Langfield Entertainment
424 Yonge Street, Suite 301, Toronto,
ON M5B 2H3
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NEWSLETTER
Updated: May 8, 2003
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!! (It's
still early enough to pick up something if you forgot the special nurturer in
your life!!)
This week’s RECAP is about Frank n Dank.
EVENTS include Chaka vs. Luther Showdown (TONIGHT!) and Ryddym
Sundays - both at the Bambu on the Lake and Irie Mondays at The Joint!
MUSIC NEWS includes an update on Ice-T, Kashif, LaToiya Williams,
NAS, 50 Cent, Sean Paul, an article on the "Bling Bling", Beyonce
Knowles and Jay-Z and Whodini.
TV NEWS gives the big up to Jason George, star of the hip hop
drama series, Platinum.
OTHER NEWS is news on hip hop, diversity, Jackie Robinson,
Malcolm X and FUBU - - and much, much more!
This newsletter is designed to give you some updated
entertainment-related news and provide you with our upcoming event
listings. Welcome to those who are new members. Want your
events listed by date? Check out EVENTS.
RECAP
Frank n Dank showcase
I went to see Frank n Dank at their showcase this past Friday at
Savannah Lounge. Despite some initial sound difficulties, they still
managed to bring the heat and had the young crowd pumping their fists.
When they broke out their club hit “Take Dem Clothes Off”, almost the entire
room knew the lyrics and joined them in their act. I liked what I
heard. What struck me as well was their professionalism – they worked the
stage like seasoned vets and made it look easy.
I first heard Frank n Dank perform at the Urban Pool Awards this year at
the Capitol Event Theatre. They got the place jumpin’ at the close of the
event. I really liked what I heard and had to investigate. Frank n
Dank had me craning my neck to see who was laying down the heavy hitting beat
and lyrics. As it turns out and as many of you already know, the duo is
originally from Detroit and have descended on Toronto for the past couple of
months to take full advantage of their Canadian fan base. They first hit
Toronto at The Comfort Zone back in the summer of 2002 for the Ill-A-Mental
show. Now, I am far from being what is referred to as a “hip hop head” –
not even - but I do know what I like to hear.
One of their closest friends is the big-time producer Jay Dee (aka J
Dilla) who has produced such greats as A Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village,
Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, and Pharcyde. In fact, before Jay Dee put them
together as Frank n Dank, they were in a group where Jay Dee was the emcee,
Frank was the DJ, and Dank was the dancer. They have made their
presence known in the music industry touring along with Jay Dee all across the
U.S., London, and Japan.
Look out for Frank n Dank and for more upcoming shows in the near future.
THOUGHT
MOTIVATIONAL
NOTE: You know what you must do to get your life together
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Jewel Diamond Taylor, JEWEL@DoNotGiveUp.net
You know what you must do to get your life together. Start now. Stop waiting.
No more excuses. Don't share with everyone your plans and new found strength.
Silently, confidently, purposefully and enthusiastically take your life to the
next level. Don't look back. Look forward. Keep your mind clear and strong.
This is your life. This is your year. Motivational Speaker Jim Rohn stated ... “The best motivation
is self motivation. The guy says, 'I wish someone would come by and turn me
on.' What if they don’t show up? You’ve got to have a better plan for
your life. Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that
you want.”
HOT EVENTS
Chaka vs. Luther at Bambu – May
8, 2003
Welcome to Copa 5ive Thursdays at the Bambu.
I went to check the new Bambu out – it’s definitely Toronto’s new
hottest venue and you will absolutely be hanging out there this summer. This Thursday, though, is going to be very
hot with the skilled talent of Wade O. Brown and Divine Earth
Essence in a
Chaka vs. Luther showdown! You
definitely don’t want to miss this!
THURSDAY, MAY 8
Copa 5ive featuring Wade O. Brown and Divine Earth Essence
Bambu by the Lake
245 Queen’s Quay West (east of Spadina)
(416) 214—6000
8:00 pm
$10; $5 before 10:00 pm
Parking at Raddison Hotel
Ryddym Sundays Launch at Bambu –
May 11, 2003
Come and check the new Bambu and the grand opening of Ryddym Sundays! It all starts on Sunday, May 11th
– a blend of foundation reggae with the right touch of old skool! Brought to you by Erica, Alvin, Mike and
Canadian Reggae World. Launch features
the live reggae stylings of Ibadan and the DJ stylings of Carl Allen –
recent winner of a lifetime achievement award from the Urban Pool Awards. Come and join the fun on the new Sunday
night to hit Toronto!
SUNDAY, MAY 11
Ryddym Sundays
Bambu by the Lake
245 Queen’s Quay West (east of Spadina)
(416) 214—6000
8:00 pm
$10
Parking at Raddison Hotel
Irie Food Joint Mondays
Ohhhh my
goodness! Despite the rain and cold, Irie put on one great party this past
Monday. Don't miss the next week's Monday night party with appearances by
Three-O featuring Neil Brathwaite, Dave Williams and J.K. as well as the DJ stylings of Carl Allen!
This will become a regular Monday night at Irie so dust off your sandals and
come check out the party at Irie!! Check them out at www.iriefoodjoint.com.
MONDAY, MAY 12
Irie Food Joint Patio Opening
745 Queen Street W.
8:00 pm
MUSIC NEWS
‘Bling-bling’
on track to OED
Excerpt from Globe and Mail - By Oliver Moore
Coined
to describe the big, gaudy jewellery worn by some rap stars, “bling-bling” is a
style statement that takes some nerve to pull off — a kind of in-your-face
confidence not normally associated with dictionary editors. But the North American unit of the Oxford
English Dictionary said Thursday that “bling-bling” is under active
consideration for inclusion in that august reference tome. Within a year or
two, the word could be added to the dictionary, Jesse Sheidlower, a New
York-based editor of the OED told globeandmail.com on Thursday.
