Talkboxing on an MPC

DiViNCi, Solillaquists of Sound producer, demonstrating how to talkbox (think Roger Troutman of the group ZAPP and "Computer Love" fame) on an MPC for the modern day beatmaker/producer. Somebody should apply this on their next track for real... (via Crate Kings)

Tonight: XO "Monumental" Listening Party @ The Reef

The BET Awards!!!

Last night many saw The BET Awards and many were disappointed. It was a good show and for three days of work the tribute to Mike was excellent.  Many people will disagree with me but I would just like for people to consider a few things first. Being a performer and having performed on stage since the age of two, I know what it takes to create a good show.  It takes great performers, great lights, set designs, costumes, a good stage manager or two, a good MC, an out of this world sound system and a receptive audience.  To put all of that together into an awards show can take a few months to a year.  

Please note that the show we saw last night was all put together in a few nights with a few parts of the show created prior to MJ's death. With that said, Keri Hilson's recreation of MJ's "Bad" video with the usage of her hit single was awesome!  The choreographer must have channeled MJ as soon as he passed and so did Keri and her background dancers to execute that performance the way they did given such little time.  Jamie Foxx killed it with his jokes, "MJ" performance reconstructions and numerous MJ costume changes! Whoever the stylist was gets a gold star!  I would like to know where they found all of those "Beat It" jackets in three days!! New Edition came and ripped it Jackson Five style and it was really good to see all of them on stage together performing a tribute for Michael. The choreography, costumes and Ralph Tresvant's voice were all on point.  Ne-Yo channeled Mike with his voice during he and Jamie's duet which brought tears to many eyes in the audience. Janet's unexpected but welcomed appearance was a nice touch and from her remarks anyone could tell that she was in pain and angry.  Despite her questionable comments, her presence brought a sense of completion to the show. I can go on and on, but I want to switch gears.  

As people of color, we have developed the bad habits of comparing ourselves to others and devaluing our greatness as it relates to everything.  Those are the two main reasons why we took for granted the solid awards show last night.  It was good because we are good at many things that we do. It was good because it was well executed given it was essentially put together in THREE DAYS. It was good because last night we chose to celebrate and honor a great BLACK MAN when many other networks threw shade and will continue to do so. It was good because we were able to laugh, sing and dance instead of cry. It was good because we created a space to be proud of who we are and who MJ was. It was good, it was great, it was excellent.  Rest in peace Mike and your spirit will always live on.

ViceLife x Candice Nicole PR x Strange Music Presents Harder Better Faster Stronger - Get Well Soon RA!!! Mixtape

Download Harder Better Faster Stronger - Get Well Soon RA!!!

RAtheMC was involved in a car accident a couple weeks ago and fortunately wasn't injured too badly. A week and a half later she was back in the studio. If that's not determination to not let outside forces stop you from succeeding I don't know what is. This mixtape was put together with tracks from many of DMV Hip Hop's best and brightest to show appreciation, love and respect for RA and all she has given through her art and grind. A force to be reckoned with y'all, trust me when I say this...

Music Video: Kingpin Slim - Looking At the City and a mini reflection

It's funny how I saw the link for this video on Twitter just now because I actually was having thoughts relevant to the content of this joint last night. For the record, I grew up in Prince George's County, MD which, for those that don't know, borders Washington, DC from its northeast to southeast perimeter. Growing up during the Crack Era that affected many U.S. inner cities, I viewed the goings-on of DC at the time as a nearby outsider each evening after school on local news stations. During this time I was spending a lot of weekends with my sister who lived in Southeast DC, not far from where Southern Ave. Metro Station currently resides, so I saw activities and individuals who weren't a part of my Monday-Friday reality. Although I had no interest in actually "living hard" or "growing up in the hood", I did always wonder why there were folks who had to live like that (Keep in mind I was about five years old at the time). Some may argue that Prince George's County, or "PG County" as it's more commonly known, isn't so safe either. I agree but twenty years ago it was a little better. Anyway, as time went on and more interactions occurred/friendships developed between myself and many DC residents who lived in or came from a disadvantaged environment, my questions were being answered before I even got out of high school. This is probably why PG County, as a locality along with many of the residents, annoy the hell out of me but that's a topic for another day though. I'm not writing this to say I have some type of "pass" that many of my PG County peers do not, but as a testament to the fact that I too remember DC as Slim describes it in "Looking At the City".

Album Review: The Paxtons putting in the Work...

Overall GPA: 3.0
Category I: Artistry (B)
Category II: Wordplay (C+)
Category III: Beat Chemistry (A)
Category IV: Relativity Factor (B-)

Click the link for an explaination of the Glass House Review system.

The Paxton’s website, “describes its sound [as] characterized by massive arrangements, profound lyricism, pop sensibil[i]ty, and an unwavering love for the ‘hood. With influences ranging from New Jack Swing to Chicago House, expect nothing more than an emphasis on quality music that resonates as a soundtrack for everyday life.” The Paxton’s debut album, Work, was composed by Chris Butler and Dave Giles from Chicago. This labor of love (and lust), a euphemism for many things, undoubtedly gets its inspiration from the Kevin Smith film, Clerks, but also refers to the effort we put into getting it in and, well, out in every sense of the phrase. Often times, we see ourselves differently than how others see us, or in this case hear us, but The Paxtons weren’t too far off in their self-analysis.

