A Day in the Life of a Hip Hop Heroine: 08/21

I am a few things to talk about today.

Its about 7:45 pm and I just dropped my mother off at my grandfather's house. My mother just finished cleaning my house for me....LOL.. I know some are you are like "WHAT???" Well its not like that at all. My mother is one of those people that likes to clean and I am happy to oblige her. And PLEASE BELIEVE....this is no slave labor .....my mother raised me, who's motto is "if it don't make dollars...it don't make sense"....so you know she is gettin her's.

I mostly have a lot of paper every where in my house. I get so much mail on a daily basis. I have several magazine subscriptions....so mags are everywhere. Looking through magazines, newspaper, the internet.... looking for angles to use when pitching stories about my clients is a BIG part of what I do. I get a mag....look at it....read a story or two....put it down with the promise to come back to it....another mag comes the cicle continues. Its one BIG vicious cycle. So I can admit it, I NEED HELP!!! Plus, people be bluffing. I been putting it out there for a while that I needed a house cleaner. One day I am going to take a picture for yall. **SHOCKING** when its at the height of clutteredness.

I used to use this other lady, but she had to GO, like my man Common said. She was nice enough--REALLY, but two things pissed me off 1) when I sat on my tub, I could see that she didn't clean under the bowl. YUCK!!!!! she probably used the same rag with out washing it out....I'm gettin naseus and 2) she just talked too damn much. LOL... I talk alot ...I am an expert when it comes to diagnosing a case of diahrhhea of the mouth. I wanted her ass to work...LOL!!! I sound like a slave driver. Another thing, she was listening to club music. OMG!!!! She was like 50 years old talking about "hey down the hiiiilll". I don't know what part bothered me more that she was a grown @ss woman talking bout "Hey down the hiiil" and proceeding to show me how she backs it up or was it that she just seemed way too relaxed with me. Needless to say, I prolly could have dealt with the music because I could just leave out when she came , but the toilet was inexcusable. ...LOL.. you all probably think I am a snob...LOL. Its not that at all I just believe in getting what I pay for--you have got to understand that. ** I love club music. Don't misunderstand me. It's just that I like my club music in the club**

Plus, my mother could use the money. She is not the type to take money from me. I am a grown woman and my mother rarely ever takes money from me. I guess some people see that as a good thing --so I don't really say anything about it. I have to get creative with my gift giving. OOOOhhh...i could tell you all some stories. She did a fine job I might add. I love the smell of bleach and pine sole--the blue one--mixed. My house smells good. I just lit up a KUSH incense (that is my favorite) and I am going to roll my hair up in a minute. Today was a good day..didnt do much at all, but it was still a very good day.

Why did I tell yall all that....I don't know....LOL!!!

Had the pleasure of being called by Tyree Colion and being personally invited to come and watch him headline the Baltimore City BELIEVE Tour's last stop last night. They shut down traffic at the block or to in before and after the BCPS headquarters. This year the crowd was kinda small compared to last year. Last year, it was thick and they started much earlier than this year's 8 pm start time. There were a few families, a few remaining members of the New Edition Marching Bands and few kids from the sourrounding neighborhood .

They brought out the BELIEVE mobile with much fanfare. Police, lights, cameras, sound towers, DJs, Public figures, Richard Burton.....LOL!!!! WOW!!!! There was a lot of noise!!!!

For those of you that don't know, the BELIEVE campaign is "an advertising, community-centered campaign aimed at reducing drug trafficking, drug violence, and drug use in the City" according to the website. L MBAO!!! The only thing I have seen is a traveling concert series that posts up on a given city block (or designated "Hot Spot") and showcases local and *national talent (Lil Mo of Cash Money Records performed at the finale). Its all good though, because like I said I was there to partake of local talent ....so on THAT NIGHT...it was the place to be.

