performing shines when they take the stage. Their repertoire includes a wide range of music styles, from top 40 (She Wolf by Shakira) to jazz (Smile by Charlie Chaplin) to alternative (Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes) to R&B (I’ll Be Waiting by Adele). The Spokes love to entertain the UC Davis campus and local community as well as all of California, and their enthusiasm for singing can be clearly heard in their latest album, On the Wall, which is now available on iTunes.

This HellaCappella, The Spokes have committed to raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society, the leading community-based health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Last year’s HellaCappella raised over $1500 for Daraja Academy, the first free all-girls secondary school in all of East Africa. The Spokes hope for even greater success this HellaCappella, as we rally our community to help support the American Cancer Society.

HellaCappella is a one day, must-see event that will premiere on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 7:30 pm in the UC Davis’ ARC Pavilion. Tickets can be purchased at the UC Davis Ticket Office located at Freeborn Hall on campus, by calling (530) 752-1915, or at tickets.com. Presale tickets are $7 for students and $10 for non-students. At the door, tickets are $9 for students and $12 for non-students.

On the night of the performance, doors open at 7:00 p.m. Parking can be found in Parking Lot 25 directly across from the ARC or the West Entry Parking Structure, located on the corner of La Rue Boulevard and Hutchinson Drive.

For more information, visit www.davisspokes.com.

Disclosure: Camille Martinez, author of this article, is the Publicity and Philanthropy Director for The Spokes, and hopes to see you at our next show!

Wale Live in Sacramento

2011-11-17T15:53:30Z

A musical phenom is making his way to Sacramento to perform live Nov. 23, 2011 at the Sunrise Event Center.

Coming off the recent release of his album "Ambition"; Wale, Ralph Folarin, is leaving his mark in Sacramento just before Thanksgiving. Folarin's tour is promoting his new album "Ambition" in a semester where the Hip-Hop industry is releasing a ton of competition.

You can be sure that Wale will present a show like no other. Folarin uses poetry and intertwines it into his hip-hop. Those planning to go will hear this first hand in Wale's hit single "Lotus Flower Bomb". The song is a perfect icon of Wale's musical abilities .

Don't miss the opportunity to watch this growing musical talent come blaze the stage, and leave Sacramento wanting more from the D.C. native.

Fil-Am history emerge through Hip Hop and Art

2011-10-29T18:36:57Z

Now is it Filipino with an F or a P? It must be an F because as most Fil-Ams would agree, it’s not Filipino without food and family. In Sacramento, hip hop artists, break dancers, designers, and other creatives came together at Sol Collective on 21st Street and Broadway to celebrate Filipino American History Month.

They came from as far as Vallejo, Stockton, and South San Francisco to share what it means to be Fil-Am.

The heat resonates from the thin sachets of lumpia simmering in the boiling bubbles of Crisco oil. Dominique Marquez, 26 with her long silky hair, tank top, tribal ink tattoo, and shorts helps her mom "Nanay" with her brow covered in sweat over the open fire of the gas grill. She stirs the tray full of lumpia sizzling in the iron pans next to the rice cooker.

Armies of people line up for a taste. lumpia, rice, adobo, and pancit appease the appetite. For some of the Gen Y dolls in skinny jeans and guys in baggy jeans with shirts printed in sarcastic humor and baseball caps, this is about as close to a Filipino home cooking as one can get.

Inside, heads bob to Jonathan aka DJ rated R spinning old school tunes with Stevie B. and Jocelyn Enriquez in the mix. The nostalgia brings up memories. Growing up in high school when these superstar icons were the rage and life was care free, the memories replay an era. Back to a time when the girls ran for homecoming queen and the boys tricked out cars with loud speakers, chose street racing as pastime, and tagged bridges with graffiti.

“Tagging is getting your name on something. Bombing is covering the entire wall with it.” explains Eric Nodora, 33, a graffiti artist turned painter and graphic designer.

“It was fun till we got caught, then my parents would hear about it. They weren’t happy when we got home escorted by police. Then again, it’s better than the alternative. Could have been high off something, but tagging was my high.”

Nodora, now lives in Oakland but grew up in South Sacramento graduating from Valley High.

Tonight he outlines a new painting, a single Jeepney on wood. Next to him leaning on the window sill is a piece he just completed, a scene straight out of Manila with more than a dozen colorful Jeepneys dancing on oil based canvas.

“Jeepneys are everywhere in the Philippines,” Nodora said as he recalls a trip back home, a "balikbayan" trip to the Philippines in 2009. Bright solid colors and exquisite detail are the trademarks of his work.

“They’re all a little different, kind of like Filipinos. We each have our own flavor”

In the back room stands a large 6-foot palette part of the "Igorot" series inspired by a second balikbayan visit in 2010 searching for his roots. An Igorot man holds an axe on blood red background with deep wrinkles on his face, the wisdom of an angry grandfather, "Lolo" with tribal design tattoos on his chest.

"I wanted to portray the fight of the native people who refused to be driven out of their land. The battle between the Mactan Island Chieftain Lapu Lapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan on April 27, 1521 stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.

“Every one of the distinct shapes on the aging headhunter’s body is a battle scar, kind of like how Fil-Ams earned stripes as part of the US military,” Nodora said.

Filipinos are spread out throughout the United States but most are centered in the West Coast. About 480,000 make their home in Southern California with Los Angeles County hosting the largest community in America with more than 262,600.

Nearly 121,000 Filipinos live in Daly City and the San Francisco, according to US Census. Many of these families immigrated here as engineers, nurses, doctors, or military veterans from World War II.

In the race to conform, many have let go of tradition, often trading in their “da” accent for the perfect “th”. Some parents have refused to teach their children, Tagalog. Taking in English as native tongue meant acceptance. In this way, Fil-Ams came to be known as the “invisible majority” especially in California.

As in Nodora’s case whose parents speak Ilocano and common among young Filipinos, most can understand but do not speak the language. Tagalog, Ilocano, Visayan or any of the more than 100 languages ~~80 native dialects~~ of the Philippines comes as a rare linguistic trait as the first generation of Fil-Ams die off without passing this knowledge on to their children.

Clamoring for answers, Gen Y Fil-Ams are finding voice in music like Hip Hop. Many are mixed, half Caucasian, Chinese, Mexican, Black, Irish, Italian, and so on. Filipinos have blended in so well there really is no true Filipino race instead an amalgamation of cultures within a race.

The Sol Collective party kept rolling with the raffle giveaway. Energetic rappers lyrics rage to occupy the room, break dancers levitate with uncanny floor skills, and artists paint pieces with Filipino inspiration. A three-year-old boy joins the break dancers with his own interpretation of the rhythm of the music. (You can see the video here.)

Nina Rebultan, 23, one of the organizers explains her reason for bridging together Beats and lumpia on its second year.

“Last year was fundraising. This year it’s fun. It means everything to me. It’s how I share the stories told by my grandmother. That’s why I do what I do.”

We got into a conversation about the tattoos on her wrists. “This is Baybayin, an ancient Filipino script, in its more formal form, also called Alibata, what is written here is Maganda at Malakas.”

A typical hard-working Filipina, Nina’s tattoo stands for beautiful and strong. On her right wrist, Nieves, her grandmother’s name tattooed on top of the sun found in the Pilipino flag, surrounded by plumeria flowers.

It shines bright like sunlight. Tattoos memorialize a culture for a generation unearthing what was repressed, searching for answers.

“It’s ashame we never got taught Filipino history in school,” Nodora adds. "If we never learned something, it can easily be dismissed. It's like saying it never exist."

*To learn more about Filipino American History, get involved with your community . National Federation of Fil-Am Association has events throughout Northern California where you can get in touch with other Filipinos. Also, this timeline is a good place to start.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated after publishing.

Disclosure: I'm a Fil-Am dedicated to helping my community learn about resources available for personal development and enrichment.

Demented Salvation

2011-10-19T05:22:10Z

Few might expect to find salvation inside a prison’s walls, but that’s exactly what rap’s most famous supposed Satanist glimpsed.

Tech N9ne (performing at the Ace of Spades on Oct. 24) visited fellow hip-hop eccentric Lil Wayne at Rikers Island while the latter MC served a year- long sentence in 2010 for weapon possession. The three hour dialogue touched on everything. They started with their families and children. Then, their peculiar career paths. Before long, N9ne was opening up about how his success had been hindered by years of anonymous blog posts and whisperings about his supposed 'devil worship.' Then, he revealed to Wayne why those rumours could never be true.

“We talked about spirituality,” N9ne, who was born Aaron Yates in Kansas in 1971, says of the bond he briefly forged with Wayne on that day.

“We talked about how we believe there’s a higher power, how those elderly cats in there (in jail) were tellin’ him it couldn’t be. We have that in common; we wanna believe there’s something there that we’re prayin' to.”

It was towards the end of the conversation, as the guards pointed at the clock and a weary Weezy blinked a little more slowly, that N9ne’s eyes were opened.

“’Fear God.’ It’s on his eyelids, tattooed,” N9ne says of his cohort’s pious emblem. “I think real people recognize other real people. Everybody’s reality is different so I can’t tell you to keep it real, you can’t tell me to keep it real… with me and Wayne it’s different because his reality is bigger than mine, with album sales and business. But on a personal level, we’re right there together, real dudes, and I think that’s what we both sensed when I visited him in Rikers.”

Despite such blessed moments, N9ne has longed for something more from another reality- one that isn’t tangible, but far more spiritual. Much of that hereafter desire stems from the health issues that plague his mother. First there was epilepsy, then lupus, pancreatitis, diabetes and now a blood transfusion to treat a clot in her leg.

N9ne spoke of the doubt that mounted during his mother’s ailments before elaborating on what those qualms of faith led to.

“I thought, the devil tried the righteous, but is she gonna be tried her all her life? Then she dies, is that when she’s worthy? What kinda God is that, when all that happens? I realized [I] needed to find out.”

It was a search that led to his signature song, “Show Me A God." Its verses are tersely bitter, ranging between somber and anger before rising to a seething chorus:

“I’m kinda feelin’ that it is a façade, show me a God.”

Over the years, those kinds of lyrics have left many hip-hop fans dubbing him a heathen.

“People said all that shit then just because I was different. It was never true that I was ‘the devil worshiper,’” he says of the rumours that plagued him since the new millennium and stifled his career right up until he released his first platinum album, “Killer,” in 2008. “They didn’t know that I grew up in the church and I was tryin’ to tell them that, but because of (my dark lyrical) imagery, I was shunned.”

He hopes to convey that upbringing lyrically and in interviews, how his mother raised him to know right from wrong-a value he constantly tries to instil in his own children.

"They’re why I’m still alive. That’s why I got off ecstasy,”

He says that the young ones' creative spirit pushed him to stay clean for more than four years now.

“They love my music. They love Eminem, Adele, Avenge Sevenfold… But I taught ‘em right from wrong, that they’re not supposed to curse. So when they sing along to Eminem and he curses, they make up another word to go (over) it.”

His mother’s approach was much more strict, but not at first. She may have brought home Sugar Hill Gang albums for him to dance to when he was in the fourth grade, or even used rap style vocals for spelling lessons, but soon things changed.

“That’s how my mom and auntie taught me to spell my name, rappin’ the letters in rhythm form. I don’t know how (they realized), maybe I was always beatin’ on stuff, but they said I couldn’t spell my name unless we did it in rhythmic form.”

Those hip-hop beats were quickly replaced by church choirs. N9ne’s devoutly Christian family brought him to weekly mass. Then his pious parents split, his mother remarrying a Muslim when her son was 12 years old. His new stepfather forbade hip-hop in the household as a consequence for the would-be rapper’s slipping grades.

“I had to go sneak and buy it and put it at [a] friend’s house across the street," N9ne says of his father's tough love. “He told me I wasn’t buyin’ rap or tennis shoes, but dress shoes and ties. He was just tryin’ to make me a man, tryin’ to make me intelligent, but I didn’t know it at the time. I was young and dumb.”

Once again, he was left to turn elsewhere- sneaking visits with his biological father’s side of the family, which couldn’t have been a more polarizing influence.

“He was LAPD, but he’d come back to KC (Kansas City) once in awhile. I remember ridin’ on his motorcycle when I was five, then I never saw him again ‘til I was 14. (Meanwhile) I’d go over to his mother’s house and they were hardcore drinkers… liquor everywhere, kids drinkin’.”

“They lived in the hood… I think growin’ up around my mom and aunties made me spiritual. That part of Tech N9ne wouldn’t be here, that big heart, if I’d been raised by my Dad’s side... Mom taught me love, so I know how to put that love in my music to connect with my fans. But if grew up around my dad’s side? Man, I would’ve been Ice Cube, ultra gangster.”

Despite all that wandering through the moral middle ground, N9ne still longed to travel further- to that other reality, that more spiritual level, even if it meant glimpsing actual spirits.

Just over a decade ago, when N9ne had grown into a young man, and fanfare around creepy flickslike “The Blair Witch Project” had grown fervent, the struggling MC rummaged around abandoned buildings with his best friend Brian Dennis.They hoped to capture a ghost on camera, but N9ne had no idea how much his friend would soon literally haunt him.

“We said ‘Let’s go find something.’ Me and Brian wanted to search for something greater, even if it was an alien or a ghost. We wanted to know there’s something here besides us.”

He and Brian set out, visiting broken down insane asylums and caves that were the subject of countless local ghost stories. They went to old hotels like The Eldridge in Lawrence, Kansas-- where the elevator features a picture of a ghost-- and then ride from the top floor to the basement again and again.

“I would stand in the elevator and ride it for like 30 minutes at 4 a.m. and find nothing… I wanted something to startle me, to say ‘Get the hell outta here’ and scare the shit outta me. Then I’d know there’s something here besides us.”

Dennis died before that wish was granted. The rapper says what he misses most about his best friend is his edgy creative streak, rife with dour sounds and creepy lyrics.

“He was always tryin’ to create new music, put the super darkness on me. I was always infatuated with horror films but… he took me under the underground, beyond the catacombs… Brian created that depth and that darkness in my music, and I wish he was still here to enjoy it.”

In a way, N9ne is convinced he still is.

“Sometimes I don’t even know these words comin’ out of my mouth,” the rapper says of his recent freestyles. “I’ll think, ‘Where did I get that word?’ Then I’ll check the dictionary to make sure I’m usin’ it in the right context and it’s always right. It feels like Brian is putting these words in my head. It’s wonderful because I’m getting’ better and better (lyrically).”

By better, he may mean vulnerable as a fresh wound.

“I Love Music,” a highlight from N9ne’s latest lauded album, “All 6’s and 7’s,” features searing, honest lines that detail his burdensome dedication to the rap game that “...saved my life, paid my lights [and] made my wife say, ‘Bye, bye.’”

But much of the album doesn’t stray too far from the demented, edgy imagery he’s famous for. One of its opening cuts, “Am I a Psycho?” features “Why did I let this stripper burn me on the arm with a cigarette, in the same spot 10 times in a row?” as one of its tamest lines.

Aside from switching between such wildly eclectic themes, N9ne’s prowess also lies in his ability to rap backwards on early fan faves like “Absolute Power,” or rhyme at a speed that would leave many listeners wondering if he was speaking in tongues.

With those consecrated microphone skills, he hopes to reach out to each equally twisted fan, together building the new reality he’s always longed for.

“My fans saved my life… I had nothing. I was a bum livin’ in my wife’s mother’s basement, writing my songs,” he says of those dire early days. “She was sayin,’ ‘You gotta get a job; it ain’t workin,’ and I’d say, ‘No I got something.’ Now it’s come to fruition.”

Tech N9ne will perform at the Ace of Spades on Oct. 24.

Davis beat-boxer Butterscotch set to release new EP

2011-09-19T17:49:48Z

Davis musician Antoinette Clinton, who goes by her stage name, Butterscotch, is releasing her first EP this fall called “Perfect Harmony.” A music video directed by Robyn Twomey for the album’s title track is going to released online in a few weeks.

Butterscotch, who is known for her incredible beat-boxing, will be doing a lot more than just recording music. She will also be performing at the fifth annual Davis Jazz and Beat Festival on Oct. 22. The event will include her along with many other performers and will be located at 521 First St. in Davis.

In recent months, she has traveled to places as far away as Hong Kong and Germany.

“A lot has happened lately,” Butterscotch said, referring to her recent whirlwind of activity.

Growing up, Butterscotch lived in a musical household.

“My mother was a piano teacher, so I grew up playing piano,” she said. The rest of her family was also into music, exposing her to a variety of genres.

But despite having music all around her, Butterscotch didn’t fully immerse herself in music right away.

“I always loved music, but sports were No. 1 in my life,” she said. She played many sports, including soccer and basketball.

A knee injury in high school caused a shift in her focus toward music. After the injury, Butterscotch began attending Natomas Charter School, where she got involved with theater, visual arts and music, which she said changed her life.

Her first show was an open mic at the True Love Coffee House on K Street in Sacramento (now closed) during her junior year of high school.

“Anytime you do something for the first time, it’s a little nerve-wracking,” she recalled. Although not yet beat-boxing, Butterscotch was able to sing and play the piano and guitar.

Butterscotch began beat-boxing during her senior year after seeing local beat-boxer Leejay Abucayan. She turned out to be a natural and quickly became a beat-boxing sensation.

Starting in 2005, she won a string of beat-boxing competitions in the United States and Germany that started to raise her visibility and earn her respect in the beat-boxing community. Since then, she has been making her way up the musical career ladder.

In October of 2006, Butterscotch tried out for “America’s Got Talent” in Los Angeles after a friend suggested it to her.

“I never really watched reality TV shows,” she said, “but someone told me that I should do it. I thought, ‘What could be the harm in trying out?’ ”

After several months, the show responded to her and wanted her for the televised auditions. When she got there, she said, she had no idea what to expect.

“I don’t think I have ever been that nervous before,” Butterscotch said. But despite her nerves, she delivered what judge Sharon Osbourne called a “brilliant” performance and was given a place on the show.

After having performed several songs, from “It’s Your Thing” by the Isley Brothers to Sly and the Family Stone’s “Dance to the Music,” Butterscotch ended up coming in third place on the show.

“I think it definitely gave me a lot of confidence to pursue my ideas,” Butterscotch said about how the show changed her as a musician. “It got me back into piano, because I had kind of gotten stuck in a beat-boxing mode.”

She also said that the speed of the show “forced me to consolidate my ideas and come up with new things.”

After the show, Butterscotch became the subject of considerable attention.

“I would go to the grocery store and everyone (would start) saying something to me and start recognizing me,” she said.

She also said that she was frustrated with how the show had portrayed her.

“It made me out to be very very quiet and shy, so people would come up to me and be like, ‘You came out of your shell!’ and I would think, ‘You don’t really know me!’ ”

But this fame has also brought Butterscotch many new musical experiences. She has performed with a variety of famous musicians, the most noteworthy being Earth, Wind & Fire. She said that the performance was “one of the highlights of my life.”

Butterscotch’s numerous musical influences are eclectic. She said that while her mother and father listened to classical music and Motown, respectively, her siblings listened to hip hop and R&B. All of these styles influenced her growing up. In her “angry” teenage years, rock was also added to her repertoire.

All of these styles are apparent in her music.

“It’s kind of like my head is a just a music box,” she said. “I put things in through my ears, and whatever gets computed in my brain comes out in my mouth or my fingers when I play.”

While an official release date has yet to be set for her new EP, Butterscotch said that it should be out in October or November.

To stay up do date on Butterscotch, visit her website at butterscotchmusic.com.

Below is a video of Butterscotch playing the piano while beat boxing at the same time.

Sacramento gets taken to the 'Dogg Pound'

2011-09-17T02:52:18Z

The sun was still hanging lazily in the sky as an enormous crowd filed into Midtown's cozy Ace of Spades venue to see hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg Friday evening. The famed indo-puffing, gin and juice-drinking rap veteran is no stranger to the Sacramento area, as just only seven months ago, the "Doggfather" performed at UC Davis' Freeborn Hall to an enthusiastic college crowd.

Now, hot off the heels of his 11th studio album, Doggumentary (which debuted at No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard 200), the rapper returned to show Sacramento he's still one of hip-hop's best in the game.

The small venue filled up quickly, with a diverse crowd ranging from young to old, longtime fans to curious new fans. One notable attendee was Sacramento native Abe Cunningham, drummer for Sacramento-based band the Deftones.

Local act Divided Allegiance kicked off the evening with an Insane Clown Posse-inspired set, complete with face paint and guttural rap/rock screams. Placerville native Optimiztiq delivered an impressive display of lyrical prowess, pumping the crowd up even more, getting serious love from other local acts sharing the stage that night.

Following act Quette Daddie of Memphis, Tenn., commented on Optimiztiq's performance, "Y'all keep an eye out for this one right here. He's a white MC from the country kickin' ass." Sacramento heavyweight Bueno kept things alive with an energetic set accompanied by live drums, bass and keyboards, paying tribute to fallen hip-hop artists 2Pac, Eazy-E and Mac Dre.

After an intermission filled with classic '90s hip-hop anthems like Ice Cube's "Today Was a Good Day" and Cypress Hill's "Stoned Is the Way of the Walk," the lights dimmed and a sea of digital cameras stood poised to get a snapshot of the guest of honor.

"Y'all smoke weed?" boomed a voice across the small venue. Guests roared in approval as the accompanying DJs on stage sparked a blunt and Snoop Dogg sauntered on stage and fired into the Doggystyle classics "Tha Shiznit" and "Gin and Juice," as well as the Dr. Dre produced hits "The Next Episode" and "Nuthin' but A 'G' Thang."

The crowd responded enthusiastically to Snoop Dogg's set, complete with Dogg Pound mascot Nasty Dogg dancing around the stage with the rapper, flanked by scantily clad dancers on each side.