Let us not make any bones about it; this is a producer’s album. For those starving for lyricism, this is a 101 course, but for beat chemistry, you’ll need a pre-requisite to really hear The Paxtons. In each track it’s quite evident that extreme detail was paid to production. It’s as if The Paxtons were two plastic surgeons hovering over old school beats tweaking, lipo-suctioning, and tightening them up for Work. There aren’t many able to weave in samples and measures to replace pregnant pauses the way The Paxtons do it. Check for samples of Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo,” “Winter Sadness,” by Kool and the Gang, “Take You Home,” by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, and a host of others. Tracks of note are “Just Tonight” featuring a dope collab with DC’s infamous RaTheMC. RaTheMC brings it, as always, delivering a verse characteristic of her amazing lyrical abilities. “Free My Mind 09,” “Theme Music,” “Still Waiting,” and “Instant Love,” are other tracks you’ll want to hear.

Building an album around production leaves a bit of a gap when it comes to lyricism. There were a handful of tracks that bludgeoned listeners with the same sexual references typical of hip hop. Due to their Work-aholic/perfectionist nature, there is no doubt The Paxtons’ rap game will get better—and a bit o’ profoundness is evident in tracks like “Free My Mind.” The Paxtons rap, “I fantasize like what if I didn’t have to worry about the way the world is going, rent checks steady coming. . .counting all the foreclosures, something tells me that Obama ain’t the only one hoping. Let’s keep it all in focus, the hood is like an opus..” When the duo departs from the norm, they give listeners a glimpse of society that needs to be exposed, making “Free My Mind” a springboard into dialogue about economic and educational disparities in communities of color of the inner city. Another piece, “Still Waiting,” serves as a summary metaphor for The Paxtons’ flee from Chicago in search of greener pastures of St. Louis, and now Washington, DC. The track continues to describe the parts of the Windy City both lamented and not, but the message is extremely clear: Work was manufactured on the east coast, but the Midwest still has their hearts.


When in Rome, they say do as Romans do, but The Paxtons distinctly defy this saying. The truth is, there aren’t many artists in DC doing things the way The Paxtons are doing it, and this simple fact is what allows them an edge in the local industry. This declaration of distinction neither begins nor ends here in DC. Work, intended to tell the story of The Paxtons’ summer, ends up telling more about the Paxtons’ journey. Every good epic involves a hero, challenges, revelations, but most importantly a return home that is full of acceptance. If Chris and Dave are able to find the production-lyricism balance and keep making music like this for the airwaves, the return to Paxton Avenue will no doubt be on their own terms.

K.Scribe
“Keeping the cursor blinking and the pen bleeding…”

The Glass House (in DC for now) Wants You! (No Uncle Sam)

With the increased amount of music and requests for media coverage hitting my inbox I found it rather necessary to send out this call for a couple more writers and photographers for the site. The Glass House is all about putting talented local folks on blast in a positive light. This is not only an increased effort on my part to show folks who may not be in the know about "what else is going on in DC", but it's also serving as a medium for people whose creative talents are often hampered by unrelated "day jobs" to show people what they really got. Here's what I'm looking for:

- Writer to review music from and interview local artists/DJs

- Photographer to cover select local art, music, fashion events that fall within varying social demographics

If interested in coming aboard shoot me an email (sonya@glasshousedc.com) explaining why you're fit for the task. The Glass House (in DC for now) is popping up on the radars of more people all the time and is constantly evolving into something bigger than I even imagined.

Sonya

DJ Impulse One Shot Kill Series

I really don't remember how I came across the first installment of DJ Impulse's One Shot Kill Series (probably Twitter) but I had it as my ridin' music for a week straight. I finally remembered to check his blog for the new mixes so that I could put this little compilation together. Three different themes for each joint (dance, R&B/Kinda Chill, 90s Hip Hop with a few newbies all in that order)

The DMV Music Post #3 6-26-09

So I'm going to make this a weekly joint because I get a lot of music in my inbox each week as well as through Twitter. Some bad, some good but of the good I'll choose 5-10 joints worth hearing every Friday.

The Paxtons WORK Listening Party Interview x Photo Recap

I had an opportunity to catch up with The Paxtons on Wednesday at the listening party for their debut album WORK. The rapper/producer duo born and bred in Chicago but now calling the DMV home, have been building up to this release since 2008 with the release of their first official mixtape, Members Only. Here's the interview with Chris and Dave giving us a taste of who The Paxtons are and what they do.



For those who weren't there, here's some photos for y'all...