“If it were in use just for a year or so and then totally vanished, I think we
probably wouldn’t bother,” he said, “[but] my expectation is that it will go
in.” Mr. Sheidlower said that the OED
is in a state of constant revision, with 250 new words and 1,500 adapted words
rolled out four times each year in the dictionary’s on-line edition. “A term
that has a reasonable number of examples from a wide variety of sources is
going to be likely to be added. There aren’t any precise numbers that I can
give, but a term like ‘bling-bling’ — it may come from rap music, but it’s
widespread now in a variety of media — is likely to be added.” The process of adding word to the OED is
always controversial, which each new list prompting calls from pundits and
professors about the death of the English language. But Mr. Sheidlower was
casual about his role.
“All we would need to do to be considering it, as we are now, is just to say
‘Look, this is common, editors are aware of it,’ and we might draft an entry
for it,” he said. “With a word that’s quite this new, we would wait another
year or so … just to make sure that it’s not completely ephemeral. But a word
doesn’t have to be very long-lasting for us to put it in — we’re a historical
dictionary, our purpose is to show words that have been part of the English
language, not necessarily words that are right now.” The creation of the OED was a mammoth task prompted by an 1857
call by the Philological Society of London for a new English dictionary. The
public was urged to submit examples of English usage, leading to a flood of
contributions. The scale of the task became clear in 1884 when — five years
into what had been proposed as a 10-year project — the editors had progressed only
as far as the word “ant.”
The Oxford University Press began publishing partial editions in 1884.
Forty-four years later, the last partial edition was released, allowing those
who had collected them all to boast a 10-volume 400,000-word guide to the English
language. But the evolving language rendered the dictionary immediately out of
date, and the editors issued a supplemental volume in 1933 and began working on
another one in the mid-1950s. The revision continues to this day, with new
words being weighed constantly. And for
those who hate the dilution of the English language by new words, Mr.
Sheidlower offers little comfort. “Once it’s in, it never comes out.” “If we can’t find examples of things, that
is all we need to know that it’s no longer in use,” he conceded, though words
are never removed. “We could just label it accordingly: ‘now obsolete except in
a particular field.’
Ice T and PAL/RYKO Hookup: It's a
multi-year distribution deal
Source: The
Bloom Effect / Fiona Bloom / fiona@thebloomeffect.com
PAL/Ryko has inked an
exclusive multi-year distribution deal with Ice T's Final Level Entertainment.
Penalty Associated Labels(P.A.L.) entered into a distribution agreement in 2002
with Ryko Distribution to aggregate strong regional and national urban record
and DVD companies for Distribution.
The first release for Ice T's Final Level is a soundtrack called Ice T
Presents Pimpin 101 which streets June 17th. Artists on that project include
Busta Rhymes, Rampage, Amil, MOP, Cuban Link, Kool Keith & Ice T's new
group Sex, Money & Gunz (Ice T, Smoothe Da Hustler, Trigga Tha
Gambler). Other new projects include:
Amil's, SMG, Night Sessions "Nuthin to Lose" DVD featuring 50 Cent,
Xzibit, Ruff Ryders Kay Slay etc.; and Jam Master Jay presents Scratch DJ
Academy DVD featuring DJ Premiere, Evil D, Green Lantern, etc. "I look forward to being in business
with Ice T, Ellis Pacheco and Mickey Benston and share their vision for
building a new multi-media company with great music and innovative DVD's"
says Neil Levine, president of P.A.L.
Ice T added "there are 3 types of companies in the music business.
The ones that make things happen, the ones that watch things happen, and then
there are those major conglomerates that scratch their heads and say. what
happened? We chose partnering with the right company in Ryko who make things
happen.
Prolific Producing & Writing Phenom Kashif Is Back: New CD,
"Music From My Mind," is set for release
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Kevin Jackson / k.jackson@cwjamaica.com
In the 1980s, Kashif was
one of the more prolific rhythm and blues stars of the day. An accomplished
singer/songwriter/keyboardist and producer, Kashif is best known for the
R&B chart hits "Are You The Woman," "I Just Gotta Have You
(Lover Turn Me On)," "Baby Don't Break Your Baby's Heart,"
"Love The One I'm With (A Lot of Love)," "Love Changes" and
the pop smash "Reservations for Two" (with Dionne Warwick). It has been five years since the release of
his "Who Loves You" album on the UK-based Expansion Records imprint.
And, now he has a new album that he is confident will be received by the fans
he gained over the years, as well as attracting new ones.
A former member of the 1970s group BT Express (known for the hit "Here
Comes the Express"), was presented with the opportunity to produce a track
for then hot R&B dynamo Evelyn "Champagne" King by an executive
at RCA Records. "The record company executive heard my demo and he asked
me if I wanted to produce some work for Evelyn. I agreed and that was the start
of my songwriting/producing career," Kashif told this writer
recently. Credited for producing
King's #1 R&B hits "Love Come Down," "I'm in Love,"
Kashif later worked with Whitney Houston on her debut 17-million selling disc
"Whitney." "I was very fortunate to have had a lot of hits on my
own as well as producing for a lot of other artistes, so Clive Davis who was
the president of the label that I was on, asked me if I wanted to produce for
Whitney Houston. I got a chance to see her, and the song "You Give Good
Love" came out of that collaboration and became a big hit for her,"
reminisced Kashif.
Over the years, Kashif has collaborated with the likes of Melba Moore, Mel'isa
Morgan and Dionne Warwick among others. Asked which female artiste was his
personal favourite in terms of collaborating, he said "Its hard to pick
out a personal favourite because each one of them is so distinctly different.
Whitney is like the classic R&B/soul/pop singer and Dionne is the legend.
When I was working with her, it brought out so much history and so much with
her, that I learnt from her. Whitney had a very unique and youthful persona.