"What do we do every day?" asked the rapper after performing "The Next Episode," prompting the crowd to yell back Nate Dogg’s line, "Smoke weed every day!"

Paying tribute to longtime friend and collaborator Nate Dogg, who passed away in March of this year from complications from a stroke, Snoop Dogg held a moment of silence before breaking into "Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None).” Easily one of Nate Dogg's most memorable performances off the classic album Doggystyle Snoop delivered Nate Dogg's verse with whimsical fun and ease, while Dogg Pound member Kurupt accompanied to a frenzied sea of concert attendees young and old dancing and swaying to the booming, bass-heavy rhythms.

With a career spanning 20 years of critically acclaimed albums, collaborations and singles, as well as ventures into acting and endorsements, there's no doubt Snoop is one of the most recognizable faces in hip-hop and pop culture. Friday evening, however, Snoop let everyone in attendance know that, like a fine wine, he only gets better with age.

"What's my name?" asked the rapper to the packed venue. The crowd screamed in unison, securing his place in Sacramento fans' hearts and headphones as a West Coast legend for many more years to come.

Disclosure: Hip-hop music has always been my favorite music for as long as I can remember. As a writer, I love when rappers bend the English language to make it an authentic art all their own, and Snoop Dogg is easily recognized as one of the greatest today.

Crocker Art Museum Hosts Hip Hop Extravaganza on September 1

2011-08-30T18:43:34Z

The Crocker Art Museum will host a screening of “Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano” on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. This documentary provides insight into the realities and politics of contemporary Cuba by following some of the pioneers of Cuban hip hop to their homes, the stage, and as they travel abroad for the first time. From 5:30-6:30 p.m., one of the film’s subjects, DJ Leydis, will perform live in Friedman Court. Tickets are $6 for Museum members and $12 for nonmembers.

Presented in collaboration with Sol Collective, the film will be introduced by director Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi, a graduate of Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, and will be followed by a Q & A.

The screening is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series, sponsored by Bank of America. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups.

Tickets are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Bank of America. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Ace of Spades gets "Jane Fonda" lesson

2011-06-20T04:33:02Z

Hollywood sleaze-rapper Mickey Avalon performed for a huge crowd of die-hard fans at Ace of Spades Friday night, whipping the young crowd into a lustful frenzy with his provocative sing-along raps.

Folsom rap duo Ill Effect kicked the show off with some tight rhymes and beats, sounding the best as they flowed over B.o.B's well-known hit "Airplanes," featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore.

After a 30-minute delay that had everyone wondering what exactly was going on, rapper Ty$ (Ty Dolla Sign) took the stage. Unfortunately there was nothing spectacular in his short set that made up for the long wait. Highlights included some call-and-response about which side of the crowd was louder and boasting about how one of his songs was "everywhere" (it's not).

Next up was L.A. hip-hop/pop group The Divine, who put forward the effort but didn't quite hit the mark for the Sac crowd, getting booed and inciting chants of "Mickey! Mickey!" in between songs.

"His voice was too high,” Folsom resident Andrea Wilson said of vocalist Shane Gelinas. “It sounded like Backstreet Boys behind a beat.”

With a seedy backstory straight off an “E! True Hollywood Story” episode – former male prostitute, ex-junkie and teen pot dealer – Avalon has a lot of interesting experiences to draw from for his rhymes.

He ran through several of his super catchy party raps: "So Rich, So Pretty," "Jane Fonda,” "Mr. Right" and "My Dick," accompanied on stage by his scantily clad dancer, Jillian, who turned out to be extremely flexible.

In addition to his filthy sex appeal, Avalon's strong points are his unique flow, hooky beats and sing-along lyrics: "One, two, three, four/ Get your booty on the dance floor/ Work it out, shake it, little mama/ Let me see you do the Jane Fonda."

Drugs, booze, sex – it's all there. Shirtless and sometimes chugging a bottle of wine, Avalon oozed sexuality as he slinked his way across the stage, using his salacious glances and pelvic gyrations to start a bra collection on stage.

"I like his raw style,” said Frank Cornwall, who traveled to the show from Grass Valley with some family and friends. “He's one of those guys who sings what he wants to sing and doesn't care who he pisses off. He's like a combination of Eminem and Snoop Dogg: smooth and rude."

And for all his bawdy raps, Avalon is actually a soft-spoken, friendly guy and loves his fans. After the show, he stayed until every last person could get a picture taken with him or get their breasts signed.

It's no wonder why they love him back.

Photos by Steven Chea

Sage Francis at Ace of Spades: photo essay

2011-05-08T01:07:50Z

Sage Francis played the Ace of Spades in Sacramento Friday night, headlining an all-ages show that also included Who Cares, Ricky James, and Verbal Venom. It was the Rhode Island-based political rapper's first show in Sacramento in ten years.

The show was part dance party, part consciousness-raising, and part therapy session. And judging by the crowd's reaction: all catharsis. During many songs, the crowd rapturously rapped his lyrics back to him in unison.

As connected as his audience is to him, Francis has an strong connection to his audience and frequently interacted with individual members during the show.

An update after the show on his Twitter feed stated: "Having a soldier in the crowd passionately singing along to Makeshift Patriot & Slow Down Gandhi was the highlight for me. Really love that." Those two songs, perhaps his most politically-charged, seem just as relevant in today's global political climate as they did when they were written. A sample lyric from 2001's "Makeshift Patriot" (written after the 9/11 attacks):

"I have to back pedal/
From the shower of glass and metal/
wondering how after it settles, we'll find/
who provided power to radical rebels"

Just as salient are these lyrics from "Slow Down Gandhi" from 2005's A Healthy Distrust:

"Making you think you're crazy is a billion dollar industry/
If they could sell sanity in a bottle/
They'd be charging for compressed air/
And marketing healthcare/
They demonize welfare/
Middle class eliminated/
Rich get richer til the poor get educated"

While throwing political bombshells in his lyrics, Francis also played peacemaker when he spotted an altercation near the stage and sat on the monitor at the front of the stage to try to restore peace.

The show was hard-hitting and visceral, but also interspersed with moments of levity, including Francis declaring he was tired of rapping and wanted to sing for awhile, and then proceeding to half-lip sync/ half-sing a few bars of Mr. Mister's 1980s hit "Kyrie" ("take these broken wings... and learn to fly again...") while dancing around the stage.

He describes another humorous moment on his Facebook page: "I asked all the mothers to raise their hands at the Sacramento show last night. I asked them if they had their kids with them. All of them said no. I explained how they are bad parents for depriving the youth of Uncle Sage's educational experience. It's not Mother's Day just yet!"

Francis spent a good half hour after the show signing autographs, hugging, talking, and taking pictures with fans.

Raekwon's Universal Rap Parables

2011-04-29T04:49:10Z

The teenage drug dealer slung a belt around his stocky waist and through the loops of his newly pressed khakis before tightening a necktie around his throat. In the streets below, a junkie who was all too similar to the young hustler’s crack clientele, wrapped his own belt around one of his track-marked arms. Both seemed to strangle themselves enough to make their veins pop. And neither saw any other way to escape.

“It was hard for me to get a (legit) job. I tried everything in my life. My moms made me put suits on and everything. I was just a loser,” said rapper and reformed hustler Raekwon, who will perform at Ace of Spades on May 1, of his humble beginnings in an exclusive telephone interview for The Sacramento Press. “Slingin’ crack was my way of survivin’, just to take care of myself in the best way.”

Growing up in New York’s Staten Island burrow meant navigating streets littered with users and their used, shattered crack viles. And as young Raekwon began contributing to that sea of jagged shards that stretched across the concrete, he began wondering how deeply its glinted edges could sink in.

“I knew the consequences, of course, behind anything and everything I’ve done,” he said. “But it was always in good faith to try to better my life so I could get away. That’s why when we (the Wu-Tang Clan rap troupe) got signed, I was so happy, because it was like, ‘Yo, I’m free.’ It’s like bein’ stuck in chains. You don’t wanna do that s--t. But sometimes you’re forced to do what you don’t like. ”

When he laced his rhymes with those misdeeds, his songs became part of a hip-hop legacy. Raekwon banded together with fellow street poets like Method Man, The RZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Ghostface Killah to form the Wu-Tang Clan in the early 1990s, and their rough and raucous rhymes about the profits and perils to be had in their borough offered a holistic take on ghetto life.

Their chemistry and equal contributions to 1993’s “Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers” left critics and fans dubbing that debut album a classic — and even in those early days, none of those ghetto wordsmiths served up grittier details than Raekwon.

On the group’s first breakout single, “C.R.E.A.M.,” Raekwon rhymed about the impoverished odyssey he and his mother took through the city’s boroughs, long before she fitted him with neckties and pushed him toward job interviews. The song’s first verse began with his lines:

“I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side, Staying alive was no jive, Had second-hands, Moms bounced on old man...”

After that initial album gained acclaim, Raekwon’s status as an elite New York MC grew with the release of his first solo album, 1995’s “Only Built for Cuban Linx.” The disc’s brawnier, brasher production fit well with the rapper’s parables about Italian-style Mafioso hip-hoppers building a criminal empire from the foundation up.

But as the new millennium approached, the Wu-Tang’s rap dominance began to falter after the members’ egos clashed and solo projects saturated the market — and Raekwon’s verses soon disappeared in the raucous mix.

But the 2009 sequel, “Only Built for Cuban Linx... Pt. II,” was heralded as a return to form and offered Raekwon a revival. The album included vivid narratives like “Pyrex Vision,” the verses of which almost act as a recipe for cooking crack with lines like:

“Stab it, tilt and twirl, spit in it, Plus put a little bit of milk in, fiends love it, Sat back, confident in comfort, the light blew out, All I see is all white stuff, suds in it...”

Mothers like his had always said milk was wholesome, so the irony of pouring those pale drops as a main crack ingredient isn’t lost on Raekwon. He says such bizarrely precise juxtapositions make his songs more chillingly intimate, even when they are sometimes fictional.

“At that time it just sounded fly,” he said with a chuckle about “Pyrex Vision”’s standout lines. “Ya know, put a bit of milk in it, ’cause for fiends (that) s--t be like f----n’ milk shakes to them when they get it. When I get to writing and paintin’ a picture, and I feel that the beat is drivin’ me to bang harder with it, it’s like I try to make it as vivid as I can. I doubt if anybody really puts milk in drugs, but it sounds good though. Maybe some cats is doin’ it now. I dunno, I don’t sell drugs no more. My days of that s--t is kid days.”

But all that immaturity, addiction and brutality still lingers with him to this day in his rhymes. He owed a debt to Staten Island’s hazards even as he fled them, because his success stems from his palpable details about those harsh moments.

Raekwon doesn’t see it as glorification of African-American stereotypes, or as an exploitation of his fellow former hustlers. It’s as if those unflinching details are merely a part of his storytelling résumé, as if he stands before his audience still like a juvenile gangster, tightening his necktie’s knot for a whole new job interview.

“It was stuff that we just basically lived amongst, that we didn’t love — we was just livin’ it,” Raekwon said. “That’s all I’m doing, just rewriting life always in the eyes of me. It’s all I know how to do, just dwell on what I know.”

He adds that those gruesome details help draw listeners into a parable that parallels their own, just like the kung fu flicks that inspired the Wu-Tang name and the title of Raekwon’s latest album, this spring’s “Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang.”

“I definitely look at life as people goin’ through the same things,” he said. “These karate movies, they sometimes tell the story of the same life that we be livin’, about betrayal, trust, loyalty, bullies and just everything that comes into this world. So I feel like we all just have the same common ground.”

He says his new album’s title tries to capture that universal theme, how our conflicting natures push us further, even when they’re as contradictory as a New York slinger’s street code and the behest of a Shaolin Buddhist monastery.

“On the new album I'm just basically symbolizing,” he said. “Shaolin for us is the solider. The Wu-Tang, he’s just an artist, just a rapper. The Wu -Tang is the hip-hop. He’s the core of it, but the Shaolin makes him a soldier. So you’re always challenging these different kinds of characters inside of yourself.”

Raekwon will perform at Ace of Spades on May 1 at 7:00 p.m., along with opening acts Mean Doe Green, Rebel Diaz, The Cuf, Kodak Visualz and Oasis. Tickets are $20. For more information visit aceofspadessac.com or myspace.com/raekwon.

American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music

2011-03-27T20:16:39Z

The Sacramento Public Library, located at 828 I Street, will host an exhibition by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The exhibition titled “American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music” highlights the contributions of Latinos in American music and will be on exhibition from May 25 to August 7, 2011.

American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music is a creation by Experience Music Project (EMP) and organized for travel by SITES. The exhibition, its national tour and related programs are made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.

A luncheon preview event was held at the Sacramento Public Library on Thursday to introduce the exhibition. Representatives from SITES, Sacramento Public Library, Ford, Congresswoman Doris Matsui and other community leaders were on hand to introduce the exhibit partake in the festivities.

The Smithsonian traveling exhibition highlights the musical contribution of Latinos from the 1940s to present. The individual creativity of stars such as Tito Puente, Ritchie Valens, Celia Cruz, Selena, Carlos Santana and many others are highlighted.

The exhibition is a collaborative effort by the SITES, the Experience Music Project (EMP) and Ford Motor Company. This exhibition was developed by the Experience Music Project and SITES. The Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic division of Ford Motor Company makes this exhibition possible and will be on tour for the next 4 years.

The exhibition will be free for viewing at the Central Library. The exhibit will visit San Francisco after its stay in Sacramento. Detroit, Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Los Angeles and Kansas City are also part of the tour.

American Sabor highlights the innovations in various musical genres by Latinos. Five major centers of Latino popular music production; Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Antonio, New York and Miami are also highlighted. A website complements the exhibition and was recently completed.

Sabor in English means taste, savor or flavor and is commonly used to describe good music. If you listen to Santana’s Oye Como Va, it’s the first spoken word uttered as the song starts. I’ve always enjoyed that song and it was the first thing that came to mind when I heard about this exhibit. That particular song, in several variations, has been around since the 1940s and not all versions start the same way.

At the luncheon I had the opportunity to speak with Lynn M. Quigley, Manager, Community Relations for Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. I asked for information on her involvement and that of the Ford Motor Company in the American Sabor exhibit.

Lynn started by saying, “The Ford Motor Company Fund is the national sponsor of American Sabor which is going to be visiting 12 cities around the country. It’s an exhibition that looks at the impact of contributions from Latino musicians in post World War II and five cities in particular; New York, Miami, San Antonio, San Francisco and L.A. The exhibition has panels that look at each of those cities and what was going on in those cities at the time.”

She continued, “We have a fully interactive web site which we’re going to demonstrate here today. It just launched yesterday.” Lynn went on to talk about other aspects of the exhibition. She noted that some interesting programming will also take place at the library such as having performers during certain hours on certain days. A dance floor will also be integral part of the exhibit. I couldn’t help but take note that something like that can be happening at the library, but it is.

I asked if the venue was meant for adults, children or both. Lynn went on to say, “It’s really family related for all age levels. There’s an education section on the website that has teacher guides and lesson plans. There’s a lot to it.” She went on to say that there’s also a Music Mixer on site to experiment with the different sounds made by instruments, “That’s something kids will like as well.” Lynn said.

“It’s almost like this music just makes you want to move. I don’t care what your age is. When we were setting up the tables we were kind of dancing around a little. The exhibit opens May 25 and runs until August 7.” Lynn said. I mentioned that we have Concerts in the Park going on around the same time period as the exhibition at Cesar Chavez Plaza and maybe the exhibition can be promoted there as well. We talked a little about the possibilities.

Lynn ended up by saying, “At Ford we really see the arts as a powerful tool to enrich people’s lives and to promote cross cultural exchange of community. Some exhibitions are more fun than others; this one you’ll see is a lot of fun. Another thing you can do is share your stories so people are encouraged to share their own stories about Latino music.”

Another person I had the pleasure to talk to was Evelyn Figueroa, Project Director of the SITES. Again, I asked about her involvement in the exhibit. She started by saying, “Today we are going to present the educational interactive website that we developed along with the exhibit and it was launched yesterday. You’ll get a taste of this key piece of the project. It talks about the content of the project and gives a lot of information in terms of the music, its history and the musicians.”

Evelyn continued to speak about the web site content, “It encourages visitors to participate. It has a section called ‘Share Your Story’ and it’s for the community to interact. It contains instructions that specifically guide the visitor through the steps to write their story and share. They can share videos, photographs or information they’re willing to share and that would be posted on the website for the public to see and learn more.”

We talked about the generational gaps of music but also talked about the commonalities. Evelyn indicated that the website will show some of the connections between the older and newer musical traditions and genres.

Discussing Latino influences Evelyn said, “Ritchie Valens was the first rock star and influenced the Beatles. People think that the Beatles had an influence on everybody but this Mexican-American from Los Angeles had a big influence on the Beatles. If you listen to the early Beatles they had Ritchie Valens rhythms.” Evelyn Figueroa was very passionate as she talked about Latino inspired music. “The new generation needs to know that and that we have been in the popular music tradition since the beginning. From the ‘tejano’ music in Texas where musicians came across the border and gathered at the small cantinas to sing and compose to today with hip-hop guys dancing in the streets, Latino music has been there.”

Besides the website a blog is available for sharing. Evelyn also pointed out that a radio station is available where the public can listen to music from a wide variety genres and different music from different time periods.

Another interesting section on their website includes a mixer Evelyn said, “We also include the ‘Sabor Mixer’ a section that can be used to compose. You can play with it and would love your feedback.” Evelyn has been very involved in the conceptualization of the website and came across as being very enthusiastic and proud of the site. She went on to note that the website will be up and running during the exhibit and well beyond it as well.

Evelyn conveyed that this exhibit is a smaller version of an exhibit prepared in 2005 by a Seattle music project. The project was a collaboration between the Experience Music Project and the University of Washington. The exhibit was downsized in order for it to become a traveling exhibit and provide a more flexible format.

I asked Evelyn about the exhibit being held at a library and how the music would fit in, she said “Latino music is extremely rich on rhythms and it’s not music that is for contemplation, it’s for listening and dancing. It’s music that moves your soul to dance and if you keep the volume too low then it doesn’t do much.”

As we spoke about the actual exhibit Evelyn indicated that an original 1960 jukebox will be part of the exhibit. The jukebox has been reprogrammed to function on a digital system. A dance floor will be created as dance is an integral part of Latino music. We talked about how music and dance are a major part of Latino celebrations starting with baptisms, quinceñeras, weddings and parties of all kinds.

“Music is simply the soul of the people,” Evelyn said as she quoted the Cuban poet José Marti, “He said ‘Music is the soul of the people.’ Music is a neutralizer, music has no boundaries it crosses borders, it crosses races and it crosses social status.”

As the luncheon started Rivkah Sass, Director, Sacramento Public Library welcomed everyone in attendance and said a few words about the exhibit. She also recognized Smithsonian, Ford and Sacramento Library representatives. Anna Cohn, Director, SITES followed and also recognized other dignitaries at the luncheon.

Ms. Cohn introduced Congresswoman and Smithsonian Regent Doris Matsui. “This is very exciting,” Matsui said as she thanked those in attendance and continued, “I want to thank the Ford Motor Company for being such a dedicated sponsor and having that special commitment. I’d also like to thank the Sacramento Public Library for hosting American Sabor. We appreciate everything you’re doing. I’d like to thank all of you for joining us today in this windy, rainy day and I just want to make an announcement that the levees are fine.” As she said this the audience laughed.

Matsui continued saying the levees were fine, nothing was broken and things were under control. “Thank goodness the system operates the way it should. The Yolo Bypass is working so I just have to say everything works and it’s reassuring.” Matsui said eliciting more laughter.

“American Sabor allows us to learn more about, and to celebrate the long lasting impact and contributions that Latinos have made to our society.” Matsui said as she talked about the exhibit. “It helps tell a story of Latinos in America through music, song and dance and in doing so tell the American story.” Matsui said.

Congresswoman Matsui has been involved as a Smithsonian Regent since 2007 and noted that it’s great to see the Smithsonian bring their resources to the community via exhibits such as American Sabor.

“I’m happy that once again the Smithsonian has chosen our community to launch another exhibit and I love the fact that we’re first, San Francisco will be jealous. Sacramento has a lot offer. I’ve always believed that one of its strengths is our diversity, and our diversity gives us strength.” said Matsui.

As the audience listened Matsui continued to talk about the exhibit. “It will showcase the accomplishments of the Latino community from important events in the arts to the strength of their culture and it is a part of our American history and I’m positive this will bring tremendous success and with your support American Sabor will help us celebrate Latino influences here in Sacramento.”

The last speaker during the luncheon was Lynn Quigley of the Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. She started off by saying, “It’s my pleasure to be here with you to celebrate Latino achievements and the influence of Latino music in American popular culture. Our partnership with SITES expands many years and we’re proud to partner with them once more on American Sabor. I’d like to thank the Sacramento Public Library for hosting the launch of this 12 city tour and for all their work planning the exhibitions.”

Lynn continued to enthusiastically thank all involved in this exhibit. “American Sabor is a project all of us at Ford are really excited about.” Lynn said and emphasized the commitment of Ford to cultural community events such as this one. A video was shown highlighting Ford’s commitment to the Hispanic community and their work with educational institutions and the many ethnic communities in our country.

Lynn ended by saying, “I’d like to share something with you that we are really proud of one of the many components of the American Sabor initiative, its website. With American Sabor we knew we had a great opportunity to reach a wide audience especially since the exhibition’s subject was music something that everyone can relate to.” Lynn went on to indicate that the website will allow participation outside of the exhibit and bring it to communities everywhere.

