THEMARKSMEN.NET - IN-FOCUS

Marksmen Rich Medina is a Master of The Mix

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 11:00:00 -700

Rich Medina is a fixture in the Philadelphia nightlife scene, but holds residencies at prominent venues across the country, including the infamous Little Ricky’s Rib Shack parties at APT and Wednesday nights La Poisson Rouge in NYC. Basically, if you mention Jump N' Funk music anywhere on the East Coast (and beyond), you’re mentioning Rich Medina. Amidst his hectic DJ schedule, Rich has sparked a passion for production and remixes as a member of The Marksmen Guerrilla Production Network. Look out for the upcoming AfroStreet collaborations with brother Mark including a Remix of Fela's "Zombie" performed by the cast of the Broadway musical, the Michael Jackson vs. Fela Kuti Mashup Project at MJEFLA.com, and Brit new comer, Rox.

Russell Runs with The Marksmen

Monday, November 22, 2010 13:46:00 -700

Behind every good man is a great woman, but behind every American mogul stands several great women. PictureThisTV and Oxygen Networks present Running Russell Simmons featuring music produced by The Marksmen Guerrilla Production Network.

The upcoming docu-series "Running Russell Simmons" offers an exclusive peek at the life of Russell Simmons -- entrepreneur, entertainment and fashion icon, philanthropist, and yogi --and the powerful team that helps to keep the machine running. Simmons' assistants not only know the ins and outs of his business deals, but also have a hand in managing his family life and party planning: a 24/7 commitment.

Simone and Christina serve as Simmons' closest confidantes, fierce gatekeepers, philanthropic czars, business liaisons, and more. The series will also feature Adair, Trish, and Piper, who keep operations running seamlessly. Ali and Sagen are Simone and Christina's new interns who struggle to maintain the hectic pace that running Russell Simmons demands.

The HOUSE of GLAM gets flashy with the Marksmen

Friday, November 12, 2010 10:03:00 -700

Lez Lemon, Sammy Jay, Mike Frade, DJ Kamron, and many more Marksmen outfitted the new Oxygen Network Reality Show "House of Glam" with a hardcore pop sound to fit the personalities of the B.Lynn stylist agency. Check the promo below and tune in on Oxygen.

The Marksmen & PUMA go to Africa with Syrup

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 11:52:00 -700

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, Ocote Soul Sounds, FireTongue, and FIngas go back to the Motherland with PUMA for the 2010 World Cup in a beautiful piece skillfully crafty by agency, Syrup.

J-Live Drops New Site

Thursday, April 22, 2010 4:20:03 -700

New site, new single, check me out

Peace Yawl

I am proud to officially announce that J-LIVEMUSIC.COM is back open for business. For those of you not brand new to the music, you’re probably thinking, “FINALLY DAMNIT”. Indeed… indeed. Took a while. And that’s not to say there’s not much more to be done, but here we are.

You’ll notice in the little column to the right there’s a list of songs. Atop the list you’ll find the lastest recording “The Way That I Rhyme”. Check it out, and feel free to drop a comment here. We will be releasing to press in a week or so so if you wish to blog about it or review or post, just drop us a line.

In the meantime, let this be your one stop shop for all things J-Live. Touch all the bases. Press as many buttons as you like. Take a look around. This is only the beginning.

Marksmen, J-Live

http://j-livemusic.com/

PROPS moves to Le Poisson Rouge, May 12 2010

Monday, March 08, 2010 1:42:22 -700

Props moves from Love! c ya!

FOR THE TRUE FANS OF LITTLE RICKY’S RIB SHACK AT APT….

Rich and I have decided to move PROPS to a new venue.

Love wasn't the right thing for a few reasons.

we know that we have something special going on and we have to take care of that.

so, we are moving PROPS to the gallery bar at Le Poisson Rouge starting May 12th.

here's some words from the desk of Rich Medina.

Peace and love,

We want to thank everyone who has supported PROPS, since we moved into LOVE almost 2 months ago now. The party has been incredible so far, and we couldn’t have made the move so smoothly without the support of all of you. In an effort to maintain that support and keep you informed, we are making it public that we have decided to discontinue our relationship at LOVE as of this past Wednesday night. Shouts to MeanRed for the facilitations, and shouts to LOVE for giving us a chance to test our party out over there, but we are moving on. The decision was made by Akalepse and myself, and there was no shady business from LOVE to be clear. Square pegs simply do not fit into round holes more often than not. A weekly party like ours feels like a square peg to LOVE’s currently round hole, and we need a proper fit. No more, no less, and no hard feelings. Perhaps there is a more fitting linkage for us in the future, but for now it’s a wrap.

