This past Saturday I had the opportunity to attend a concert featuring Algebra and friends. Algebra is an R&B/Soul singer from Atlanta that has been making waves for the past few years. The show was PHENOMENAL! Algebra gave one of the best shows I've seen in a while.
I first learned about Algebra a couple of years ago when my business partner was doing some work with Kedar Entertainment South. At the time, Algebra was a new artist signed to Kedar Entertainment and I had the opportunity to see her perform at the Vibe Fest in Atlanta for the first time. It was a wonderful performance. Her lyrics are so personable and relatable that you feel like you are having a conversation with a girlfriend who just happens to be on stage with a full band.
After she opened the show, she allowed the audience to experience Rahbi. Rahbi was fabulous! His stage show was so entertaining and full of energy that the audience couldn't help but love him. Check him out online at: www.rahbimusic.com.
After Rahbi wowed the crowd, Malachi came out and gave us a taste of his music. I've seen Malachi perform in the past and I'm a big fan of his live performances. He has a soulful, hip hop vibe that draws you in when he performs. Check out his website: www.hustlinboy.com.
Once Malachi performed, one of Algebra's background singers stepped to the forefront and rocked the house. Erica Smith had so much energy that I'm now a fan of hers too. I love it when R&B/Soul singers have a rock edge. As soon as I find her myspace or website, I will share it with you.
After Erica, we had a nice surprise. Grammy winning songwriter/producer Bryan-Michael Cox got on stage and performed some of hits for us. We all know him as a great producer and songwriter but I had no idea he was a singer. Well he added an extra dimension to the show, if that was even possible.
Once we were so full of great music and even greater performances, Algebra came back out and performed several more songs. She sang with her band and did an acoustic set with just her and a guitar that was awesome. Then she blessed us with good news that her album will be out Feb. 26. I'm quite excited because I've been waiting for an album from her ever since I first saw her perform at the Vibe Fest in 2005.
If you ever get the chance the see Algebra perform live, don't sleep on it. Jump at the opportunity. You won't regret it. In the meantime, check out her myspace page: www.myspace.com/algebrablessett.
January 21, 2008
January 20, 2008
Holy Hip Hop!
Friday, January 18, I had the opportunity to attend the 2008 Holy Hip Hop Artist Showcase at Center Stage at the CW Megaplex in Atlanta. I was there to support an artist I've been working with for the past couple of years, Tigah and an artist I just started working with, Credo Clay.
Both Tigah and Credo Clay are talented rap artists that are a part of the record label owned by my business partner, Troy and Tigah, called Solomon Sheppard Music. They are rappers that talk about God and good, clean living in their rhymes. For more information about Tigah, visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/tigahtraxx For more information about Credo Clay, visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/credoclay.
The showcase was very interesting. I haven't been able to really get into gospel or inspirational rap music because it tends to sound very watered down to me, but I do like Tigah and Credo's music. When I went to the showcase, I had high hopes that it would be an interesting and uplifting event.
Unfortunately it wasn't. Although Tigah and Credo did very well in their performances, the other artists confused me a bit. As we walked into Center Stage, I heard the chorus to a song that was really popular in the clubs over a year ago. This bothered me because as the night progressed I noticed a trend. A lot of the artists were simply "converting" secular rap songs and making them gospel rap songs. Not only did this make me cringe due to the limit it put on creativity, but some of the songs they were "converting" were not great songs to "gospelize".
Also the showcase felt like any other type of showcase that I've attended that wasn't for holy hip hop, only without the noticeable smell of smoke and drinking. While I appreciate the spirit of holy hip hop and gospel rap, I would prefer the artists make more of an effort to truly create good, clean rap music without feeling the need to "convert" popular secular songs by changing certain words. Overall it was an event that I would encourage more people to check out. More people should be aware that not all hip hop music is about money, sex, partying and loose women. Now don't get me wrong, Holy Hip Hop is a good concept and a great way to broaden the scope of hip hop and rap music, so read up on it. Besides, its a great way for young kids to experience hip hop and rap music with their parents blessing and clean lyrics.
For more information about Solomon Sheppard Music and the Truth Music Movement, check out the website www.solomonsheppardmusic.com.
For more information about Holy Hip Hop, check out the website www.holyhiphop.com
Both Tigah and Credo Clay are talented rap artists that are a part of the record label owned by my business partner, Troy and Tigah, called Solomon Sheppard Music. They are rappers that talk about God and good, clean living in their rhymes. For more information about Tigah, visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/tigahtraxx For more information about Credo Clay, visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/credoclay.
The showcase was very interesting. I haven't been able to really get into gospel or inspirational rap music because it tends to sound very watered down to me, but I do like Tigah and Credo's music. When I went to the showcase, I had high hopes that it would be an interesting and uplifting event.
Unfortunately it wasn't. Although Tigah and Credo did very well in their performances, the other artists confused me a bit. As we walked into Center Stage, I heard the chorus to a song that was really popular in the clubs over a year ago. This bothered me because as the night progressed I noticed a trend. A lot of the artists were simply "converting" secular rap songs and making them gospel rap songs. Not only did this make me cringe due to the limit it put on creativity, but some of the songs they were "converting" were not great songs to "gospelize".
Also the showcase felt like any other type of showcase that I've attended that wasn't for holy hip hop, only without the noticeable smell of smoke and drinking. While I appreciate the spirit of holy hip hop and gospel rap, I would prefer the artists make more of an effort to truly create good, clean rap music without feeling the need to "convert" popular secular songs by changing certain words. Overall it was an event that I would encourage more people to check out. More people should be aware that not all hip hop music is about money, sex, partying and loose women. Now don't get me wrong, Holy Hip Hop is a good concept and a great way to broaden the scope of hip hop and rap music, so read up on it. Besides, its a great way for young kids to experience hip hop and rap music with their parents blessing and clean lyrics.