Ms. Quigley guided the luncheon guests the opportunity to experience some of the website features. A glimpse of the American Sabor’s personal experience through the website shows the history and influences of Latino music in the U.S. Biographies of over 80 Latino musicians from the 1930’s to present are available for exploration as are the many genres of Latino music from East L.A. Punk to Reggaetón and hip-hop.

Educational materials are also available for teachers to download and use in the classroom. A jukebox, mixer and Radio Sabor are other features available on the website. She ended by saying “I’ve saved this section for the last because I’m going to ask you a favor. This is the section of the site for stories from the public, from you. Now I’m going to ask you to tell us your personal story about Latino music. Your story can be about a great concert you saw or when you learned to dance salsa.” Lynn tried to emphasize that web interaction and sharing music stories can bring satisfaction to readers and viewers.

Although interaction is solicited Lynn went on to say that they’re very protective of email addresses and no spam would be tolerated. At this point guests were able to enjoy their lunch and talk about American Sabor and other things as they enjoyed the company and music playing over the sound system.

This exhibition will run during the summer months giving families the opportunity not only to enjoy the exhibit but also give them the opportunity to enjoy the Sacramento Public Library and all the resources it offers. As will most libraries the Sacramento Library offers community information with much material available regarding services provided and other community events.

Now you can read a book, enjoy entertainment and music at your public Library. Enjoy the exhibit and follow it to its second stop in San Francisco.

The Grouch, Zion I and Blu at Tropicana, March 21

2011-03-14T08:00:34Z

The bar for underground hip-hop music has been set for 2011.

“Heroes In the Healing of a Nation” is the newest collaborative album by Zion I, comprised of producer and DJ AmpLive and MC Zumbi, and the Grouch of Living Legends. The album, which drops on March 22, is the follow-up to the first Zion I/Grouch collaboration, “Heroes In the City of Dope.”

Zion I and the Grouch will be touring to share the album from March 19 to May 1, making a stop in Sacramento at the Tropicana Club March 21 thanks to FUSE and TheMashUP.net.

The album is a working masterpiece, blending elements from all sides of the musical spectrum: Latin ,dubstep, reggae and more with the traditional but eccentric hip-hop beats AmpLive is known for. The ever-socially questioning, ever-powerful, but smooth and melodic raps of lyricists Zumbi and the Grouch make for a unique and captivating blend.

“It’s harder than the first album — more sample-oriented, and the subject matter is a little bit harder,” AmpLive said.

“It’s got elements from the first one, but definitely gone a step further,” the Grouch said.

When asked about the feedback he has received for this album, the Grouch said, “My wife and my daughter like it. That’s my main screening process.”

For the tour, rapper Blu will be joining for West Coast dates and One Be Lo on the East. The Shotgun Wedding Quintet and A.R.A.B. will also join for the Sacramento stop.

“It’s so hard to find direct support right now that’s actually going to help out the tour and not bring something negative,” the Grouch said. “But they’re both dope, positive rappers, and that’s why we chose them.”

The Tropicana offers a large stage and crowd area. Although it is an all-ages venue, there is a full bar available to those of age.

“The show is nuts, totally different stuff. — crazy machines I’m working with, visuals, horn players,” AmpLive said.

And yes, live music will be involved, something unusual for your everyday hip-hop show.

The new album will be available for purchase at the show, giving attendees the opportunity to listen before it hits stores.

All dedicated hip-hop fans and anyone interested in seeing a unique and exciting performance are encouraged to attend.

Orgone coming to Harlows.

2011-01-15T08:07:29Z

or·gone n. A universal life force, a cosmic unit of energy, the creative force in nature.

Orgone n. A nine piece soul/funk ensemble from Los Angeles.

A staple on the Festival circuit (High Sierra Music Fest, Moe.down, South by Southwest, Jazzfest, to name a few) Orgone has opened for the likes of Al Green and Sharon Jones, and toured with the Roots and Greyboy Allstars.

"With a rooted sense of funk, soul, afrobeat, deep rhythms and an intimate understanding of dj culture as well as each others' individual talents, Orgone seamlessly slides through multiple styles and dynamic performances. The group continuously injects whatever they play with a heavy brand of raw funk power." (orgonespace.com)

I happened to catch a few minutes of their RV rooftop set at High Sierra and they absolutely killed it.

They are bringing their unique brand of powerfunk to Harlow's this coming Monday, the 17th.

Doors open at 8pm.

Opening for them will be local reggae act Zuhg.

Getting loose on the dancefloor will be me.

Tickets are $12

Image #1 is the property of Josh Miller.

Image #2 comes from Orgone's website.

Talib Kweli lights up Tropicana stage

2011-01-07T18:16:36Z

Nestled between a Party City and a Sports Authority on Arden Way, Tropicana Nightclub hosted one of the biggest names in underground hip hop Wednesday. Brooklyn’s Talib Kweli performed for a diverse, crowded and engaged audience.

The line to get in to Tropicana formed 15 minutes before the announced door-opening of 7:30 p.m. and maintained for over an hour as the nightclub filled out.

Stepping in the door, visitors entered a large, open space with vendor booths along the back and side walls and a large stage with two DJ booths. Also on stage was a Roseville tattoo artist named Jonas, piecing together a large, painted portrait of Kweli that reached its completion right as he took the stage.

Straight back through the front door was the entrance to the bar area, equal in size to the main floor. This separation allowed for an all-ages show and a comfortable experience for all concertgoers.

The show was hosted by former professional skateboarder, graffiti artist, DJ and MC Bukue_one, who held the audience throughout and kept things light and enjoyable, breaking out a skateboard on stage, throwing giveaways to the crowd and freestyle rapping between acts.

Two local acts, Soul Lifted and Lady Blue, opened the show as the crowd filed in. Soul Lifted, a reggae-inspired hip-hop group, put on a short-but-sweet set ending with a remix of Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” that literally shook the walls. Lady Blue also put on a short but well-rehearsed and engaging performance. Both acts had members who weren’t allowed on the age-restricted side of the venue.

Cash Dreed, a hip-hop trio from the Bay Area, took the stage next. They showed a more experienced performance and fully engaged the adult audience. Drinks and lighters were held up high, the dance floor started it’s ambient sway and callbacks were finally returned from the audience.

Next was MyG and Rose, a duo currently touring with Talib Kweli. Rose took the stage and belted out a soulful and honest R&B song. MyG’s verse and the bassline came quickly after the last note of Rose’s powerful voice faded out. The audience was inspired by this blend, and the anticipation for the headliner reached its peak.

During the downtime as Kweli prepared to take the stage, local DJ Kodac Visuals hyped the crowd with an insanely technical turntable set.

With no introduction, Kweli’s voice came over the sound system, and he took the stage clad in diamond-studded, high-top Nikes, a leather jacket, sunglasses and a scarf.

Kweli chronicled his career, playing songs from the last 20 years.

Starting with solo songs from his early career, Kweli moved on to singles from duo Reflection Eternal, composed of himself and DJ Hi Tek.

Reflection Eternal’s first album, “Train of Thought,” released in 2000, and the much-anticipated second Reflection Eternal album, “Revolutions per Minute,” brought the crowd back to Brooklyn at the start of a new millennium and compared it with life and music that’s being made 11 years later.

Kweli also performed a song from the “Blackstar” album, in which Kweli is accompanied by artist, actor and activist Mos Def. Mos Def did not make the performance, but the crowd showed appreciation for a true hip-hop classic.

About halfway through the set, Kweli brought out a female singer named Res, who collaborated with Kweli to make the group Idol Worship. Res stayed on-stage until the end for a diverse and unique performance that ranged from genuine New York rapping to soul to blues and even a Beatles cover.

The audience demanded an encore and was fully satisfied with five more songs from the pair.

The show ran deep into the night, ending shortly after 1:40 a.m. Extended breaks between acts and the large number of local performers pushed the show right up to last call at the bar, and the only negative I can place on the show as a whole was how long it took to get to the headliner. Even though each act added a great deal to the evening, six hours is a lot of standing time.

The host, the openers and the headliner captivated the audience throughout, however, and all audience members seemed fully enthralled until they were asked to leave.

The show focused on facing personal issues, the importance of friends and family and a chance to escape reality for a night and let the music envelop you.

Photo credit: Eric Webb

How the Grouch stole Sacramento

2010-12-16T08:26:30Z

The Grouch brought friends from the Living Legends and Rhymesayers Entertainment on Thursday night for the fourth annual How the Grouch Stole Christmas tour at the Tropicana in Sacramento.

The line stretched far outside the Tropicana on Thursday, as some fans had to wait over an hour to just get into the venue. Although this is the third time the tour has come to Sacramento, it was the first time at the Tropicana and the sound quality, minus some occasional feedback, and stage provided a perfect atmosphere for the show.

The show opened with Los Rakas, a reggae and dance-inspired hip-hop group whose members are originally from Panama. Although the group uses mainly Spanish lyrics, the language barrier didn’t seem to stop the crowd from enjoying their short performance.

Living Legends member Eligh followed with a half-hour set that sampled tracks from his recently released solo album, “Grey Crow,” as well as earlier hits that showcased his on-stage talent and ability.

After Eligh’s somewhat short set, the Minnesota-based hip-hop artist Brother Ali took the stage performing tracks off of his relatively new album, “Us.” The recent loss of friend and Rhymesayers family member Michael Larson, aka Eyedea, led Ali to perform Larsen’s defiantly optimistic “Eyedea & Abilities track,” “Smile.”

Ali’s set was moving and a tough act to follow, but Grouch had no problem keeping the crowd going with hits from almost every one of his albums.

Grouch invited Eligh back on stage midway through his performance for a handful of tracks from the pair’s numerous collaborations, much to the delight of the crowd.

The night came to a close after Grouch’s set with a return to the stage from most of the night’s artist as they played the theme song they recorded for this year’s tour.

For tour dates, more information or to hear the theme song for the How the Grouch Stole Christmas tour, go to: www.therealgrouch.com.

"How the Grouch Stole Christmas" returns to Sacramento

2010-12-14T05:13:42Z

Corey Scoffern, a.k.a. The Grouch, an Oakland-native rapper and representative of the iconic rap group, Living Legends, will perform Tuesday night at Tropicana Club for this year's installment of the "How the Grouch Stole Christmas" tour.

Joining him on stage will be Brother Ali of the independent hip-hop giant, Rhymesayers Entertainment, label-mate and long-time music associate, Eligh and up-and-coming Oakland via Panama hip-hop duo, Los Rakas.

The Grouch spoke with The Sacramento Press about the tour and his recent work.

Sacramento Press: So this is the second, “How the Grouch Stole Christmas Tour,” is this something you plan on doing annually from now on?

Grouch: This is actually the fourth year of this tour, but only the second year in Sac. We've been doing it for four years now and we're going to continue to do it every year.

SP: Last year Mistah FAB headlined the tour with you, now it's Brother Ali; how do you feel about the change?

Grouch: Last year we brought FAB and Fashawn from Fresno. This year it's Brother Ali, Eligh and Los Rakas. We had a great run last year. This year I think we got a super great run.

I've known Ali for a long time and have wanted to do it, and this year we finally made it happen. Eligh has a brand new album out that he'll be performing songs from. Also, we're always bringing someone fresh and this year it's Los Rakas.

SP: Now you’re almost two weeks into the tour, how’s it going so far?

Grouch: I love the show. We've been selling out. People are really excited about the lineup and the show they've been watching. People have been saying, "Oh we came to see you; we've never seen before,” or “Oh, we came to see Brother Ali." A lot of people have been seeing either one of us for the first time and they're very excited about it and so are we.

SP: What should people expect when they come out to a Grouch show or how is it different from other hip-hop concerts?

Grouch: People should expect dope acts from the beginning of the night to the end. It's a lot of positive, uplifting hip-hop and an entertaining show as well. Real dope stage shows and presence, seasoned rap-spitters. People will get a good night of professional, independent hip-hop.

SP: Tell me about the recent tracks you released with Zion I, are there plans to release a second “Heroes in the City of Dope”?

Grouch: We got a new album tentatively coming out March 9, 2011 called "Heroes in the Healing of a Nation." We've dropped two singles already. "One" got a little buzz going and was featured in the “Step Up (3D)” movie. We're currently mixing and mastering the full album.

SP: “One” was on the soundtrack to “Step Up 3D”? How did it feel for one of your tracks to get picked up in a major motion picture?

Grouch: I honestly thought it was going to do a little bit more. I haven't seen the movie yet, but it feels good. It's a great tool to get it out there and get the music promoted. The point is to make the music so people can hear it, and anything where people can hear it is a good thing to me.

SP: Do you have plans for your next solo album?

Grouch: Definitely. I'm always working on solo projects. I don't have a title. I'm not too deep in to anything yet. I have songs I've recorded and songs that I like and plan to use. But the Zion I thing's first; me and Eligh also have some songs recorded and we'll be working together, too.

SP: Can we ever expect all of the Living Legends back on another full-length album?

Grouch: We'll see about that. It's hard to get eight guys together. There's talk of one, but I don't know about that yet.

SP: Are there any other tracks or projects that are being released soon that people should know about?

Grouch: I've been working with DJ Fresh a lot and doing the live show. Fresh is working with a lot of Bay artists. He's the one that put together the project with Yukmouth and Tech N9ne and myself. I've got my hand in a lot of different projects with a lot of different people.

SP: Who are some artists that you’d like to work with that you haven’t had a chance to yet, or are there any up-and-comers you'd like to put some light on?

Grouch: Los Rakas. They'll be opening for us tonight and were scheduled on the tour. Haven't recorded much with them, but I'd like to. Brother Ali made the beat for the Christmas song with Los Rakas and myself and that's become our official tour song. I definitely want to do more music with them.

SP: Los Rakas performed with MURS when he came to Sacramento back in October. Aren't they a Spanish-speaking group, and how does that affect making music with them?

Grouch: They're from Panama and live in Oakland. They speak some Spanish and some English in their songs. I haven't worked with them too much but I'm waiting to see them record. I like their energy onstage and their fire in their music

SP: For my last question, do you have any words on the Sacramento hip-hop scene?

Grouch: I've done a couple shows here. I always love coming to Sac. I love the vibe and the people. Last year, they were one of the cities that got the hypest for FAB and one of the cities that got hypest for me. I'm glad they can be in to the more mainstream and the independent hip-hop. I don't really like those titles but it's good to see that.

SP: You said you don't like those titles. What would you title your music as then?

Grouch: It's not that I don't like the title but they don't fully describe the artist. I don't think any words can fully describe the artist or the music they make. Good music is good music and should speak to the soul and mind and get people moving and excited and thinking. Dope tracks do that and that's it.

_______________________________________________________

Throughout the interview, The Grouch maintained a casual tone and nonchalant, yet interested attitude. This was unexpected as it is in contrast to the powerful and emotional music he is known to make.

The show will, no doubt, be as interesting and unexpected. A venue change from last year brings the concert from The Boardwalk in Orangevale to the Tropicana Club across from Arden Fair Mall. Last year's attendants will be the best judge of how the venue impacts the show and all are encouraged to attend.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tropicana Club is located at 1696 Arden Way
Tickets can be purchased for $22 online here, $22 at Dimple Records at 2433 Arden Way, or $27 at the door.

Photo by Arian Stevens.

Local hip-hop competition celebrates culture

2010-12-13T06:15:01Z

The bleachers of Mills Middle School in Rancho Cordova filled up Saturday afternoon as over 300 people--families, students, and dance enthusiasts--turned out to watch dancers from all over the United States take to the floor in the first ever Sac Hop Competition.

Drawing in over 32 break-dancing crews and individual performers, the event was split into two different parts: the one-on-one all styles and the three-on-three B-Boy competition, each giving the dancers their chance to showcase their physical talent, creative freedom and support for hip-hop culture.

After seven hours and three rounds of dance and elimination, Seattle-based dancer Macco took the title for the individual contest, receiving a cash prize of $250. The grand prize, a paid trip to Montreal, Canada to compete against much tougher competition at the world-renowned Just for Laughs Festival, was nabbed by Freak Show, a break-dancing crew out of Oceanside, Calif.

In the hour before the competition started, the energy mounted as a DJ continuously played music, the host cracked jokes on the microphone, and dancers of all ages--some as young as 5 years old, some who have been dancing for decades--shared the floor as they stretched, laughed and danced together. Even during intermissions, the crowd still buzzed and dancers used every free second to perfect a move or try something new. The energy never ceased. Every time one had the chance, a dancer would circle around the floor, clapping their hands to the beat of the music and getting everyone in the audience to do the same.

Event coordinator and host, Larry “Phatso” Oliver, had good reason to create such an event and involve the high-stakes prize. Oliver, who has been dancing for 11 years, has participated in events all over the world with his award-winning crew, Flexible Flav, winning at the Just for Laughs Festival in 2006 and 2007. The motivation to put on a show of this caliber is very simple: making his culture thrive.

“We had a good turnout, probably about 300, 350 people,” he said. “I worked hard, just promoting and promoting, getting it out there, and it looks like it paid off.”

Creating and coordinating the Sac Hop is just one step in expanding the presence of hip-hop in Sacramento, and Oliver plans on turning it into an annual event.

“We have to do something for the community, otherwise it will struggle,” he said. “I want these kids to have the same opportunities I had.”

Many people in that gymnasium — audience members, dancers, judges, etc. — shared similar hopes for a culture they identify so strongly with.

“I want hip-hop to be seen for what it really is: less ‘gangster,’ and more as a thing where people can come together and enjoy,” said competitor Andrew “Andjue” Menchavez, 21, who participated in both the one-on-one and three-on-three with Exclusive Crew and has been dancing for 10 years. Menchavez was one of many dancers who attend competitions like this for more than just money or recognition, but rather for the support of a lifestyle and love of a craft.

It’s this kind of attitude, said Andre “Flash” Whitmore, 29, that makes this relatively unknown culture what it is today.

“It’s good to see these young kids keeping it alive, keeping the culture going,” he said. “They’re young, real, hip-hop.”

Whitmore is a legendary B-Boy from the Motion Sickness crew, and a judge in the Sac Hop’s one-on-one competition. When judging the competition, Whitmore said he looked for “creativity, originality, performance, showmanship, how they manipulate the moves, and how they manipulate the crowd. Do it like the Spartans: go in strong, come out strong.” Whitmore was one of five judges with long and impressive dance résumés who came from all over the United States to participate.

The Sac Hop, although a competition, was equally successful in bringing people together, people with different dance styles yet a common interest. As an underground group that often goes unnoticed, or worse, misjudged, events like the Sac Hop are ways for this brand of hip-hop to be exposed and expanded, and it’s people like Oliver, Whitmore, and so many others who won’t stop until it is.

As Whitmore says, “Hip-hop is a part of everybody. It needs to stay within the people. Without the people, hip-hop would die.”

Oakland based hip-hop group Zion I performs at Sacramento State

2010-11-20T22:32:17Z

With the release of its sixth album, “Atomic Clock,” the Zion I crew hit Sacramento State last night, astounding students and fans with their reggae-inspired hip-hop performance.

Openers Random Abiladeze and The Holdup failed to draw the crowd in on Thursday at Sacramento State’s ballroom, but the headliners from Oakland, CA, had no problem filling the building and eventually selling out the venue.

The crew performed two shows in Sacramento last night, the first being an in-store signing and performance at Dimple Records two hours before the show at Sacramento State.

Zion I is an underground hip-hop group from whose music focuses mainly on spiritual and individual growth, while still keeping the rhythm and culture of Bay Area rap music. Made up of only one MC, Zumbi, and one DJ, Amp Live, the group’s small size didn’t stunt its large performance Thursday night – both artists did a great job of incorporating the audience and filling the whole stage.

“Atomic Clock” consists of 13 new tracks and has heavy overtones of reggae music throughout. DJ Amp Live blended in a full band to either redo or recreate his beats for the album. MC Zumbi’s lyrics are powerful and uplifting, to say the least, using his confident style of “reggae rap” to create some unique music for this album.

With one backup singer, the two musicians took fans on a journey through their music career. Although this tour was mainly to promote their brand-new album, they kept fans happy with a wide variety of their music, playing hits ranging from dance song “Don’t Lose Your Head” to more abstract songs from their first album, including “Finger Paint.”

For more information, tour dates and to stream the entire “Atomic Clock” album for free, visit zionicrew.com/

Hip hop music not the problem, panelists say

2010-11-10T02:25:15Z

The key to successful and safe hip hop events in Sacramento is to focus on the music, an expert panel said Tuesday.

Sacramento needs club owners and promoters to give hip hop artists doing good music a chance – working together rationally to overcome stereotypes or solve problems. What the city doesn't need is people who bring turf wars or personal drama into clubs, said hip hop artists, promoters and a historian gathered at the Crest Theatre.

One panelist, rapper B-Smoove, acknowledged that problems can arise if gang enemies who normally don't cross paths suddenly wind up at the same club. He’s established a reputation for hosting problem-free hip hop nights by reminding his audiences that everyone was there for the music, not drugs or violence.

"When it's all about the music, all the B.S. goes by the wayside," said hip hop DJ and promoter Mic Jordan at an event organized by the Midtown Business Association, Downtown Sacramento Partnership and Old Sacramento Business Association.

The panel was part of a series of workshops on nightclub safety and state laws and city regulations for bars and nightclubs. On Nov. 16, the business organizations are hosting the third Pubs, Clubs and Bars Security Training workshop on bar security and operations from 2 - 5 p.m. at the California Military Museum, 1119 Second St.

The free workshops are open to businesses, DJs and club promoters in Old Sacramento, downtown and Midtown.

Hip hop started largely because New York gang lords wanted to create places for their kids to have positive experiences. There may have been war in the streets, but that wasn't allowed at such events, Jordan said.