PROPS will resume play on Wednesday nights at The Gallery Bar at Le Poisson Rouge starting on May 12th. We will be on pause for the next few weeks regrouping and reintroducing the party. For those who miss the subtle swankiness of APT on wednesdays for the last 9 years, we think you will find this move most satisfying. Music and a small classy room can go a long way together. We’re hoping to see you all out rocking with us on our opening night at LPR, which once again will be Wednesday May 12th, 2010.

HELP HAITI NOW! Text YELE to 501501

Thursday, January 14, 2010 10:07:25 -700

Join Marksman Jerry Wonda and Wyclef Jean in emergency relief efforts

STATEMENT BY WYCLEF JEAN ON HAITI EARTHQUAKE

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 02:05PM

“Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake – and several very strong aftershocks – struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince.

I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now.

President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands ‘ready to assist’ the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible.”

Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can click here to DONATE.

Thank you,
Wyclef

The regular Yele Haiti website will resume in a couple of weeks. In the meantime our focus is on providing real-time information about the situation in Haiti.

Marksmen Community Outreach in Chicago

Wednesday, August 05, 2009 1:23:55 -700

Along with Community Activist Chris Mallette

This summer Harper Students were given the opportunity to participate in summer activities while earning money for it. Yes, that's right!. Students earned money while learning new skills and having fun.

Last school year, as a strategy to help curb some of the gun violence in the Englewood Community around Harper High School Commander Keith Calloway of the 7th District Chicago Police Department went to Harper High School's Principal Ms. Kenyatta Stansberry to meet about how they could work together on such a huge task. He requested to meet regularly with 20 male students who tend to be the most at risk or vulnerable to either becoming victims or perpetrators of gun violence. He brought in one of his own - Officer Rafael Yanez for programming and requested the assistance of Glen McCarthy from the Office of School Turnaround and Chris Mallette from the Mayor's Office. They formed a partnership and agreed to meet with the students every Thursday afternoon at Harper High School over pizza and soft drinks to talk, listen, and mentor the group.

As a result of relationship building that formed a bond and the desire of the adults to keep the group together over the summer Glen McCarthy took the lead on developing an Urban Leadership Development Summer Program. The purpose of this initiative was to keep the group together to continue the mentorship, to refine and develop the leadership potential that the kids already possess, and leverage their influence in the school building for creating, promoting, and sustaining peace as part of a peace council. How did they do it?

CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION!

Mr. McCarthy crafted a program that utilized paid participation, media arts, and weekly field trips to get the student's "buy in" while all along planning to leverage those program components to teach discipline and both social and marketable skills. First, the parents where brought in for a program orientation to go over goals, objectives, rules and expectations by mandating it as a prerequisite for student participation. Then he brought in a music sampler/ beat machine and studio recording equipment.

The students spent a week watching documentaries about everything from Hip-hop and Chicago street gangs to policies, myths, stereotypes, and misrepresentations that negatively affect minority communities.

Chicago Public Schools committed to paying each student $500 to participate over the summer. The Chicago Police Department came through BIG TIME! Commander Callowayhelped out with resources such as securing transportation for weekly field trips (free of charge to the program), booking their field trip to the Police Academy, and deploying Officer Rafael Yanez who participated 2-3 times a week as a mentor and weekly chaperone/ driver for field trips scheduled for every Thursday. Officer Yanez did a great job connecting with and earning the respect of the students.

Detective Clifton Underwood is the Coordinator for CPD's We Care Role Model and Peer Jury programs. He came in as a motivational speaker and gave a great talk about making good decisions and the value of education, and presented a powerful and moving personal story. In addition, Detective Underwood took responsibility for securing weekly field trips for the group. The students visited Malcolm X College, the Chicago Fire Academy, and Chicago-Kent School of Law. There were many more educational field trips that he secured for the group but unfortunately there was not enough time during the program to do them all.