Meet The Method to The Mayhem

For those of you who have been following The Glass House (in DC for now) for a while, you know that I try to keep y'all up to date on what's happening around town, and sometimes beyond, in music and social stuff. Because I've connected with some interesting people who are very talented in their own right, I decided to invite a few of them to write for the site. Here's a little info about 'em:

K. Scribe (Music Critic Extraordinaire) -

I'm pretty low key, prefer to avoid the flashing lights--staying true to a writer's nature. I prefer my book, headphones, notebook or blackberry's these days, and good company in small numbers. By day, I work in cancer research, by night I write. Soon I'll be starting med school at Howard. In addition to writing for The Glass House, I write for the Couch Sessions, my own blog: www.theproseofarhythmscribe.blogspot.com and produce a monthly podcast, The StereoType Demos (new issues at www.youfriendsmusic.com, old ones at the proseof...).

Judy 5000 (Beauty and style better than you ever imagined) -

I'm an educated young Black woman with a lot on her mind. I love fashion, make-up, world affairs, the arts and most of all, getting on my soapbox and talkin' smack! I embrace many lifestyles especially the ones that people are quick to pass judgement on - my sense of style along with my love for fashion and make-up reflects that. Currently I work as a retail store manager full time and also as a student working on my Master's thesis at Howard University in the African Studies program. Occasionally, I work as a freelance make-up artist and would love to make some permanent space for dance in my life again. I look forward to discovering hot concepts, designers, stores and whatever else related to beaty and fashion to discuss on The Glass House (in DC for now). I can't wait for y'all to check me out...oh yeah I also have a blog (judy5000.blogspot.com) and I'm on Twitter (@murphsmurph)

Cam (Quiet guy with mad tracks up his sleeve) -

Love for music. Urge to move. Creativity and self-expression. High energy rhythms. Your favorite love songs. Positive attitudes. Cam Jus is about that. Though born and raised in the DMV, he cut his teeth in hole in the wall clubs in the South then moved on to parties on the black college circuit while attending school in North Carolina. 5 years deep rocking anywhere music is needed, he moved back to DC and developed his signature staple of high energy, ecclectic, underground, and progressive street rhythms, inspired by the diversity and eccentricity of his life experiences. While a go-to dj on the mainstream, downtown club scene in Washington, DC, his self-promoted brand of parties allows him to remain a fixture on the underground music scene at the same time, resulting in a knowledge of music beyond his years and a versatility uncharacteristic of the average club dj. Look toward the future for remixes, mixtapes, and production credits. You can catch his current schedule, remixes, and mixtapes at www.myspace.com/camjus and SoundCloud.com.

L. Barnes (Captures you at your best and makes you look better at your worst) -

Lafayette Barnes has established a healthy photography career with a diverse portfolio since 2006. He is currently assistant photo-editor for The Washington Informer Newspaper, DC's leading African American news source, with over 50,000 readers.
He is looking to build a relationship with area models, clothing companies, promoters, and entrepreneurs. He is dedicated to service and satisfaction, and has extensive experience in photo editing and graphic design for a picture perfect presentation. For more information on how to set-up a session with L. Barnes Photography, please e-mail lbarnesphoto@gmail.com with a brief summary of your inquiry and your best two shots.

"The Greatest Entertainer of all time died on June 25th"

The man, the music, now a legend two months shy of his 51st birthday - family, friends, fans and haters (who were secretly fans) across the world are mourning the loss of Michael Joseph Jackson. One of the few performing artists who stayed relevant multiple decades within their lifetime, myself along with many others I know felt as if we lost one of our own yesterday. Whether you were natives of MJ's hometown of Gary, Indiana and caught he and his brothers performing around town as a cover band, you remember the live airing of "I Want You Back" on The Ed Sullivan Show, went to The Victory Tour or were terrified of Thriller (like I was) yet intrigued by Moonwalker it's highly probable that you have at least one cool Michael Jackson moment. In honor of the King of Pop I got a tune for y'all called "Billie Jean". It's my favorite song - period. It's about some woman who was stalking Mike and claimed the he was her baby father. Psycho....Anyway, here goes his debut of The Moonwalk at Motown 25 in 1983:

Saturday 6/27: Hip Hop Night @ Artomatic

I'll save my next visit for Saturday...only two more floors to go!

Friday 6/26: Summer Goods Festival @ Policy followed by Durkl x Sabre Sunglasses Release Party @ Palace 5ive

I'm siced that DJ Heat is on the Summer Goods Festival event because this is the type of exposure she deserves. I'm also siced there's a Durkl in-store happening at Palace 5ive. It's gonna be a great Friday evening people.

Mixtape Review: Wale's Back To The Feature

Download Back to The Feature

Overall GPA: 4.0

Category I: Artistry (A+)
Category II: Wordplay (A+)
Category III: Beat Chemistry (A+)
Category IV: Relativity Factor (A+)

Click the link for an explaination of the Glass House Review System.

On the road to receiving a doctorate (PhD) in any field, one must go through a series of examinations to prove their excellence and knowledge in their respective field. In addition to courses, comps must be passed, oral examinations aced, and a dissertation topic presented, approved, and then written. On Jun 19, the DMV’s Wale drops his pre-cursor to a dissertation in the form of digital epithets. Topic? Wale's Cerebral Impulses: A poet in motion with music. But some will call it Back to the Feature. A product cut and cooked by Wale, 9th Wonder and a host of well known verbal beasts, just raised the bar (16s and beyond) for all the average wordsmiths to such a great height that a Master's thesis is needed in order to gain access to the amount of thought put into making such a tape. No doubt that those in the studio hung their heads low and had to go edit their lyrical game , tracking changes left and right. Not only does Wale and company deliver a lyrical bonfire to warm the coldest of hip hop lovers, but 9th wonder takes us on a tour of his thought process as well, w/ well places samples on your right and boom bap on your left, even sounds your cochleae never made love to before.

