some of you know me, some TheCyberKrib peoples do not.
either way,
I am greeting you from Sunny & Smoggy Los Angeles
by way of Torono, Canada (Toronto to the non-natives).
i’ll be giving a left coast perspecitve, talking to some artists out here about new projects, and for the most part, shooting the sh!t with y’all about this thing we luh called ‘hip hop’.
stay tuned. lots to talk about, starting with when i ran into GOD’S SON in a club last week as i was wildin’ to “Represent” (i think i scared him a little).
and
why i am forced to hear LiL’ Wayne 26 times a day on every radio station in L.A.
dang.
do it Weezy, but damn…
if you in L.A, get at me! let me know the not to be missed spots!
Relatively unknown to Canadian audiences, but seen as a dominant force of the Baltimore Club music, DJ K-Swift, aka “The Club Queen,” passed away Sunday due to a drowning incident at her home.
DJ’ing from the age of 11, and starting as an intern in the male dominated urban music scene of Baltimore, MD, K-Swift (born Khia Edgerton in 1980) came up the ranks of the city’s biggest station, 92Q Jams. From intern to morning show to full time jock, Edgerton quickly disproved many skeptics with her tenacious work ethic and willingness to improve. She ultimately became America’s first and only female Mix Show Co-ordinator.
To the many Maryland partygoers who had seen her spin live, played her mixtapes, or heard her voice on the air every evening, she embodied a love for her city and the music that it had borne. This inspired many and gave a much-needed voice to the inner city.
In the burgeoning electro scene that has been sparked worldwide in recent years, Baltimore club music has made a huge impact. K-Swift’s last two parties included one that would have helped solidify a presence outside of her home, and hopefully a long and fruitful career as an international DJ.
From a personal standpoint, to hear this story is nothing less than a tragedy, and is a personal reminder to celebrate life to the fullest. At the tender age of 28, “The Club Queen” K-Swift has left us at the top of her game, and with a body of work that will solidify her as a musical icon in her community and an ambassador of Baltimore, MD.
Tanya Morgan have a new EP out currently, with a forthcoming album, through a new deal with recent Bay Area upstart label Interdependent Media. This puts them together with label mates including: Canada’s K’Naan, J*Davey from Los Angeles, Shaya, Windimoto, South African born Eyezon, Detroit’s Finale, and more.
The Bridge EP follows their praised debut full length Moonlighting, which was followed soon after by a follow-up EP and a recent mixtape.
The following is their new single “How Low” on the b-boy tip…
Tanya Morgan will be opening for Hieroglyphics on a North America wide tour that starts tomorrow in Atlanta.
07.23 - Atlanta, GA (The Masquerade)
07.24 - Carrboro, NC (Cat’s Cradle)
07.25 - Charleston, SC (The Music Farm)
07.26 - Wilmington, NC (The Soapbox)
07.27 - Virginia Beach, VA (Steppin’ Out)
07.29 - Baltimore, MD (Bedrock)
07.31 - New York, NY (Highline Ballroom)
08.01 - Providence, RI (Jerky’s)
08.03 - South Burlington, VT (Higher Ground)
08.05 - Ottawa, ON (Babylon Nightclub)
08.06 - Toronto, ON (The Mod Club)
08.07 - London, ON (Salt Lounge)
08.08 - Ann Arbor, MI (Blind Pig)
08.09 - Columbus, OH (Skully’s Music-Diner)
08.10 - Chicago, IL (Abbey Pub)
08.12 - Madison, WI (High Noon Saloon)
08.13 - Minneapolis, MN (First Avenue)
08.14 - Omaha, NE (Waiting Room Lounge)
08.15 - Boulder, CO (Fox Theatre and Cafe)
08.16 - Salt Lake City, UT (The Urban Lounge)
08.17 - South Lake Tahoe, CA (Whiskey Dick’s Saloon)
09.18 - San Francisco, CA (The Fillmore)
09.19 - Chico, CA (The Senator Theater)
09.20 - Sacramento, CA (Colonial Theatre)
09.22 - Bend, OR (Midtown)
09.23 - Eugene, OR (McDonald Theatre)
09.24 - Portland, OR (Roseland Theatre and Grill)
09.26 - Seattle, WA (The Showbox at the Market)
09.27 - Seattle, WA (The Showbox at the Market)
09.28 - Vancouver, BC (Richard’s On Richards)
09.29 - Victoria, BC (Element)
10.01 - Sparks, NV (The New Oasis)
10.02 - Santa Cruz, CA (The Catalyst)
Skillz label Big Kidz and Koch are preparing for his new release, The Million Dollar Backpack, which lands on store shelves this Tuesday, July 22.
The mic man for Jazzy Jeff around the globe, and pen behind the annual “Rap-Up”, Skillz has released rare formal solo releases. The Million Dollar Backpack will be Skillz official third album, following his debut as Mad Skillz on Big Beat/Atlantic and the Skillz release Mad Skillz in 2006 with Rawkus.
The current new single “For Real” is a prime example of where Skilz can go with his writing, something with a little more of a story behind it, as the strictly punchline tracks have become a bit repetitive over the years from Skillz - likely one of his flaws. Incredible layered, feel good production on this one as well.