Each one had its own unique flavour. I love working with all of them." These days, Kashif has an interest in some
of the new music that has taken onto the airwaves. "I am kinda digging
with what's happening with the neo soul thing. It uses the fundamental music
skills like melody writing and good rhythm tracks, like the Erykah Badu's, the
Musiq Soulchild, and the Jill Scotts," said Kashif.
With five albums released to date, Kashif's new album is due for release any
day new. Titled "Music From My Mind," the album according to Kashif,
will comprise "real music." "Music that touches your soul and
music that helps you through your day. The first single is a remake of Barbra
Streisand's "The Way We Were." There are also some instrumentals.
This album is chockfull of music that I think will be something for a long time
to come," explained Kashif. It will be released on his Brooklyn Boy
Entertainment imprint.
Part of the vanguard that includes early pioneers Stevie Wonder and Ronnie
McNeir and his '80s contemporaries the System, Kashif helped to revolutionize
R&B music through the infusion of the then-emerging affordable, MIDI/synth
technology of the '80s. Born Michael
Jones in Brooklyn, New York in 1959, Kashif was orphaned at an early age,
growing up in eight foster homes. His first experience with synthesized
instruments came during his years with B.T. Express. He appeared on the group's
early-'80s sides for Columbia Records. Kashif began playing synthesizer bass
while on the road with the group.
After leaving the group, Kashif began making demos with the group
Stepping Stone. The demos led to his recording contract with Arista Records in
1983. Because of his burgeoning mastery with synthesizers, Kashif was invited
to tour with rhythm and blues singer Stephanie Mills at a time when
contemporary R&B acts were just beginning to use electronic instruments for
live work.
Inspired by Gamble & Huff and Thom Bell's Mighty Three Music, he formed
Mighty M Productions with Paul Laurence and Morrie Brown, infusing early-'80s
R&B with a fresh synth-based sound. was played by Ira Siegel. Around this time, Kashif had begun working
with the New England Digital Synclavier. Kashif invented uses for sampling, for
example, replacing drum sounds, lead and background vocal placements, and even
dialog editing. Howard Johnson's "So Fine" was the first record on
which he used the technique of "flying in" vocals - some vocal
passages could be duplicated by the Synclavier. This created a whole new
approach to production with vocalists that continues to be used extensively
even today.
Signing with Arista Records in 1983, his self-tilted debut Kashif spawned the
hits "I Just Gotta Have You (Lover Turn Me On)," "Stone
Love," "Help Yourself to My Love," and "Say Something
Love." His other albums are Send Me Your Love, "Baby Don't Break Your
Baby's Heart," "Are You the Woman," Condition of the Heart, Love
Changes and 1989's Kashif, with the charming cover of the Four Tops hit
"Aint No Woman Like the One I Got."
Becoming an in-demand writer/producer, Kashif can be heard on releases
by Kenny G ("Keeping Love New"), George Benson, Johnny Kemp, Dionne
Warwick, Giorge Pettus, Stacy Lattisaw, Expose, the Wootens, Freda Payne, and
others. His Grammy nominations are for the instrumentals "The Mood,"
"Call Me Tonight," "Edgartown Groove" featuring Al Jarreau,
and "The Movie Song." During
1994, Kashif received an invitation from the famed U.C.L.A. Extension program
and created a course called Contemporary Record Production With Kashif. In
August 1995, Kashif authored the music industry tome Everything You'd Better
Know About the Record Industry as CEO of his Los Angeles-based Brooklyn Boy
Books, Entertainment, and Information.
Visit/contact Kashif at: www.Brooklynboy.com
O'boya, Latoiya! Doggystyle ain't never been done like this
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Ricardo Hazell
Everytime you turn around there's someone else talking about this new artist
they have. You know the type, don't you? "Oh, she's this" and
"Oh, she's like Aretha" and all that stuff. Yeah, we heard Snoop Dogg
saying something like that last year when his Doggystyle All-stars set was
fixin' to drop. He said LaToiya Williams was the
truth like Grandma used to tell it, real and straight to the bone. So, we
waited around and waited around until the set was released and, wow, what can
we say. Ms. Williams tore the core out of the "Fallen Star." The Watts, California born and raised
singing sensation has pipes. Their press release says her vocal ability is unmatched
in the game. Ummm, yeah, we'd say that's round about right. And her live
performance? It's off the chain, across the street and in the neighbor's yard.
The EUR/EURweb had the opportunity to sit down and talk to the sister and, let
us tell you, the cover art does her no aesthetic justice. This church singing
vocal double of Aretha Franklin says she's been in the game for a hot
minute. "I guess it's what you
would call a stepping stone," said Williams of her imprint home.
"I've been working with Yolanda Adams, Gladys Knight and now I'm working
with Snoop Dogg. He was looking for an R&B artist and he came across Andrew
Bouche, who is my God brother. From there I was introduced to Soopafly, Snoop's
right hand man. He received my demo and from there it's been Doggystyle
Records. I started doing some things for Kurupt and Daz, and finally got
introduced to Snoop himself. After working with him I worked with Jay-Z, man,
the Eastsidaz, Doggy's Angels."
Though she has sang hooks in the past, and will do some more in the future,
LaToiya wanted to emphasis the fact that she is not just a hook singer. "I just don't sing hooks. I'm just
trying to grow. I've got my foot in there right now so I'm just trying to test
the waters," said the humble singer. "I've been in the camp for about
four or five years. I was traveling on the road with Gladys and when I came
home I had nothing to do. So, when I got back he made sure there were things to
do. I started doing hooks and stuff just to get my name out there." Though she is a Christian, Williams is well
aware of the eyebrows that have been raised due to her association with
Snoop-D-O-Dizzle. All that matters to Williams is what her mother and her
church thinks and, according to her, they think it's all good.