In the tape’s beginning track, Wale opens with "Class is in session/While them niggas pitch verbs, so they say/my weaponry is words/do-re-me/the war is in the form of poetry/so it's straight see forth from the thoughts I bring/bang! Epiphany/them niggas is gimmicks to me/I can eradicate a village if you give me a beat. He immediately sets the tone, calling pupils attention like a young professor. It’s evident Wale won't stop until he reaches tenure. What's brilliant about Back to the Feature is how the level of intensity is maintained lyrically and musically over the 22 track mixtape. He not only sees words as a vehicle for thought, but appreciates the sound of words, and these are two entirely different things. This and more grants Back to the Feature a Glass House A+ in wordplay.

In spite of featuring another artist on every track, this mixtape is heavy with Wale’s tone. Often times artists try this approach and the listener ends up asking “Who’s tape is this again?” Not in Back to the Feature. Bars were spat by the likes of Talib Kweli, Memphis Bleek, Black Thought, J Cole, Young Chris, Jean Grae, K’Naan, another DMVite, Kingpin Slim, not so much in defense of Wale, but in support of his artistic hustle. You see, it wasn’t the usual co-signing that artists do. The way Back to the Feature approached this concept managed to preserve their style and highlight Wale’s at the same time. This isn’t a tape that is solely about promoting the artist known as Wale, but more about promoting lyricism as a dying art that needs air from the breath of the old and the poets’ voices to continue beating in our ears.

The naysayers will bark that Wale’s abandoned Go-Go on this tape, but the forward thinking person knows that an artist should have many types of paint brushes upon which to paint a canvas. Bringing in 9th Wonder, formerly of Little Brother was just the right artist to help shape Back to the Feature. Tracks like “Wonder Why,” “The Sun,” and “Say it Again” are just a few examples 9th’s extensive music knowledge and technique. Ninth Wonder isn’t the only producer on Back to the Feature to note. BKS, Mikey Mike, and Mark Ronson, Cool & Dre, Ritz, and Warren G made their presence felt in tracks sprinkled through out the tape. All of their influences worked together to win the mixtape an A+ in that category as well.

For the first time it’s hard for the Glass House to recommend a track, b/c they all deserve several listens. If we have to mention a few, then “Wonder Why,” “GoodBye,” “The Sun,” “Warwick Avenue,” “Sharp,” “Rather Be -for Vagina lovers”(and misogynists too, might I add). Of course, this review could go on and on, but who really wants to read a dissertation that describes a dissertation? No one. Download Back to the Feature immediately, and if you feel your brain start to ache, just know that it’s your idea of hip hop expanding beyond what it was and currently is, in to something both reminiscent of the past, but also telling of the future. The Glass House is no Cleo, but we undoubtedly know that hip hop’s future will feature, the DMV’s own lyrical time traveler, the ever witty, Wale.

Get the tape here.

k.scribe
“keeping the pen bleeding and the cursor blinking...”

DJ Jayceeoh - Pop Models Mixtape Edits Pack x BBC Radio 1 Mix Challenge

Never disappointing since the day I found out about this dude earlier this year, Jayceeoh has put together a newbie and a revised newbie for y'all.



Last month, Jayceeoh dropped The Pop Models Mixtape V.1 joint that began with a remix intro of the Baby/Lil' Wayne collab. The Pop Models Edits Pack gives you a few more cuts freshly chopped and fused together for y'all to check out.

Tracklisting:

1. CHESTER FRENCH / RYE RYE / MIA - SHE BANGS EVERYBODY (JAYCEEOH Triple Play Edit)
2. ROYKSOPP - WHAT ELSE IS THERE (JayCeeOh Shake Em Down Edit)
3. WREX N EFFECT - RUMP SHAKER (Alex Rage Remix) (JayCeeOh Get Up Edit)
4. SOS - MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE (Delano + Crocket Remix) (JayCeeOh Edit)
5. DJ CLASS / MIMS - MOVE (JayCeeOh Power Edit)
6. MYSTERY JETS / OUTKAST - OH YES! (Foamo Remix) (JayCeeOh Edit)
7. KLAXONS / LIL WAYNE As Above, So Below (JayCeeOh Edit)
8. BOOM BOOM POW (JayCeeOh Rip It Edit)
9. LIL WAYNE - LET IT ROCK (JayCeeOh Edit)
10. LIONESS - MY HEART (JayCeeOh Edit)



Jayceeoh was invited to participate in BBC Radio 1's Bangra/Bollywood Mix Challenge in which you have to incorporate four bangra/bollywood tracks (which they provide) into a 15 minute mix. I haven't heard any Bollywood music period in a good minute so I thought this was pretty cool.