"They used their muscle to enforce these hip hop events as safe zones," Jordan said. "As artists, that's part of our responsibility. That's what we can do at the clubs."

Panelists discouraged marketing efforts that exploit violence, such as promotional fliers with gunshot holes used recently here by one promoter. Sacramento's hip hop scene has remained largely unrecognized, and artists aren't given opportunities because of problems with violence that have been blamed on the music, they said.

"Our underground music scene is as good as anybody across the board," said Jordan, adding that the city doesn’t have enough club owners who trust artists or have established clientele.

Hip hop educator Michael Benjamin II recommended clubs play more diverse hip hop and use diverse DJs and musicians. The crowds will come for events featuring hip hop’s golden era in the 1980s and 1990s, he said.

"I've never understood a club owner complaining about violence at their club and they're playing all violent music," he said.

Some but not all panelists say troublemakers might be weeded out with dress codes, which could add a more sophisticated vibe inside clubs and prevent gang colors from being worn. Problems might also be prevented by no longer making people line up outside and wait to be chosen to get in, B-Smoove said.

The practice may work in cities like Los Angeles and New York. But here, customers are likely to become unhappy if someone else is allowed in when they’re not, he said.

“In Sacramento, that tactic don't necessarily work,” B-Smoove said.

Some clubs are only concerned about filling up with customers, so they aren't weeding out bad people, said DJ Katz, an underground electronic DJ who joined about 25 other people in the audience. The crowd included bar owners, DJs, promoters, police and security personnel.

"It's desperation time right now. There's crickets," he said.

But Swiff, a musician who does hip hop, rock and R&B, said rules that force people to wear expensive clothing may start more fights because a guy who gets a drink spilled on his expensive shirt will be more angry than if he was just wearing a T-shirt.

The panelists suggested Sacramento clubs hire more security for events. Bouncers should be trained professionals – polite and well-dressed, yet tough when needed, so they themselves don't initiate violence with disrespectful behavior. They should also work at the same clubs repeatedly so they recognize people who've caused problems in the past, panelists said.

Swiff said he's OK with having police officers sitting outside clubs to keep troublemakers or "outside scum" away. What he doesn't want is people leaving one of his events vowing never to return because they're afraid for their lives.

"That's what’s wrong in Sacramento: We're letting the scum beat us," he said.

Workshops tackle safe bar operations

2010-11-05T00:53:02Z

Nightclub safety will be discussed at upcoming workshops offered by local business organizations.

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Midtown Business Association and Old Sacramento Business Association are hosting two sessions this month.They are part of a series aimed at educating bar and restaurant owners and staff about their responsibilities, as well as state laws and city regulations.

The free workshops are open to businesses, DJs and club promoters in Old Sacramento, downtown and Midtown.

Rapper B-Smoove and other experts in Sacramento's hip hop scene recently agreed to lead a panel on managing hip hop nights so that they stay free from the violence that shut down clubs like Elements. Other discussions will tackle many "gray areas" involved with bar operation, entertainment permits and special events, said DSP Director of Community Services Ryan Loofbourrow.

"We plan on doing this on a regular basis, so as trends happen or new regulations take effect, we can include those," he said Thursday. "We want to make sure all of our establishments are up to date on all the procedures."

On Nov. 9, a hip hop panel will talk about how business owners can build successful clubs and reputations by enforcing tight security at the door, banning bad behavior inside clubs and offering "true" hip hop – rather than gangsta rap or other music with violent lyrics, MBA Operations Manager Aja Uranga-Foster said.

B-Smoove will be joined by Michael W. Benjamin II of Low End Theory Collaborative, hip hop club promoter Mike Jordan and Brian "Abs" Washington, a musician, promoter, personal trainer and bouncer. The panel will be held from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K St.

Some bars have stopped offering hip hop events, while others have developed bad reputations and even lost permits or licenses for repeated violence. The panel will discuss how music lyrics and beats can influence mood and behavior inside a club, she said.

Two people were shot and killed outside Elements, 805 15th St., in 2004. Robert Zarco was gunned down in revenge after he shot and killed 26-year-old Elias Sanchez in front of his wife. The club stopped holding hip hop nights after the shooting. Its permit was later revoked. The club was sold and the place reopened as Avalon.

"They're going to talk about how to maintain a high standard and play good hip hop that doesn't just appeal to a 'low-end crowd,' " Foster said. "They themselves (the panelists) don't go out to clubs because they want to hear true hip hop, but they don't like the behavior that is allowed at some clubs."

That panel will be followed by a workshop on responsible beverage service from 2 - 5 p.m. Jerry Jolly, the former director of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, will explain state regulations involving alcohol sales and promotions, how to turn away intoxicated customers and how to communicate with ABC agents.

Another Pubs, Clubs and Bars Security Training workshop will be held on bar security and operations from 2 - 5 p.m. Nov. 16 at the California Military Museum, 1119 Second St. Sacramento Police Sgt. Monty "Max" Maxwell, with the department's entertainment team, will cover city entertainment permits, requirements for security operations, how to recognize people too intoxicated to buy more liquor, fire safety and other issues, Loofbourrow said.

"Bars are responsible for the behavior of customers," he said. "This will help bar operators and security know what to look for."

Photo by Brandon Darnell.

Hip Hop at Sol Collective

2010-10-19T06:19:40Z

Hip hop artists from around Sacramento gathered to put on a great show hosted by Sol Collective. Mentes Diferentes presented a gathering of some great local hip hop artists who collaborated and put on energetic sets that followed in quick succession one after another.

Artists that were scheduled to participate , on the October 15 event, were Mean Doe Green aka Doey Rock, The Desperados, Brown Hustlas, A.R.A.B., Peso Harlem with DJ LOS. Task 1 joined in the freestyle session and entertained the audience as well (as usual). Catching me by surprise, I missed part of his rap but I heard him rhyme something with "the Sacramento Press" while looking my way. Just like he entertained during the Sammies Block Party Awards he stepped into place and delighted the Sol Collective crowd.

It’s great to witness young hip hop artists exhibiting their rapping skills and how quick they are to use every facet of the English language. Not only that, at this event, the audience witnessed Spanish and Spanglish lyrics. I couldn’t help but notice the mix of cultures, races, and ages come together as entertainers and audience members.The energy they provided as entertainers and were given back by the audience was just incredible.

Each artist that took the stage gave their all and it made me realize the quality of talent Sacramento has not only in this genre but in many types of music. Sacramento Hip hop artists, in my opinion, are not given the exposure they should be given. Very talented artists entertain Sacramento audiences but I have not seen promoters showcase this excellent bunch of artists that we have in our area.

All the groups that performed at the show have a repertoire that is very impressive and noticeable as they performed during this event. What is just as impressive is the fact that, at least at this show, freestyle rapping is encouraged and audience participation is required to make these types of shows successful.

As young people of Sacramento become more exposed to the hip hop talent in our area the more these artists will grow in popularity. Their lyrics can cross over to all socio economic audiences. They also have wide appeal to young audiences but as of yet, in my opinion, have not had the same type of exposure as other types of local music.

The Desperados are made up of various artists. As one of the artists, Americano, noted “It is made up by Vicious V, Reckless Reaction, Americano, and Brown Hustlas.” He continued “Desperado is basically a subgroup of Mentes Diferentes; it’s a collective. Mentes Diferentes, in Spanish means, a different mindset, different minds. We’re basically made up of Latin rappers but we don’t want to really define ourselves as Latin rappers, we want to hold down for hip hop for what we love. That’s what we’re about it’s about making music”. His enthusiasm was great you could feel his love of music. I asked him about how long he’d been involved with Desperados. "Man we’ve been around since well I’d say around ‘05 is when we started making music; right straight out of high school. I ran into Rudy (Reckless), who used to work at the movie theatres right next to the restaurant I used to work at. So I ran into him and he asked ‘do you know anybody that rhymes? I make beats’ I said yeah I rhyme and so we started working together”. We’re all from Sacramento; we have Brown Hustlas from the south side, Desperados in the north, and Vicious V who raps out of Sacramento but also out in Yolo County.”

Back inside Sol Collective the beats continued until Mean Doe Green took the stage to end the show. Their set was dope! They encouraged the audience to come closer to the stage and they obviously got energy out of that. Their show just flowed and left everyone wanting more but alas the show was done. A delightful ending to the evening and the talent of the artists who participated was greatly appreciated by all who attended this event.

For more information on these groups follow them at their internet accounts. Sol Collective hosted the event and they have various shows coming up and listed on their website calendar. Below are myspace, facebook, itunes, and websites related to artists who participated at this event.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nueve-diez-y-seis/id366998574
myspace.com/brownhustlarecords
http://www.myspace.com/jlocobhr
http://www.myspace.com/brownhustlarecords
http://www.myspace.com/brownhustlarecords
http://www.myspace.com/recklessreacti0n
http://www.myspace.com/thedesperados916
http://www.myspace.com/blackzeeksuper
http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=44007863&albumid=15973858
http://kodacvisualz.com/
facebook.com/kodacvisualz

Atmosphere, Rhymesayers Ent. come to Sacramento Sept. 28

2010-09-21T16:46:20Z

When you think of a “rap superstar,” what words come to mind? Gaudy? Violent? Subjective to women? How about humble, loving, and community-oriented? All of these words and many more could describe hip-hop duo Atmosphere, which will grace the University Union Ballroom stage at Sacramento State Sept. 28.

This unique outlook on music production and life in general has pushed Atmosphere, composed of Sean Daley (Slug) and Anthony Davis (Ant), to the forefront of the international hip-hop scene. Working together for close to two decades, the duo has produced dozens of EPs, tour albums and collaborative albums with outside artists, traveled the world and started the wildly successful independent record label Rhymesayers Ent.

The artists hail from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in Minnesota, where they were introduced by then-mutual friend, now-label-mate rapper Musab. Slug describes Minnesota as more accepting of cultural diversity than some places in America and as a place with a long history in musical success. For Slug and Ant, (both of whom are Caucasian) this was the perfect place to start a hip-hop lifestyle, and when the rap scene hit the area in the early '80s, both were eager to join.

Slug admitted that rapping was not his first love, let alone career choice. As a teen he tried his hand first in break dancing, then graffiti art, then turntable DJ and music production before he even thought of handling a microphone. But even when he started writing rhymes, making songs and hosting small-venue hip-hop shows, his music was only intended for the ears of the neighborhood kids. Even today, Slug revels in the fact that his music is being heard and his concerts being attended by people in Europe, Japan and all across America.

Since the days of playful music production in their youth, it has been their shared work ethic that has held Slug and Ant together as a duo throughout the years.

Slug said this has helped them grow and go through the phases every artist experiences without holding steadfast to any given identity. In his words, a rapper sticks to his style with any producer he works with, and vice versa, to try and maintain their consistency. Working with one person has allowed them both to grow together and try new things, but every new thing is still a product of “Atmosphere” as a whole.

This becomes obvious when you hear the feisty, almost angry tones of earlier albums “Overcast” and “Lucy Ford” compared with middle-stage albums such as “God Loves Ugly” and “You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having,” where drinking and life on the road began to take their toll.

Atmosphere’s newest albums, “When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint that Sh*t Gold” and “To All My Friends, Blood Makes the Blade Holy” (the album on which their current tour is based), contain an air of adult responsibility and a reminiscent look back at what brought them to where they are today.

The idea for the “To All My Friends Tour” came about through a book project started by photographer Dan Monick documenting seven years touring with Atmosphere and Rhymesayers Ent.

Atmosphere decided to release an album with this name focused on the fun and friendship of life on the road followed by an album released later in the year titled “Blood Makes the Blade Holy” that discusses the pitfalls of homesickness, poorly received performances and traveling with people that they just didn’t get along with.

Monick’s book release, however, was pushed back to late October, so instead of keeping the original plan, which may have increased record sales, Atmosphere put both albums together with a list of tour dates to share the experience with the fans that would later be exposed in the book.

The tour features fellow Rhymesayers artists Blueprint, Budo & Grieves and DJ Rare Groove. Blueprint and Rare Groove have been longstanding members of the label and shared Slug and Ant’s feelings on tour life to make a perfect addition.

Budo & Grieves are a newer act, and Slug promised an amazing performance, saying that once people get a chance to see them, they will be remembered as a staple of the Rhymesayers lineup.

The group is very much looking forward to its Sacramento performance and has only the best things to say about previous shows here. Slug described Sacramento as “having the heart and energy of California without the plastic and fakeness, which is, to a performer, the best of both worlds.”

This article began asking about opinions of what rap or hip-hop is supposed to mean. But Atmosphere is one group that truly shows that what it’s supposed to mean and what it actually is are two completely different things. Hip-hop can provide an escape from reality or a reminder of what reality is to some people. It can show you a new way of thinking or simply remind you to have fun. The “To All My Friends” tour will contain a small part of each of these and is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Show begins: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 28 at The University Union at Sacramento State, 6000 J St.

Tickets available at http://www.rhymesayers.com/atmosphere/.

Photo Credit: Molly Mady (Left to right: Ant, Erick Anderson (keyboard), Nate Collins (guitar), Slug)

Dirt Nasty Should Clean Up His Performance

2010-09-11T00:21:54Z

When I read that the Boardwalk was bringing Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy to Sacramento, I was really excited. I was turned on to Dirt's music by a friend toward the end of last summer, and this was to be my first Dirt Nasty show.

Attending live shows has always been a way for me, the listener, to connect with the artist on a more personal level. Dirt Nasty's music is upbeat and party-oriented. His lyrics are a bit on the crude side and are intended to shock the crowd.

Anytime I have been in a party situation with friends and a Dirt Nasty song came on, the energy in the room intensifies. Dirt has a certain pentameter and delivery in his music that invokes those around to sing along, word for word. That’s why I became a Dirt Nasty fan – it's party music.

I arrived a little early to the show to get a feel for the crowd. I wasn't aware of Dirt and Andre's fan base, so showing up early and watching people arrive was a good way to feel out who else was a fan of the shock emcees. Well, that answer was a simple one: Women.

Turns out that Dirt has a charm that the ladies love. It’s a bit ironic, given his lyrical content.

Also, I noticed that more than half of the fans were under 21. Again, it’s kind of ironic, given his lyrical content.

If you have ever heard a Dirt Nasty song, then you understand what I mean. His topics range from sex and drugs to partying and, well, that is about the extent of it.

While sitting in front of the venue waiting for the show to start, as show times had been incorrectly listed, I noticed that more than a few people shared my frustration. Finally, the doors opened just before 9 p.m. (the Boardwalk’s website had said 6:30 p.m.), and a steady stream of people began to flow in.

I've always liked the Boardwalk as a venue. It's one part dive bar, two parts concert venue. I find it's smaller size to be quaint and induce some what of a house party feel into the crowd. You feel more connected to those around you. I have always felt that when you bottle the amount of energy put out at any rock or hip hop show inside a smaller venue, you end up with an explosive vibe that no larger venue can replicate.

First on the stage was Beardo, a Southern California-based emcee with a very unique style.

At first, I was bit unsure how to physically describe him, but during one of his songs, he nailed it for me – Screech! He looks like Screech from “Saved by the Bell” with some sort of a pseudo afro/mullet and a bushy, ’80s rocker mustache.

Looks aside, he is a semi-talented individual who makes party music. I hate to describe it in such bland terms, but I can not figure out any other adjectives to sum up his music.

Lyrically, his music was weak, and nothing particularly stood out in my mind. Between songs, he just kept repeating himself. "Who wants to fucking party?!" Seriously, that is all he said.

Beardo has the stage presence of a rock band, which, if you are a rock band, is great. As a band, your music speaks for you. However, Beardo is not a band. He is an emcee, and that means he is required to bring more of a stage presence to the table. He doesn't have the energy of a five-piece band to bring the crowd into a frenzy.

His music was almost too unbearable to listen to, and the only song he performed that was worth a damn was his cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right.” I lost interest after that and made a trip to the bar to clear my head.

Andre Legacy was apparently sick, so he didn't make it to the show. That was sad, because the dynamic that Legacy brings to Dirt's music is a huge part of why I like the music. I've seen Legacy perform with Mickey Avalon, and he has a stage presence that I feel Dirt Nasty needed.

In true rapper form, Dirt Nasty took the stage with an entourage that was five deep. No hype man, just five guys standing on stage, bringing nothing to the table. I can't figure out why.

I will say this: Dirt Nasty has a way with the ladies. The women swarmed from every corner of the venue to get as close to Dirt as possible. He opened his set with two tracks off his debut album (“Dirt Nasty”), which everyone in the crowd, seemed to know, word for word.

Dirt then performed Boom Box, a track from his newest album (“Nasty As I Wanna Be”). Boom Box has an ’80s hip hop/break beat feel with a bass-heavy Bay Area influence. It’s a great track to work up the crowd and get the energy flowing.

I noticed that it seemed as if nothing on stage was planned. Dirt's DJ, Killer Cam, appeared to lead the set, and Dirt just followed. If I didn't know better, I'd say Dirt was so out of it that he wasn't even aware of where he was at the moment. He kept looking back at Cam and asking what song they should play next.

Stage presence-wise, Dirt fell short. He looked dazed and just not into it. His songs were upbeat and made people want to get up and dance, but his demeanor in between just ruined the vibe. I expected more out of Dirt Nasty, especially with a new album in circulation. I know that indie rap music has seen darker days, I just hope that Dirt Nasty finds the light, and soon. He gets paid to do what he loves, so he should show a bit more enthusiasm about it.

Dirt Nasty's music was good and what I expected, but his stage presence was sub-par at best, and I think fans who pay to see a musician perform deserve much more than the lackluster performance that they received.

Photo Credit: Steven Chea

Sacramento Hip Hop is Cooley Mac'n

2010-08-09T17:44:52Z

Local hip hop artists Carey Johnson, RV Watson and Jonathon Bauman came together to make the newest movement in Sacramento rap.

Cooley Mac’n, as they have come to be known, is starting its pursuit of the rap music industry, playing local venues, recording and producing mix tapes and spreading the buzz about its scene.

Johnson, “Cooley Boy Fresh” and Watson “Mainy Manny” put melodic, soft-spoken yet hard-hitting lyrics over Bauman’s smooth and crisp instrumentals. Surprisingly catchy, the songs off Cooley Mac’n’s first mix tape, “From Scratch, Vol. 1,” are guaranteed to be stuck in your head after your first listen.

After gaining popularity, the single “I’m Cooley Mac’n” from the “From Scratch” mix tape had many wondering, “What does Cooley Mac’n really mean?”

Bauman said he feels “Cooley Mac'n is more then just a name – It's a lifestyle. It's pretty much just being young and active but at the same time chilled and relaxed.”

“It means just relaxing, chasing money, getting active, in no particular order.” Johnson added, “but Cooley Mac’n is more than that – it’s a lifestyle. It is about living life and enjoying it at your own pace. Because to me that’s the key to it all.”

As both artists said is a symbol of how the group came to be and what kind of music the musicians want to produce.

Watson and Johnson have been friends since high school. Johnson and his group of friends were known as the “Cooley Boys.” Watson’s group was simply called, “Mac’s.”

This blend of smooth-talking, fashionable popularity was the desire of many students and something the two were known for.

They have played shows at Club Silk, Pinky's and The Boardwalk and continue to book shows and produce new music. Their newest mix tape, “Different,” was recently finished, and plans for a third are already in the works.

“If I had the chance, I’d take this as a career. I love making music and everything around it.” Watson said.

The trio are currently considering a record label, but enjoy the freedom independent music production has to offer.

Find more information on live appearances and record purchasing here:

http://www.myspace.com/cooleymac39n
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001397252653&ref=ts

Tyga @ The Colonial Theatre

2010-06-26T04:47:27Z

The young rapper known as Tyga performed to a large crowd at The Colonial Theater (3520 Stockton Blvd) Thursday night, June 24th.

The twenty-year-old is signed to Lil Wayne's record label Young Money Entertainment, where his label mates include Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj. He released his debut album No Introduction in 2008, and has an upcoming album entitled Careless World, featuring collaborations with artists including Chris Brown.

Fans in line wait to get into The Colonial Theatre before the show.

Local rappers warm up the crowd before the show.

More local rappers warm up the crowd before the show.

Tyga comes out to an screaming crowd around 11pm.

Tyga

Tyga pulls an excited fan from the front row and brings her on stage to dance.

Fans in the pit take photos and record video of Tyga with their cell phones.

Tyga interacts with the ladies in the pit while security stands by.

Tyga says goodnight to the audience.

Portugal. The Man at Harlow's

2010-06-19T09:19:09Z

A roadie turned on the smoke machine, and a few moments later, Portland by way of Alaska band Portugal. The Man emerged from the dense fog to take the Harlow's stage. The experimental indie rock four-piece visited Sacramento Thursday night, touring in support of their latest full-length American Ghetto.

Portugal. The Man is John Gourley (Guitar/Vocals), Zachary Carothers (Bass/Vocals), Jason Sechrist (Drums), and Ryan Neighbors (Keys/Vocals). Think psychedelic indie rock with synth and dashes of electronica and hip-hop beats thrown in for good measure. It's a progressive and complex soundscape, and at the same time very much melodic and head-bobbingly accessible.

Their show at Harlow's drew evenly from their first five full-length albums, of which they have put out about one a year since 2006. Foregoing crowd interaction to work through the set, the group's jangly choruses occasionally meandered into extended sonic jam sessions, anchored by the tightness of a group that has a few shows under its belt. A lighting scheme that did not include spotlights on stage helped to create a dramatic mood for the show; the band was lit from a few low lights on the stage and the light/dark contrast (along with the smoke and lasers) created dramatic surroundings to accompany the upbeat performance.