"I've been trying to get an album since I was fifteen," Williams told
us. "My Mom don't have a problem with it and my church don't have a
problem with it. On Sundays I go to church and on Wednesdays I go to Bible
class. I keep it that way. It's work. It doesn't effect my character in anyway.
I go to work with Snoop Dogg and I come home and be with my family. I don't
hang out with the boys. That's just how it is. "I had no fear. There's always an angel in the bunch
somewhere. They keep me out of the negative mess, if there's any mess. I'm not
caught up in the shootings or smoking weed or nothing." With a voice that is straight from the
church and a spirituality that is lacking in urban music, Williams seems like
an anomalous entity in the game. We just had to ask her why she's not
performing alongside Byron Cage or Kirk Franklin instead of Snoop and crew.
"I chose to do secular because that was the only plate on the table for
me. I've been singing gospel all my life and I've yet to come across someone
who was willing to give me an album deal. It's funny how God works. He has me
over here with so called gangsters, people look and say 'How's she a Christian
and over here with Snoop Dogg?' but you never know what God has in store. My
personality and my demeanor reflects on everyone around. I love Doggystyle Records.
You get this image of people being so bad, but the images are often twisted
around. Also, people grow." With
a warm disposition and incredible talent to boot, we feel that LaToiya Williams
will flourish at her current Doggystyle Records home. Her new set is scheduled
to be released in August and will be distributed by MCA Records.
Though "Fallen Star" is what people know her for, Williams has been
busy recording hooks and appearances on several people's sets, Jay-Z being
primary amongst them. Folks will soon come to know her full scope as she graces
production from Doggystyle in house producer Soopafly, as well as Missy Elliot,
Puffy, DJ Premier and others. Check out LaToiya Williams at
www.DoggystyleRecords.com or http://www.mcarecords.com/artistMain.asp?artistid=386
112 Team Up With Sean
Paul, Hope To Work With Ghostface Killah
by Shaheem Reid, with
additional reporting by Jessica Dufresne
According
to R&B group 112, the politically correct answer as to why they
decided to part ways with P. Diddy and Bad Boy last year was the lack of money
and attention. But when talking to MTV
News last week, Q, Mike, Slim and Daron said the real reason was because
their contract was "doo-doo." Needless to say, they're happy to be
signed to Def Jam. "Just to get
that feeling [that] somebody actually believes in you ... [is great],"
Mike said recently. "You could tell they feel that they really got
something when they got 112. It was a great acquisition for them. The whole
vibe is just different. It feels good to know you left one situation and got a
better situation." The group has
not entirely severed ties with Puff and Bad Boy, however. Earlier this year it
was announced that Bad Boy and Def Jam would be working together to put out
112's projects (see "P.
Diddy, Def Jam CEO Lyor Cohen Kiss And Make Up, Go Into Business Together").
For the last few months they've been working in Nashville at a studio owned by
country music superstar Reba McIntire and should have an album in stores come
August.
"I
guess the way they split their money up is a joint venture, but as far as 112,
[we're at] Def Jam," Mike said of the deal brokered by Diddy and Island
Def Jam head honcho Lyor Cohen. "We still work with [Diddy] as far as
getting ideas. We got three joints from his camp. It's no bad blood, it's no
love lost." In fact, the guys said
Diddy will appear on their fourth album via a "sexy" and
"freaky" cut called "Hot and Sexy" that gives off the same
vibe as their popular hit "Peaches & Cream." Atlanta MC T.I., who
raps on Bone Crusher's "Never Scared," as well as Joe Budden, make
cameos. "Basically the recording
since the first album pretty much has been the same," Daron noted.
"Most of the hits we either wrote or produced ourselves. If we did work
with a producer ? OK, this guy would do a track, drop it in the studio with us
and when we come out, it's a hit. It's pretty much the same. We went to
Nashville, created a skeleton of the album and pulled in other producers around
the end." "It's just a
variety of music," Mike added. "We have songs that touch home and
speak on what happened to us in the music industry, what happened with us at
Bad Boy. We're touching on real personal subjects, but we're still keeping it
fun, keeping it ghetto.
"The
single is [out] in June," he continued. "It's called 'Na, Na, Na.' It
features Sean Paul. It's like an ATL [meets] reggae track. You won't see
it coming from 112. Even though we push the envelope with a lot of records like
'Peaches & Cream' and 'Anywhere,' this record is really to the left of 112.
Not all the way to the left, but it feels like it can be a mesh between
dancehall and that Southern feel we have." Given how hard the group reps ATL, recording in Nashville might
have seemed like a bit of a departure. But this marks the second time the group
has recorded in the Ville (their third LP, Room 112, was recorded
there), and the bandmembers felt that working outside of their hometown and
Miami, a hangout spot, prevented them from having too many distractions.
"It
was the closest to Atlanta without being in Atlanta," Mike explained.
"If [we] recorded in Atlanta, we would still be recording the album right
now. We thought about Miami, but we knew we'd still be working on the album
now. We wouldn't have even finished a song yet. Our whole independence was
established in Nashville, so we was like, 'Let's do it again.' Nashville is
like three and half hours from Atlanta, [so] we could still go home on
weekends. But we had to get away from Atlanta. Plus, [there's] nothing to do
[in Nashville] but record."
Perhaps 112 shouldn't speak too soon, as they may still have to go down
to Miami to record. Ghostface Killah is held up down there working on
his next soulful opus, and the bathrobe-wearing manipulator of rhyme has been
in talks to get the group on his album.
"That would be hot," Slim said, delighted. "[Wu-Tang
Clan] are some of the pioneers in hip-hop. We've worked with the best of them,
like Biggie, and now you talking about somebody in the Wu-Tang? That would be
hot."
