February 9th, 2010 § 0
One Small Thing, the new short film from IBIS Entertainment, will have its world premiere on Sunday, February 21, at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale.
Written and directed by Regina J. Bennett, One Small Thing tells the story of Jaden and Michael, two platonic friends who discover their romantic feelings for one another after Michael presents Jaden with a proposition that would change the both of their lives forever.
Check out the trailer after the jump.
» Read the rest of this entry «
February 8th, 2010 § 0
On Tuesday, February 9, super talented singer-songwriter Erica-Sommer performs her long-time solo project, recently named The Bittersweet, at Miami Beach’s Van Dyke Cafe.
» Read the rest of this entry «
December 24th, 2009 § 2
Since it’s the season of gift giving, I thought I’d give a very special present to all of my friends, fans, readers, and anyone else fortunate enough to stumble upon this area of Teh Internets. I am going to share my classic hip-hop mixtape Never Lost My Touch.
Some of you are probably surprised. Some are rolling your eyes. But make no mistake, there’s a good number of you nodding your head and wistfully smiling in remembrance. Before I get to the music, let me give a little history lesson.
Like every other young black man in America, I once had the crazy idea that I was a dope rapper. Well, maybe not dope, but I figured I had a decent enough command of words and love of music that I could do it. I could make it work. So, back in 2005, I began writing and recording the songs on this album.
Never Lost My Touch, or NLMT for short, did two things for me: First, it served as a response to all the negativity I was facing at that period in my life. I wasn’t doing too well—financially or emotionally—and the very people I thought had my back were the very ones persecuting me. These were people who thought my efforts and ideas were lame, futile, stupid. These were not the imaginary haters that so many rappers rage against in their music. These people were real, and I knew their faces and heard the things they said about me. So this enabled me to not only speak back directly to them, but to also show them what I could accomplish even at the lowest point in my life.
Second, this album really helped my popularity as a party promoter skyrocket. I pressed up about 1000 copies—and when I say I did it, I mean I actually sat down with a stack of CDs and a duplicator and burned each CD by myself. I even printed the info on each CD and put them in each jewel case. The only thing I didn’t do was design the CD insert, and that was what came out wrong, of all things. As you can see above, the insert is a complete jack of the classic Chronic cover. That wasn’t my intent, and that isn’t what I’d asked my guy to do.
Ah well.
It was certainly eye-catching, and I would leave copies of NLMT on the bars and tables of the clubs I promoted. Within weeks, my phone wouldn’t stop ringing, my inbox was filling up at an exponential rate, and the ladies … well, the ladies were a lot friendlier.
Never Lost My Touch made its debut Memorial Weekend 2006. If you were in Miami around that time, you probably heard something off this disc, for real. They even played a few songs in the clubs I was working in at the time (RIP Suite Lounge & Snatch Rock n’ Roll Bar and Lounge).
I’m not going to delude myself into thinking I’m a great rapper. But I am very proud of NLMT. Not only did I basically hold down the entire album by myself, save a sole assist from my boy Esquire, but I produced every track on here. That’s right. I got down with ProTools, Reason, a MIDI keyboard, and did the damn thing. Chopped every sample. Sequenced every track. Programmed every drum. And mixed it to the best of my capabilities. And it was all done in my living room. No studio, no booth. In the middle of the living room. So what you have now is something I consider a small success and personal classic.
Each track on the album can be streamed below. Feel free to take a listen, and if you want the entire mixtape, there’s a download link at the end of the post. Enjoy!
Stone Cold Groove
When I discovered the Vanilla Fudge sample that sets the foundation for this track, I fell in love with it. Pete Rock was the one who put e on to Vanilla Fudge. Yes, that Pete Rock. I met him in a Miami recording studio when he was working with Mr. Cheeks of the Lost Boyz and he showed a ton of things I never would’ve learned otherwise. That’s only one reason why he’s my favorite producer.
