Global Hip Hop Breaks Down Barrier’s NYC International Hip-Hop Event
October 13, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Global Hip Hop Throwdown
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149654867152&ref=ts
Start Time:
Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 7:00pm
End Time:
Friday, October 23, 2009 at 2:00am
Location:
92YTribeca
Street:
200 Hudson Street
City/Town:
New York, NY
Global Hip Hop Breaks Down Barrier’s NYC International Hip-Hop Event
NYC- Global music and media company NOMADIC WAX & public relations/social media/music promoter THE BLOOM EFFECT have joined forces once again to co-produce this year’s CMJ GLOBAL HIP-HOP THROW-DOWN. The event will unite the talents of a creative and diverse group of lyricists, DJs and visual artists from The Netherlands, the Middle East, Canada, Europe, and North Africa. The event takes place at the 92YTribeca http://www.92ytribeca.org 200 Hudson St- Downtown Tribeca on Thursday October 22nd 2009. The event will begin at 7 PM and will last until 3 AM and will feature live international hip-hop music and DJs spinning music and a freestyle session ending the night.
The College Music Journal Marathon (CMJ Marathon) is New York’s largest music, film and media conference and will host hundreds of live performances, films, lectures and networking events. “CMJ is a perfect place for a global hip-hop event like this” said The Bloom Effect CEO, Fiona Bloom. “An event that unites MCs from a variety of backgrounds, countries and nationalities is exactly the kind of event that we want to be promoting at a global music conference like CMJ. I’m still baffled that we’re the only showcase of its kind. As big as the movement’s growing- 1 Intl Hip Hop showcase doesn’t really give it the attention it deserves but we promise to deliver a night of historic measures”.
“The CMJ Global Hip-Hop Throwdown has been the only event at CMJ to support international Hip-hop talent. It’s really a true honor to have artists like this fly in from all over the world and is testament to the fact that international hip-hop is becoming more accepted by the mainstream.” said Nomadic Wax founder Ben Herson.
This years event will be hosted by Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana) and will feature rising stars; Coolooloosh (Israel), La Melodia (Holland), Nomadic Massive (Canada/Haiti), At Versaris (Spain) and Alfaress (Morocco) as well as DJ Boo (Philippines/US) and DJ Phat Phillie (Croatia) who will be playing international hip-hop.
“It’s incredible to see such diversity in an event like this” said host Blitz The Ambassador. “To have artists from all over the world performing on the same stage together shows how global and powerful hip-hop culture has become”.
This years event will be sponsored by WNYE (New York Public Radio), Fusicology, World Hip-Hop Market, Myxer, End of the Weak, Popular Printing, Hip Hop Loves, MVMT and others.
URL’s of artists:
Phat Phillie (Croatia) – http://www.myspace.com/phatphillie
DJ Boo (Philippines) – http://www.myspace.com/djboo
Coolooloosh (Israel) – http://www.myspace.com/coolooloosh.com
La Melodia (Holland) – http://www.lamelodia.com
Alfaress (Morocco) – http://www.myspace.com/akaalfaress
At Versaris (Spain)- http://www.myspace.com/atversaris
Nomadic Massive (Canada, Haiti, France) – http://www.nomadicmassive.com
Ben Herson
Founder/Creative Director
Nomadic Wax
(917) 225-8472
AIM: nomadicwax
Skype: nomadicwax
ben@nomadicwax.com
http://www.nomadicwax.com
http://www.benherson.com
Global Hip Hop Throwdown
October 22nd 2009 – 7 PM to 2 AM
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149654867152&ref=ts
Nairobi Style
October 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Jamhuri wear clothing is hot like fire and this is why it’s hot. It’s coming from the most blazing continent on earth, Africa, and transcending an evolutionary fashion statement.
For a long time, I’ve been waiting for an African inspired street wear company to give us clothing that screams freedom of expression. Jeffrey Kimathi, designer and owner, is inspired by two worlds juxtaposing in fashion, style, culture and creative interpretations of the cities, Nairobi, Kenya and NYC, NY. For those of you who don’t know about Kenya, let me give you a first hand experience. African people beat the streets in a hustle and a bustle, businesses, culture, clubs, matatu’s (Nairobi’s fast and furious mini-bus transportation system) and all that exudes a typical city life in Africa.