I'm not hating on anything/anybody, but it seems kinda like some BS to me. We still have a skyrocketing drug and homicide problem and city folk tryna act like a concert or concept is going to change the issues that are at the root of both problems. After the comercials ended and political elections were held.....the BELIEVE signs around town and Strangly vague commercials all but dissappeared. I can't really speak too much on this topic .....because I get pumped easily....... and I might be compelled to call the mayor again...LOL!!!!...that is another story. I don't want to get blackballed .....so ima fall back....LOL. But........if you see me on the street...Holla at me **wink wink**.

Anyway...about the show:

I arrived to find a troupe of beautifully coordinated dancers. All 8-10 (didn't get an accurate count-shoot me!!!) we dressed in pink skirts with black shits that had the word DIVA embossed on the shirt accented with pink rhinestones. They was so cute...just standing there almost "in attention" like a soldier. I looked over to the left and noticed a good girlfriend of mine crying and talking loudly to a police office. When I inquired as to what was going on....she told me that the gurls were her dance troupe and they had been waiting to perform since 4:00pm....it was almost 8:30 yall!!!!! More distressing than the fact that the girls--All under 10-- had not been fed (ALL DAY) and to TOP the whole day off...THEY DID NOT GET TO PERFORM!!!!! OMG!!!!!

posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 8/27/2005 07:40:00 PM 0 comments

8-25-05 Style Warz re-cap

***disclaimer: please don't get mad if I dont mention you. I dont keep notes. I just wing it!!! Im only human!!! ***

Last night was off the hook. It was so funny because the MCs actually got excited about performing the verse and hook and holding their opponent accountible I think the verse and hook is gonna work !!!!!

Thank you so much to our judes, TIF of Poetology/Ruff Ryders and Bilal of Crushforce!!!!! I think you both were fair although at times I think the people were in your ears a lil too much, but hey, what can you do...THEY WERE EXCITED ABOUT HIP HOP I think you both were fair. There was only one MC, Karlito (Bulldog Kartel), that came up to me and ranted about you all giving it to his opponent despite him not performing a hook. But OVERALL, everone seem to respect your position and I think you all called as you saw it. Thank you so much for filling in for us with NO notice. Both of my judges cancelled for various reasons at the last minute. If it seemed like everything was A-OK throughout the night it is a testimony to the flexibility of you guys!!! Thanks again!!!

LAST NIGHTS WINNER WAS:

ONEIL

and let me ADD...PARK HEIGHTS WAS MOST DEFINITELY IN THE BUILDING!!! ALL BLOCKS!!!! ALL HOODS!!!!!

The Runner up and June Style Warz Champ, Haz, did his thang real BIG. Both of these MCs did there thang. Both of them were from Park Heights so you know it was a party throughout the final rounds. Oneil even let Haz rock with him during the performance he earned as prize.

Last Nights Competitors included:

K--this kid from South Paw Entertainment is NASTY!!!

Mr Whitefolks came from DC and did his thang!!!

Talal repped for 360. man, you have a powerful voice!!! I liked how you flipped the get up stand up joint....hot!!!!

Tone (BullDog kartel)...I am so proud of him. Yall know Tone. This is the one that battled Jane Doe. This MC is coming along nicely. He played the game the way it was supposed to be played and actually faired very well. He told me I can get his 20 every month. That made my night.

Mad Thinkah...Ghost did his thang!!! I think he came back much more prepared this go round. I can't wait to see how he freaks it next time.

The Analyst did his thang too. That is my man!!! Shakeen is really blossoming into a hot MC. Plus he is giving EJ a run for his money as one of Baltimore's SEXIEST MCS.

AwnPoint from Annapolis was in da Buildin. Both Marcus and Twisted MC performed. Thank you guys for your continued support!!! People need to get at these folks for the Hip Hop Festival they have going down in October. Holla at Tislam for info. They have all kinds of options available for you to showcase your talents or wares.