To answer the question that’s been asked of me many times, yes, I was talking to the aforementioned haters them in this song. I was mad as hell, I was angry. I wrote the first verse in Brooklyn during the holidays. I was listening to TI’s Urban Legend because it had just come out, and I kept “Bring ‘Em Out” on repeat on the iPod. That’s the song I wrote to. The second verse was something else that I’d already written and just had saved on my Sidekick, but it sounded really cool to me.
I’m So Proper
Before NLMT, I actually recorded a mixtape called Just A Touch … It was really just me playing around with oher people’s equipment, getting a feel for what things did and how things worked. This song was originally on Just A Touch …, but then some people heard some of my songs and made fun of how proper I sound when I rhyme. That’s why I’m so belligerent on the intro. I changed the first line to “I’m so proper, so respect my gentleman.”
The song samples Average White Band. I was going to use a completely different part of the song, but somehow ended up with the bits that were ultimately used. Turned out much better in my opinion. And I’m a fan of Tony Yayo, so I threw in the little “here we go!” sample.
As with all of the interludes on the album, the voice mails are real. That’s my homegirl and Cocoasis sister Nia.
Paper Cuts
Someone told me this is my first club banger. It was really just me taking the Yvonne Fair song that’s been sampled umpteen times and trying to do something—anything—different with it. I was going to give this beat to a local MC, but like so many aspiring rappers, his work ethic was not what it should have been. You snooze, you lose. I’ve noticed that dope boy types like this song a lot.
When the beat switches up to the more familiar part of the sample at the end, you’ll hear me rhyming about some, ahem, criminal endeavors. That was actually a verse I wrote for another beat I’d made, a little minute long song. Of course, I’m no gun totin’, dope slangin’ cat, I just wanted to see if I could write that type of rhyme. Maybe the world will get to hear it in its entirety one day.
Get Ooh (featuring Esquire)
Originally, this beat was going to be the album’s “Memphis song.” I knew I was going to include something that paid respect to my hometown and this was the perfect beat. It had the Crystal Palace/skating rink vibe, something to groove to on a Sunday afternoon drive with the top down.
My homeboy Esquire loved the beat and wanted to do something over it. He’d just written an R&B song called “Can You Be The One” for a track that a mutual producer friend had, but the track was later sold to Bobby Valentino. One day, while messing around, I pulled this up and he began singing the song he’d written. Of course, he starts to freestyle, and once I heard him sing, “No, you can’t f*ck me for freeeeeee/I’m gonna charge you a feeeeeee,” I knew this was a hit. I wrote a quick little verse and jumped on the track.
I love this song because of the energy and spontaneity. I was drunk, Esquire was high, and we were just acting silly. And yes, we are aware that he can’t sing at all. That’s part of the joke. Duh.
Baby Girl
The first song I actually produced and recorded for NLMT. This actually appeared on my boy dramaMEAN’s Dramatic Tactickz, Vol. 2 mixtape. I also think it’s noteworthy because I tried doing something with Pretty Ricky’s “Grind On Me.”
My Cup Runneth
Another song originally on Just A Touch … Not much to say, except that the very first version was made in summer 2004, six months before “Bring ‘Em Out” and “I’m A Hustla.” I’ve always been ahead of my time.
Things Never Last
Probably my favorite song on the album. When I wrote this, I was in a dark state of mind. I was not at a high-point in life, and I was really feeling like things were never going to happen for me. The record I sampled, by J.J. Johnson, I discovered by accident. I know people have gotten sick of the chipmunk soul sound, but in a lot of cases, I think it works beautifully. I know this is my own song, but I truly believe this is one of those cases.
Memphis Nights (Night Life)
Yet another song originally on Just A Touch … I really hadn’t planned on redoing this, but I’m glad I did. The original version utilized the familiar Crusaders sample “Ballad For Joe (Louis)” that Meth and Red used for “How High” and Next used for “Represent Me.” In this instance, I decided to go back and use Rick James’ “Hollywood.” A lot of people aren’t up on Three 6 Mafia’s early catalog and will probably never make the connection between this song and “Da Summa” (which is my favorite Three 6 song).
At the end, I shout out Paul & Juice, as well as Eightball & MJG, and a host of other Memphis legends. Then I shouted out then up-and-comers Chopper Girl and Da Volunteers.
