A piece of my childhood died today ...

This morning I got the sad news that one of my all time favorite TV show hosts Don Cornelius died from a gun shot to the head.

In the 80's, my sister and I watched Soul Train religiously on Saturdays.  Our neighborhood was newly developed and didn't have cable television until 1989.  That meant we had no MTV or BET prior to 1989.  Our musical fixes were Friday Night Videos on NBC, New York Hot Tracks and Soul Train on the weekends.  Almost every Saturday we taped each episode on the Betamax VCR so we could study the latest moves from some of the dancers. This was the era when dancers were doing the Cabbage patch, the running man, The Wop, The Alf and other funny looking moves. We had great times scooting across the carpet dancing like fools back in the day.

Louie

We had our favorites and would laugh at some of the corny dressed dancers.  Our personal favorite dancer was Louie Ski Carr because he'd profile around the stage and dance 20% of the time. LoL! One might ask, "How do you know Louie by name?" Well, there was one episode when New Edition was performing "Candy Girl" and Louie felt the spirit and randomly pranced around on stage near the end of their set. Louie did his signature "kick pause" like Michael Jackson to the amusement of the group.  When Don got on stage to interview New Edition he called out "Big Louie" and jokingly told Louie to NOT get on stage with the singers.  We know Don wasn't really joking though. Ha!

Rosie Perez

Later, it was alleged that Rosie Perez was fired for doing the same thing when Keith Sweat performed "Something Just Ain't Right" on stage years later. But we know Rosie did quite well for herself after the show. :D


I'm really going to miss Don Cornelius for his vision and being a pioneer in bringing black music to the homes of millions. Although Don didn't like half of the music acts on his show (especially Hip Hop artists) in the later years he was still smart enough to know there was a new era of music that couldn't be denied.

I'm so sorry to hear he left this world in such a violent manner. I'm hoping his death wasn't a suicide as the story is being reported.  Either way it's a tragic end to one of my childhood Heroes.

R.I.P. Don Cornelius

A milestone for D'Angelo in 2012

I had heard about this show back in November but I didn't take it too serious because I use to hear stories about D'Angelo canceling or not coming on stage because of his insecurities.  Then I see this video pop up on youtube and I'm extremely surprised because most D'Angelo fans I know stop checking for him out of frustration with no music.  It's been 12 years (and counting) since he's released an album and judging from the video I see the theater was packed with fans which is a great sign for D'Angelo. It shows in reality that people still care for the talented musician.

I just hope that he's okay and winning the battle with his inner demons.  We know performing in public is a BIG step for D'Angelo knowing his past issues.  Also, I'm sure the media is foaming at the mouth to get the first interview of D'Angleo and solid info on his rumored 3rd album called "James River". Let's hope for the best.

Good Luck D

Photo shoot with up and coming artist Verbiage

This past holiday weekend I decided to do a photo shoot with up and coming artist Verbiage.  I had great conversations with him and it seems he has a great head on his shoulders for success. 

Verbiage mentioned that he has a couple projects with a few producers in the works.  You can keep in touch with him here. Also hear Verbiage display his talent on an industry instrumental. He calls this joint "Decision" ... download here

Verbiage in Georgetown

We decided to take some pictures in Georgetown Washington D.C. because I love the "old feel" of that part of the city.  Below are some of the pictures from this very cold day. 

The Key Bridge in Georgetown

The C & O Canal in Georgetown

Another view on the C & O Canal 

A very random picture in Georgetown

Contributing my talents to a short film

This past summer I began working with first time writer/director Moe aka Mugagga Kintu.  What Moe has in store for the public is a short film he wrote called "Catch The Bus" or "CTB".  It's been a great experience working with other Videographers, Actors and seeing the process first hand on how a film is put together. My main job is being a camera person in this production and I'm pretty excited to see how the film will turn out.

To briefly talk about the short without giving away too much the story is about a depressed girl who finds herself in a dark place in her life and is undecided on what she wants for her future.

Here's a couple stills from the auditions and film. Stay tuned!

Actress Amira Dahan and Jane Ostdiek read lines for CTB

Moe directs on set for "Catch The Bus" film 

First music video show on national TV

This video clip joggles my memory into so much that happened in the 80's for me. This music video show on NBC called "Fight Night Videos" changed me and my sister's life forever in the early 80's.  It was our first exposure to music videos since we didn't have cable to watch MTV.  I remember watching the bizarre visuals of all the Pop hit songs and British invasion artists that flooded the music industry. It was really the sign of the times.

I remember my father made sure he video taped the shows on the Betamax VCR (which was "state of the art" before VHS players hit the market later). On Saturday mornings while kids watched their cartoons my sister and I were watching music videos from the night before. This show exposed me to the greatest music video EVER "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.




<----- The exact Betamax VCR model my father had





I'm happy I was exposed to different music early in my life because it gave me a diverse ear and openness to other genes of music today (I'm not just a Hip Hopper).

peace ya'll!!!