I enjoyed the show a lot and I'm glad I caught these guys in an intimate setting as they continue to build a larger fanbase and play increasingly larger venues. I definitely recommend checking out their albums and catching them live if you can.

Zachary Carothers (Bass/Vocals)

John Gourley (Guitar/Vocals)

John Gourley (background) and Ryan Neighbors (Keys/Vocals)

Zachary Carothers

Ryan Neighbors

Fans in front of the stage watch Ryan Neighbors on keys

John Gourley

Jason Sechrist (Drums)

Zachary Carothers

The band gets ready to say goodnight

Setlist:

My Mind
The Sun
Guns & Dogs
Chicago
1989
Colors
Do You
The Woods
Oh Lord
Marching With 6
Stables & Chairs
And I
People Say
AKA M80 The Wolf

Photos by Steven Chea

For more information:

Portugal. The Man

Harlow's

Abstract Entertainment

Social Media Rocks

2010-06-11T21:40:19Z

And it’s definitely going to be rocking next Tuesday evening when the Social Media Club of Sacramento (SMCSac) presents their next free event at the Urban Hive. The very fitting subtitle for a panel discussion? “How Social Media is Changing the Tune of Sacramento’s Music Scene.”

Our city has long had a vibrant music scene, and social media is changing the way people interact with it. Sites like Pandora, Last.fm, YouTube, iLike, and YourSpins put the users at the helm, allowing them to rate, distribute, and even remix music. SMCSac has planned an evening geared towards helping local bands and musicians leverage social media tools from production to promotion.

The panelists for Social Media Rocks are some of the leading lights in the Sacramento music scene, including

Clay Nutting, whose Concerts 4 Charity have produced more than 100 events over the past ten years with the aim of fostering a healthy independent music and arts community in Sacramento. http://claynutting.wordpress.com/.
Jerry Perry is a legend in the Sacramento music scene, He has been producing music events in Sacramento for nearly 30 years at venues such as Vortex and Cattle Club. He produces some 200 live shows in our area every year, including the popular Friday Night Concerts in the Park. http://www.facebook.com/jerryperrypresents
TAIS, which stands for Truth Arises in Search, is a hip hop artist and emcee whose group, Righteous Movement, has toured for six years using their music to advocate self awareness and the quest for personal truth through music. Touching on everything from careless partying to American political thought, TAIS leads the quest on the search for truth. http://www.taismusic.com

However, SMCSac is not planning an evening merely to talk about music. Following the panel discussion, DJ Rob Fatal, will be at the turntable providing sounds to complement the continuing conversations. In addition, sponsor Urban Hive is featuring "Portraits: 32 Singers, 32 Songs," a double disc compilation that is being produced by Off The Air, along with an art exhibit featuring the individual portraits of each songwriter by Nine by 9 Photography.

As with all Sacramento Social Media Club events, there is no cost to participate, but please register in advance at Eventbrite http://socialmediarocks.eventbrite.com/ as an accurate head count is needed for the appetizers and drinks that will be provided. The Urban Hive is located at 1931 H Street in Midtown. Check-in begins at 6:30 pm and the evening will go to 10 pm.

The Social Media Club brings together journalists, publishers, communications professional, artists, amateur media creators, citizen journalists, teachers, students, tool makers, and other interested collaborator. The Sacramento chapter was founded in March of 2009 by local users of social media. Jane Gassner is a member of the Leadership Committee of the Sacramento chapter.

Live video of Concert in the Park

2010-06-05T00:00:05Z

Join the Sacramento Press for an evening of Hip Hop, Funk and Soulful Electronica at the 4th Concert in the Park of the season.

Concert in the Park, a free outdoor concert series ,takes place every Friday of the summer at Cesar Chavez Plaza, 10th and J Streets from 5:30 to 8:30.

Live Manikins open the showcase of great local talent followed by The Nibblers and headliners Method Echo.

The series, now in it's 19th season, features local artists representing a range of genres including rock, pop, punk,hip hop, blues and folk.

Starting at 5:30 this afternoon, The Sacramento Press will provide live streaming video of all the action including interviews of the local bands and footage of each bands' performance.

This year the famous beer garden has been expanded to accommodate the growing happy hour crowd.As always there are lots of great food and vendor booths.

Concert in the Park is a great event for music lovers of all ages and admission is free.Bring the whole family!

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Dance Company brings Broadway to Oak Park

2010-06-03T09:27:43Z

The 34th Street Dance company put on another high energy performance last Saturday at the Guild Theater. The theme was Fiat Lux, which is Latin for "let there be light. The show wrapped up with a tribute of dance routines to the late Michael Jackson, along with a heart felt and tearful ceremony to the seniors graduating from the company.

“Our mission is to use dance as a tool to build community and develop each dancer as a creative thinker, dance technician, and a leader” said Sheila Coleman, the founder and director of the company. The company trains in modern, hip-hop, and contemporary movement forms and for seven years, has shared its passion for dance with audiences all over California. The Sacramento-high based company is proudly led by Coleman , assistant director, Janay Hood, and dance coach and 34th SDC alumna, Rachel Hylton.

To view the photo gallery of the performance Click Here (photos by Ray Johnson/Npaphoto.com)

For more information on the 34th Street Dance Company, please visit Sheila Coleman's Facebook page

By Ray Johnson/Npaphoto.com

Saxophone legend Sonny Rollins to play Mondavi

2010-05-17T04:11:33Z

It's been said that saxophone legend Sonny Rollins is just as good as jazz greats John Coltrane and Charlie Parker were. It's a reputation he pretty much holds alone because at age 79, Rollins has outlived nearly all the jazz musicians of his era.

The "saxophone colossus" will return Wednesday to the Mondavi Center in Davis, which he said has "very good acoustics we (musicians) salivate at." He'll bring to Jackson Hall some of his classics as well as new material from an album expected to debut next year.

Born in New York City, Rollins picked up a saxophone as a teenager. By the time he was 20, he had played with jazz legends Thelonious Monk, J.J. Johnson and Bud Powell.

In the decade that followed, he composed some of his best-known songs, including jazz standards "Doxy," "Oleo" and "St. Thomas." His bebop bandmates in those days included Miles Davis, Max Roach, Coltrane, Parker and Clifford Brown.

Like many jazz musicians, Rollins is self-critical.

"There's never absolute perfection, but I have something in focus and I want to get as close to it as I can get," he said. "My own performance has been progressing as the years have gone by and I'm very optimistic about the future at this point."

He was part of the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet when Brown died in an auto accident. His good friend's death had a profound effect on Rollins and he began the practice of channeling fallen musicians.

"I used to channel (Brown) sometimes, and I got his spirit, (but) after a while I let his spirit go on because I didn't want to be greedy and keep him back here on Earth," he said. "So I let him go on. Same with the other guys."

As much as he respects his contemporaries, these days Rollins doesn't want to be known only for his associations with them.

"I don't feel any responsibility anymore for standing up for them or upholding their legacy," he said. "Now it's all me and I have to stand on my own, and I'm perfectly willing to do that. I've had years and years of associations. And I'll rise and fall now on my own accomplishments."

Rollins credits his diet and regular exercise, as well as staying away from smoking, for his longevity. He's also known as a private and solitary man who enjoys meditation and solo practice.

Rollins has been called reclusive and is famous for taking sabbaticals. For several years, he would practice alone on the Williamsburg Bridge. "I love playing outdoors because you can communicate with the sky," he said.

He's not content doing the same thing and likes to explore new musical ideas every day, Rollins said.

"I'm trying to make my own music as relevant and contemporary as hip-hop is," he said. "I can say it has a certain validity and, for its time, it's sort of what bebop was for our time."

Though he agreed that hip-hop is a genre that falls under the umbrella of jazz, Rollins said he isn't quite ready to perform a hip-hop song.

"You really have thrown me into a conundrum on that one," he said with a laugh. "(Other musicians) can use hip-hop in a way I can't and I don't know if I could make the transition."

A free pre-performance lecture will be given at 7 p.m. by Jeremy Ganter, associate director for programming at the Mondavi Center. The Alumni Center, AGR Room 8. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Mondavi Center's Jackson Hall, 9399 Old Davis Road. Tickets are $17.50 to $55 and are available at the University of California at Davis ticket office and online here .

Photographs:
1. Credit: Jamie-James Medina.

2. Credit: Michael Jackson.

Canibus Concert Tour Brings Out Diverse Hip-Hop Community

2010-05-15T07:58:23Z

The Canibus “Melatonin Magik Tour” attracted members of Sacramento’s young and ethnically diverse hip-hop community to Harlows this week.

Even before Thursday's concert began, things were happening. DJ Rated R played a wide selection of hip-hop and the audience was treated to spontaneous freestyle battles. Break-dancers took to the dance floor and displayed their acrobatic skills—flipping, and doing windmills and incredible contortions.

Local underground hip-hop artists Shemzilla and A.R.A.B. were the opening performers. Shemzilla's catchy beats and clever lyrics warmed up the crowd.

“One thing about hip-hop is that there’s a bunch of different races in here tonight,” said underground hip-hop artist Task 1. “I’m from the South and my best friend is Hispanic,” he noted. “Hip-hop is something that everybody can do and be a apart of … It’s a culture.”

Task 1, who shared the stage with rapper A.R.A.B., displayed his talent by rapping 16 bars uninterrupted —an accomplishment in hip-hop. He wove into his freestyle a shout-out to The Sacramento Press for covering the event.

By the time he and A.R.A.B. had finished, the crowd was ready for Canibus.

“I like how Canibus hasn’t really sold out,” said Paul Schindler. “I’d like to see him more successful in mainstream music, though. He’s more of a nostalgic rapper.”

“I’ve been a fan of Canibus for 15 years,” said G. Black. “It started around when Canibus battled LL Cool J and lost. Canibus was a better underground artist, but LL won that battle.

"He’s done work with a lot of other artists, such as KRS-1 and Boogie Down Productions," Black said, adding, "He always stayed true to his form.”

Political activism is a common element of hip-hop culture, with rap artists including social and political messages in their music. This event was no exception.

“Some of (Canibus') lyrics are controversial," said Ian Bey, "but they make you take a step back and think about things from a different perspective.”

Community organizer Steven Payan helped promote the tour, and was on hand to tell concertgoers about a political rally.

“On May 25, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) of Sacramento, which is a national organization, will be demanding that the Sac City Council support a resolution to boycott doing business with Arizona,” he said.

Message delivered, it was time for the main act.

Canibus walked on the stage wearing a hooded sweatshirt, as if to say, "Hip-hop's rap champ is here."

The crowd got frenzied with the heavy bass-laden track “Sharp Shooter.” And Canibus kept the energy flowing song after song with his rapid-fire style of rapping.

When he performed “Second Round Knockout,” the audience joined in, reciting the lyrics word for word.

Canibus ended the concert with the self-titled “Can-I-Bus.” Heads nodding and hands waving, the audience responded, “Yes, you can!”

The rapper thanked his fans for their continued support despite his extended absence from the hip-hop music scene. He called Sacramento a “real city” that made him feel welcome him for his first show here.

“Sacramento supports hip-hop,” said Melkez, a concert supporter and clothing entrepreneur. ”We also support our own artists.”

The 4th annual Celebrate Oak Park is today

2010-05-08T17:29:43Z

Free video chat by Ustream

Join us for the 4th Annual Celebrate Oak Park Party in the Park Saturday, May 8, 2010.

The Sacramento Press will be live streaming video of ' The Party in the Park' today from 12 pm to 5 pm at McClatchy Park, 35th Street and 5th Avenue.

Celebrate Oak Park brings residents from all neighborhoods together to celebrate the diversity and beauty of the Sacramento's oldest suburb .

This wonderful family friendly event includes performances by local musicians, great food, and information about various organizations and agencies geared to enhancing our community.

Kids will love the UC Davis Med Center Passport Play area featuring a Rock Climbing Wall, Velcro Wall, Bounce Houses and Crocker Art Activities.

Celebrate Oak Park is a free event.

Music Schedule for the Day:
· 12noon Opening Ceremonies
· 12:30pm Tribe of Levi - Conscious Hip Hop
· 1:00pm Flat Busted - Blues Rock
· 2:00pm Fo’ Shang - Jazz Funk
· 3:00pm The Nuance - Lite Alternative Rock - Covers & Originals
· 4:00pm The Solicitors - Rock - Covers
· 4:40pm Project - Conscious Hip Hop
· 5:00pm Closing

BLVD, Face Melters Incorporated.

2010-05-08T06:24:44Z

Last summer, I went on a road trip of epic proportions. I traveled 22,000 miles over the course of 139 days, hitting 36 states along the way. During my trip, I went to a variety of music festivals, including some of the monsters, such as All Points West, Lollapalooza, Gathering of the Vibes and Phish 8.

My favorite of them all, though, was probably a smaller one called Camp Bisco, in Mariaville, N.Y. Camp Bisco is put on by The Disco Biscuits, and though I really enjoyed the headliners, what set the festival apart was the smaller acts playing throughout the day and late into the night.

That weekend was my first exposure to many acts that I now love: Dr. Dog, Brother's Past, K'naan, Chromeo, Bonobo, Pnuma Trio, Pretty Lights.

One of my favorite "discoveries" at Camp Bisco, BLVD, played at Harlows on Wednesday night.

BLVD's music is tough to categorize. Their Myspace page describes the music as electro/electronica/breakbeat. I've heard the group alternately described as "urban," "livetronica," "electronic rockers" and "electro dance rock." If I had to put a label on it, I'd probably just go with "freaking awesome" and call it a day.

I arrived at Harlow's at 9 p.m. Wednesday, and immediately was struck by the crowd, which appeared to be mostly tatted-up, Affliction-wearing cage fighters and scantily clad ring-card girls. This wasn't what I'd imagined BLVD's fan base would look like, but, then again, you never know. Maybe this was one of those unlikely fan phenomena, like Morrissey's popularity with teenage Latinos. As I got settled, however, I realized that a good portion of the crowd were Cinco de Mayo revelers, who had, unbeknownst to them, stumbled into the best show in town.

I sat down at a table close to the stage and watched as the chairs around me began to fill up with people who were here specifically for the show. By the time that opening act Vokab Kompany took the stage, the tables were full and the crowd was ready.

Vokab Kompany is another act that refuses to be pigeonholed. Two MCs might lead you to believe that it's hip hop, but that doesn't begin to tell the story. The seven-piece band from San Diego played for more than an hour, a set that was at times funky, jazzy, heavy, bouncy, even bluegrassy. At one point, it eased comfortably in and out of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." A moment later, during a long electric fiddle solo, a young lady joined the fiddler on the floor and did her best "Lord of the Dance." And it all made sense. Through it all, the crowd was treated to microphonic gymnastics of the dueling MCs, Rob Hurt and Burkey. The group is legit; see them.

Vokab Kompany set 'em up, BLVD knocked 'em down.

BLVD came out a bit before 11 and wasted no time getting the crowd, properly fluffed by the openers, into a tizzy. The driving beats and pulsing bass laid down by Dylan Mcintosh and Tripp Bains demand your respect. Curtis Sloane's guitar stylings make ... look, the point is they'll melt your face off. And put a party in your pants.

In the past, BLVD also played with an MC, but they recently parted ways amicably. While not having a singer may make its music a bit less accessible, it had very little effect on the quality of the band's performance.

All of the musicians in BLVD are very talented, but they have become festival staples because of their ability to work a crowd into a frenzy. Their music builds into a crescendo until you think they can't go any longer, at which point they just keep right on going. For an hour and a half at Harlows, to the delight of their fans and a lucky few who happened to be in the right place at the right time, BLVD just kept building those crescendos, taking the crowd to the brink and beyond, into the throes of musical ecstasy. It happened over and over, until those of us who spent the whole set dancing were ready to collapse. It was 1 a.m. I exchanged sweaty high fives with some of my fellow dance-floor warriors, and basked briefly in the afterglow of the evening's festivities.

It had been a fantastic evening with two great groups that want you to get up off your butt and tear the dance floor a new one. Really, the only thing missing from Wednesday night's show was you. You like to dance, don't you? Sure you do. Next time you see Vokab or BLVD is coming to town, throw on your favorite pair of dance pants -- mine happen to be silver -- and get to that show. You can thank me later.

If you know what's good for you, you'll head up to The High Sierra Music Festival for the Fourth of July weekend. BLVD is playing the 1:30 to 4:00 AM Thursday set, otherwise known as the gamechanger. Do it, it'll blow your mind.

Photo Essay: Cap City Culture at Sac State

2010-03-05T20:54:39Z

Sac State's Union Ballroom was transformed for Cap City Culture on Thursday night.

Some of the highlights of the evening were a DJ scratchfest with some of the top local DJs, a performance by the Beatbox world champion, Butterscotch, sets from the top 3 finalists of "America's Got Talent," and a break dance competition.

Del Promotes Sacramento's United State Clothing

2010-02-17T03:25:26Z

United State Clothing, a Sacramento-based, hip hop-inspired clothing vendor, opened its doors at a new location Saturday. Workers finished the move from 1014 24th St. to 2318 J St. with a grand opening celebration Saturday, and an in-store signing with legendary Oakland rapper Del The Funky Homosapien Sunday.

Store owner Paul Brizuela said he could not be happier about the move.

"Our previous neighbors did not want the kind of music events we support," Brizuela said, "and J Street is a lot easier for our customers to remember than 24th."

United State is an alternative clothing source for men and women, carrying brands that are usually only found online or in the hip hop fashion Meccas of San Francisco or Los Angeles.

"We try to bring a more modern, European style that can be hard to find in Sacramento," Brizuela said.

The in-store signing was United State's second event of that nature. Wale, another famous rapper, came to the old location in June before a show in Sacramento.

Del, best known for his involvement in rap group Hieroglyphics and alternative band Gorillaz, said he was excited about meeting his fans.

When asked about his knowledge of the Sacramento hip hop scene, Del responded, "There is none. I spend so much time making music at home and on tour I don't know what's going on there anymore."

The event was a welcome change of pace for Del. Armed with a laptop blasting his music, he spent a few moments with each of the dedicated fans who came to see him. There was even time before the show for some of his friends to have a quick skateboarding session in front of the store.

United State and Del both represent the current connection of skateboarding and hip hop. United State carries several skateboard brands and Del has made limited edition decks for Plan B Skateboards.

Del was also promoting his new album, "Root Stimulation" which is available at grooveshark.com and his current project, scoring the music for upcoming video game "Skate 3."

This will not be the last event of this kind for United State Clothing.

"Every second Saturday we have live hip hop acts performing all day," Brizuela said. "There will be a lot more general music events possible at the new location."

For more information on United State Clothing, visit unitedstateonline.com

For more information on Del, visit delthefunkyhomosapien.com

photo credit: Jay Canter, jaycanterphotography.com

Del Delivers A New Message: Something New Is On The Horizon

2010-02-16T20:23:06Z

Over the last few years, the term "hip hop is dead," has been thrown around more than the neighborhood football.

In an age of technology where making a simple beat with a bootlegged audio production application and altering your voice with Auto-Tune in order to sound like T-Pain is enough to get "bedroom rappers/producers/djs" signed, it's no wonder people are beginning to feel like the art is lost. While most people are tossing around this insult to hip hop, few are offering any sort of solution. I say few, because there are some purists out there who are putting in the effort, energy and time to study where hip hop started, where it has been and where it is going.

He calls for something new, offering not complaints, but answers. Del The Funky Homosapien pushes me on to the idea that hip hop is birthing something new.

Hip hop isn't dead. Hip hop isn't evolving. Hip hop is, in fact, influencing and feeding into a new vibe. It’s not another offshoot or recycled sound, but rather something completely fresh. What is it going to sound like? He doesn’t have an answer for this. He just knows that something is brewing in that head of his, and he is using every tool in his box to unlock the doors to all of the answers.

I met up with Del at his hotel room about an hour before his show here in Sacramento on Sunday. Walking into this guy's hotel room is like entering the pro audio department of your local musical instrument retailer. The back corner of the room is nothing but audio production equipment and cables strewn every which direction. Del literally carries a portable studio with him wherever he goes. He is constantly working on ideas for his next album, whether it be a solo project, something with his group Hieroglyphics or one of his many side projects like Deltron 3030.

I gathered pretty quickly that Del isn't much for resting. He is an avid student of music theory and music in general. Del has been in the game for two decades, and progression in art is not a topic that he takes lightly. He studies funk, blues and other genres to better understand that which feeds the beast known as hip hop.

"I learned to play [James Brown's] 'The Funky Drummer' on a drum machine so that I wouldn't have to sample it anymore," he said. Hip Hop was created as a sample-based genre, drawing its influence from the past works of others and building on top of that to become one of the most successful industries in the world. So when artists like Del learn what has been done, instead of just sampling from it, I see something more being developed than ‘hip hop’ as we know it.

Del and I talked for a bit, and he mentioned that he was just getting back from spending two months in the mountains. Between the Winter X Games in Colorado and Utah's Sundance Film Festival, Del has been working hard to keep his presence in the industry known. Well sir, judging by the turnout of the show tailing the interview, I'd say you are doing a great job at that.

Sunday's show at Harlow's on J Street was a wake-up call to the city of Sacramento. There is a love and deep-rooted culture of hip hop here, and it's events like this that bring the people together and feed the movement.

Opening acts like the Boom Bap Bullies worked the already-anxious crowd with the auditory foreplay of a seasoned hip hop act. Offering a diverse soundscape of songs to cover most every base of hip hop lover in the crowd, no one person's neck was left unmoved.

Enter Bukue One. When he speaks, these words don’t fall on deaf ears. Each and every minute Bukue is on stage, he is reaching out to the crowd and grabbing the attention of every soul in the building. It's no wonder to me why Del chooses this as his warm-up act.

