Monday, July 25, 2011


After the devastating lost of Amy Winehouse (whom I will be doing a post and video on later), many people have been talking about the legend and mystery behind the 27 Club. This, being a group of entertainers that died at the age of 27, like Amy. Indeed this is a very eerie, yet common coincidence with artists. But it just recently came to my attention that another artist died at this age ,as well. The late, GREAT Jacob "Killer" Miller.

Jacob Miller was one of Reggae's rising stars throughout the 70s. Born in Mandeville, Jamaica in 1952, he soon moved to Kingston where he began to recognize his love for Reggae music. At the age of 16, he began to record at Studio One, a legendary record label and studio, and began to cut songs for Clement "Coxsone" Dodd and Augustus Pablo. There he recorded hits like, "Love Is A Message (Keep On Knocking)", "Who Say Jah No Dread" and "Each One Teach One". When 1974 rolled around, he then joined the well known Reggae group, Inner Circle, that were known throughout Jamaica for their covers of American Pop songs. After this union, things took off. With songs like, "Tired Fi Lick Weed Inna Bush", "We a Rockers" and "Tenement Yard" being birthed from this group, they knew they could make no wrong steps.

And although Jacob was notably recognized for his music, it was his faith in Rastafarianism and his love for his African roots and culture that drove him to be the person that he was. During this time, there were many artists that claimed to be Rastas and down for "Rasta livity", but many people felt that they were frauds. Jacob was all about reality and the de-commercialization of Jamaican culture and you would often hear him talk about it in his songs and during performances. He was a true activist in his own right and had a beautiful spirit that people loved and were attracted to.

As he continually made music, he was also featured in the 1978 film, Rockers. This film single handedly introduced the world to Reggae music at its height throughout the 70s. Jacob and many other Reggae artists and bands; such as, Gregory Issacs, Leroy Smart, Kiddus I, Big Youth, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace and Inner Circle were featured in this film that has went down in history as one of the greatest documentaries to display Jamaican culture and the true roots of Reggae music.


Things could go nowhere but up for Jacob Miller. But in 1980, after Jacob was involved in a terrible car accident, he died at the age of 27. Until this day, people still talk about how devastating his death was and how his future was so promising. There was no other artist like Jacob, his music, his spirit and his voice are incomparable to any other artist that were out then and even now. I highly recommend that you all view the videos that I have posted of Jacob, he was truly one of a kind. We will continually life his spirit up as one of the greatest Reggae artists to ever do it!












Friday, July 22, 2011







These are a few of the video pictures that Pitchfork.com put up of some of the artists and groups that performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival 2011. I think they are so creative and absolutely adorable. My favorite has to be of Toro y Moi (right above), it looks like he is really day dreaming doesn't it? To see more of these pictures and read reviews of the concert go to their website and check it out.

This should surely brighten up everyone's day! Have a great weekend!

Mo' pics

So I'm sure you all have heard of Mary J. Blige, Notorious BIG, Mos Def and Erykah Badu, right? And you probably dig their music, right? Well if it was not for one man and his tremendous influence on music throughout the 70s, then its pretty safe to say that their music and sound would not be what it is today.

Roy Ayers, musical genius, intellectual and downright cold brother has been making music for over 50 years. His music has spread around the world and has been recognized as a sound that no one has even been able to replicate since its creation. The lyrics, the instrumentation and that infamous vibraphone has blessed millions of our ears either through his own work or through sampling of his music by countless artists and bands.

With that being said, Roy Ayers in a sense is an unsung contributor to the creation and evolution of music. Whether it be Hip Hop, R&B, and even Dance, his music has been intertwined into these genres and many people do not even know it. It has been time for Mr. Ayers to receive his just due for what he gave to us through music, and I am so happy to present this to you...


Behold, The Roy Ayers Project! This project is a documentary that is simply focusing on exposing the life, musical journey and mind of Roy Ayers. It is also a movement that allows artists of any kind to pay homage to Mr. Ayers through art, music or even dance. Just seeing how this whole project is unfolding is amazing, and how many people he has truly blessed with his music is even more moving.

A trailer for the documentary was released a couple days ago, and it is a true tease to what is in store for viewers. I cannot express how happy I am to see so many people showing love to Roy Ayers, it is long over due and it is only the beginning.