Download BBC RADIO 1 : DJ JAYCEEOH (5.22.09) BANGRA / BOLLYWOOD MIX CHALLENGE

Tracklisting:

1. Brainstorm vs Jaz Dhami - Theke Wali (JayCeeOh Edit)
2. Ray Cash vs Ray Cash - Bumpin My Music (JayCeeOh BBC Bangra Remix)
3. Panjabi Mafia feat Jagmohan Kaur
4. David Banner - Get Like Me (JayCeeOh Remix)
5. Kanye West feat John Legend - Magic Man
6. Jadakiss feat Barrington Levy - Hard Times (JayCeeOh So Fresh Edit)
7. Camron - I really Mena It Interlude
8. Yagraj - Raunak feat Q-Tip (JayCeeOh Edit)
9. Aa Dekhen Zara (JayCeeOh Edit)
10. Caligula - Vogue 2 The Drummers Beat (JayCeeOh Let's Go Edit)

Mz. Mimz - Thoughts While Getting Dressed Mixtape

Finally this concept of a R&B Mixtape that I mentioned a few months back has come to fruition. I present to you Mz. Mimz Thoughts While Getting Dressed. You'll be pleased I know.

Clockwise Clothing Photoshoot @ Love

Video: J-Scrilla breaks down "No Love" of "Culture of Honor

J-$crilla Breaks Down "No Love" Off Of Culture Of Honor from Inner Loop Records on Vimeo.

Bacardi B-Live Tour w/Stereofaith x Matt and Kim x Major Lazer Recap

The DMV Hipster set (yes I said DMV Hipster) was out in full force this past Saturday for the DC leg of the Bacardi B-Live Tour with Major Lazer at Rock and Roll Hotel. Now I'll be honest, this was my first exposure to Rock and Roll Hotel, Matt and Kim and my first live exposure to either of the members of Major Lazer, pronounced MAY-JAH LAY-ZAH! as the Jamaican accented drop suggests. The venue was everything I expected, big and divey, therefore perfectly fitting for an event of this nature.

Hometown DJ, Stereofaith, got the crowd warmed up in true Stereofaith fashion with a pre-show set that took you from Biggie/Wu-Tang/Mobb Deep laced 90s Hip Hop, some Bmore Club just in time for the entrance made by the merchandise buyers who were harboring upstairs for the first 90 minutes of event and upon exiting left us with some unfamiliar electro hip hop remixes that I was pleased to hear. I gotta say he successfully took the crowd from "It's about time they let us in this place" to "Party Time! Excellent!".

The BK transplanted Electro-Punk boyfriend/girlfriend duo, Matt and Kim, have honestly got to be the happiest punk rock folks I've ever seen. I saw not one bit of anarchist anger gleam from them during their performance. In fact I had to ask myself, "Why are they so friggin' happy?" I was so into their music and stage presence that I started following them on Twitter right after their set. The Pratt Institute grads hit tracks from their self-titled 2006 debut such as "Dash After Dash" and "Grand" along with a few cuts from their latest venture, Grand, including "Daylight", "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare", "I Wanna" and my personal favorite "Cinders". They also managed to fit in a couple live electro remix intros of Ol' Dirty Bastard's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and Dead Prez's "Hip Hop" at which point the crowd begins chanting the hook in unison. Unlike the last time I heard "Hip Hop" at an event, I was relieved to see their was no sexy dancing taking place from the misinformed this time.

And finally...the moment we've all been waiting for...MAY-JAH LAY-ZAH! These bammas came out in matching suits on some made for Esquire Blues Brothers type ish. Diplo and Switch gave an electronically dub-stepped dancehall presentation complete with masquerading dancing girls and a hype Dread that appeared on stage like the Predator coming out of the swamp. They did a super mix of tracks you may already know from their debut, Guns Don't Kill People, Lazers Do (Hold the Line, When You Hear the Bassline and Pon de Floor). They managed to work in Darude's "Sandstorm" (of all randomness to choose from) and drop a dancehall versed rendition of our favorite Jim Jones song (read Ron Browz) of 2008, "Pop Champagne". The predatory hype man decided to get some crowd participation going and brought a few ladies from the audience on stage to break it down for the people and apparently they were ready for action. I also can't forget to mention the trippy video screens that I had to block out because I was really freaked out and I was completely sober. Displaying visual aids from their album cover to these vampire skeleton monsters (AAAHHH!), despite my fear I thought it was a necessary addition to their set. Major Lazer's whole set reminded me of what I envisioned all live UK Drum and Bass mixes to look like. I'm planning to confirm that in September so in the meantime I'll just go with my imagination.

If you missed the show, it's all good because Stereofaith is probably DJing at a spot across the street from the places you frequent while Matt and Kim and Major Lazer are only $10 on iTunes. A sweat inducing, "you may bust your ass on the floor" good time was had at Rock and Roll Hotel that evening amongst the pop-locking, breaking and two-stepping club kids of the DC area. I hope this serves as a more informed and positive review of the show for those checking for recaps.