Again, the voicemail at the end is real. That’s my homegirl Candy, and as we can all hear, she’s freaky deaky.
Candy’s Interlude
And so I sampled the freaky deakiness. This is supposed to be another Memphis throwback. The mixtapes back then—they were actual mixtapes, too—had songs that were simply repeated phrases over a bumpin’ beat. What’s crazy is that several Miami rappers actually wanted to buy this beat from me.
That’s Hot
This is not only my ode to Paris Hilton, it’s also a tribute to everything that was fabulous in, around, and about South Beach. This is the ultimate Jay Fingers song. Rapper Louie Knuckles said that the lyrics were “flashy as f*ck.” And no one would ever guess that I took damn near half a verse from Puffy for this. (Or would they??)
And the beat is so hip-hop … I did more chopping than a three-star sushi chef. The sample is Charles Byrd’s “Arabesque.” My people from SC (not South Carolina) may remember when Dr. Peter Ego posted a song that all the so-called producers were supposed to sample for a beat. I never posted it for them to hear, but this is what I did with that sample. Also, the intro is hilarious. Of course I don’t know Paris in real life.
“That’s Hot” was an eleventh hour addition to NLMT, and turned out to be one of the mixtape’s most popular songs. Heh.
Never Lost My Touch
The title song. Not much to say except I think it was the perfect way to close the album. Some people say it’s their favorite song on the mixtape. Others have told me it motivates them. It’s funny to me that over three years later, people will still quote this song to me. Hmmm. Another Memphis throwback, as I sampled The Isley Brothers’ “Summer Breeze,” which a lot of Memphis cats rhymed over back in the day. The difference is, I used the live version, obvs.
So there it is. If you enjoyed the songs enough, feel free to download the mixtape right here. Perhaps I’ll upload some more songs that I made as well. And who knows, maybe I’ll step back into the booth one day.
December 15th, 2009 § 1
W-I-Z never strays too far from his comfort zone. For years, the Miami-based producer/MC has been spitting viciously fluid battle raps, punishing imaginary opponents with verbal assaults reminiscent of Canibus, pre-Wyclef. His instrumentals are as quirky as he is, typically composed of heavy 808 drums, hollow snares, and an electrofunk sensibility informed by groups like Kraftwerk, Afrika Bambaataa, and Mantronix. That’s why it’s surprising, and a maybe a little bit refreshing, to hear this latest gem from the Fearless Soulz factory.
From its introductory horns and histrionic vocals, “Hypnotics” segues into a high energy soul sample punctuated by caffeinated snares and kicks. After a quick Johnny Kemp shout-out, W-I-Z launches into his verses, nimbly riding the beat with effortless aplomb. Though the song has an undeniable club and radio friendly vibe, W-I-Z remains subversive as ever with tongue-in-cheek lyrics detailing an encounter with a scheming, unscrupulous female. Despite the female’s best attempts to get over, W-I-Z isn’t fazed. It’s just a game: “I wasn’t trump tight that night/But I had four and a possible/Despite that, I quit/And dipped/With a joker/Instead of lettin’ the queen ride, I/Should’ve stayed and played poker/That’s the devil fo’ ya.”
Putting a unique spin on a familiar topic, “Hypnotics” proves W-I-Z has the ability to step outside the lyrical arena and still deliver a knockout blow. Here’s to hoping his upcoming debut album has more of the same.
December 7th, 2009 § 0
Basically, this MC is no “one-hit wonder.”
South Florida artist Baysiqly took listeners on a journey with his recent hit, “Space Music,” eschewing the goon aesthetic typically associated with his stomping grounds and defying expectations of what Miami rappers have to offer the game. So it only makes sense that any follow-up effort would continue along the same trajectory as “Space Music,” and I’m happy to report that is indeed the case with his new song, “Success.” Like its predecessor, “Success” is a left-of-center track that’s still very much accessible and will help cement Baysiqly as one of the more compelling voices emerging from the 305 hip-hop scene.