Nas Calls Em ‘Real’
- Both rappers stood together at the Hip-Hop Summit
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Eminem has attracted so much hate because he is white, that it is refreshing to
hear someone defend him. At the recent Hip-Hop Summit held in Detroit, Nas spoke about
survival and unity and big upped Em. “We just stay brave and take on the
enemies as they come, whoever they be, George Bush down to whoever,” Nas
said. “They’ve been trying to snuff
out young black men since the beginning of time. It ain’t gonna happen no more.
So I’m standing up and speaking out and I’m participating with all the real
brothers, like Eminem, that’s speaking out and speaking their minds. Don’t
matter what color you are as long as you real with it from the heart. That’s
why I’m still here.”
This is 50 Cent.
See 50 Get Big Bank: ‘It Man’ lands deal for his biography
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
This past year has been phenomenal for 50 Cent and it keeps getting better.
After a month-long bidding war, MTV Books bought the rights to the rapper’s
life story which should be on shelves by December. “It’s going to be his
story with elements that you know and stuff you’ve never heard before,” said
publisher Jacob Hoye. In other 50
News, starting April 30, consumers who purchased 50's DVD, “The New Breed,”
could download an additional track and exclusive video at www.50cent.com. “I gotta constantly change things up a bit,
keep it creative,” the rapper said.
“That’s what make me No1. I’m 4 times platinum baby and I keep it
coming. More music, more videos, more access to me.”
Beyonce Knowles and
Jay-Z?
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Here Comes The Bride?: The New York Post’s Cindy Adams is reporting that Beyonce
Knowles and Jay-Z are headed to the alter. Adams describes the couple as being,
“seriously serious. Seriouser than Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock. Seriouser than
Carmen Electra and whoever.” While I believe that the Destiny’s Child’s front
woman and the Roc-A-Fella rapper are still a hot Hollywood couple, I’m not betting
on them jumping the broom anytime soon. We’ll just have to wait and see!
Whodini Kicks Off
'Legends Of Hip Hop' Series
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
OK, hands up. Who wants "Five Minutes of Funk?" Or, who wants to be
there when "The Freaks Come Out At Night?" All right, it's our round
about way of saying that rap pioneers, Whodini, will take the stage and set off
"The Legends Of Hip Hop Concert Series" with a live performance at
the Conga Room in Los Angeles on May 25.
The so called "nostalgic evening," from the Poetess of LA's
100.3 The Beat and Cliff Love, in conjunction with Uncle Jam's Army, will be
the first of several shows to feature performances by some of hip hop's finest
emcees from the 80's thru mid 90's.
"Our mission is to give fans of classic hip hop music an
opportunity to enjoy live performances by some of their favorite legendary
artists as well as support and provide exposure for rap pioneers to the new
generation of music lovers." says the Poetess, radio DJ and event
organizer. For more info and
sponsorship opportunities contact: Poetess92@aol.com
Sean Paul Is 5th
Jamaican To Reach #1 On Billboard Hot 100 Chart: In the process, it dethrones
50 Cent!
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Kevin Jackson
[k.jackson@cwjamaica.com]
Sean Paul's Get Busy, the second release off his
platinum-selling Dutty Rock album, dethroned rapper 50 Cent's In Da Club from
the No 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. 50 Cent had held firm at
the top of the chart for the past nine weeks. The track has already spent time
on top of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks tally, where it
is No 2 this week. Sean Paul's stakes
have gone up in recent months on the North American and international scene,
due to high profile television appearances, as well as performances on major
events across the world.
Collaborations with a number of R&B and hip hop acts have also
contributed to his rising popularity. Among them are combinations with rapper
Busta Rhymes, R&B singer Blu Cantrell and Beyonce Knowles from Destiny's
Child. He also recorded a song with R&B singer Mya for her upcoming album.
"It's a great feeling for reggae music on a whole. It makes me feel proud,"
was Sean Paul's brief comment when asked how he felt about his
achievement. Reacting to the news, his
Jamaica-based publicist Jerome Hamilton of Headline Entertainment was more
fullsome. "We are elated that
Sean has made it to the top. We can only hope that it's an indication for more
dancehall and reggae artistes, get that kind of achievement. Sean's success is
a combination of efforts from different levels." Jeremy Harding, Sean's longtime manager, was quite surprised
when he received the good news. "I am very taken aback to hear that Sean
is No1. I am still in shock. This is a tremendous achievement for reggae and
dancehall music on a whole. It is bigger than Sean. It has proven to the world
that we have an art form that can reach to that kind of level, and it is very
much a blessing. The important thing is to be able to capitalize on the
momentum for future records from Jamaican artistes."
Added Harding, "A lot of people had lost faith in dancehall music, and it
is now like we are putting North America on alert. This has shown that we can
do it. A lot more doors will open for Sean now, and at the same time, he will
have a lot more responsibilities."
Sean Paul, is scheduled to commence an eight city tour of Canada later
this month. In June he will head to Europe for promotion of his Dutty Rock
album (which is alleged to have sold 1.7 million copies to date), and between
July and August, he will join the Rock the Mike tour, which will feature Jay-Z,
Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Missy Elliott and Snoop Dogg. The on-line entertainment site Billboard online, also reports
that the popular US Saturday night comedy show Saturday Night Live will also be
featuring both Sean Paul and singer Wayne Wonder on its May 10 episode.
Significantly, it is the first time that SNL will feature two musical artistes
in the same show and two rising Jamaican dancehall stars have been selected for
this special event. Following in the
footsteps of Carl Douglas (Kung Fu Fighting in 1974) Maxi Priest (Close to You
in 1990), Ini Kamoze (Here Comes the Hot Stepper in 1994), and Shaggy (It
Wasn't Me and Angel in 2001), Sean Paul is the fifth Jamaican to ever reach the
No 1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.