It's always been my belief that words are the most valuable currency, and Bukue spends his words wisely, investing them in the minds of a very receptive collective of individuals. Every person in the crowd was left just a little more rich. So at that point, the minds in the crowd were more than awake and definitely firing on ALL cylinders.

Next in the evening's heavy-hitting lineup was Myka 9, and this man is anything but new blood in the arena. This veteran emcee out of Los Angeles, representing Project Blowed, Freestyle Fellowship and Haiku D'Etat is Armed with heavily thought, lightning-fast rhymes, a diverse and eclectic set list and crowd control on the level as other greats like KRS-ONE.

Myka 9 picked up right were Bukue One left off and kept the crowd on its toes. Just like a fresh cup of coffee, Myka 9 showed that he is good to the last drop and had the whole crowd in a frenzy. Looking to the left and to the right, I saw glasses raised, people watching the stage and smiles all around. Off to the left of the stage was an artist painting live on a canvas covered in news paper, and front and center was the B-Boy circle.

Sensory overload occurred! Could all of this have been happening in Sacramento? Oh, yes!

The night was far from over as the evening's headliner took the stage. D-E-L stepped out in full force with a set list spanning old to new. There wasn't much downtime in between songs. Backed by Souls Of Mischief member A-Plus, Del brought a very heavy, very party-oriented set to the city of Sacramento. The B-Boy circle doubled in size, and the crowd participation followed suit. You could feel the energy in the atmosphere all the way through the closing song.

Del capped the night off with the Gorillaz Hit "Clint Eastwood," and the crowd was left "Feelin' Glad." Aside from a double-booking faux pas on behalf of the venue, causing a late start to the evening's events, I'd say that the show went off with out a hitch, and Sacramento was blessed with one very diverse evening of hip hop, positive vibes and an energy that I am sure fed into the next day. I'm looking forward to attending more shows like this in the future, and the good folks at TheMashUp.com are making sure this happens.

*Photos courtesy of Jay Canter, www.jaycanter.com

Black Expo serves as showcase for Black community in Sacramento

2010-02-16T20:14:24Z

When it comes to a showcase of events from Sacramento’s black community there is only one event that stands out and that is the annual Sacramento Black Expo exhibit held at the Convention Center this weekend from February 19-21. From people shopping to vendors selling goods it’s a chance to experience a lot of what the culture of African-Americans is all about. Whether its business, health, spiritual, finance, fashion, music, food, and education there is something for everyone.

Among special events include a “Youth Talent Show”, “Glory Awards”, Soul Food and Exhibitors”, and “Gospel Sunday Program”. There will be a host celebrities and personalities in attendance. Major sponsors include SMUD, NAACP, Wells Fargo, McDonald’s, Regional Transit, PG&E, Comcast and others.

For more information or if you interested in becoming a vendor/exhibitor contact Lesley Leatherwood at (916) 838-9467 or Pleshette Roberston at (916) 470-2337.

Chuck D to speak at Sacramento State

2010-02-03T07:43:03Z

Chuck D is a rebel without a pause. The co-founder of seminal hip-hop group Public Enemy is a rapper, author and activist. He refers to himself as a "raptivist," and "an ambassador for hip-hop."

Thursday night, D will give a free speech at Sacramento State, where he'll be talking about rap, race, technology and communication. The event will also be a celebration of Black History Month.

D likes to talk. Given that he writes a blog, tours the world on speaking gigs, and owns the SLAMjams music label, which recently threw together an iTunes album for Haiti, he is surprisingly available. He called me for an unscheduled interview, just a few minutes after I e-mailed him.

"You can't go through life afraid to speak your mind," he said. "That is what you have your mind for. You're not a robot. Companies make robots. You have the capacity to think beyond that."

Public Enemy holds itself to the same mantra. Including its debut, "Yo, Bum Rush The Show" in 1987, Public Enemy has released 10 ten albums, each one a complete reinvention for the group. It even released albums online before MP3s were popular.

Most importantly, Public Enemy defied listeners to remain open to different types of music and people. Their collaboration and tour with thrash metal group Anthrax is still groundbreaking. On top of that, Public Enemy was one of the first hip-hop acts to use songs like "Fight the Power," "Bring the Noise" and "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos," as political statements.

"I think that people want to be (politically) active, but the business, the music industry, has not encouraged artists to go far out of the box," he said. "It's kind of like a controlled state."

But the future has hope. D wants artists to reach inside themselves and form their own opinions, he said.

"I think the thing that inspires me is young minds, especially on the collegiate level," he said. "It's important to understand that a lot of young minds are not corrupted by the things that have plagued society — they're like an open book."

Relative fame and fortune aside, the nearly 50-year-old D is still humble. He still has love for his longtime friend and Public Enemy co-founder Flavor Flav.

"He's the same Flavor Flav as he was on day one," D said. "It's no different than Bruce Springsteen and Little Stephen. (We're) still in the same band."

When the earthquake struck Haiti last month, he threw together a Haiti benefit album in five days by asking artists on his label to contribute songs. D reasoned that any dollar he can donate will be a dollar more than what the Haitians have now.

Chuck D, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., CSUS University Union Ballroom, all ages, free.

Photograph credit Walter Leaphart

Leverage Sacramento offers open mics, entertainment

2010-01-14T07:51:05Z

What do a Sac State student, an entrepreneur, an emcee, a visual artist, a photographer and a sound technician have in common? They're all part of Leverage Sacramento, a new arts organization seeking to expose untapped local talent.

The group threw a launch party Monday night at Tré Nightclub with several local spoken word performers, comedians, and hip-hop, soul and R&B performers. Hosting the event was The CUF emcee Marc "Crush" Hayes, who also sits on the seven-member Leverage board of directors.

The party, which was only expected to draw 50 people, drew an estimated audience of 200.

The idea of creating an arts promotion company began when 24-year-old entrepreneur Justin Eve was asked to promote a Second Saturday event for Bisla's Sports Bar. He realized that he had several friends involved in art, music and fashion, but none of them worked with each other.

Of the seven friends, three have strong ties with the hip-hop community — emcees Crush and Carlos "Cawzlos" Lopez and Sacramento Hip Hop Congress Administrative Chair Nina Rebultan.

But it's not about hip-hop, or any other artistic genre for that matter. It's about talent.

"We're a very modest board, and we're worried about helping the lives of the music scene in Sacramento," Rebultan said. "Eventually we're making this a non-profit organization. We would like to make money to donate to sponsoring charities, and we're planning to have a quarterly event."

Aside from quarterly events at My BBQ Spot, the group also plans to have weekly open mic nights and a competition for entertainers vying for a prize. Their next event, Feb. 1 at Tré nightclub, will be a free open mic night.

"The goal is to change Sacramento so that every day of the week you'll be able to go somewhere and see entertainment," Eve said. "We're the capital of the greatest state in the world and we have to show people that."

The group will post events on their Twitter and Facebook page, and is developing a website at whatisleverage.com.

"It's unification of every aspect of Sacramento that we're striving for, (and) we're going to lead by example," Eve said. "The more people involved in a process, the quicker things move."

Photographs credit Zaved Khan.

DJ Rock Bottom spins the wheels of steel

2009-12-24T19:15:27Z

Looking to dance to the beat of a different drummer? Sacramento's DJ Rock Bottom strives to enable you to do just that.

The first and third Friday of every month, Rock Bottom spins a dance party called "Hot Pants" at Level Up Lounge. Whether it's Prince, Black Star or remixes of old-school Motown, Rock Bottom said his goal is to "challenge people to push the envelope, get outside of their box and let go musically."

Rock Bottom, born John Word, grew up in Gary, Ind., about 25 miles from downtown Chicago. He recalls as a child listening religiously to Common Sense (now Common), perhaps Chicago's most innovative emcee. He also emulated a cousin's musical taste by listening to Afrika Bambaataa, one of the three originators of break beat DJing.

In 2001, he came to Sacramento to "find himself." Checking out the music scene, with DJs playing the same songs all the time, Rock Bottom said he realized that the scene lacked originality.

"Instead of (being) hip hop DJs, they would just play these sick songs that would get the crowd going," he said. "I love A Tribe Called Quest, I love hip hop, but it was 2004, and I felt like DJs weren't pushing the envelope."

He got his break when DJ Mad Planet of the Zulu Nation gave him a chance to perform in front of an audience at The Golden Bear.

"I knew I couldn't at the time. I could mix worth nothing," he said. "He gave me a chance. He put his name on the line and gave me a shot. I just wanted to make sure my selection was impeccable. (Afterward) cats were like, 'You killed it at The Golden Bear!' "

Rock Bottom, 31, has been DJing since that moment in 2004. He works as an afterschool team leader at Woodlake Elementary School in Del Paso Heights, and takes classes at Sac City College with the goal of becoming a teacher.

Rock Bottom is realistic about his aspirations.

"If the opportunity came up to become a full-time DJ, I would, but there are no health benefits," he said. "I need to work and DJ."

From 2004 to 2005, Rock Bottom toured as the backing DJ for SAMMIE-award-winning, five-piece hip hop group Righteous Movement. "It was a good learning experience for me, getting to see different places, a lot of good shows, a lot of good food," he said.

Rock Bottom still works with emcee Tais from Righteous Movement, but his energy is largely on Hot Pants. He said it's his favorite gig because Level Up Lounge gives him creative freedom to honor artists dead or alive, known or unknown.

Many of his records come from The Beat, 1700 J St., or Records, 1618 Broadway. Rock Bottom said when he can't find them there, he purchases records online.

"I play (turntables) like an instrument. It is by no means like a guitar, because with an actual instrument, you're limited to that instrument," he said. "With turntables, whatever our imagination allows us to do, with hard work you can do it."

Rock Bottom performs "Hot Pants" every first and third Friday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Level Up Lounge, 2431 J St. The event is free, for ages 21 and older.

Photographs credit Amanda Lopez.

'MLS' CD-release show highlights Sac hip hop

2009-12-18T05:32:52Z

Dennis Weaver Jr., better known as Rapper Monotone, has opened for Michael Franti and Spearhead, Talib Kweli and De La Soul. But the 34-year-old West Sacramento resident doesn't usually perform in the big shows that hit the area.

However, people who love the music of Monotone's group, MLS, can hear the musicians play Saturday when they release their EP "Target Practice" at Capitol Garage. Local hip hop acts Mahtie Bush, Tribe of Levi, Izreal, 2-4-1 and Torrance the Poet also will perform. Those in the know can recite the double meanings behind the initials MLS: "Monotone and Lou Slugga" and "Major League Spittaz."

Monotone's a valley guy. He was born in Fresno and moved to Sacramento when he was about 11. Monotone grew up singing in church. In high school, he began sneaking into his brother's room to listen to his EPMD, Kool Moe Dee and NWA tapes.

In his sophomore year, he began purchasing cassette singles such as Nas' "The World is Yours." When Monotone attended Sacramento City Community College, he was introduced to A Tribe Called Quest and Wu Tang Clan. "That did it," he said. "It was a wrap."

From then on, Monotone immersed himself in hip hop culture, learning to break dance, emcee, write graffiti and even mix a little bit on turntables. He said he wanted to be like local hip hop artists E-Train, Soul Clap and N8 the Gr8.

Six years ago, Monotone formed MLS after hearing his brother's friend Darren "Lou Slugga" Heath rap over the phone a cappella: "Some of these fools spit trash/they call me the cleanest/I bring careers to short stops/but not Derek Jeter." Impressed by Slugga's lyrics, the members of MLS began performing and hired DJ Kool Kuts as their DJ.

Their beats sound like highly-polished mainstream hip hop, while their raps are both hardcore and poetic. Kool Kuts brings back the essence of 1980s DJs such as Grandmaster Flash with quick scratching, while the emcees pay homage to vintage East Coast stylings.

MLS gained underground recognition, but its management company "screwed them over," Monotone said, resulting in a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. The group recently started fresh and added a third emcee, Courtney "Century" Turner from New York.

Monotone sounds as starstruck as his students might when he recalls his favorite moment in his musical career -- hanging out with De La Soul all day before performing with them in 2002.

"I was doing (Black Sheep's) 'Flavor of the Month' live onstage live with these cats," he said. "We (got) liquor, I was on the tour bus with them, and we ended up going to a club. I remember calling my wife and telling her, 'I'm not coming home tonight and this is why!' "

It's not all fun all the time, though. A lot of hard work goes into Monotone's music. Nighttime often finds him in his home studio composing beats, rhymes, hooks, designing album graphics and editing music videos.

"I have enough music done (that) you could pick your favorite local rappers (and) I've got enough beats to supply at least 20 artists for their album," Monotone said. "I don't sleep very much."

MLS will release its first full-length recording, Sharpshootaz, on Jan. 15.

Show: Saturday, 9 p.m., Capitol Garage, 1500 K St. Meant for 21-and-older audience. Tickets and EPs are $5.

Photographs credit Monotone

Interview With Del Tha Funky Homosapien

2009-09-29T05:30:56Z

With six full-length solo albums, a founding role in seminal Oakland hip-hop crew Hieroglyphics and too many side projects and one-offs to count in his two decades in the game, Teren Delvon Jones, aka Del tha Funky Homosapien (or whatever variation of that spelling he feels like using on any given week), has long presided as the gateway between the independent and mainstream.

Del’s first two albums were recorded for Elektra, one of the larger labels in the early 90s, who terminated his contract in 1998 without warning before the release of his third LP, Future Development. Undaunted, Del instead pushed further underground, choosing to put all subsequent material out on Hiero Imperium, a label he co-owns with other similar artists.

While he achieved commercial success with his debut album's single, “Mistadobalina,” Del’s first true mainstream recognition came when he penned the two memorable verses for the hit Gorillaz track, “Clint Eastwood,” in 2001.

In the years following his early millennium comeback, Del occupied himself with the aforementioned side-projects and his first solo album in eight years, 2008’s Eleventh Hour.

The record received mixed critical reception, prompting Del to release his latest record, the sarcastically titled Funkman (The Stimulus Package), for free download from his website. After a recent tour showcasing the new material, Del made his way to Sacramento on Sept. 26 for a brief set at the 28th and B St. Skatepark Hangar.

The Sacramento Press took refuge from the blazing Sacramento afternoon in a climate-controlled white minivan where the somewhat reclusive emcee was waiting and working on his omnipresent laptop after the show.

Clad in a Skull Candy shirt and baggy blue pants with a camo Plan B Skateboards hat over covering his turquoise doo-rag, Del looked more casual than most rappers, eschewing flashy jewelry for the nose and lip ring combination he's had for the past few years.

The Funky Homosapien gave us a candid, one-on-one interview. The following are Del's opinions on various topics taken from the half-hour conversation, which can be heard in its entirety by clicking on the following links. Warning, files contain some profanity:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

The importance of learning music theory:

If you’re really into the music, you will naturally grow to that point where you’re tired of just working with samples and other people’s music and admire that so much you want to do that yourself. It got to the point where I did as much as I could with samples and I had to step it up to a keyboard.

I can write a little bit and I can read a little bit, but I’m like preschool with it. It takes me a long time to read music. I can read drum patterns better, so I find myself doing that.

But there was a point where I started getting real depressed and I started thinking, “What I got to do to sell?” Once I started learning music theory, that’s when that all vanished.

Sampling sounds in the hip-hop world:

People want to try to sue you for anything. If I sample one tone from somebody’s record because I like the timbre of that tone, that doesn’t mean that you should be able to sue me. You only got seven notes you playing anyway, so if that’s the case then everybody’s stealing from everybody. How many combinations are there? It’s a finite number, actually.

Like if I had a hit song and somebody rapped over it, yeah, I’d want to sue them. Because they’re getting paid off of my song. But if you take a part, and you do it [your own way], like you can tell that somebody did something to it, that’s the whole art of hip-hop.

Respect for hip-hop from other communities:

I definitely want people to respect hip-hop more. I don’t think it should be dying like it is and just fading away.

People in certain communities will look at this like it’s trash. Like if I want to get respect in the classical community they’re going to laugh at me. Like, “That ain’t music, you’re not playing the same old cats’ music over and over again the same way they did it. That’s the only thing that’s dope. That’s not dope."

Unoriginality in hip-hop:

I think the problem is there’s not enough solutions, actual solutions. Everybody’s complaining and they just state the facts. Like, “We dope deal, we shoot up people.” Ok, we know that, now what can we do about that? You don’t have any kind of suggestion or anything? You’re just gonna leave me with that news? It’s already frustrating.

Instead of just complaining about it, like, “Hip-hop is dead,” I’m trying to actively do something to show that it can grow.

They’re still trying to whoop that dead horse. Like, “You gonna keep buying it because it’s gangster.” Like, that’s not why we bought it. We bought it because it was interesting. Now, it ain’t no more, so leave us alone.

Inspiration for lyrics for his different projects:

My regular Del s*** is just everyday. Just real, what’s going on. I just have a crazy way at looking at stuff. But Deltron [a sci-fi-themed project with Dan "The Automator" Nakamura and DJ Kid Koala] takes more concentration, a bit more thought and planning. That’s the reason it ain’t done yet.

Musical tastes and their influence:

Funk is the core. Got a lot of funk, jazz occasionally. I like more funky jazz. The whole realm of black music, but anything that’s funky and got a beat to it I’m gonna fool with. Soul music, in that realm. But I like rock, too. Classic rock, stuff like that. Bands like Cream or Traffic. Frank Zappa is a big influence.

Put it this way: Me personally, I could understand Frank Zappa. So in my mind that tells me that I can do what he do. I’m not saying that I can write a composition the way he do, but I’m sure if he had the ability to use something like Live [music composition software for computers] back then, he’d have been juiced.

Record labels:

Oh, they suck like they always do. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about every single person that works for the industry, it’s just the machine and the people at the top are… they have access to be able to say how something works that they have no idea of what’s really going on. And it’s all based on money.

I want some money, too. But I’m not willing to sell my ass for it. My integrity means more and it lasts longer.

Piracy of music:

“Why don’t you just let people do whatever they’re going to do?” Cause you’re not gonna stop piracy. The whole point of crackers and hackers doing that is to see if they can do it. So the harder you make it to do, the more fun it is for them to crack it! That’s the whole point and they don’t get it. No matter how much you do to it.

There’s been times where I’ve been on the Internet and I’ve wanted to get something, but I couldn’t download it, so I was like, “Ok, I’m supposed to wait for you to send it to me?"

Posting his music online for free download:

I’m proud of my music. I have confidence in my music. “Try it out, you’re gonna respect me,” is what I’m saying.

Making music for enjoyment instead of profit:

That’s how it used to be. People bought these records because these dudes was incredible. But they didn’t make it for money. They made it because they was trying to release what they had to release throughout the day. That was their only joy or whatever. Was just doing their music. Now, it’s just commerce for a lot of people.

Yeah, I mean it’s a fringe benefit that I get some money out of it.

That’s really all I do. Fools write their 16 bars and they think that’s something. “Yeah I got a hot 16.” I’m like, “Dude, come on.” I be throwing away raps, I write so many raps. Hella raps, I don’t even use them. Just to express myself and it’s fun to do. Like, that’s entertaining. Combining rhymes to me is entertaining. So I just do it to entertain myself. It just so happened to turn into something that we could make some money off of.

Defining and developing his style:

I try to keep it as basic as possible, just basic character defects in people.

I mean I rap about the same stuff pretty much, but I go about it a different way because I’ve never been a gangster.

How the hip-hop scene has changed:

More commercialism. Just watered down. And people forgot about the origins. What it was about in the first place. Basically it was about avoiding conflict. “I’m gonna be fresher than you with my mind. I’m gonna break dance fresher than you. I’m gonna beat you with my graffiti piece.”

Attitude towards modern, commercial hip-hop:

I ain’t blind to it. But I don’t listen to radio. Like 50 Cent. He’s rhyming, but that’s like pop now. So it’s just the right place at the right time, but I think it’s gonna need a change in music. People are tired of hearing the same old thing.

Projects in the near future:

Automatic Static is coming out, that’s on the website. That’s three bucks, and I know ya’ll can afford it. Working on an album with A-Plus called Hypnotize, so that’s gonna be tight. Tame One and me did an album, Parallel Uni-Verses. Working with Psalm One, too. Attractive Sin. I don’t know what to do with that, so I might just give it away. And Parallel Thought produced that album. And I’m working on another album with Parallel called Delphonic.

Artists with whom he'd like to collaborate:

Snoop. Sugar Free. I’d love to collaborate with Sugar Free. He’s tight. He does things with vocals and with his voice that other rappers would be scared to try.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien to Help Save the Skatepark Hangar

2009-09-24T04:14:14Z

While the skateboarding and hip-hop worlds have crossed paths many times before, the mix will hit locally Saturday when Oakland underground star Del tha Funky Homosapien headlines a show at the 28th and B Skatepark Hangar.

Tion Torrence, aka Bukue One, is Del's manager, as well as a skater and emcee himself.

"I work with Rich, our main promoter in Sacramento, and I told him that Del and myself were down to do a free event — skate related — and he put it all together for us," Torrence said via e-mail.

"We have been working directly with lots of skate brands to further strengthen the bridge between hip-hop and skateboarding, so [they've] been doing a lot of skate events lately."

Balancing these interests is not only easy for Torrence, but integral to his professional and recreational life.

"The management opens doors for me to incorporate the elements of my life that I love," Torrence said. "If I'm out on the road with Del I'm gonna get to rock a set, as well as check out the local skate parks on tour. If we are at a skate event, performing, I get to perform, manage and skate … they actually go hand in hand."

Torrence's history with Del stems back from 2000, when he was assistant to his previous road manager. "We kept in touch and when they parted, he asked if I'd be down to manage him," Torrence said.