Henny Lo was in da Building!!!! He got his freestyle two-step on last night!!!! I loved it!!! Henny, they are not ready for you!!!!

SYMPH, you did the damn thang gurl!!! WORD!!! All the people around me thought your shit was hot. The very tall vocal dude that was next to me all night was like you got em....until....choc spit..... then....he had to give it to him...both of yall was good. IMO....Its just that you went first. He came back with a song that poked fun at the whole theme of your song. You unfortunately picked a worthy opponent and his hook and clear articulation impressed the judges a lil more than your silky slim gangstress charlie baltimore-esque story of guns and mayhem....LOL!!! Man, you aint get robbbed DUDE was HOT ma ma!!! You know I love you!!!

Ab Rock was in the Buildin....said he wanted to celebrate his birthday. I love it!!!! That is real. That says to me that you still love it, Ab!!!

Lyrical Leviathan/ Slick Vic Low (think that is his alias )....you always rep. Thanks for doing you!!! They are totally not ready for you!!!!

Hill Top Records was in the building!!!! Make sure i get my T-shirt, Bunnie!!! Gata Chice, Baby Beast, Lace....i'm sure they had bout 3 more I just can't remember. Baby Beast impressed the hell out of me last night. That will explain my rousing shout out when he was elimanted. He did his thang.. he just didnt win

My man, Naps did his thing!!! I love his voice. It is very different and distinct!!! Be on the look out for him. He is tryna get his self together. He told me that he is going to keep on writing and that he will be back next month. That's whats up.

OK........I know I am forgetting MCs....please don't shoot me....

As for everyone else...thank you for coming out. It looked like there was a good number of new faces in the building. Thank you to my homegurls from the EBONY BOUTIQUE in Security Mall and My home gurls from up Mondawnmin Mall...( I cant think of the store...its 2 doors down from Mama Lucia)....PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!!!!

Top of the World was in the Building!!!! Jay Boogie, I am glad to see Armadaye is coming out more. That is real good. Release date???

I think I saw NINA ROSS of Tha Plague!! I think she had a new hair color. If that was you.....very Niiiice!!!

Salim and Company!!! Ima holla!!!!

Kelly Connelly (Music Monthly)--- thank you for gracing us with your presence. I am sure you were making your rounds last night. LOL

ROP-- thank you for stopping through!!! Always good to see you guys!!!

CMG ---PLEASE HOLLA AT ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PUTTING TOGETHER A BRIEF CLIP OF VIDEO FOOTAGE TO BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR PRESS KIT!!!! These guys can make it happen. Like I announced last night...we are going to be putting out DVDs of the Style Warz Shows in the next coming month. SO now ...not only will the event it self showcase talent, but the tape will create history of it and also act as an advertisment of not only our show, but also of those that participate. it will be part interview, part gam...part exclusive ish..!!! Ima show yall how to sell too. None of that giving stuff away crap.

Major League!!! Thank you Mully and A-Milz!!! I need to holla at Milz...my phone died...I hope yall didnt have any problem with gettin in the joint. Good seeing yall!!! check out Mully's site at www.mullymania.com

Tyree Colione and Dyverse did their thang last night!!! For real. That was my first time seing Dyverse perform and I expect that he will be making alot of noise in the near future. Thank You to your whole team for being so accomodating and stepping in at the last minute. Thank you again. Your cooperation will not be forgotten. Tyree's entourage included Skinny Shug (who I might add was on his better behavior ), Dirty Hart's Verb, the Young Hustlers (What up Blu --"Exactly" this song they do is a hit yall!!!) and almost half the audience. It was all love last night. People seem to be really drawn to Tyree. I think I know why tho!!

Thank you to the 5 Seasons and the Security. Thank you for keeping the drinks coming and for making the people feel safe. It seems like after I told the people that security was wanting to use his BILLY CLUB on somebody the people calmed down "Big Show" no longer works at the 5 Seasons and his "massiveness" was definitely missed. Plus, Big Show used to crack me up all night.