TV
NEWS
Jason George From
Soap Opera to Primetime
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Angee Fielder
Every
now and then there comes an actor whose mere presence is the gentle reminder
that true talent really exists. Jason George is such an actor whose work proves
that not only is he an adequate contender in the primetime television rat race,
but also he oozes a natural knack for his craft. As the highly recognizable
face from UPN’s new hit urban drama “Platinum,” George is virtually on the
brink of superstardom in the acting arena. On the series, George plays the
eternally driven recording executive Jackson Rhames, who has managed to build a
record label from the ground up with the help of his older brother Grady Rhames
(played by rapper turned actor Sticky Fingaz). With Sofia Coppola and Francis
Ford Coppola as the Executive Producers, the show boasts subtleties of the
infamous Godfather Trilogy. “I have
the honor of playing the Michael Corleone character,” says George of his character.
“Jackson is the good brother struggling to hold the family together while
taking the business to the next level,” adds George. It is a gritty tale of the
day-to-day business dealings within the world of the urban record company. A
true urban Godfather the series shows the high-risks, no holds bar world of
hip-hop record moguls who are at the top of their game financially, but are in
a constant struggle with making the right move at the forefront of white-collar
crime at its highest most extreme level. With a solid cast of newcomers as well
as the convergence of A-List producers (Coppola), top and top-notch writer John
Ridley (Three Kings, Third Watch) it is no wonder that the show is a hit
amongst viewers.
At a glance, it is easy to see why George was selected for the role of music
mogul Jackson Rhames. Unlike, many of his contemporaries, George honed his
acting skills while in graduate school using his work on the popular soap opera
Sunset Beach as practice for his upcoming projects. While on the Sunset Beach,
George played the gangster turned good guy lifeguard Michael Bourne. His work
on the soap garnered him a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. From his work on the
soap, George caught the attention of the producers of MGM’s successful film
Barbershop where he starred opposite Eve and Ice Cube. With roles in feature
film Clockstoppers, and the television sitcom Off Center George landed his
current role on “Platinum.” Many of
the storylines are ripped from the headlines and have been doctored to protect
the innocent. “The show really pushes the envelope,” says George “because that
is the way you tell the story for real.” Indeed Platinum puts the urban
community on the map with its raw take on the daily routine of the urban record
label. “It definitely shows that Black people do not all think the same,” adds
George.
Aside from work on the show, George makes time for charitable deeds and
community service. An avid contributor to the Equal Employment Opportunity of
the Screen Actors Guild as well as holding a seat on the Board of Directors for
the Academy of Television and Radio Arts, George ensures that diversity is not
only promoted within television and film, but is regarded as one of the highest
priorities within the genre. Contrary to popular belief the actor originally
went to school in pursuit of being a lawyer, because it was in that field that
he thought he’d be able to promote positive change for minority individuals.
While in school, George became involved with theater and immediately switched
his focus to the stage. “Theater is an actor’s medium,” says the actor. “While
television is a writer’s medium and film is the director’s medium, theater is
where the actor gets to invoke and inspire thoughts and reactions in the
audience’ adds George. It is on stage that the actor can get feedback from the
audience, whether positive or negative, George maintains that while he is
comfortable in all mediums of acting (film, TV, theater) that his preference is
on stage. Clearly Jason George has a
great future in the entertainment game ahead of him, and while he is working on
several different projects he maintains, “it’s too early to talk about.”
Nonetheless, you can catch George on UPN’s hot, hip-hop drama Platinum on
Tuesdays nights at 9 p.m.
OTHER
NEWS
Will Hip-Hop and Urban Culture Innovate Or Die?
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Erin Patton
In the aftermath of
last week’s column on Hip-Hop being in need of a resurrection and the feedback
I received from many who are seeking a solution, I was reminded of a poignant
mantra that became a rallying cry for a group of software developers at
Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington which sums up the current state
of Hip-Hop music, in particular, and urban culture, in general… “Innovate or Die.” Like tech junkies fiending for the latest
upgrade to the Microsoft Windows software and operating system, intelligent
urban marketers and the community at-large are eagerly awaiting the release of
a new version of the urban culture software to be developed. The current
version has become way too commercially exposed and, on top of that, contains a
virus of violence, material excess and misogyny that threatens to corrupt the
hardware of corporate America which has become more and more hesitant to install
it onto their mainframe. Not to mention the impact on the impressionable minds
who are processing the current content.
This question of what’s next was raised during a recent conversation I
had while building with several top-flight marketers who are grappling with
this issue and seeking outside perspective from strategic consultants like me
who are attempting to provide the urban marketing version of the Norton
anti-virus while bringing them of the new version.
In particular, we talked about how Rap music has run its course and arrived at
a Dead End. The music has become so absorbed by the mainstream it has created a
liquidation mentality in greedy, misguided label and radio/TV programming
executives eager to milk rap music for all its worth by selling the culture’s
most worthless values wholesale to the masses. This liquidation sale is made
possible by a litany of artists who are lost souls willing to sell their souls
and fantasy for the material trappings of fame and fortune. There is no innovation in Rap music,
period. Compared to past clashes of the microphone titans, even the battle raps
are predictable and succeed only in contributing to the further spread of the
virus courtesy of radio stations and media across the country who are fanning the
flames without realizing the roof is already on fire.
So how does Rap music and the urban culture innovate in the face of these dire
circumstances? Unfortunately, Rap music in its current form can’t be
resurrected through innovation. Think about it. How much more can one innovate
beyond what 50 Cent has done as the art is now, truly, imitating life while
Hollywood is busy making an art out of imitating the culture.