Saturday's show is a benefit to save the Skatepark Hangar. The park has been in financial trouble recently and is taking donations. Del's performance will be the second year in a row he has appeared at the venue.

"Our intention with the event is to give back to the skate community and Del fans in Sacramento," Torrence said. "Rich had informed me that the Hangar was fighting to stay in business and it'd be great if we could do the event there. Perfect!"

Doors for the show open at noon, and it scheduled to end around 4:00 p.m. Local artists Chase Moore and Verbalistic will open up the show, and an array of skaters will also be performing. Entrance is free, but a donation of $5 to the skate park is suggested.

Del's website and a link to a free download of his latest album can be located here.

Smooth as Silk

2009-09-06T00:39:06Z

Local hip-hop artists performed to a packed house at the Silk Bar & Cafe Friday night.

The show was a promotion of local artists in the hip-hop community. They came with original beats and rhymes to showcase themselves for a chance to open for Bay Area rapper E-40 during a performance later this year. The performers will be contacted by the club managers with the details for the show and if they are performing. It was unclear how the judging was taking place.

R&B singer Adam Aldama aka Sizzle, who has been around the Sacramento hip-hop scene for about three years, sang two of his newest songs while the dance floor let loose.

"It's a pretty cool show," Sizzle said. "Cool artists too. I'm looking forward to the chance to perform with E-40 though."

The main performance for the night was Turf Talk, an indie rapper who originated in the Bay Area and is fairly new to the Sacramento music scene, closed the night out showcasing some of his newest beats.

The small dance floor of the 21-and-up club, doubled as the stage for the dozen performers showing off their skills. The layout of the club was simple with with only minimal sound equipment, leaving the rappers to show off only their voices and lyrics, free of Auto-Tune and other production.

The crowd was mostly friends and family of the performers. This was the first time Silk Bar & Cafe held a showcase like this, and they hope to do it more often and have even more people attend the very lively events.

To contact Silk Bar & Cafe and check for future show listings, please visit their website.

Delorean releases EP, to open for Bus Driver at Blue Lamp

2009-08-28T03:54:53Z

You may know 5th Ave from the Neighborhood Watch collective (State Cap, Dahlak, Random Abiladeze) or from seeing one of his live shows at Press Club, Second Saturday, or at Empire. His latest album No More Heroes was released in mid-July as part of his new group Delorean. Jon Reyes produced the album and is the other half of the group.

No More Heroes offers a heavy blend of hi-fi and hip hop blends, with some funk and unusual samples. One of the standout tracks is "Chillin" featuring C-Plus and Dahlak, who are also local emcees. In the song they trade verses over a cow-bell-heavy beat.

Another stand out track "My Most Favorite Emcee" is inspired by Kanye West's "Street Lights" but does away with all the auto tune and features much more passion. The track "Look Alice" recently received air play on 103.5 The Bomb, and has a catchy hook asking "How deep does the rabbit hole go?"

The EP is a departure from his usual style, the production value sounds better than on his previous material. You can hear his determination on the track "Chapter Seven" where he illustrates the everyday struggles of an aspiring artist in a relatable way: "I worked Christmas day just to get it, to go ahead and handle my business"

Overall No More Heroes delivers a refreshing dose of new era hip hop and looks like a preview for even more innovative projects in the future. Delorean is constantly doing live performances, you can catch him at the Blue Lamp this Friday performing with Another Rap Group, Breeze, Abstract Rude and Busdriver.

For more information on the show, visit Themashup.net

New Recording Studio!

2009-08-23T05:33:15Z

This past July a new recording studio popped up on Sacramento's radar. Sanctuary Recording Studios was founded by DJ Reason & Mr. Blap to provide musicians of all types with a very exclusive and private recording studio experience.

Loaded with talent and all the gear to feed it these guys are in a prime position to take Sacramento by storm.

When you walk in you insantly walk up some stairs to the Penthouse Suites of an office building/business park just outside of Downtown Sacramento. As you reach the second floor you are faced with 1700 square feet of creative space. At the far end of the hall you'll find their isolation booth...a comfortable 130 square feet and comes with an "in-booth" headphone pre-amp so that artists can adjust their own volume while recording. The Control Room is an astounding 550 square feet complete with 2 couches, a refrigerator, a microwave, and gear. The gear includes everything from a Roland Phatom to Mac Book Pro with Logic Studio. They've got rack mount midi synthesisers, an MPC 2000, Pro Tools LE, Technique turntables....you name it! These guys have what you need to get the job done.

Not to mention their prices are reasonable. $45 an hour with an Engineer and they even sell discount blocks of time for those who are certain that they want to create music here. This is definately a space where I will be making my music...and not just because I own it...

- Peter Cole
[aka: DJ Reason]

KRS-One helps out with Washington Neighborhood Center

2009-08-11T08:05:30Z

Social worker, event planner, and occasional singer/rapper Aria Des Jardins scheduled KRS-One to perform a benefit concert Monday night when she heard that the Washington Neighborhood Center was facing total closure. The center has been supportive of Sacramento's hip hop community and had held many hip hop concerts, she explained.

"Hip hop is about people, things that don't have anything to do with entertainment," said Eric Duran, associate advocate for the Temple of Hiphop. The organization was formed by emcee and peace advocate KRS-One, who is known for his Stop the Violence campaign as well as his efforts pioneering hip hop culture.

Sacramento's young people proved that they would have been happy to entertain themselves in Washington Neighborhood Center even if KRS-One never showed up. As they waited Monday night, a diverse group of nearly 200 young men and women break danced, painted graffiti, spun records and rapped.

The Washington Neighborhood Center, whose mission is to "provide a safe and positive environment for youth and adults", recently received a funding cut. As a result, the center, located on the corners of 16th and D streets, was forced to close all but two days per week.

The center provides free art and dance classes, as well as free tutoring. Open since 1955, the center has also been the home to a nationally-recognized boxing program.

Back in March, while working for Wind Youth Services to provide assistance to homeless youth, Des Jardins met KRS-One. She was impressed a speech he gave, she said, so she decided to invite him to help the community center, and he agreed to help.

Half of the ticket revenues made Monday go directly to the community center.

At around 6 p.m. Monday evening, Wind Youth Services, Capitol Roots breakdance crew and the Northstar Chapter of the Zulu Nation, an arts organization promoting hip hop, began setting up booths inside the venue.

After Des Jardins introduced the mission of the event, performances showcased a plethora of local hip hop talent: DJ Kool Kuts, Verbalistic, No Identity, Funky Fresh breakdancing crew, Digital Martyrs, Justlove, Augustus Thelephant, Random Abilities and Butterscotch. Multiple times, microphones were passed around to budding emcees in a cipher, or a continuous loop of rapping.

A little bit after 10:30, KRS-One entered the building quietly to greet Butterscotch, world beat boxing champion, moments before she went onstage to back Random Abilities. He would greet fans, take pictures, and perform his hits late into the evening.

Though the previous night at Rock the Bells in Mountain View KRS-One mingled backstage with the likes of The Roots, Talib Kweli and Nas, he seemed more in his element among the young hip hop fans. Regardless of the venue, performing in a community center gym instead of an amphitheater, his enthusiasm for hip hop remained the same.

Too $hort makes special appearance in Sac

2009-07-31T06:46:17Z

Renowned hip hop icon Too $hort, known by many as the "Godfather" of Bay Area hip hop, will be performing at Chris Webber’s Center Court Friday night in Natomas. The show was arranged by Everett Hunter Presents and will include appearances by guest DJs MP 3, Reese Roundtree and Steve DTrix.

The multi-platinum artist began his career on the streets of East Oakland during his early teens, selling $5 cassette recordings of his work. He gained widespread acclaim in the hip hop scene with the success of Born to Mack, released in 1986 on his independent label Dangerous Music. The album was later re-released on the Jive Records label and went gold, selling more than 500,000 copies.

He has released more than 16 albums altogether, including Short Dog’s in the House, Shorty the Pimp and Get in Where You Fit In, all of which made platinum status, selling more than one million copies per album. His other albums, including Can't Stay Away, You Nasty, Chase the Cat and What's my Favorite Word made gold.

"He's someone [that] pretty much everyone has grown up with," said EHP director of promotions Audrey Bernard.

His famous hits include “Life Is…Too Short,” “The Ghetto,” “Cocktales” and “Gettin’ It.”

Too $hort has worked collaboratively with artists such as Diddy, The Notorious B.I.G., Scarface, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Lil Jon.

His 2006 release Blow the Whistle, co-produced by Lil Jon and Jazze Pha, reached No. 14 on Billboard 200. In 2008 he was honored by VH1 at the annual Hip Hop Honors.

Center Court is located at 3600 N. Freeway Blvd. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. and admission is 21 and over.

Tickets can be purchased for $20 as late as 7 p.m. Friday evening — contact Audrey Bernard at (916) 289-9104.

Tickets can be purchased for $25 after 10:30 p.m. at Center Court.

Backstage VIP passes can be purchased prior to event or at the venue for $35.

Image provided by Everett Hunter Presents.

Friday Concerts in the Park: shake it to Shakedown

2009-06-12T01:41:52Z

This Friday, Shakedown is scheduled to headline a Concert in the Park that includes The Kinetics, a traditional Jamaican Rocksteady group, and Syncro, a "Surf/Dutch pop/Shoegaze" band (click on any band's name to visit its MySpace page).

Shakedown has won "Best Sacramento Band of 2007" from former alternative rock radio station KWOD 106.5, and the single "Love to Get Love" has been featured on a GEICO commercial.

"We released the last record (New Sound Delivery, 2007) in haste because we had a lineup change, and wanted to show people what we had," said Shakedown lead singer Mark Kinyon.

Twelve years, four albums and several lineup changes since their debut, the members of the Sacramento six-piece are "buckling down" and making their best record yet.

Adding to a foundation of reggae-rock built by drummer Mike Wilhelm, bass player Garrett Fonda, D.Q. Hayes on sax and lead singer/guitarist Mark Kinyon, their latest album features two new members, Emcee Bles and DJ Mr. Vibe, who give their style more of a hip hop twist.

"We're always going to have a reggae influence, but we're into a little more hip hop and we tried a little more rock and roll in this, too -- not predictable radio rock. We try different rhythms" Kinyon said.

This will be Shakedown's second time playing at Concerts in the Park. During the 2004 show, said Kinyon, the band was able to introduce itself to a new audience due to the family atmosphere.

But that wasn't the only benefit to playing the show.

"We headline many shows, and a lot of people love Shakedown's music, but we usually don't get to go on until 11:30 [p.m.] or [midnight], so we usually go on past people's bedtimes. Last time [at Concerts in the Park] we ended up selling a massive amount of CDs in one day," said Shakedown's producer Rob Farmer.

"We love doing outdoor shows," Kinyon said. "We can have our friends in the beer garden, but we reach a lot of people that wouldn't be able to go out to [see us at] a club."

Friday Night Concerts in the Park take place at Cesar Chavez Park on 10th and J Streets from 5-9 p.m. every Friday until August 14.

Don't forget that your Friday night festivities continue if you show your wristband to one of the following businesses:

Brew it Up! $4 Drafts, Bacardi, Jack Daniels & 3 Olives cocktails, plus half-price appetizers

Fuzio Universal Bistro $3 Drafts, $5 Martinis, plus a selection of $3 appetizers

Marilyn's on K $1 off well drinks, $3 Draft Bud Light

Parlare Euro Lounge $3 Domestic beers, $5 wine, $4 assorted appetizers

Pyramid Alehouse $2 Pints of Curveball

Sofia on 11th $3 drafts, $4 wines, $4 wells and & half-price appetizers

Table 260 Half off appetizer menu, 10 percent off dinner, $5 drink special on Sac Soul

Toppingz Pizza inside Image Lounge $2.50 Bud and Bud Light, $4 Jack Daniels, appetizers starting at $1

Sheraton Grand Hotel's PMB Bar $3.50 Bud and Bud Light (bottle or draft), $5 nachos or artichoke dip

Amourath Lounge at Hyatt $1 off Bud, Bud Light and all appetizers

Citizen Hotel $99/night weekend rate for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in a deluxe king, queen, or dual-double-bed room. This deal is exclusively for the Concerts in the Park, and for information on how to book the room, call 916-447-2700.

*Image courtesy Shakedown's MySpace.

Friday Concerts in the Park: A Bucho good time

2009-06-04T20:51:19Z

Friday Night Concerts in the Park have filled Cesar Chavez Park on 10th and J Streets with jammin' bands since the beginning of May and will continue every Friday night from 5-9 p.m. until August 14. In this storyline, The Sacramento Press will preview the concerts and help provide additional information on the artists and their music.

Friday, June 5

Bucho will headline the concert, with Righteous Movement and Happy Mayfield opening (click each band's name for a link to their MySpace page with music samples).

Bucho consists of singer and guitar player Gerald Pease, bass player Josh Lippi, Ben Schweir on the Hammond B3 and Fender Rhodes keyboards and Derek Taylor on percussion, as well as a horn section -- Leon Moore and Anthony Coleman on trumpets and Roger Cox on sax.

"Bucho bridges the gap between old school soul and horn bands of the past with the youth twist of Hip-Hop energy," according to the band's biography on Dig Music, a local label on which they released their last album Omit the Harsh. Bucho was also recently inducted into the SAMMIE (Sacramento Area Music Award) Hall of fame.

Righteous Movement is a SAMMIE-award-winning five-piece hip-hop collective consisting of four Sacramento emcees and one DJ. The group recently released their first full length LP While You Wait... described on their website as a "balance of party jams, introspective verses and addictive beats."

"If you are from Sacramento, then you’ve most likely seen Righteous but might not be familiar with Happy Mayfield yet," said Adam Saake in a concert review of an April 18 show in Submerge. "Happy Mayfield, a funk band to be reckoned with, is a harmonious marriage between singer/songwriter Lee Bob Watson and The Park [which consists of ex-members of local favorites Bucho]."

"To my delight, I discovered upon viewing the stage that The Park was set up to play with Righteous as well," Saake added.

Righteous Movement emcee TAIS will be collaborating musically with Saake, who is also a drummer, in concert Sunday at the Press Club. TAIS was nominated for a SAMMIE both in the category "Best Emcee" for his solo work and also with his group Righteous Movement for Outstanding Hip-Hop Group.

So those who visit Cesar Chavez Park this Friday will be treated with music from Bucho, and ex-members of Bucho (The Park) as part of Happy Mayfield and maybe even backing hip-hop act Righteous Movement.

Also, according to the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, your Friday night festivities can continue if you show your wristband to one of the following businesses. Check out these discounts:

Brew it Up! $4 Drafts, Bacardi, Jack Daniels & 3 Olives cocktails, plus half price appetizers

Fuzio Universal Bistro $3 Drafts, $5 Martinis, plus selection of $3 appetizers

Marilyn's on K $1 off well drinks, $3 Draft Bud Light

Parlare Euro Lounge $3 Domestic beers, $5 wine, $4 assorted appetizers

Pyramid Alehouse $2 Pints of Curveball

Sofia on 11th $3 drafts, $4 wines, $4 wells and & half price appetizers

Table 260 Half off appetizer menu, 10% off dinner, $5 drink special on Sac Soul

Toppingz Pizza inside Image Lounge $2.50 Bud & Bud Light, $4 Jack Daniels, appetizers starting at $1

Sheraton Grand Hotel's PMB Bar $3.50 Bud & Bud Light (bottle or draft), $5 nachos or artichoke dip

Amourath Lounge at Hyatt $1 off Bud, Bud Light, and all appetizers

Citizen Hotel $99/night weekend rate for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in a deluxe king, queen, or dual-double-bed room. This deal is exclusively for the Concerts in the Park, and for information on how to book the room, call the hotel at 916-447-2700.

*Photographs are of Bucho, courtesy Dig Music/Bucho

Crown City Rockers at Beatnik Studios Friday

2009-06-04T06:47:40Z

The hip-hop and jazz group Crown City Rockers will be playing an all-ages show at Beatnik Studios on Friday. The doors open at 8 p.m. and the band begins at 9 p.m.

The five-piece band is self-described as a "genre-blending collective whose music is all together original, powerful and provocative," mixing an "organic blend of lush, funk-drenched grooves, riveting classic soul samples, sharp live instrumentation and old-school rhymes."

Originally formed in Boston in the late '90s, the band later relocated to Oakland, Calif. where they currently reside. The band is scheduled for an album release this fall.

Beatnik Studios is located at 1724 17th St. in Midtown Sacramento.

Admission is $10, and tickets can be purchased online here.

More information on the band is available here.

Author's Note: Accompanying promotional photo courtesy of SBL Entertainment.

Hip Hop Congress Awareness Festival unites diverse crowd

2009-05-25T08:00:34Z

Watching the MC with the dreadlocks, the interracial couple, kids younger than 12, asians, blacks, whites and Hispanics congregated in the Washington Neighborhood Center all listening to the same music was a rare and inspiring sight.

Today was the third and final day of the first Sacramento Hip Hop Congress Awareness Festival. The day was dedicated to a showcase of performances by open-mic artists, b-boys, DJs and street, conscious and hip hop MCs from Sacramento, San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as art displays.

Bay Area musician Rahman Jahmaal and local musicians such as Skurge riled the crowd with their inspirational words. Jahmaal broke down the beauty in the art of hip hop.

"I want to encourage you to be a little more active in your community," Skurge said to the audience over the microphone.

The festival was heavily focused on bringing together the community and local artists with the different art forms of hip hop culture, in addition to introducing the local chapter of the Hip Hop Congress to Sacramento.

Yesterday included performances by Oakland's Simone Nia Rae and former member of Jurassic 5 Akil.

HHC co-chairs Vanessa Amarro and Aman Smith agreed that yesterday's featured music industry panel, involving a discussion between seven speakers representative of the hip hop scene and participants, was a main highlight of the festival. Smith estimated that there were 30 to 40 people present, ranging from 8 years old to 45 years old.

"A lot of people were happy with the total outcome [of the panel] because it was such a diverse group of people," Smith said.

According to Smith, the seven panel speakers included music supervisor Marcus Barone, professional bass player Kevin Cane, music attorney Christine O' Connor, professor Erik Chun, LA videographer Todd Strickland—who previously worked with Alicia Keys, Usher, and Jaime Foxx—Sacramento rapper Bueno and graffiti artist and b-boy (breakdancer) Taz Roc, who previously worked on the Sprite "Obey Your Thirst" marketing campaign.

Smith expressed his excitement about the discussion that ensued about the future of independent artists and being successful in today's market; he said the Sacramento chapter will continue the discussion once every month or every other month.

Twenty-eight-year-old Tatiana Turner, local music promoter and film short producer, said the panel was "surprisingly informative and very interactive."

"There was a little bit of each genre, and with a graffiti artist and a lawyer on [the same] panel, you could see the unity," she added.

In addition to the main stage, there was a separate room set up with microphones for kids to work on their music skills.

Twelve-year-old Sophia Marx, who just began volunteering for HHC over the weekend with the encouragement of her mom, said she really liked the sense of community at the event.

"I don't get to do a lot of this stuff at home—work, sing and dance," she said.

Rae, who said it was her second time performing in Sacramento, expressed her pleasure in being a part of the event.

"Hip hop Congress is always positive. It's all for the love of hip hop," she said.

To learn more about Hip Hop Congress, visit hiphopcongress.com

Sacramento's first Hip Hop Congress awareness festival this weekend

2009-05-21T21:43:44Z

Want to learn about hip hop or the hip hop music industry?

This weekend provides a perfect opportunity--the Sacramento Chapter of the Hip Hop Congress will be holding its first awareness festival May 22 through May 24 at the Washington Neighborhood Center at 400 16th Street in midtown Sacramento.

Hip Hop Congress is a nonprofit organization that identifies itself as "an international grassroots network that educates, empowers, and unites individuals...preserv[ing] and evolv[ing] hip hop by inspiring social action and cultural creativity within the community." The organization claims more than 50 chapters nationwide, in addition to chapters in Europe and Africa.

Vanessa Amarro, co-chair of Sacramento's recently formed chapter and also known as Lady Vex, explained that the purpose of the awareness festival is to introduce Hip Hop Congress to Sacramento while educating and bringing the community together with hip hop culture.

"Hip hop is a beautiful culture that brings so many nationalities together...but it gets a bad rap because there are people that don't understand it," explained Amarro. Hip Hop Congress strives not only to educate the community about hip hop culture, but also uses hip hop to educate the public on serious issues such as AIDS awareness, she added.

On Saturday, the festival will host a music industry panel with experienced industry members in order to educate aspiring hip hop artists about music business law, marketing, copyright and business practices.

"There's a lot of artists that are coming out into the hip hop scene but they're not business savvy," said Amarro.

The festival will also feature a showcase of the elements of hip hop, including live DJs, live urban art (art pieces will be made on the spot), MC cyphers, and b-boys, or "breakdancers."

Performing acts at the festival will include Akil, former member of hip hop group Jurassic 5, in addition to local acts such as Verbal Venom, Righteous Movement, and DJ Oasis.

The festival will be held between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m. on Friday, and between noon and 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are $5 per day or $10 for a three-day pass. Tickets can be purchased in advance at United State, located at 1014 24th Street in midtown Sacramento.

The proceeds from the event will go to "the Foundation," an urban arts afterschool program at Natomas High School.

For more information about the event, visit: http://www.myspace.com/sachiphopcongress

For more information about Hip Hop Congress, visit: www.hiphopcongress.com

Sammie award nominees are announced at the Press Club

2009-03-27T06:11:22Z

Local musicians get their own awards every year from the Sacramento News & Review. For a lot of them, it is quite the honor to be nominated and even more exciting to win. On Wednesday, March 25 at the Press Club, The Sacramento News and Review hosted a Sammie Nominees’ party, which included live performances from T.O.P. (The Other Poets), Citystate with Bones and Live Manikins.