Sunday 6/28: Dreamscape @ Marvin

Alright y'all, this is an event that I'm collabin' on next Sunday. I'm rather excited because I've been wanting to get on an art event for a minute. There's still room for more artists/photographers to come showcase their work so if you're interested holla at the following people:

Chris Bradshaw - chris@dreamingoutloud.net

Me - sonya@glasshousedc.com

For more info on Dreaming Out Loud, Inc point and click HERE

See the event details below this phrase:

Dreaming Out Loud, Inc. is set to entertain and enlighten for its fundraising event called Dreamscape. This event will take place on Sunday June 28th from 2-5pm at Marvin (2007 14th Street NW). With DC's most sought after rooftop and lounge location serving as the backdrop, this mixed-media arts experience (featuring painters, photographers, and more) will not disappoint!


Funds will help the us make good on our mission to transform and transcend education through our character education program entitled Walking the Dream Path. Working with children prekindergarten through 5th grade, the program includes environmental field trips; planting gardens that attract monarch butterflies for study; exchanges with Ghanaian schools; and much more!


We will also have must-have DOL logo t-shirts and live milkweed plants (the plant that the butterflies lay eggs on) for sale. And, I can't forget free food....If you have time, please come join us!

Grab a burger on Father's Day @ Z-Burger

On Sunday, June 21st, Z-Burger is inviting all father's to come and enjoy a complimentary meal. For every customer that brings their dad and reveals the Z-Burger password, "Dad You're Z-best!," that special father will have the option to choose from a delicious cheeseburger or veggie burger. In addition, they can also select one of the 75 different Z-Burger milkshakes. There is no minimum purchase required, but please keep in mind that 10% of the proceeds for that day will go to Hope House. Hope House is a non-profit organization that was designed to help bridge the gap between children and their incarcerated parents.

Click here for more info on Hope House

Z-Burger Tenleytown
4321 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016

A Glimpse into the Right Brain of a Smart Chick: Album Review of "Revenge of the Smart Chicks: Ambitious Gods"

Download Ambitious Gods

Overall GPA: 2.65, B-

Category I: Artistry (B-)
Reflects the artist’s creative hustle, just what sets them a part from others in the genre? Is there swag just a mirror image of someone else’s or has it been cultivated to a level of authenticity.

Category II: Wordplay (C+)
Here’s our version of your language arts courses, there’s intro to advanced. We’re looking at lyricism--diction, delivery, and depth. Emcees with empty phrases get recycled like abandoned boxes, but the ones with substance speak for themselves.

Category III: Beat Chemistry (B+)
Remember that chemistry lab with where you and your lab partner did your best to create some winning concoction? We liken that to music production, minus the Bunsen burners, of course. The Glass House knows that production is more than beat game, more than mixing, and producing involvement varies per producer, so this is how we sum up the science for listeners.

Category IV: Relativity Factor (C+)
This category serves as the official Glass House “it” factor. Does the artist rebel against its genre and fan’s expectations? The Glass House aims to reach a broad range of young listeners who may fall into varying social demographics but who are all looking for something that or someone who relates to them yet challenges typical social aesthetics. Artists who score high in this category attract more than the typical audience, but reach into the nooks and crevices of society to capture indie, pop, hip hop purists, etc.


If you ever get to meet Carolyn Malachi in person, you’ll understand what is meant by her album not only being an open invitation for self exploration, but also a bridge through which others can connect. Revenge of the Smart Chicks II: Ambitious Gods, is an extension of Malachi’s intellect, perspective, and mission statement of the non-profit she started (Smart Chicks Inc.). Malachi manages to channel the Smart Chicks mentality into her music, thus producing an eleven track compilation that bellows out empowerment and the liberation of creativity. Mixed with song, rap, and spoken word the listener can absorb Malachi’s musings through several different avenues. The common thread in all three is Malachi’s strength as a writer, take “Palm of the Creator (A Satire),” a duet with Courtney Dowe. She’s able to approach provocative topics such as interracial dating (e.g. black men and white women) with an insight that’s not only disarming, but inviting. The Wordplay doesn’t stop there, but spills over into “Walkin’.” In this track, witty diction with depth laced with a sustaining beat catches the ears of “on-listeners.” While lyricism is of value, the album could be improved in delivery especially in tracks that are delivered through rapping. Though the lyrics in “Walkin’” deliver depth, there’s something about the exhibition that feels forced.

However, in the vocal arena, Malachi has the beginnings of a memorable sound and when she takes risks, letting her voice explode into a melody, like in “Supernova,” listeners can fully appreciate Malachi as a natural singer. “Supernova” embodies a house-like blend of jazz and drums that suits Malachi’s jazzy vocal style. “Needles” is also supportive of Malachi’s approach to singing, contributing a smokiness surrounded by modernized 50’s technique with production. Thus, making this song one of the stronger tracks on Ambitious Gods.

Speaking of production, in the Beat Chemistry department, this artist works hard to offer the listener several different sounds—you’ll find acoustic, A cappella, and light drum and bass. Production was taken care of mostly by Malachi herself, and with the help of J. House, J.Collins. The musicians on the album were Ken Bussey (guitar), Matt Lewis (bass), and Danny Tait (Drums, percussion). The track, “Walkin’” is just but one example of Malachi’s production skills, combining percussion and samples to create hooks that echo the tone of the song. With all of these different types of sound, an artist runs the risk of an album lacking cohesiveness. Though Ambitious Gods produces strong individual songs, the album didn’t connect in a way that allowed the listener to flow with the artist a lot of the time.