Now, for some good news. Make no mistake, Hip-Hop in its original form
(creative, thought provoking lyrics, beats and cultural expression) will be
resurrected through innovation which will, ultimately, be a key element of the
core urban culture software upgrade. This Hip-Hop won’t look like the Hip-Hop
most of us remember. The pulse in the U.S. will be taken from artists and
producers like DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Beat Generation Series and will be
imported from places like Toronto with conscious lyricists like K-OS and
married with the culture of India (have you heard the Indian-inspired track
featuring the Indian rapper that Jay-Z is also heard rapping over?) Like the software developers at Microsoft,
the urban culture software programmers are constantly innovating to stay one
step ahead once its application becomes widely detected and implemented by the
mainstream and competition. Moreover, for marketers like us, we can take solace
in the fact that urban consumers have always demonstrated an innate, creative
ability to zig to the newest innovation while others are zagging. We’re just
hoping they recognize they are heading toward a dead end.
Diversity Channel's
Mark Williams: Diversity’s Moment of Truth… A Call to Action for Today’s
Leaders
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Mark Williams, Founder/President of The Diversity Channel and
the author of "The 10 Lenses: Your Guide to Living and Working in a
Multicultural World, has released the first of a two-part article series:
“Diversity's Moment of Truth: A Call to Action for Today's Leaders.” Mark says, "The central task of this
century will be to create a world where we neither deny the richness of our
cultural differences nor allow them to divide us. We have come a long way since
1963… But we have not developed a new definition of racial justice, a new
framework for responding to the challenges of race and ethnicity in 21st
century America. We cannot move forward until we call upon current leadership
to demonstrate a new skill.”
Mark’s story is particularly relevant given the upcoming "Foot Soldiers
Reunion" in Birmingham, MA, set for May 1-4, 2003. As the activists
gather, there are many questions about the future of civil rights, the advent
of diversity management, and the call to action for today's leaders. Read Mark Williams’ full article which is
posted on www.UnityFirst.com, to learn about the new skills required to move
ahead with success in the 21st century. Don’t miss it! For more information on
the series or to be in touch with Mark, send an email to editors@unityfist.com.
Tell 'em you read about it in EUR.
Jackie Robinson
Honored: Baseball great gets the nation’s highest award
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
On Wednesday, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass, introduced a bill to recognize the
contributions of the late Jackie Robinson. The bill proposes awarding the
former Brooklyn Dodger with a Congressional Gold Medal and a national day in
his honor. Robinson
was the first black player in the major baseball league and he received
constant death threats and racial taunts.
“Throughout his years with the Dodgers, he faced constant abuse and
pressure, Sen. Edward Kennedy said. “But the more he was taunted and threatened
and harassed, the more he let his superb performance on the field speak for
itself.” Since 1776, only some 300
people have been given a Congressional Gold Medal.
Malcolm
X's Birthday Will Be Observed
Source: unityfirst.com
The O.A.A.U. (The Organization of Afro-American Unity) invites the community to
celebrate the Annual Malcolm X Day and Pilgrimage to the resting place of
Malcolm X on Monday, May 19, 2003. This year will be El Hajj Malik El Shabazz's
(Malcolm X) 78th Birthday anniversary and the 38th year of the pilgrimage since
his assassination. The pilgrimage and
gravesite caravan were conceived and initiated by Ella Little-Collins,
Malcolm's sister, who was the first President of Malcolm’s O.A.A.U. The
Pilgrimage will be led by Rodnell Collins, Ella’s son and the nephew of Malcolm
X and Prof. James Small now vice President and Executive Director of the
O.A.A.U. The ceremony will be officiated by the Sons of Africa and co-sponsored
by Malcolm X/Ella Little-Collins Family Foundation.
The O.A.A.U. initiated the pilgrimage in 1965, after the burial of Malcolm X,
to honor and show respect for Malcolm, a fallen leader as well as to educate
future generations about his legacy. For the Pilgrimage, buses and cars will
assemble at the Harlem State Office Building on 125th Street and Adam Clayton
Powell Blvd at 9:00 am and proceed to Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, NY at 10
am. There will be the traditional, one-hour ceremony followed by a return to
Harlem for people to take part in several activities sponsored by many
organizations throughout the day.
Rodnell Collins is extending an invitation to all who wish to join him
from 5-7 pm at the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, New York (Frederick Douglass
Blvd/125th St) for an informal reception and book signing, in cooperation with
New York’s Black Public Relations Society, African American Newswire/
UnityFirst.com. Rodnell will share some new insights regarding the family
memoir, “Seventh Child: A Family Memoir of Malcolm X.” The earliest attendees
to the reception will receive autographed book compliments of UnityFirst.com. For further information, contact the
following: the pilgrimage, (Prof. James Small at (212) 926-9062), Bus
Sponsoring or directions: send email Rmabry@ndsny.org and about the reception,
send email to jfondon@unityfirst.com or call 800-286-3659.
FUBU Unveils Its
Platoon
While the name FUBU is no stranger in the urban arena, the
hip-hop-styled clothing brand is putting its money where its heart it. Next
week, the four-man-founded clothing empire makes an uncharted leap into the
hip-hop game with “All Or N.O.thin,” the debut release from 54th
Platoon, the first act signed to the company’s flourishing record company,
FB Entertainment. Music lovers are
already familiar with the half-billion dollar enterprise’s first foray into the
rap music industry via 2001’s gold-selling compilation, “Good life”,
which yielded LL Cool J’s scorching hot track “Fatty Girl,” and Lost
Boyz-frontman Mr. Cheeks’ biggest solo record to date, “Lights,
Camera, Action.” But that wasn’t
enough for FUBU.
“I wasn’t satisfied too much with the promotion and the marketing of the album.
I think it could’ve been much bigger than it was,” says FB Entertainment’s COO Keith
Perrin, who makes up one quarter of the FUBU team. “…But being with a
major, you don’t have the opportunity to do what you want to do. And being
independent, we’re in charge of our own marketing and promoting. So if we fail,
it’s because we didn’t do it right, it wasn’t because some other company didn’t
do it.” Putting out his cigarette, Mr.