Chris Mallette was very instrumental in coming by periodically to hang out, motivate, and encourage the students. He also brought in Hip-hop Producer Mark Hines of Marksmen Productions in New York to talk to the students about the music industry and teach them the basic fundamentals of Hip-hop music production through presentation and hands on training. He helped the students see how Hip-hop music production is a marketable skill that is now in high demand in the video game and film industry. Of course Mr. Hines encouraged them to stay in school and explained the importance of education. He himself is a Princeton graduate and has worked with Hip-hop mogul Russell Simons, has produced music for Hip-hop superstar 50 Cent and Neo Soul Artist Jill Scott. In addition to arranging that meeting Mr. Mallette secured and participated in a night of bowling, arcade games and Laser tag for the students at the Brunswick Zone sponsored by New Life Covenant Church Oakwood.

Be looking out for the Men of Honor summer program documentary that will feature "The Streets Ain't Me" rap song by Harper students: Jarvis Smith, Devonte Hall, and James Allen. The students' debut performance will be at Harper's back to school bar-b-que on August 28th. For more info about the program contact Glen McCarthy -Office of School Turnaround/ Chicago Public Schools

AfroStreet team-up to flip Jill Scott classics

Sunday, August 02, 2009 3:57:35 -700

for HBO's No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Hidden Beach records is toying with the concept of an AfroBeat remix record of classics from Jilly from Philly to accompany her debut as Precious Ramotswe in the HBO Series,"The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency".

The first major film/TV project to be shot entirely on location in Botswana, 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' is based on the best-selling novels by Alexander McCall Smith and co-written and executive produced by Richard Curtis and the late Anthony Minghella.

Like McCall's novels, the series chronicles the adventures of Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott), the cheerful, eminently sensible proprietor of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, located in the Kgale Hill Shopping Center on the outskirts of Gaborone. Aided by her efficient yet high-strung secretary Grace Makutsi (Anika Noni Rose), Precious investigates a variety of cases, helping townspeople solve mysteries in their lives, from missing children to philandering husbands to con-artist scams.

Hidden Beach Records tapped the Afro Beat remix duo "AfroStreet" (Mark Hines & Rich Medina) to update and throwback classics like "Cross My Mind", "Love Rain", "Is It The Way", and "Brother".

Check out a sample below

Bobbito + Rich Medina drop The Connection

Sunday, August 02, 2009 3:28:13 -700

Modern Explorations in Afro-Beat and Afro-Latin

“The Connection is a collective idea,” explains Bobbito. “Back in 2003 I did the Earthtones compilation for Kyri at R2 and I felt ridiculously proud of the art work (by HVW8) on that album and how it all came together. For years, we’ve talked about doing a follow up and when I found out that he was talking to Rich it seemed like a good idea to do a collaborative project that tied into some of things that we are doing together.”

As DJs they are both doctors in every genre that’s soulful and positive and relish the element of surprise in what they do. Shaping a compilation can be a treat but it’s also an art. “As a collector it makes you a little bit vulnerable,” reflects Rich. “We’re not the first guys in the world to do a compilation, there’s some very smart things been put out there over the years and there’s a bar to be met. You’ve got to hit a certain standard, a certain depth. So, firstly, we were very focussed on the idea of how we differentiate ourselves from other albums of a similar style and, secondly, we made sure that we complemented the theme we’d agreed to.”

Modern Explorations in Afro-Beat and Afro-Latin

“I’ve never seen another compilation album that attacks modern releases in Afrobeat and Latin simultaneously.” adds Bobbito. “Most comps tend to be rooted in the 60s and 70s, which is everybody’s favourite time ‘cause it was such a vibrant era. We wanted to focus on groups that are out there now and making dope shit and then throw in a couple of nuggets from the older era for the collectors.”

The lynchpin of this comp is that they have straddled a space that a lot of people have missed the boat on. Just listen to tracks from bands like Aiff, Grupo X,The Daktaris, Ruth Tafebe and Afrorockerz, Candela All Stars, Franck Biyong & the Afrolectric Orchestra and Sir Victor Uwaifo. Add to the mix Rob Swift’s ‘Salsa Scratch’ and Elenita Ruiz con Conjunto - with a song featuring Bobbito’s father – and we get to savour the diversity.

Both Bobbito and Rich love deep diggin’ comps like the Soundway offerings but they also feel that it is part of their responsibility, an essential part of the job, to research and support that new generation of musicians. Following an era of “microwave superstars when there was no more slow cookin’” the future lies with those players and producers who thrive in the cross currrents that unite the diaspora.. “We need to understand what’s going on and keep our nose to the street,” stresses Rich. “Years ago, in the States, DJs were revered for breaking music and I think that's become a lost art. People are afraid of becoming maverick but I think that’s something neither of us have ever lost.”