This is particularly important because finally, it is cool for Africans to represent their diversity in cultures, history, philosophers, freedom fighters and the African plight for equality, justice and expression. Many people only are exposed to one side of Africa, the poor and famished side. Everyone wants to go to Africa and feed the children. But Africa is so much more than that. African youth, like Kimathi, would make the elders proud because his clothing tells the story of Africa and why it is so important not only to Black people of African descent but to the entire world. There was a time, where showing an Afro-centric style or a love for Africa was ridiculed. Now, it’s not only cool to show off Africa in fashion but it makes a statement that says, “ I am African-and proud!”
Kimathi not only gets his inspiration from his native Nairobi but he also gets it from, “ New York City and the 8 million stories that we encounter passing us everyday.” Jamhuri wear is definitely international as well with having shipments being shipped to as far as Japan. Jamhuri has a diverse customer base of “global thinkers and no-limit type of people.” Jamhuri is unique because its inspiration comes from the everyday life in two lively, upbeat and diverse cities. It also shows Kimathi’s visions for a creative outlook of the world around him.
I asked Kimathi to tell me something about his line of clothing that ultimately represents his story. Here’s what he said, “ Inspired by two worlds and two different cities, New York ad Nairobi, it’s the beginning of the Jamhuri wear journey. My life, in design, is to provide a more clear and hopefully a HD clarity picture and open communication and dialogue between Africa and the rest of the world. [I aim to] paint pictures that help clear out questions between stereostypes and human types, perceptions versus reality.” That is absolutely astonishing so when you want to feel proud, diverse, unique and comfortable check out Jamhuri clothing. You can come to their co-op store in Harlem called Bebenoir and check out their new collection, Heritage Rich, on 2164 Federick Douglass blvd. ? ? ? ?
Written by: Shamarla Rasheda McCoy
Freelance writer for Nomadic Wax
The Cornel West Theory
October 8, 2009 | Leave a Comment
The Cornel West Theory. No, this is not a new book authored by the esteemed Scholar and well-chronicled Hip Hop “head”(though he is an active central figure in this “theory”.) No, this is not the name of a fox news pundit’s asinine ideology. This is part Negro spiritual, part Rage Against the Machine fused with oral tradition, some left over Transmat 808 polyrhythms, and a new breath into the consciousness of artivist music. The hip-hop ensemble sought out and received the blessing from Dr. Cornel West to use his name, as he and his philosophies were a direct influence and foundation of their dystopian view of America.
Seven distinct voices, (Tim Hicks, Rashad Dobbins, Katrina Lorraine Starr, Yvonne Gilmore, Samuel Lavine, John Wesley Moon and guest commentary and reflections from Dr. West himself) make up the vision that is Second Rome, the groups’ new album. A fresh look and new sound from an old idea, Second Rome as a piece of art defines and explores modern society from the view of the bible, the street poet, the politician, concerned citizen and their apathetic counterparts. As a piece of music, it re-shapes and revitalizes the beautiful traditions of the African Diaspora finding new range meaning, and sonics in which to pass down familiar tales, and powerful perspectives about race and class in the society that these forces play out and against each other in.
Heady stuff, but the music to be sure is head nod, as the live drums and instrumentation bring a jazz soul vibe that pounds a path from the past through your soul and nestles in your heart. Whether the more boom bap driven Paper Tigers, Jungle Hymn, and Durito’s Revenge or the more ethereal Second Rome or Rifles, Second Rome delivers a fantastic and focused vision of what was, is and can be. Commentary from Gilmore and Dr. West take on benedictions whether they are separate tracks or within the context of songs, such as Gentrified Chicken and Jungle hymn, redefining the ideas of hook and bridge. Tim Hicks Dan Freemanesque rants of a people wronged, with the supreme orations of Rashad Dobbins collide and mesh over Sam Lavine’s tempered percussion as Katrina Starr brings another feminine voice rounding out the venom the emcees emit. Second Rome is a new take on very classic ideas, and its done so masterfully with the care and precision of true scientists, and the heart and feeling of tribal elders.