The Roy Ayers Project

Monday, July 18, 2011






Shabazz Palaces is a group that is very hard to explain. With few interviews available throughout the internet, it is hard to really put a face/personality with this group. But the music really does it for you.

This incredibly interesting group consists of two members, Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler of the legendary Hip Hop group Digable Planets and Tendai Maraire; both hailing from Seattle, Washington. And ever since their beginning stages as a duo back in 2009/2010, this group has kept a low profile and has received buzz through dedicated fans, music blogs and Youtube videos.

Many may ask what is so extraordinary about this group; why so much hype?... And the reason is because of their sound. It is significantly different than any other music that is out there right now. At first listen, it is hard to put a "label" or to assign this group to any genre because the way the music meshes together amongst all of the instruments and beats is incredible.


After the release of two EPs, this group has signed with SubPop Records and has released their first full length album entitled, Black Up, which has received rave reviews amongst many media sites and blogs. And there is no need to doubt that the unique sound that exudes from this album is the cause of this.

From beginning to end, this album is a classic. From songs like Are you... Can You...Were You? (Felt) which explains the feelings of everyday life to the haunting, yet addictive beat of An Echo From The Hosts That Profess Infinitum and the smooth and bass-filled song, Recollection of The Wraith where Palaceer Lazaro (Butler) speaks about "clearing space out so we can space out" ...This album is truly one of a kind and will definitely have you spaced out.



What I, and I am sure many SP listeners appreciate the most about this group is that they are really refreshing our ears to a wave of new music that has never truly been heard before...And if it has, it has not been tapped into the way Shabazz Palaces has. The fusion of Hip Hop, Dance and Afro-beat that I hear from this album really takes me outside of the normal music that I hear on the radio or that is pushed by mainstream media.

The time has already come for this wave to come in and people are truly receiving it. Shabazz Palaces has a very bright future as far as music goes and their choice to step outside of the box with their whole persona as a group, including their music is commendable. I suggest EVERYONE go cop this album or at least listen to some of their songs and just be inspired by their individuality.

Here is a video of me going into further detail about Shabazz Palaces and this album, ENJOY!




SubPop.com for Shabazz Palaces

Sunday, July 17, 2011


Kelis has done it again. She has proven why she is a fashion and style icon.



This weekend, Kelis performed at the Bristol Gay Pride festival and has reminded us why we love her style so much. She is just so dope. Those bedazzled pumps, to the jumpsuit, to the blue hairpiece. Nobody can do it like this woman. Who can wear a light beige Sam Browne Belt and make it look like an ordinary fashion piece..... KELIS CAN!

Enjoy and be inspired! Peace

p.s. This is why blue is my favorite color

Photos courtesy of Bossip.com

Tuesday, July 12, 2011


"I don't know what it is...."

But Tuesdays have always been weird days to me. And when I say weird I don't mean scary or anything.....It is such a layback, relax, meditate and think life over type of days....Eerie things happen on Tuesdays, in my opinion. I must do more research on this day.

With that being said, this song really describes today's mood for me. It is very hot in Cincinnati today (92F) which would make most people irritated, but it actually makes me more still and observant....Like an owl......And the mood of this song captures just that.


How has yalls' (yes, I said it...yalls) day been going?
Whatever you do, stay cool ;-) Peace



Light Calligraphy by Julien Breton

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Jasmin Rodriguez, also known as, Vintage Vandalizm is a model and fashion blogger. She just recently posted pictures on her blog of her outing at the Jazz Age Festival on Governors Island and she looked stunning.


From her long sleeved mid-drift top and skirt to what I like to call her "Punjab" Arabian turban, she really stepped out. What I like is that if you were to look at her items of clothing, separately, you would think that this outfit would be more of a misfit, but she pulls it off tremendously. That is the beauty of fashion, or should I say, style.

Lovin' your style, sis!

Photos courtesy of VintageVandalizm.com

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

"And the summer gets even better"



Yesterday, Flying Lotus released a mixtape of some of his favorite songs entitled, Lovers Melt 2. This over 2 hour long mix of old school, jazz, R&B, soul and 60s psychedelic hits will have you SET for the summer.

He was actually thinking about not releasing it until later on in the year, but thank God he didn't.

Enjoy this mix, guys! It will be sure to have you grooving all summer, and even into 2012!

Download
 

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