According to Bobbito it is essential to keep redefining yourself. “Right now, it’s looking to what’s happening beneath the radar. We speak with the records that we play out. When we’re spinnin’ out together there’s still a kind of, ‘listen to this… ha, ha, I know you don’t have this record…..’ It’s a friendly thing…yeah, playful competition, that’s what happens and that’s what is manifested in the compilation as well. I definitely wanted to kick his ass with my selections. I’m not even gonna front. I wanted to listen to his disc and be like, ‘What? Where did you get that?!’ And then for him to listen to mine and be like, ‘wow, I only know one song!’

The room fills with laughter at this point and as it subsides Rich Medina, in that deep baritone voice of his, says: “And vice versa! There is no ego in our relationship. We both come to the table guns blazing.”

Paul Bradshaw – Straight No Chaser

Bobbito

Bobbito is an original B Boy. A member of the Rock Steady Crew, hip hop courses through his Puerto Rican veins alongside the rhythms of Hector Lavoe andWillie Colon. His radio show with Stretch Armstrong was legendary and his DJ moniker is DJ Cucumber Slice aka Kool Bob Love. His vinyl imprint, Fondle ‘Em, was home to artists like Kool Keith. A devout sneaker-freaker he’s the man behind the classic NY sneaker culture book ‘Where’d You Get Those?’ The life-long basket ball player and enthusiast is also an NBA commentator and publisher of his own magazine, Bounce.

Rich Medina

Bobbito’s DJ partnership with long tall Rich Medina goes back over a decade. Their Happy Feet party is currently kicking in NYC at Le Poisson Rouge. Another NYC session has Rich Medina vibin’ with Q Tip and his nights at APT have regular queues round the block. Anyone familiar with the Philly scene knows that Rich Medina’s long-standing, down’n’dirty Jump N Funk sessions provided a launchpad for the Stateside Afrobeat vanguard. As a producer Rich has worked with DJ Spinna, King Britt and Platinum Pied Pipers. His debut album Connecting The Dots dropped via Kindred Spirits.

Marksmen lock in Official Street Cat Theme on BET

Sunday, August 02, 2009 2:54:08 -700

politically conscious expose show

From "The Chop Up" to "The Official Street Cat", BET is tackling serious issues which affect the African American community. In Street Cat, The Chop Up's Sampson hits the streets of DC to talk to the people about gun violence, the state of hip-hop, political awareness and much more. Viewers are given the chance to hear what the streets are feeling about relevant urban topics. The background music and opening theme for the show were provided by a few of our talented producers; Fingas, Olu, David Kennedy and C.L.O.

It's FRIDAY

Sunday, August 02, 2009 2:51:41 -700

Lez Lemon locks theme song for MTV's new animated series

MTV and Cube Films are launching a new animated series inspired by Ice Cube's hit movie series "Friday". Marksmen Kimson Albert aka Angola Red is a lead animator on the show and when he threw the word out that the theme wasnt in place, aces from our squad stepped up to bring an updated westside sound. Lez Lemon, Lord of the Themes, locked the gig but there were plenty of dope subissions by Mr. Khaliyl, Olu, & Kasper as well as some proper vocal assistance by Maya Azucena. Shouts to John Capatuano @ MTV as well as the Kevin, the series director. The show is funny as hell. Can't wait till it drops.

MICHAEL GETS JACKED

Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:12:30 -700

The King of Pop gets remixed and ReFlixed by secret sniper team

We've lost the man but not the music. In the fine tradition of Marksmen remix albums, we present "JACKED", the Definitive Michael Jackson Remix Collection Vol. 1. COMING SOON!

In the meantime... check some ReFlixed previews of these classics

Featuring:

"Rock With You" - Marksmen Remix of the Michael Jackson Classic featuring Fingas on Production & Adam Rafferty on Guitar. Fingas flip the beat on Ableton Live 8 while also reflixing video on Arkaos VJ

"Billie Jean"

Fingas blends Jack of Spades and Jacko's Billie Jean effortlessly with Ableton Live on audio and Arkaos VJ on video

"ABC" (African Beat Class)

DJ Jazzy Jeff is a DJ HERO

Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:07:36 -700

Activision jumps off new Hero franchise

Activision today announced the newest character, DJ Jazzy Jeff, in their DJ Hero game, set to be released this fall.