Perrin is sitting in a bar in New Orleans’ biggest and most grand hotel, The
Fairmont, right in the heart of the all the action, steps away from the
notorious strip, Bourbon Street. He’s holding court with his partner, the
label’s CEO, another FUBU founder Carl Brown. The RU Report was
invited to the Crescent City as a special guest to meet their newest music
discovery and soak up the sights and sounds of The Big Easy.
54th Platoon is a four-man entity comprised of blood relatives sprung from
Southern-bred first and second generation cousins and siblings. Inspired by the
sounds of Schooly D and Ice T, group members J.S. (Jochan
Scott) and Big Nut (Jackie Washington) formed a group named Face
Forever in the early 1990s, and after years of trying to get signed to a
major record label, they decided to create their own label, Fearless
Entertainment. Six years and two underground albums later, Face Forever evolved
into the new moniker of 54th Platoon and now included the addition of two other
cousins T.L. (Tevin Ashley) and Nu Black (Thomas Valentine).
Inspired by the movie “GLORY,” which starred Academy Award winner Denzel
Washington, the new name had a double meaning; Washington’s army of African
American soldiers were known as the 54th Platoon, and the members of the group
hail from New Orleans’ 9th Ward. 5 + 4 = 9.
CD
RELEASES
Tuesday May 6, 2003
ARETHA
FRANKLIN One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism (BMG
Heritage)
CHRISTINA AGUILERA Fighter (CD Single) (RCA)
ETTA JAMES Let's Roll (Windham Hill)
FAITH HILL When The Light Go Down (DVD Video) (Warner)
MELANIE DURANT Where I'm Goin' (CD Single) (Motown)
SANTANA The Birth Of Santana (Navarre)
SHAWN DESMAN Spread My Wings (CD Single) (BMG)
SOULLIVE Soulive (Blue Note)
THE MATRIX RELOADED OST (Warner)
YOLANDA ADAMS Praise & Worship Songs of Yolanda Adams
(Zomba)
EVENTS - MAY 8 -
18, 2003
THURSDAY, MAY 8
Copa 5ive featuring Wade O. Brown and Divine Earth Essence
Bambu by the Lake
245 Queen’s Quay West (east of Spadina)
(416) 214—6000
8:00 pm
$10; $5 before 10:00 pm
Parking at Raddison Hotel
EVENT PROFILE: Welcome to Copa 5ive Thursdays at
the Bambu. I went to check the new
Bambu out – it’s definitely Toronto’s new hottest venue and you will absolutely
be hanging out there this summer. This
Thursday, though, is going to be very hot with the skilled talent of Wade O. Brown and Divine Earth Essence in a Chaka vs. Luther
showdown! You definitely don’t want to
miss this!
SUNDAY, MAY 11
RYDDYM SUNDAYS LAUNCH
Bambu by the Lake
245 Queen’s Quay West (east of Spadina)
(416) 214—6000
8:00 pm
$10
Parking at Raddison Hotel
EVENT PROFILE: Come and check the new Bambu and the grand opening of Ryddym
Sundays! It all starts on Sunday, May
11th – a blend of foundation reggae with the right touch of old
skool! Brought to you by Erica, Alvin,
Mike and Canadian Reggae World. Launch
features the live reggae stylings of Ibadan and the DJ stylings of Carl Allen –
recent winner of a lifetime achievement award from the Urban Pool Awards. Come and join the fun on the new Sunday
night to hit Toronto!
SUNDAY, MAY 11
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane,
Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and David French.
MONDAY, MAY 12
Irie Food Joint Patio Opening
745 Queen Street W.
8:00 pm
Irie Food Joint Mondays
EVENT PROFILE: Ohhhh my goodness! Despite
the rain and cold, Irie put on one great party this past
Monday. Don't miss the next week's Monday night party with appearances by
Three-O featuring Neil Brathwaite, Dave Williams and J.K. as well as the DJ stylings of Carl Allen!
This will become a regular Monday night at Irie so dust off your sandals and
come check out the party at Irie!! Check them out at www.iriefoodjoint.com.
MONDAY, MAY 12
VIP JAM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Revival Bar
783 College Street (at Shaw)
10:00 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Rich Brown, Joel Joseph and
Shamakah Ali with various local artists.
MONDAY, MAY 12
ACOUSTIC SOUL MONDAYS
Spaha Bistro
66 Harbord St. (at Spadina)
10:00
pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Syreeta Neal and Adrian
Eccleston.
TUESDAY, MAY 13
JAM SESSION
Lava Lounge
507 College Street (west of Bathurst)
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Divine Earth Essence, Calvin
Beale, Michael Shand, Joe Bowden, Thomas Reynolds and various local artists.
THURSDAY, MAY 15
COPA 5IVE FEATURING GUEST DJ JASON PALMA
Bambu by the Lake
245 Queen’s Quay West (east of Spadina)
(416) 214—6000
8:00 pm
$10; $5 before 10:00 pm
Parking at Raddison Hotel
EVENT PROFILE: Weekly live soul with guest vocalists, DJ’s
and tons of specials.
SUNDAY, MAY 18
RYDDYM SUNDAYS
Bambu by the Lake
245 Queen’s Quay West (east of Spadina)
(416) 214—6000
8:00 pm
$10
Parking at Raddison Hotel
EVENT PROFILE: A blend
of foundation reggae with the right touch of old skool! Brought to you by
Erica, Alvin, Mike and Canadian Reggae World. Features the live reggae
stylings of Ibadan and the DJ stylings of Carl Allen –
recent winner of a lifetime achievement award from the Urban Pool Awards.
Come and join the fun on the new Sunday night to hit Toronto!
SUNDAY, MAY 18
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane,
Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and David French.