For more information about Solomon Sheppard Music and the Truth Music Movement, check out the website www.solomonsheppardmusic.com.
For more information about Holy Hip Hop, check out the website www.holyhiphop.com
January 16, 2008
AVN 2008
Well last week I went to Vegas and attended the AVN Expo, otherwise known as the Porn Convention. It was an interesting event to say the least. I went with a couple of business associates of mine who have an adult t-shirt line. We wanted to go and promote the t-shirts while making contacts with people who work in the adult entertainment industry. It was my first time attending an event like that. I've seen them on HBO in the past (remember the series, Real Sex) but never actually attended. Overall it was an enjoyable outing. I got some direct insight into the adult entertainment industry and the people at the event really responded well to the shirts. Here are some pictures from the event:
Check out the shirts and if you like them, keep checking back for updates. The website should be up and running soon. I will post an announcement then and shirts will be available for purchase on the website.
Unfortunately this trip didn't really qualify as debauchery for me due to the lack of partying and dancing but I plan on remedying that on my next trip to Vegas, tentatively scheduled for April. And now I rest...
Check out the shirts and if you like them, keep checking back for updates. The website should be up and running soon. I will post an announcement then and shirts will be available for purchase on the website.
Unfortunately this trip didn't really qualify as debauchery for me due to the lack of partying and dancing but I plan on remedying that on my next trip to Vegas, tentatively scheduled for April. And now I rest...
January 06, 2008
And so it begins...
So far 2008 has gone well for me. I've been taking things easy and resting a lot in preparation for the whirlwind of a year that is ahead of me. Over the weekend I celebrated the first of a year full of big birthdays. It was fairly low key but the birthday girl had a lot of fun so I'm happy because of it.
I have a lot of things that I prepared for in 2007 that I plan on executing in 2008, both professionally and personally. I'm excited as the year lays out ahead of me but I know it will require a lot of work and take a lot of energy so I want to keep the need for rest in mind.
Next week, I'm going to Las Vegas with two of my business partners at M.Blush Apparel. We're going to the adult entertainment convention to network and build some contacts for our burgeoning adult t-shirt line. I will share all of the details of our adventures in Vegas and post some pictures of our t-shirt line when I return.
I have a lot of things that I prepared for in 2007 that I plan on executing in 2008, both professionally and personally. I'm excited as the year lays out ahead of me but I know it will require a lot of work and take a lot of energy so I want to keep the need for rest in mind.
Next week, I'm going to Las Vegas with two of my business partners at M.Blush Apparel. We're going to the adult entertainment convention to network and build some contacts for our burgeoning adult t-shirt line. I will share all of the details of our adventures in Vegas and post some pictures of our t-shirt line when I return.
January 03, 2008
It's 2008!
Happy New Year!
As 2008 comes rolling in, I am optimistic. I haven't written in a while but it was for good reason. I had the opportunity to work on two television shows. One was called Dallas Austin presents: Drumroll. It was a reality show that followed students in the marching band at Southwest Dekalb High School in Decatur, Ga. It was my first experience in a reality setting of that sort. Before that I had only worked on American Idol which is much more confined to one space. This show entailed following the kids around at school, home, out to dinner, at games, etc. It was tiring but interesting. I learned a lot about directing the camera and what's most effective in creating an interesting reality show.
The second show I worked on was called "Brutha". That's actually a working title and I'm not sure what the final title is yet. It was a show about an up and coming R&B group. They are a group of brothers who can sing, dance, perform and charm the ladies. They just got signed to Def Jam and are being touted as the next Jackson 5. I can agree because the guys are very likable and talented.
Both shows were being shot for Peachtree TV, a local TBS affiliate. Drumroll aired and received a great response. Brutha hasn't aired yet but I will post an announcement when its scheduled to air.
Now I'm resting up some before things kick in again. I plan on having quite a few adventures this year. I've dubbed 2008 as "The Year of Debauchery". This is a big birthday year for me and I plan on celebrating all year. I will be back more regularly to share my professional and personal adventures with you.
Stay tuned...
As 2008 comes rolling in, I am optimistic. I haven't written in a while but it was for good reason. I had the opportunity to work on two television shows. One was called Dallas Austin presents: Drumroll. It was a reality show that followed students in the marching band at Southwest Dekalb High School in Decatur, Ga. It was my first experience in a reality setting of that sort. Before that I had only worked on American Idol which is much more confined to one space. This show entailed following the kids around at school, home, out to dinner, at games, etc. It was tiring but interesting. I learned a lot about directing the camera and what's most effective in creating an interesting reality show.
The second show I worked on was called "Brutha". That's actually a working title and I'm not sure what the final title is yet. It was a show about an up and coming R&B group. They are a group of brothers who can sing, dance, perform and charm the ladies. They just got signed to Def Jam and are being touted as the next Jackson 5. I can agree because the guys are very likable and talented.
Both shows were being shot for Peachtree TV, a local TBS affiliate. Drumroll aired and received a great response. Brutha hasn't aired yet but I will post an announcement when its scheduled to air.
Now I'm resting up some before things kick in again. I plan on having quite a few adventures this year. I've dubbed 2008 as "The Year of Debauchery". This is a big birthday year for me and I plan on celebrating all year. I will be back more regularly to share my professional and personal adventures with you.
Stay tuned...
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