Check out Jeff's "Behind the Scenes" video at http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/dj-hero/dj-hero-videos/1336832.

Tillmans Live! Igmar Thomas Trio + DJ Reborn

Saturday, August 01, 2009 1:03:30 -700

Live vocalists and instrumentalists over RAW BEATS

Tillmans Live!

(formerly Turntable Unplugged)

THURSDAY, JULY 30TH:
Artist performance by

IGMAR THOMAS TRIO

http://www.myspace.com/igmarthomas

DJ REBORN spins classic funk & soul

@ Tillmans
165 W. 26th Street between 6th & 7th
8 PM – til you go home
New York City
NO COVER

Live vocalists and instrumentalists over RAW BEATS + DJ’s Spinning Soul & Funk Rarities

Join the Marksmen for their live remix and jam sessions at New York’s freshest soul music venue, Tillmans.

Martin Perna re-emerges with 3rd Ocote Soul Album

Friday, July 31, 2009 5:43:36 -700

“Coconut Rock” hits the block!

After two stellar albums, this time around finds the duo loosened up, slipping effortlessly into their trademark psychedelic afro-latin funk groove. From the descarga rhythms of album lead-off “The Revolt of the Cockroach People” to the cumbia bounce of “Tu Fin, Mi Comienzo” to the easy guitar soundscapes of “Vendendo Saude e Fe” featuring Brazilian songstress Tita Lima,Coconut Rock is the third chapter in Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada’s unparalleled journey through sonic realms beyond!

courtesy of the GoldBrick.

Rich Medina + Fingas Upgrade JumpNFunk

Friday, July 31, 2009 3:49:42 -700

Afrobeat Live Experience Gets Re-Invigorated

Marksmen Rich Medina & Mark Hines have infused the Afro Beat, live experience standard, JumNFunk with progressive new spirit. Upgrading every aspect of the experience was crucial to keep the live event fresh for Afro Beat enthusiasts.

During the month of August 2009, we will be hosting 3 celebrations in 3 different cities in honor of our 8th Anniversary! Our first event will be held in Jump N Funk’s home city of New York at Le Pouisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street on August 20th. Following our August 2oth event in NYC, we will move further down south to Washington DC at Liv Lounge on the corner of 11th and U Street NW in the nation’s capital. Our final stop will be on Thursday August 27th in Philly at The Art’s Garage ( addy). We wanted to rock in these 3 cities for the anniversary as a way to raise the volume on our presence as a brand, and to be able to have 3 parties for one reason…to celebrate the Afrobeat sound and it’s own godfather, the one and only Fela Anikulapo Kuti. So please joint us on August 20th, 22nd, and 29th as we celebrate Jump N Funk’s 8th Year! Love Afro Life!

Check out the brand new vibes: JumpNFunk in Philly @ Fluid.

Baby Grand & Ghostface Killah Team Up

Friday, July 31, 2009 2:54:57 -700

Baby Grand lands track on Ghostface album

Marksmen producer, Baby Grand, produced the track “Rec-Room Therapy” (featuring Raekwon) on the latest Ghostface Killah album “The Big Doe Rehab” (Def Jam). Our talented producer tailored a hard yet soulful neo-nineties soundscape for Ghost’s trademark abstract thug-ism. The Big Doe Rehab garnered 4/5 Stars in Rolling Stone, a B+ in Entertainment Weekly and was rated “Great” by Blender Magazine. The critically acclaimed album is one of only four hip hop albums on the Pitchfork “Top 50 Albums of 2007” list along w/ Jay-Z’s “American Gangster” and Kanye’s “Graduation” and Lil Wayne’s “Da Drought 3”.

Congratulations to Baby Grand on his work!

David Kennedy launches 'Beatlogique'

Friday, July 31, 2009 2:51:46 -700

The new Jamaican entertainment service co

David Kennedy is an acclaimed Hip-Hop engineer/producer whose track record features work with Mary J Blige, Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def and others. David left the NYC music scene a few years ago and returned home to his native land, Jamaica where he has been busy furthering his musical vision through the creation of Ntelek Entertainment, Cedar Hill Digital Studios and Beatlogique.

Beatlogique, David's most recent venture, is designed to be a one stop shop online hub where musicians, music producers, artists, writers , directors, publishers, independent labels and consumers can buy their products, create, market and network. Concentrating on the Urban/World Music/ demographic, Beatlogique is taking part in the development, promotion and diversification of culture in the online digital marketplace.