The strengths of this album lie in its creative efforts. Creativity wears many faces, and upon Carolyn Malachi’s it’s the root of her artistry. Listeners, you’ve not heard the last of Malachi in your digital players and your communities. Keep your ears and eyes, open for Smart Chicks because they are the ones that rule the world.


k.scribe
Keepin’ the cursor blinking and the pen bleeding…

Had to come off hiatus for this...

Even if you knew before now that all the songs on this joint contained GoGo samples/influence (like me) you should at least learn something new from Judah's interludes (like me). Plays out like a short documentary almost...going back on hiatus now

Download The DMV Makes It, The Industry Takes It

Friday 6/12: New Muslim Cool Preview @ Stephen's Church

“While the film transcends race, ethnicity, class and religion, the setting, scenes and scope all reaffirm the universality of one humanity. New Muslim Cool, like hip-hop culture, is all about irrepressible social transformation and empowerment.”
-Dr. Ben Chavis, CEO and Co-Chairman, The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network

(FREE to all teach-in registrants $10 to general public)

Registrants of the 2nd Annual Remixing the Art of Social Change and members of the larger DC metro area community will come together for an exclusive sneak preview screening of the new documentary New Muslim Cool, thanks to Words Beats & Life which will host an evening screening at the St Stephens Church 1525 Newton St NW Washington DC 20010 on June 12th, at 9pm. This is one of several New Muslim Cool premiere screenings that are taking place in communities around the country.

New Muslim Cool tells the true-life story of Hamza Pérez, a Puerto Rican-American hip-hop artist who converted to Islam at age 21, pulling himself off the streets to become a community activist and rising star. Forging unlikely friendships with a Jewish poet, a prison chaplain, and many others along his surprising spiritual journey, Hamza faces challenges with a message of hope, finding his balance in a world that never stops changing. New Muslim Cool was directed by celebrated filmmaker Jennifer Maytorena Taylor, whose previous credits include the documentaries Paulina (Sundance Channel), Special Circumstances (PBS), and Ramadan Primetime (Link TV).

The screening is part of a nationwide community-engagement campaign spearheaded by the makers of New Muslim Cool, nonprofit media strategy company Active Voice, and P.O.V. The New Muslim Cool team is encouraging and supporting community screenings of the film, hosted by local cultural institutions, faith-based and interfaith groups, community-based organizations, film festivals, public television stations, student groups, and other groups nationwide. Events are aimed at promoting dialogue and discussion among diverse groups around America and are the first step in a broader initiative that will continue after the film’s national broadcast.

National partners in the campaign include Specific Pictures, P.O.V., The Center for Asian-American Media, The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, The Inner-City Muslim Action Network, The Interfaith Youth Core, Latino Public Broadcasting, The National Coalition-Building Institute, The Pluralism Project at Harvard University, Voto Latino, and Words, Beats & Life.

I'm on hiatus until Sunday...

I decided to take a few days to collect my thoughts. More on that when The Glass House returns on Sunday...

In the meantime, Triple Helix is coming at you again this Wednesday with DJ Cuzzin B of The True School Corporation on the decks so make your way over and come holla at me



triple helix (n.) - The superhelix formed (right-handed) from three individual collagen helices (each being left-handed)
In musical laymen's terms - 1 DJ ~ 3 Decades ~ Mad Sounds

Triple Helix featuring DJ Cuzzin B
Wednesday, June 10th
6PM-10PM
No Cover Ever In Life!
Dress to Chill
$5 Happy Hour Drinks and Appetizers from 6pm-8pm
21+

Wednesday 6/10: Santigold Official Afterparty @ DC9

Saturday 6/13: Emperess Live! @ Black Church Maraca

After a two month hiatus, Black Church Maraca is back, you know that open mic I always rant and rave about...yeah the one that's held in people's homes. It's the only poetry open mic worth going to (sorry everybody else) and the musical performance features are always like that. This month's feature is one of my favorite MCs (and yours, too) in the DMV, Emperess. Bring yourself and your folks and them cuz the poetry is good, the bathroom is clean, it's only $5 and there will be wings. And as I always say whenever there's an event in Southeast, don't front like you're too good to come across the river. "We got money in the ghetto!" Too Short -"We Got Money in the Ghetto", Get In Where You Fit In, 1993

Note - The attractive woman on the flyer is not guaranteed to be in attendance but there will be plenty of other attractive women there for your conversing pleasure

Monday 6/9: King Swagg & Pro'Verb @ 12 Lounge

Once again it's on!!! Ok, not really but I always wanted to say that lol

Friday 6/12: Paper Jam @ Civilian Art Projects

CIVILIAN ART PROJECTS is pleased to present its second exhibition of music-based posters following last summer’s highly successful Screams & Screens exhibition of artists from across the country. PAPER JAM: The Art and Grime of the East Coast Rock Poster includes the works of 27 artists from the East Coast.