Maybach Music artist Stalley

Ohio artist Stalley signed to Rick Ross' label Maybach Music back in September but before that Stalley has released three mixtapes since 2008.  The most recent project "Lincoln Way Nights (Intellegent Trunk Music)" was released during the first quarter of this year and was real dope.

This music video is a Maybach music remix of sort.  The original song on the project doesn't have Rick Ross but I'm sure after the signing he and Stalley probably thought it's a good idea to show their allegiance in the video as well as promoting Maybach Music.  "Lincoln Way Nights (Intellegent Trunk Music)" already a dope project is going to be re released on November 8th on MMG.

I can't wait to hear the re release because I know Ross' engineers will know how to enhance the sound of Stalley's album. Rick Ross has a great resume of quality sounding albums.

If you want to hear more about Stalley check him out at http://www.stalley330.com/blog/

Lizard skin Cazal frames *Custom job*

Some people might not know but I'm a vintage sunglasses lover.  Above are two pairs of my authentic Cazal 607 frames that were customized by a Japanese eyeglass boutique called Solakzade.

Solakzade sells authentic vintage sunglasses and does custom work such as adding rhinestones or wrapping frames with genuine skin.  The craftsmanship they use to wrap the glasses is incredible! I feel honored to be one of the first people to own a few pairs of classic Cazal frames wrapped entirely in lizard skin.

The Cazal 607 (not called Gazelle as some like to call it the wrong way) is an iconic frame from West Germany introduced to the US in 1983. The NY Hip Hop scene took a strong liking to the glasses and became a staple accessory with your fresh outfits.  The "fliest of the fly" wore these glasses.  Even today, a long list of celebrities like Q-Tip, Jay Z, Raheem DeVaughn, Nas, Jill Scott, Dame Dash and some artsy common folk still rock a cool pair of 607s. It shows that when something great is created no matter how old it becomes it stands the test of time and becomes classic.





Old school photos courtesy of photographer Jamel Shabazz

J*Davey performs "Queen Of Wonderland" live!

Looks like J*Davey is back with another new song called "Queen Of Wonderland"!  This song was performed live at Redbull studios in London and will be on their major label release called "New Designer Drug". This song has a "New Wave" groove that I dig. It's reminiscent of the British invasion back in the 80's.

Watching this video I felt inspired by the quality of camera work by PinBoard Films. For the folks that follow this group I think it's safe to say that we're happy to hear that the album is FINALLY coming out after years of talk.

Unfamiliar with J*Davey? check them out at www.jdaveybaby.com/

New project by Kaidi Tatham called "Kaidi's 5ive"

Kaidi Tatham is a extremely talented producer/Pianist from the United Kingdom. Kaidi has been apart of Broken Beat groups in the UK such as Bugz in The Attic and collaborated with Silhouette Brown. Kaidi's last project in 2008 was called "In Search Of Hope" which received high praise from his fans.

This time Kaidi has a new project "5ive" with Jazz Re:freshed.  Jazz Re:fresh is a record label and musical movement that holds weekly live Jazz gigs in West London.  Plenty of heavyweight Jazz singers and musicians have blessed their stage. Check out their site ... http://jazzrefreshed.com/

If your open to a new sound and have an ear for Jazz fusion please check out Kaidi Tatham's EP "5ive" at http://jazzrefreshed.bandcamp.com/album/kaidis-5ive.

 

New Black Rob! "Celebration" [music video]

This joint is hot!! Finally a great summer jam this year and former Bad Boy artist Black Rob delivers.

I've always enjoyed music tracks like this one and it's proves commercial songs don't have to sound corny.  I love videos showing folks having a great time at a cookout.  You feel a sense of family among friends. Also, I'm glad Black Rob is out of jail and doing better for himself.

 Black Rob has a new album on Duck Down records called "Game Tested, Streets Approved" that dropped on July 26th. Check it out on iTunes, emusic etc...


Behind the scenes of the video

A Tribe Called Quest documentary screening coming!!!

I know I've been away for a while but I've been focusing mostly on my health lately and the improvement of my craft (an ongoing quest for everyone).

A Tribe Called Quest has been my favorite group since "Bonita Applebum". Washington D.C. is one of the lucky cities to receive a screening date and I will be there!!  It's going to bring back great high school memories.