David took the time to answer a few questions about his outfit and the challenges he faces re-inventing himself from the hills of Jamaica.

Where did the Beatlogique concept orginate from? What was the main motivation for its creation?

"When I moved from the states to Jamaica in 2004, I was faced with the challenge more or less of reinventing myself. I thought I could just setup shop and sell beats and do production. Boy was I wrong. I had to figure out how to exist in a very challenging musical landscape( to put it ...nicely). No one knew of my accomplishments and I had to prove my worth very quickly. So one thing begat another, I built the studio (Cedarhilldigital) to work and create out of, then realized I needed a label so I formed Ntelek Entertainment. In turn, I needed marketing and distribution, so I started Beatlogique originally for that purpose. Next thing I know in solving my challenges, I realized I had worked out the framework for an entertainment solutions company ( a consultant firm of sorts). I could do this for other aspiring people. So I put it all under the Beatlogique umbrella."

How do you see networking and its benefits to the music business?

"Well that's what I think really pulls it all together. With the success of Myspace, Bebo and other similar online networking hubs, it was clear to me that networking and music were the future. Entertainment is going 'soft' and everything is becoming digitized now. Most, if not all entertainment media is digitized and available online. Most of your audio/visual entertainment will be streamed online. While currently available bandwidth is still not sufficient enough to handle HD streaming content in real time, they are getting closer to overcoming that obstacle everyday. Online network hubs create and manage the communities that are made up of essentially aspiring artists, appreciative fans and wannabees or wannabeseens."

Do you feel the nature of the music business is now going to be based upon remote networking (via the web etc)? Do you feel that compromises the integrity of music in anyway?

"Yes, the nature of the business will be based upon remote networking as long as the medium is digital. Compromising the integrity of music? It's probably more about the integrity of people. If selling drugs was any easier, would more people do it?"

What are the goals of Beatlogique and how do you want to see it grow as a brand? Locally? Internationally?

"The overall goal of the company is to internationally nurture new third world urban entertainment and help bring the Hip Hop urban Music generation closer together. This way I think we can understand each other better collectively on a global level while helping to fix what's wrong socially with our world. I would like to see beatlogique.com become a staple in the marketplace for new and refreshing ideas."

What do you have to say about the current state of music? The current state of Hip-Hop?

"I think Music suffers from a lack of proper training. Technology allows for a lot of 'uneducated' musicians to produce and market their product. I think that makes real 'good' music hard to find. Hip Hop? Dead or alive? Alive and well but undiscovered. I think in trying to define Hip Hop a lot got lost. Hip Hop to me was ( and is) the opportunity for minorities to voice their opinions and culture - a platform from which they could free themselves, thus empowering themselves. I think it got out of hand when commercial success snuck in. The credibility of Hip Hop ceased to exist when people tried to justify the outlandish extravagances allowed as a result of commercial exploitation of their craft. The majority of Hip Hop fans were lower and middle class people who could identify with what the artist was conveying. i don't think they identify with that anymore, it's more identifying with what they wish they had."

What is it like to run a business from Jamaica? Your challenges? Why did you leave NYC for JA?

"Very frustrating. Technology is a couple steps behind the regular marketplace and people are inherently lazy. They tend to settle for mediocrity and so I'm forced to do everything myself, and finances are non- existent. Why Jamaica? I was looking for greener pastures."

Besides from Beatlogique, please expand upon the other services (Cedar Hill) that you provide.

"The Cedarhilldigital Studio (http://myspace.com/cedarhilldigital) is a part of the soon to be built Cedarhill complex featuring Bar and Grill and accommodations catering to the international music community. Need to record in Jamaica? Check us out? It's a private and inspirational setting up in the Hills of St. Andrew."

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20071028/ent/ent4.html

AfroDisco NYC @ SOB's March 20th, 2008

Friday, July 31, 2009 2:49:39 -700

Afro Soul Sound with Rich Medina

Event Information:

Thursday, March 20, 2008

9:00 PM - 4:00 AM

18+

cover: $10.00 | $7 with printed email flyer, $10 General Admission

music: Afrobeat/Hip-Hop/Funk/Soul

Contact Email:

reception@sobs.com

Venue Information:

S.O.B's

204 Varick St.

1 or 9 train to Houston St.