Exhibition runs: Friday, June 12, 2009 - June 27, 2009.
Exhibition hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m.
Opening reception: Friday, June 12, 2009 from 7pm to 9pm.

Paper Jam features a cross-section of artists, designers, and printmakers who make music posters. The exhibition is limited to East Coast postermakers, ranging from New Jersey to Virginia, and is intended to shine the spotlight on what is going on here, in our own backyard, in a world increasingly de-emphasizing local focus. Organized by artist Anthony Dihle, the exhibition stages the most fun, interesting, and experimental work from the area.

According to Dihle, “both well-established and newly emerging artists are featured. Their methods of production range from high-end offset lithography to silkscreen to Xerox, and their styles are equally varied, from the rock poster standbys of skulls-n-babes to experimentation where text and form are pushed to convey music using symbols and abstraction. Bands represented extend from internationally known acts to garage bands making their debut show. Most of the work is home-brewed, by the artist, and merges the illustration of sound and lyrics with the requisite need for a poster to simultaneously advertise a show and commemorate it.”

Triggered largely by a renewed interest in live music and analog sound, the recent revival of poster art is being made possible by the availability of imaging software, adaptability of silkscreen to at-home methods, and a burgeoning community of postermakers who share ideas, resources, viewing spaces, and markets for their prints.

Artists in Paper Jam include Ana Benaroya, Jordan Bernier, Rick Bowman, Chris Cernoch, Kate Crosgrove, Anthony Dihle (Dirty Pictures), Jefferey Everett (El Jefe Design), JP Flexner, John Foster (Bad People Good Things), Jeff Fry, Tim Gibbon (Dynamite Printworks), James Heimer, Edward Kelley, Daniel Kent, Chris Kline, Nick Kulp (Undercover Zero), Large Mammal, Robb Leef, Drew Liverman, Magick Outlaw, Nick Pimentel (Planaria Design), Gregory Pizzoli, Post Typography, Brian Potash (Devilish Ink), Public Domain, and Warm.

Friday 6/12: Woven: For Daddy @ Seventh Metro Baptist Church

SAVE THE DATE! WOVEN: for Daddy is on June 12

WOVEN: for Daddy
Featuring Taalam Acey and E the Poet Emcee with his daughter, OmAllah Muhammad, Bomani Armah, and DLake

Free and open to the public!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Seventh Metro Church
1916 Saint Paul St
Baltimore, MD
Email: info@smartchicksinc.org

Woven is a monthly arts event wherein performing artists’ works are interpreted by visual artists in front of a live audience. Woven is a monthly salute to independent artists. The purpose of the series is to introduce contemporary visual and performing artists to each other’s work. What results is a woven tapestry of culture in an environment that encourages unity, creative brainstorming, and exposure to new opportunities.

6 p.m. Art gallery opens
7 p.m. Performances begin

Tuesday 6/9: Every Other Tuesday with Keenan @ Marvin

Quote of the Week

What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. - Albert Pine

Harry Dixon x Right On! X The Coolout

Harry Dixon, the man formerly known as Harry Hotter has released a mixtape...I can't friggin' believe it! I recall my first time hearing of Harry when AV Lifestyle Group, the vehicle behind this DJ, was promoting Pandora at The Park last spring (how many of y'all remember that far back?). I remember wondering to myself, "Something tells me this guy is pretty friggin' good with a name like Harry Hotter", although an easy play on the title of the movie by a rather similar name, the name always stuck in my memory. He's done plenty of events around town but The Coolout last year was the first time I heard Harry Dixon stay true to the music he loves and still rock the joint. I'm not sure who influenced him to create a mix but he's one of many DJs I'm checking for these days who I had no mixes =( But now the wait is over (bout damn time man). This mix is probably one of the most cohesive joints I've ever heard. Mr. Dixon takes us on a aurally magnetic journey by fusing together a little DMV Hip Hop blended in amongst a whole lot of Electro, with a touch of House and Grime..all of which diplays his true range of skill. And yes it all works very well.

Download Right On! Mixtape HERE



And when you're done listening to the that make sure you go HERE on Sunday and everyone to follow.

DMV Music Post 6-5-09

I'm thinking I should throw @ The Glass House on the end of this title so it would be labeled just like a P.A. tape

"Chillin'" Tee Version 2.0

Get it HERE

Saturday 6/6: Brightest Young Things Band Camp #2 @ Capitol Skyline Hotel

Saturday 6/6: KIDS @ DC9

KIDS
Featuring Nacey ~ Jackie O ~ Steve Starks ~ Lil' El
Saturday, June 6th
Doors Open @ 9PM
FREE entry and OE before 10PM
$5 after (entry that is)
21+

DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Washington, DC

Jerome Baker III - Bottle Service Please: Keisha, Key Lo Lo & Ne Ne (That's My Jam!)

Last week DJ Jerome Baker III did it for Chad and Becky, this week he's back with something for NeNe and them. If you're like me and don't hear Top 40 mixes too often then you should really enjoy this.

Friday 6/5: Tamika Jones with Electric Soul Live @ Indulj (Lower Level)