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest release schedule:
07/08 – New York, NY @ Sunshine
07/08 – New York, NY @ Empire
07/08 – New York, NY @ Magic Johnson
07/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ Arclight Hollywoof
07/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ Century City 15
07/08 – Los Angeles, CA @Criterion Santa Monica
07/15 – San Francisco, CA @ Metreon
07/15 – San Francisco, CA @ Kabuki
07/15 – Chicago, IL @ Century Centre
07/15 – Chicago, IL @ River East
07/15 – Chicago, IL @ CineArts Evanston
07/15 – Washington, D.C. @ E- Street
07/15 – Washington, D.C. @ Georgetown
07/15 – Washington, D.C. @ Bethesda Row
07/15 – Washington, D.C. @ Shirlington
07/15 – Washington, D.C. @ Magic Johnson
07/22 – San Diego, CA @ Hillcrest
07/22 – Boston, MA @ Kendall Square
07/22 – Boston, MA @ Boston Commons
07/22 – Boston, MA @ Embassy Waltham
07/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Ritz 5
07/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Ritz Center Voorhees
07/22 – Minneapolis, MN @ Uptown
07/22 – Atlanta, GA @ Midtown
07/22 – Atlanta, GA @ Phipps Plaza
07/22 – San Francisco, CA @ Shattuck
07/22 – San Francisco, CA @ Century Mountain View
07/22 – San Francisco, CA @ Marin Sausalito
07/22 – San Francisco, CA @ CineArts Santaana Row San Jose
07/29 – Dallas, TX @ Angelika
07/29 – Dallas, TX @ Angelika Plano
07/29 – Houston, TX @ Edwards Greenway
07/29 – Austin, TX @ Violet Crown
07/29 – Austin, TX @ Arbor
07/29 – Seattle, WA @ Pacific Place
07/29 – Seattle, WA @ Metro
07/29 – Seattle, WA @ Licoln Square Bellevue
07/29 – Portland, OR @ Cinema 21
07/29 – Milwaukee, WI @ Oriental
07/29 – Detroit, MI @ Uptown Birmingham
08/05 – Phoenix, AZ @ Tempe Marketplace
08/05 – Madison, WI @ Sundancen Cinemas
08/05 – Miami, FL @ Regal South Beach
08/05 – St. Louis, MO @ Tivoli
08/05 – Cleveland, OH @ Cedar Lee
08/05 – Cincinatti, OH @ Esquire
08/05 – Honolulu, HI @ Kahala
08/12 – San Antonio, TX @ Bijou
08/12 – San Antonio, TX @ AMC Huebner
08/12 – Columbus, OH @ Gateway
08/12 – Columbus, OH @ AMX Lennox
08/12 – Dayton, OH @ Neon Movies
08/12 – Kansas City, MO @ Palace
08/12 – Kansas City, MO @ AMC Studio Olathe
08/12 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Broadway
08/12 – Indianapolis, IN @ Keystone Art
08/12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Regent
08/12 – New Orleans, LA @ Canal Place
08/12 – New Orleans, LA @ Elmwod
08/12 – Charlotte, NC @ Manor
08/12 – Raleigh, NC @ Colony Raleigh
08/12 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Chelsea Chapel Hill

New J*DaVeY music video called "Raincheck"

I've been a J*Davey fan for a while now and I'm glad to see them still have a pulse to do music. Since following them I've always had respect for them and other groups that love to push the envelope artistically.

Although J*Davey has moved away from there early funk sound I still dig some of their experimental songs. The song "Raincheck" off their "Evil Christian Cop: The Great Mistapes" EP is a perfect example of this. Also, when watching the video it's hard to not notice a very sexy Miss Jack Davey "working the hell out of her" slim body. Ladies, sometimes you don't always need to be voluptuous to be sexy. A lot of it has to do with how you carry yourself.

J*Davey is currently on tour with rapper Blu. For more details check http://www.jdaveybaby.com/

"J.Dilla: Still Shining" documentary

J Dilla is one of the best to do it. This is a great documentary by B.Kyle for Gifted Films Inc. and it's about J Dilla's life featuring all the folks that were blessed to be around him. The description of how Dilla memorized his records and chops the beats in his head before he even touches his drum machine is amazing. This is definitely worth watching if your a music lover.

J Dilla is missed by so many of us. His work ethic is such an inspiration to me.

A Documentary called "Undercity" by Andrew Wonder

I saw this documentary on Vimeo that caught by attention a couple days ago. It starts with a man named Steve Duncan who's an urban historian/explorer and Photographer. Steve followed by Cinematographer Andrew Wonder go to a forgotten City Hall subway station in Brooklyn NY that was built in 1904. Andrew does a great job in capturing the dangers of Steve's quest to explore abandon but historical places.

Steve Duncan is definitely wired different from the average person being that he'll risk stiff fines if arrested or death if he falls from bridge climbing.

I enjoyed this video because I felt like I was along the journey with them even though I'd never do something like this.

check out www.undercity.org

A music video I made for up and coming rapper June Da Kid

Back in '09 on one of my shoots I met MD rapper June Da Kid. We talked and he expressed interest in a music video for one of his tracks. From there we exchanged contact info and we did a one day shoot for a song called "The Makings".

On the day we shot the video June shared a lot of his family tree and personal tragedies involving childhood friends and family. He told me the concept of the video is going to bring light to those tragedies and show despite his losses he's become a stronger person.

June Da Kid has a project called "I'm Living" coming soon