Once again, production is handled by Little Havana maestro E.R., who manages to mix strings & hard-hitting drums with interstellar beeps to create a soundscape for Baysiqly’s verbal jabs and uppercuts. With an abundance of boxing references and metaphors in his lyrics, it becomes evident that Baysiqly is gunning for the proverbial championship and it’s going to be mighty hard to get him against the ropes.
Haters, doubters, sucker MCs — “Success” is a verbal KO.
You can download “Success” here. Look for Baysiqly’s No Gimmicks EP to be released before the end of the year.
December 3rd, 2009 § 0
Michael Capponi and Michael Martin invite you to LIV on Saturday, December 5 for a live performance from burlesque and fetish star Dita Von Teese.
To check out the Queen of Burlesque, as well as mingle with beautiful people and groove to the sounds of DJ Mitch LJ, you’ll need to make table reservations by calling 305-674-4680.
LIV @ the Fontainbleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33141
305-674-4680
[LIV]
December 3rd, 2009 § 0
Tonight, BlackRose Boutique cordially invites you to their One Year Anniversary Party and Trunk Show, hosted by the Louis Nightclub family.
You’ll be able to snatch up fashions from several notable, independent Miami-based designers and labels, including Nazly Villamiza, Bettybang, Casey Levan and Kasi de Gelaque. And in the spirit of Art Basel, up-and-coming artist Eric Lavazzon will be will be displayed in the store.
DJ Drop D will be spinning hip-hop and funk, and there will be an open bar and sushi for you to snack on. The party’s on from 6-11pm, and after the party is the afterparty at Louis in the Gansevoort Hotel.
BlackRose Boutique
224 8th St.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-538-2341
(Parking garage located on 7th St.)
December 2nd, 2009 § 0
Get a first look at the upcoming short film One Small Thing, written and directed by Regina J. Bennett. The film charts the course of Jaden and Michael, two platonic friends who discover their romantic feelings for one another after Michael presents Jaden with a proposition that would change the both of their lives forever.
One Small Thing stars Tracy Lane and Amani Atkinson and is co-produced by Bennett and Gary Magel for IBIS Entertainment.
November 30th, 2009 § 0
On Saturday, December 5th, Converse celebrates the creative spirit and artist in everyone with an evening of free music and art, open to all, in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Happening at the conclusion of Art Basel, it’s an open invitation—to be inspired and create. The evening will feature live performances by Kinky and Mala Rodriguez, two renowned artists from Mexico and Spain, respectively.
Kinky energizes with their Latin alternative sounds and infectious dance rhythms. Mala Rodriguez is best known for her infusion of flamenco sounds into hip-hop music. Presenting their first-ever US installation, German street-artist Mentalgassi will showcase their largest installation ever, a massive 95-foot creation. For added inspiration, the event will also present a series of mini-documentaries that shine a light on everyday artists from around the world.
Special guest DJs Lolo and Aramis Lorie will be in the booth, and complimentary cocktails will be provided courtesy of V Georgio Premium Spirits and Modelo Especial. The event is from 9pm-2am. To attend, please RSVP to conversepresents.com.
The Awarehouse
550 NW 9th Street
Miami, FL 33127
305-576-4004
November 23rd, 2009 § 0
The Glass Studio, the workspace of Miami-based artist Kiki Valdes, will be open to the public to celebrate its first year of artistic production.
Experience the raw, uncut qualities of The Glass Studio, and discover a place where art is created as well as the shrine that Valdes calls his home. Check out the space before the madness of Art Basel, share a toast and converse with the talented Kiki in a more personal setting.
Featuring sounds by DJ Felix Pike, the celebration takes place Monday, November 30 from 6-10pm.
The Glass Studio
7510 NE 4th Court
Mimo Historic District
786-315-8369
[Kiki Valdes]
November 3rd, 2009 § 0
Celebrate what music has done for the world at and watch the Latin Grammys on Thursday, November 5 at Bancroft Supper Club.
Nicolas, Ruben, and Stephanie host the fete, which will also celebrate 100 years of Johnnie Walker by offering complimentary cocktails to ladies between 8-10pm and two-for-one drinks for gents between 8-9pm.