Word is Born: A reflection on The Urban Word “Word Life” panel discussion
October 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Urban Word kicked off its Annual Mentor, Teacher, Educator & Community Activist Training with an experimental roundtable panel entitled “Word Life: A Performance and Conversation on Language, Identity & Power.” The panel consisted of four youth poets (Jamilla Lyiscott, Carvens Lissaint, Ceez, and Thiahera Nurse) paired with three educators and activists (Dr. David Kirkland, Regie Cabico, and novelist, Black Artemis) whose interaction and dialogue were sparked from each poet’s piece that touched on Race, Gender, and Orientation. This unique format served to breathe new life into the traditional panel format, as well as open up a new space to create conversation around well traveled but critically relevant issues.
The first poem, “Diaspora” performed and written by Jamilla Lyiscott; was partially the re-telling of oppression and segregation of the African Diaspora, and partially a reflection on the inconsistencies and contradictions that the Diaspora faces in a post-neocolonial world. Dr. Kirkland, an expert in the field of language and pedagogy was the direct respondent to this piece. His reflection focused on two main points; the powers of language to transform, inform, and liberate groups, and that this specific language used represented a valid and important component within academia. Dr. Kirkland rhetorically asked all of us within the forum, “How do we make space for this type of non-traditional language?” Control of language gives us the power to define our existence, set the parameters for how external forces view us while supplying the group with a weapon to defend itself against those forces. Jamilla, who is a young educator in training, commented on the life experience that influenced her writing. This idea that lived experience as primary source to draw information and theory from while creating the foundation on which to shape, refine and build knowledge was one of the underlying themes throughout the panel.
“Switch” was a group piece performed by Urban Word 2009 slam teammates Ceez, and Carvens Lissaint that parallel the hate crimes of Matthew Sheppard and Rashawn Brazzell. The piece not only utilized powerful spoken word but physical language as well, re-enacting the violence that these two young men faced in their unseemly and untimely deaths. Their respondent Regie Cabico, a youth educator who utilizes theatre along with spoken word remarked that the piece “told more in three minutes then most playwrights can do in an entire play.” Regie focused on the danger that artists and educators face in revealing these often painful and graphic truths, but also wanted to know the process the poets went through to create such a powerful piece of art. Carvens spoke of the courage he found in confronting his own insecurities around the portrayal of these two openly gay men. He believed that his duty as an artist is to call people to action. Ceez reflected on the synergy generated from the two poets interacting with one another, and bringing their shared ideas to the table. The discussion centered on educators needing to put themselves on the line first and foremost if they wish to cultivate young minds to face that danger. Black Artemis expressed educators need to “Walk the Talk” while Dr. Kirkland openly challenged everyone in the room to face the danger, and see it as an opportunity for heroism.
The final piece, “Queens’ performed by Thiahera Nurse was inspired from an interaction the young poet had on the subway with adolescent boys. Her poem examined the meanings behind the colloquial use of the term ‘Queen’ to describe women. Black Artemis, a novelist and policy advocate spoke about how the piece highlights the potential to redefine words and ourselves through language. The larger question became, can and how do we reclaim language? Can an oppressed people who still exist under that oppression reclaim oppressive language? Thiahera’s conundrum came from the reality that although the term had been used as one of endearment, the actions after the word contradicted its supposed meaning. In her community and school she also reflected on the small amount of safe space allotted to express and define ones identity. Within all three pieces, this was a recurring trope.
This community discussion displayed the spoken word medium as a powerful bridge to connect people to realities that become less defined by boxes, and stereotypes. The use of language, both verbal and physical provides a means to push boundaries, see individuals in a new light, and open up channels to start discourse on a myriad of issues for those in the lower hierarchy of society. Most importantly the ownership of this language gives ownership of identity to these groups as well. Rethinking the ideas of self-determination, art as a revolutionary weapon can be seen in one’s own ability to define self. In particular, youth’s opportunity to express, explore, and shape ideas has a powerful ally in spoken word, a form that can usurp the role traditional academia looks to play in shaping the future.
- “Mikal Lee is a Artist/Teacher, founder of Fresh Roots Music and co-founder of Say Word Entertainment