Also, take a listen to the Million Dollar Backpack sampler here…
Rock The Bells kicks of the debut weekend of festival shows in Chicago and Toronto this weekend, and the set times for each act on the bill have just been released to the public.
As we’re a Toronto based site, here are the details for the Toronto show at Arrow Hall on Sunday, July 20. It seems some acts originally scheduled will not be performing in Toronto, such as Spank Rock, Wale, B.O.B., and Kid Sista (who announced last week she would not be performing the Toronto show due to work on her debut album). However, it may be a case that these newer acts will be performing very short sets in between the main sets, I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Also seems that Meth & Red are still slated to perform, so hopefully they’ve managed to figure out how to get both these cats in to the country at the same time.
ROCK THE BELLS FESTIVAL TORONTO
(all set times subject to change prior to event date)
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST >>> 8:55-10:10pm
(rumoured that Tip will also do a short solo set in support of his forthcoming September album release)
NAS >>> 7:55-8:40pm
THE PHARCYDE >>> 6:55-7:40pm
MOS DEF >>> 5:55-6:40pm
METH & RED >>> 5:00-5:40pm
DE LA SOUL >>> 4:05-4:45pm
RAKIM >>> 3:20-3:50pm
MURS >>> 2:35-3:05pm
THE COOL KIDS >>> 1:50-2:20pm
JAY ELECTRONICA >>> 1:05-1:35pm
KIDZ IN THE HALL >>> 12:20-12:50pm
Say what you want about the song. Say what you about him working with Akon. Say what you want about 106 & Park audiences being sycophants, BUT…
Can you honestly that this wasn’t the livest performance on urban TV in a lonnnnnng time?
Personally, this is a scene of national pride. To say Kardi puts 110% into his stage show is an understatement. He knows what’s at stake. Who knows how many other chances he’ll get. Even if this is just another chapter in his continuing saga of flirting with crossover fame, at least we can look back on this performance and say he tore it the eff down, like he was born to do. Kardi, big up yuhself!
P.S. Someone tell DOC I need that soca version for Caribana times! Chuuuuusssssssss!!!
BRAND NEW TRACK: Kardinal Offishall feat. Lindo P “Burnt”
Not 4 Sale is due for a September 2008 release through Interscope/Universal.
In celebration of Nas’ new untitled album, ALIFE threw a party for Nas at their NYC store and there was some great footage captured by The Best Of Both Offices (Three21Media) at the event. With DJ Green Lantern, DJ Enuff, Fabolous, and many more.
Check it out from Nas’ vantage point here (abbreviated version):
Nas will appear at Rock The Bells, but during the same time will be touring with Talib Kweli, Jay Electonica, and DJ Green Lantern as part of The Jones Experience, reaching all the cities in between that RTB 2008 won’t.
07.22 - Montreal, QC (Metropolis)
07.24 - Burlington, VT (Higher Ground)
07.25 - New Haven, CT (Toad’s Place)
07.29 - Charlotte, NC (Amos’ Southend)
07.30 - Charleston, SC (Music Farm)
07.31 - Atlanta, GA (Center Stage)
08.01 - New Orleans, LA (House of Blues)
08.08 - Las Vegas, NV (House of Blues)
08.10 - San Diego, CA (House of Blues)
08.14 - Reno, NV (New Oasis)
08.15 - Chico, CA (Senator Theater)
08.22 - Park City, UT (Harry O’s)
08.24 - Austin, TX (Emo’s)
08.25 - Houston, TX (Warehouse Live)
08.26 - Dallas, TX (House of Blues)
08.28 - Cleveland, OH (House of Blues)
08.29 - Detroit, MI (Chene Park)
08.30 - Champaign, IL (Canopy Club)
09.03 - St. Louis, MO (The Pagean)
09.04 - Milwaukee, WI (The Rave)
09.05 - Minneapolis, MN (First Avenue)
Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest has just released a new single from the upcoming album Live At The Renaissance, an album now looking at a September release through Universal Motown.
The new record is said to be a majority live band approach record, which this track sounds like with it’s live sounding elements.
Gettin’ Up
Check out Tip and his crew A Tribe Called Quest as they kick of the 2008 Rock The Bells tour with dates this weekend in Chicago (July 20) and Toronto (July 21). The trio headline the festival.
The talk around this album has been increasing steadily as the official release date has just been announced, September 16th. The classic soul album The Way I See It from Raphael Saadiq is his nod to the 60’s music that influenced his career - Motown, Stax, Brunswick, and so forth.
Look out for an appearance by a new face, the 20-year old C.J. from Baltimore, a collaboration with the pioneering Stevie Wonder, as well as an appearance from UK vocalist Joss Stone who Saadiq has worked very closely with in the executive producer role. Both C.J. and Stevie Wonder appear on the track “Never Give You Up”, featuring three generations of soul.
Saadiq, is currently working on new albums from Solange Knowles, Bobby Valentino, and the long anticipated return album from D’Angelo coming on J Records.
Here’s a couple tracks to give you a taste. Stayed tunes for an official release date on this album.