At about 10 p.m. a crowd of about 70 people gathered at the small stage of the Press Club to watch DJ/Producer Citystate play his latest productions. While newcomer emcee Bones waited for his part to come, he kept the crowed entertained with random dancing and jokes. After being a longtime producer and selling beats, Bones finally decided to buy recording equipment and formally start his rapping career. Bones has currently performed at casual talent shows. Although he last performed at a step show at Raley Field, he was more than happy to be performing at the Press Club as he announced to the crowd, "It's an honor to be performing at the Press Club right now!" The Clarity and appealing flow that Bones provided was tantalizing to see on top of the hip hop electro blend of Citystate.

"I've voted for the awards in the past, and it hadn't been on my radar until last night, I started to think maybe I can shoot for that next time around," said Bones, who is now filling a spot for a member of the Addict Merchants, a hip-hop group with a long history in Sacramento.

Next was the hip-hop group Live Manikins – former Sammie nominees who provided the crowd with the old-school hip-hop feel. They worked the crowd, which was very involved and enthusiastic.

They took a pause so one of the members, Mr. Linguistics, could do a verse or freestyle without the music as he preached about the ignorance of those who listen to mainstream hip-hop.

"We had Masta Ace, you grew up on Master P, we had Chuck D, you know Flavor of Love but don't know about Public Enemy." The crowd went wild, and as their set ended, the official list of Sammie Nominees was posted up all over the club walls.

As that was much of the reason people showed up, by the time T.O.P., also a hip-hop group, got on stage, the crowd became a bit smaller. Random Abiladeze, a nominee in the group, started out by saying, "I want to thank everybody who came for the music first and didn't just leave when they didn't see their name on the list…Can someone just go tell the people outside to come on in?" The slightly reduced crowd still bobbed their heads and put a hand or two up as the rap duo displayed their quick flow over heavy jazz-influenced beats, rhyming about their truth and vision.

This year, things were different in that the SN&R had online voting by fans to determine the nominees, which made some attendees upset.

"I think this list is biased and a popularity contest, what's popular isn't always quality," said Justin Thyme a fan who came out to see T.O.P. Others were fine with the idea.

"Everyone on this list, even though I don't know them personally, I know has worked hard all year, so they deserve it," said Billy Hi-life, a local producer and bass player.

Nominees will be listed in print in the April 2 issue of the Sacramento News & Review. Sammie showcases will take place in May and June, eventually leading to the award show on June 27 at Cesar Chavez Park.

Don't miss these events!

2009-03-15T05:50:45Z

Caesar was warned to "beware the Ides of March" (March 15) in 44 B.C. It turned out to be the day he was murdered. However, this week holds so many events, including many St. Patrick's Day festivities, Sacramento Press wants you to get out into the community, have some fun, and stay positive.

Sunday, March 15 - The Ides of March (Beware!)

Though registration is already over, come out and cheer on the runners in the Shamrock'n Half Marathon. According to the website, proceeds raised by runners will go to a scholarship fund to award a Sacramento-area college student who aspires to teach children with special needs. See the map here, and please try to keep your car off the race course. Raley Field / 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento / through downtown / 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m / shamrocknhalf.com
Last Comic Standing Dat Phan headlines the last of four shows at the Punch Line in Sacramento also featuring Kevin Camia and Chazz Hawkins. Check out this story for more information. $15 / Punch Line / 2100 Arden Way #225 / 8:30-11 p.m. / purchase tickets here
What better day to see Shakespeare's Julius Caesar than the anniversary of his death? Sacramento City College Theatre students will be reenacting the famous play. "In Shakespeare’s most political play, we see the effect of political intrigue, betrayal, violence, and tyranny and we are left with the question as to who is the hero and who, the traitor," says the City Theatre website. $10 / Sacramento City College / 3835 Freeport Blvd. / 2 p.m. / purchase tickets here

Tuesday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

Inside the Director's Studio will be held to let people see the Sacramento Ballet up close and personal while rehearsing for Modern Masters, Abbreviated. $15 / The Sacramento Ballet Studios / 1631 K Street / 6-7 p.m. / sacballet.org
MIX and de Veres will be throwing a block party, which according to the Bee will begin at 10 a.m. and last for 12 hours. Tickets are $15 each in advance, or $20 the day of and are on sale now at de Vere's and MIX. The event is 21 and over and admission includes the beer garden, de Vere's Pub and MIX Downtown. Irish Dancers will be at the party throughout the day and live Irish music begins at 11 a.m. A Tainted Love and Shakedown concert begins at 8 p.m. at de Vere's. $15-$20 / on the 1500 block of L Street / 10 a.m.-10 p.m. / Details
A St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held in Old Sacramento at 6 p.m. and according to the website, "the family friendly parade steps off in front of the California State Railroad Museum and promises to delight the Irish and Irish at heart with over 60 colorful entries and 900 marchers including Irish step dancers, bagpipers, colorful costumed marchers, school bands, cultural organizations and more! …you can also enjoy traditional Irish food." Free / Starts at the California State Railroad Museum / 111 I St, Old Sacramento / 6 p.m. / Details
Presentation by President Obama's sister, Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng on "Leadership and service in the 21st century." Free / Sacramento State University Union Ballroom / 2 p.m. / see this story for more information

Wednesday, March 18

Russell Peters, international superstar comedian will perform stand-up at the 18-and-over Punch Line. He sold over 100,000 copies of his first stand-up DVD Outsourced in 2006 and recently released his second DVD Red, White and Brown this year. He will be performing multiple nights beginning Wednesday. Better get tickets fast because his Friday and Saturday night shows are already sold out, indeed a common occurrence for his shows worldwide! $40 / Punch Line / 2100 Arden Way #225 / 8:30-11 p.m. / purchase tickets here

Thursday, March 19

KRS One, Hip Hop pioneer and recipient of the BET Awards Life Time Achievement Award, will be playing Empire with Righteous Movement, 2 Ugli, DJ Mr. Vibe, J. Good and DJ Caz. Pick up your tickets at United State clothing boutique, Dimple Records, or at groovetickets.com. $15 dollar presale tickets (ticket prices at the door not available at the time of press) / Empire Events Center / 1417 R. Street / 6:30 p.m. / tickets and more information

Saturday, March 21

House of Floyd will be covering Pink Floyd songs along with a laser extravaganza at the Crest Theatre. "This is a live recreation of an actual Pink Floyd concert and highlights the greatest and most popular music of their career... complete with special effects, back screen and laser lighting," says the Crest Theatre's website. $40 adult / $38 senior / $32 students and children / Crest Theatre / 1013 K Street / 8 p.m. / purchase tickets here
The Capital Stage Founders Peter Mohrmann and Jonathan Rhys Williams will star in American Buffalo, a classic American play which "weaves humor and menace throughout an emotionally charged struggle for identity and dominance," according to a recent Sacramento Press article. $15 / Capital Stage / 1000 Front Street, Old Sacramento / 7 p.m. / purchase tickets here

Don't be left without a music performance this week.

2009-03-08T08:51:50Z

With so many things to do in the state's capital, here are some excellent music events in the next week to add to your calendar.

The high energy of punk band Final Summation will be rockin’ out at the Fire Escape Sunday. Two of the band members have been around the Sacramento punk rock scene since the mid 90s. Bastards of Young, Get Dead, Down We Go and Lesson in Failure will be there as well. 6 p.m. all ages.$7. Fire Escape Bar and Grill 7431 Madison Ave., Citrus Heights. For more info visit

myspace.com/finalsummation

.

Don't miss Grammy-winning producer Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings sing blues/Americana at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom Sunday at 4 p.m. 21 and over.$10. Powerhouse Pub 614 Sutter St., Folsom. For more info visit

roy-rogers.com

.

For an easy-going but quality time be sure not to miss the alternative sounds of Yuba City's The Mainland on Sunday. They will be performing at The Boardwalk along with A bird A Sparrow, Running Riot and Condition Zero. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. 18 and over. $10. The Boardwalk 9426 Greenback Ln. For more info visit

boardwalkrocks.com

.

Monday night catch the good rock vibes of Call Me Ishmael at the Press Club. They have just returned from a three-year snooze and are back with new material. 9 p.m. 21 and over $4. Press Club 2030 P St., Sacramento. For more info visit

myspace.com/callmeishmael

.

Come support your friendly neighborhood hip hop artists. Neighborhood Watch presents Press Release. Come see the best emcees Sacramento has to offer. After a year in the making, 5th Ave performs all new songs. Also performing will be Chuck T, C Plus and the turf hop General Blee. This event will be at the Press Club Wednesday at 10 p.m. 21 and over only. $3. Press Club 2030 P St., Sacramento. For more info visit

myspace.com/theneighborhoodlum

.

If you’re in the mood for Latin, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra will be at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium Thursday. For their 30th anniversary, Capital Public Radio will celebrate with the Latin ensemble. This is sure to be a hot one. 8 p.m. all ages $25. Sacramento Memorial Auditorium 1515 J Street. For more info visit

capradio.org

.

Also on Thursday catch the funky-haired Agent Ribbons, who have been said to sound like the White Stripes but in Alice in Wonderland. Agent Ribbons as well as Bearkat and The Loblolly Boy will be at Old Ironsides 9 p.m.21 and over. $6. Old Ironsides 1901 10th St., Sacramento. For more info visit

theoldironsides.com

.

A real musical treasure, Carmichael's own Autumn Sky will be performing at Vox Cafe Saturday March 14th at 8pm. For free you get to listen to the beautiful voice and songs of this charming local talent. Don't miss this one in Sacramento. All ages are invited. Free. Vox Cafe 19th and X St., Sacramento. For more info visit

myspace.com/autumnskymyspace

.

Tais is one of URB Magazine’s NEXT 1000. He and his hip hop group Righteous Movement will be live at the Kennel Club in Carmicheal for $10. Joining the movement will be Mr. P Chill, Smoke and Fair Game. Saturday. 21 and over. $10. Kennel Club 5821 Auburn Blvd. #8, Sacramento. For more info visit

myspace.com/kennelclub

UC Davis Alumnus Lyrics Born to Headline "Rock and Rhyme"

2009-02-28T05:40:41Z

On Saturday, Feb. 28 Harlow's will be hosting Rock and Rhyme, beginning at 9 p.m. Lyrics Born, a Hip Hop artist with local connections will be headlining the show at Midnight. Lyrics Born went to UC Davis with Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel of Blackalicious, Lateef the Truthspeaker, DJ Shadow and Jeff Chang aka DJ Zen. In addition to being one half of the band Latryx with Lateef, Lyrics Born has released two albums, three mix tapes, a remix album and a live album as a solo artist. His single "Callin' Out" was featured in a Diet Coke advertisement featuring Adrian Brody, while his single "I Like It, I Love It" was featured in a Playstation 3 advertisement. His rhymes are as diverse as his music, covering a variety of topics ranging from love to politics to partying.

The following is an interview with him, Friday the 27th, the day before the show:

It says in your bio that you've spent time in a lot of different places, but you spent some time here in the Northern California area. How did growing up here affect your music or your style?

Well being that specifically I'm from Berkeley, and being that the Bay Area is just a clearly diverse place culturally, politically, ideologically - it's also diverse musically. So for myself I was never really tied to one style. Obviously I started off in the Hip-Hop vein, but it kind of went everywhere else from there.

Besides Gift of Gab, Lateef the Truth Speaker, DJ Shadow, and DJ Zen [all members of the Davis area Solesides label which later became Quannum] what was the UC Davis scene like, and was it pretty instrumental in making a lot of connections?

Yeah. Certainly, the fact that it was so isolated and the fact that there was basically the Hip-hop community pretty much consisting of the people you just named and maybe five other people in the whole school. I think that had we not attended school there together, my career definitely would not have been what it was, and I think the other guys would all tell you the same. It was definitely a saint, that's the best way to say it.

From your time in Davis or if you've ever been to Sacramento, what were some of your favorite places to hang out?

I always really liked downtown, I always felt like it always had a lot of character. And I always used to buy records; I'm a record collector. We used to always buy old records in Old Sacramento actually. And Sacramento was the closest city to Davis when we were going there. It also had a really talented thriving little Hip Hop community at the time. I remember going to all the open mics and playing at Sac State and doing all that kind of stuff. Some of the best records stores in the entire country are in Sacramento, believe it or not, and thats coming from a record collector.

Tomorrow night, is there anything you're particularly excited about playing in Sacramento?

Well I haven't been in a long time. I think I do feel a certain kinship with that area, and I'm happy to come back and play.

What is like touring with a wife [the formally trained opera singer turned soul singer Joyo Velarde]?

It's great! We're away for so long, I just don't think I'd be able to do it without her. When you spend anywhere between 4-8 months on the road every year, it's really hard to do year round. And when you're together, it makes it do-able.

I was wondering what does it mean to you being Asian American in Hip Hop and how do you and Asian Americans define themselves in the music industry?

I think I just define myself by just who I am. I think that on the one hand it means a lot, because you know, I'm very well aware that there's not that many of us out there in the entertainment business period. I'm very thankful and I'm very grateful that I've gotten to the point where I have, to the point where I probably am one of the more visible among us. But at the same time, it doesn't really mean anything either, because nobody's going to buy my music just because of it. I have to make good music - if my music is bad it doesn't matter what I am. I am well aware of the fact that with every step that I make forward it's a step for all of us forward.

Speaking of your music, very few Hip Hop shows that I've seen have had a live backing band, with the exception of maybe the Roots. How come you switched it up from a DJ to a live band?

For the very reason that you just said. And I think that also for me it was just the next step in my progression as an artist. I still do shows with a DJ and I still love doing that, but I just wanted to vary my repertoire, and I wanted to go into territory I hadn't gone into before. Like you said, I wanted to do something that most other groups are not doing.

I was wondering if you and your band have a pre show routine.

Yeah everybody drinks a 40.

Really?

No not true. We do a little group huddle, we say a little prayer, and we get out there and rip it.

Anything else you'd like to let Sacramento know?

I'm just happy to be back, and everybody should come through because we're definitely going to tear it down.

*photo courtesy ANTI Records.

Rapper Hopsin to perform in Sacramento.

2009-02-24T07:42:08Z

Do you remember the goofy kid in your class? What if that goofy kid turned out to be a rapper on the rise? That is exactly what happened to Ruthless Records recording artist, Hopsin.

Wednesday, Feb. 25th, Hopsin will be in Sacramento performing with hip hop veteran Kool Kieth.

A one-time aspiring actor, Hopsin discovered that music was his natural calling in 2001. He used to put acting before music, but when he read for parts, he couldn't always remember his lines. It was then he realized that music was his passion.

Unsatisfied with the current state of the hip hop game, Hopsin is trying to break out of the routine formulated rapper. He does not boast about being a tough or dangerous guy.

"I don't fake, I tell the truth to the fullest, everything I say is a real- life situation," he said.

Starting out in high school, Hopsin always made his own beats on a program called Fruity Loops, and continues to make his own music still to this day. Although he wouldn't mind working with other producers in the future, for now he is content with his own production skills.

His current single, "Pans in the Kitchen," is funky and different. Making the video for that single is one of his most exciting moments so far.

"It boggles the mind that it's me. I am the person in the front, not in the background," he says.

This Southern California native and former Special Ed student is looking to change the game with his not -so -big vocabulary, but staying true to himself and his sound –.Hoping to inspire other kids who feel like they are the odd ones out with his lyrics.

Hopsin will be performing at Harlow's at 2708 J Street.

Local hip hop artists releases mix tape.

2009-02-24T07:11:36Z

On a cold Friday night in a Rancho Cordova recording studio, Sacramento emcee C Plus, puts on head phones and steps up to the microphone. He reads rhymes from his notebook with intensity and a smooth flow. He plays it back with the beat, the song he just made is so intact that you wouldn't know that he's fighting a cold. Then, just like that, the last track is done, and The Purple Heart mix tape is complete.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, C Plus, aka Chaz Wheeler of the group State Cap, will put out his second mix tape of the year, The Purple Heart.

If you ever doubted that Sacramento had hip hop artists worth listening to, this is the record that will erase them.

The Purple Heart has 13 tracks and is completely produced by Detroit producer, Black Milk. All the beats are fused with samples from Prince's Purple Rain album. A change of pace for Plus, he decided to go heavy on the writing and add more structure to the songs. Mostly his songs have no hook and are shorter.

With so many hip hop artists out already in Sacramento, his voice and lyrics set him apart from the rest. Plus has seen his share of success, being nominated with his group for a Sammie award last year and opening up for acts like Del The Funky Homosapiean, Dj QBert, Luck I am, and Pigeon John. Plus is still looking to grow – he's been featured in many Sacramento publications and regularly does live shows in and out of Sacramento.

Being a hip hop artist in Sacramento is not always easy but has shaped how he works,

"It's definitely made me more aggressive,” Plus said.. “I try to work on music all the time, I have to," he said.

Eager and working hard to get to the next level of success, there is nothing stopping him. Last month's mix tape, The Warm Up, was free and has been downloaded over more than 300 times online. For each day in March, Plus will post a new song on his MySpace.com page.

Plus is proud to be a long time Natomas resident and only hopes that he will be heard. "I am just another young African American kid from north Sacramento trying to make my mark on the planet and get the music out," he said.

The Purple Heart is available for free download at chaz.12ftdwende.com

Poetry, beats and fashion at the distillery.

2009-02-07T05:43:22Z

Many of Sacramento's residents believe that they have few options when it comes to nightlife. The "sneak peek" fashion show this Saturday at the Distillery is an event to add to that list of things to do.

Saturday, Feb. 7 will be a chance to see the latest pieces from four local designers' spring collections. The show was organized mainly by Chuck Taylor of L!fe crew and Noel C. Tavares of Faedrah clothing company.

Both are Sacramento natives and current residents, and they have teamed up to bring a night of local designers. The list includes Agape, Martini Kisses and Amy Lola Marchiando. The show will also feature DJs spinning soulful hip-hop and a tribute to the late producer J Dilla, who died Feb. 10, 2006. Dilla's songs will play as the models walk the runway.

Tavares started Faedrah clothing in October of 2003 and says that hip-hop has influenced her clothing line, specifically Dilla. Her clothing includes men's and women's 80s street style, casual and urban wear.

She says she has done more fashion shows than she can count. This show will be a different direction for Faedrah, you can expect to see a dressier look that includes a lot of feminine colors, hearts and party dresses.

"I tried to stay away from these looks when I was younger, but now I am growing up," she said. Martini Kisses will emphasize fancy cocktail dresses, and Agape will have a futuristic, edgy look that could be considered couture.

Taylor, a pioneer of the hip-hop scene in Sacramento, puts together events around the city and is very hopeful for this fashion show, which is only his second.

He is very proud of the once-unhealthy hip-hop scene and is hoping that this show will get other designers on board for more shows in the future.

He is expecting a great turnout and wants people to know that this is not a typical hip-hop show, saying, "You can expect an eclectic show, a chill environment, not the standard, not the usual, not the boring."

There will also be a spoken-word performer from Oakland who is also part of the L!fe crew. This is a 21-and-older event and starts at 9 p.m. at The Distillery on 21st and L Streets.

Grind Hard ENT. – Showing the world Sacramento is serious about Music

2008-12-12T00:59:40Z

As most of us know, Sacramento is a City that continues to expand and display its talents through many avenues. Whether it may be through local artwork, musical artists, or the film industry, many Sacramentoian’s, are continuing to bring the spot light to the Capital City. With this topic in mind, I wanted to share a recent story from a local music production company from our very own City of Sacramento.

Grind Hard Entertainment (G.H.E.) is a company that was created by Jose “Flowmatic” Jimenez, after the disconnected feeling he experienced while being a part of a music company that did not allow him to voice his ideas and took control of his desired projects. This is commonly seen in the music industry.

He also felt that those who were responsible for producing, and providing the creative talent of post production where not given the proper recognition. This unfortunate reality helped motivate the beginning of Grind Hard Entertainment which has been independently owned and operated since its establishment in 2004.

G.H.E. and its production team has completed, and contributed work with several local and nationwide hip-hop artists, such as: The Game, Jim Jones, Brotha Lynch Hung, Keak Da Sneak, The Federation, Skee 64, T-Nutty, Krytykal, and Doey Rock just to name a few.

This exposure has created a buzz in the Hip-Hop world of music coming out of Sacramento, and has brought an interest in their production team, specifically to one of their Master Producers who just recently turned 18, but has been composing music for the last five years. He is known in the industry as Armando “Complex” Jimenez, who has been highly instrumental in the company’s success.

The talents of Grind Hard ENT. caught the attention of Deon Taylor Enterprises, which is a local film production company out of Sacramento that has been featured in the Sacramento Film Festival, and currently has numerous projects that are in the works.

This lead Grind Hard Entertainment in composing the score for Deon Taylor Enterprises, film: Nite Tales, which aired nationwide on the B.E.T. network hosted by Flavor Flav on Halloween Night. They are in the process of composing additional scoring work for projects that have yet to be released.

Flowmatic CEO of Grind Hard ENT. stated “Our main goal is to continue to advance Sacramento in the Music and Entertainment business and expose the talents that come from the Sacramento area through Films, and Music Albums”.

The experience that I had with Grind Hard Entertainment was very professional and the company was really focused on showcasing Sacramento as a prominent place for local art and talents. You can learn more about the company or if you have questions about the work that they do simply visit their website at www.grindhardent.com

As we continue to expand as a City it is important to welcome local companies or individuals who are exposing Sacramento through the talents that they bring, showing the world that Sacramento is serious about Music and Entertainment.