New York, NY

(212) 243-4940

http://www.sobs.com

view Mapquest

view Yahoo Maps

Links:

http://www.richmedina.com

Turntable Vol 19

Friday, July 31, 2009 2:37:25 -700

The Original Producers Beat Lounge

Taking place on Wednesday, March 11th at APT (419 W. 13TH ST.) 8-11 PM. NO COVER BEFORE 11PM, $10 RE-ENTRY FEE after 11PM for Lil Ricky's Rib Shack.

The Marksmen crew host while DJ Kamron spins beats fresh from the global labs of the Marksmen Guerrilla Production Network.

The event which highlights original instrumental beats played live by producers has become a haven for beat fans; as well as media professionals from film, television, music, internet, mobile technology, and gaming industries who are constantly seeking new production talent and tracks. TURNTABLE has become the new marketplace for fresh audio content, while remaining the post-work place to be for savvy members of the music and entertainment industries.

Featuring beats from:

Baby Grand, Angola Red, Needlz, Olu, Lez Lemon, The Ratt Pakk, Lee Stone, DJ Kamron, Keith Shocklee, The Underdog, Pitch Black, Antibalas, El Michel’s Affair, Truth & Soul, Rich Medina, Wajeed, Malstone, Geo-Logy, DJ Akalepse, and more.

Sponsored by DOT TUNES. FREE YOUR TUNES with DOT TUNES. www.dottunes.net

How To Feed A Black Man

Friday, July 31, 2009 2:35:56 -700

Mamafeelgood releases her debut book.

Recipes for his body and soul. Part-memoir and part-style guide, mamafeelgood's debut cookbook, "How to Feed a Black Man," provides easy to follow recipes, some culinary history, and a little short fiction to season the pot. Along with the pretty pictures, "How to Feed a Black Man" is good for your mind, body, and soul.

BUY HOW TO FEED A BLACK MAN

Chico Mann Performs at Lincoln Center

Friday, July 31, 2009 2:33:03 -700

Chico Mann plays at Lincoln Center on Friday, July 18th

On Friday, July 18th at 9PM Chico Mann is set to perform at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park. The night features a triple bill led by the unheralded emperors of Instrumental Staten Island Afro-Soul, the Budos Band. Chico Mann, the brainchild of Antibalas’ guitarist, Marcos Garcia, performs Latin-infused, synth-driven electro Afro-Funk. And to celebrate the Liquid Sound Lounge’s 15th anniversary, DJ Jeannie Hopper, joined by Groove Collective’s Jay Rodriguez, spins soul infused grooves.

This show is definitely not to be missed! Damrosch Park is located at the Southwest corner of the Lincoln Center Plaza (62nd Street near Amsterdam Avenue).

BUY TICKETS HERE

Kasper Wins 2008 Sputnik Comrade Cup Beat Battle

Friday, July 31, 2009 1:47:22 -700

And the champion of the The 2008 Sputnik Comrade Cup Beat Battle is Marksmen super producer, Kasper!

On June 21st, Tim “EX-P” Grant in conjunction with SPUTNIK debuted the SPUTNIK COMRADE CUP BEAT BATTLE hosted by Sadat X of Brand Nubian. The beat battle was judged by Illmind, Mr. Walt, Sadat X and most importantly the crowd.

Judges eliminated producers through various rounds: Signature Round (Unique Sound/Style), 90s Remix Round (Using Any NJ Artist or Group), Boom Bap Round and Club Round. Marksmen producer, Kasper made it the finals alongside another NJ producer, Mind Design. The final round had both producers create a beat on the spot in 15 minutes using Curtis Mayfield's "Stoned Out of My Mind". Illmind, Mr. Walt and Sadat X crowned Kasper the champ of the inaugural Sputnik Comrade Cup Beat Battle.

When asked how he felt about his voctory, here is what Kasper had to say:

"The Sputnik Beat Battle was an exciting experience which really brought out the best of all the producers competing. Despite the fact the Mr. Walt was ready to send me home after my first track, the crowd felt I needed to stick around and win the whole thing, lol!"

"Shouts to Mind Design, he kept it interesting till the last minute! The trophy was a bit over the top (8 1/2 feet tall!) but I managed to find a place for it in my studio, wowzers. I look forward to defending the title at the next challenge, lets see what happens! Respect to everybody that came out, Mz.Entertainment & EX-P, as well as Sputnik for supporting the arts, good looks!"

Congratulations to Kasper on his victory!