Trippple Black was in the BUILDING!!! What up Emjay!!!!

Bishop was in the place to be gettin his promoting on!!!

We had a picture man in the building. I hope you all took advantage.

There were a nice amount of women....MY COUSIN DANIELLE came too. That was a nice reunion. Farrah Shanell and Co. were in the place to be as well. Thanks for coming out!!!!

P-Funk kept the music FLOWIN!!! Thanks for holding it down!!!

Last night was fun. One thing I learned....we need to start...reviewing the local producer tracks....some people don't know how to showcase their best work. Why are you submitting slow tracks to a battle HAD A BALL!!! HOPE YOU GUYS DID TOO!!!!

I'll be back lata....just had to give yall the huggy low down right quick!!!

Make sure you make it out to the next one......you dont want to be the last one to know.....

Love ya,

posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 8/27/2005 01:42:00 AM 0 comments

Aug 25, 2005

STYLE WARZ WAS ON MY MIND.....

I must tell you all about this MC ^^^^^^that has really impressed my by performing in the last few STYLE WARZ. A marquee player from the Top of the Hill Records, Gata Shice, surprised more than a few at July’s STYLE WARZ. His win in July really made it crystal clear to me that this kid was destined to do great things.

He has promised to return for the July SW to defend his title. He says that Style Warz is an event that he looks forward to attending every month. That makes me feel so good.

So that we can move forward….I need to bring you all up to speed. Tonight is STYLE WARZ 7 and the next time I talk to you….it will be after its over.

It would be fair to mention one ^^^^^of the winners without mentioning them all. SO here we go……….

The first Style Warz in February of 05. It is crazy because there was a blizzard whipping up out side. Man, snow was whirling something terrible and all day P-Funk and I were praying that the snow would stop…him watching the weather channel and news updates….me on the net and NPR. I must tell yall…..I apologize for digressing…..

BUT…I am the biggest fan of NPR …so….I want you all to give it a chance.

In Baltimore it comes on WYPR 88.1 FM.

I come up with some of my best ideas while listening to it while at work. I don’t even listen to Hip Hop or the urban stations because they are too distracting. Plus, I’ve found out that Public radio and non-urban station/programming are much more open to cover "urban" stories than it seems urban stations are? That is very crazy. I am always trying to come up with angles for getting my clients or my projects media attention and NPR is chock full of info. Folks would be amazed at the cool and very relevant topics that get discussed on shows like Mark Steiner and Fresh Air are both local. The National stories are often very cool as well. They’ve enthusiastically embraced the local poetry/spoken word scene. They haven’t had E the Poet Emcee on there YET, but we are going to get on it ASAP.

…..ok back on topic…

I know have to stop doing that….. LOL

February’s winner was

AB Rock. AB Rock showed his years in the game. He proved that “RAH RAH” is not always going to cut it. And being "slick" is not going to guarantee that the audience and judges will connect with you. I think when an MC comes out the gate spittin...FIYAH... and then looses their momentum later due to cockiness, tiredness, apathy, WHATEVA...they are asking to loose... That MC's later performances will be judged a lot harder....because everyone comes to expect more from the person. AB was the turtle in the competition. He maintained a slow pace. His mellow attitude, smooth swag and non-threatening approach impressed the judges most and he WON. His opponent and April Champ EJ, was the more “in your face” rapper on that night. EJ picked himself, went and dusted off the rhyme book after the first SW loss was handed to him, and came back with guns ablaze. He kept telling me he was coming to prove his first loss was a fluke (let him tell it…LOL).

The March winner was RICO…of Fam Famille (LABEL). Rico came all the way from North Carolina ON THE BUS and showed these Baltimore cats that people outside of here are just as nice if not nicer. BRAVO!!!! I loved how him handed B-More a country ass whippin...LOL It was good to see that the news of Style Warz is getting around. May was a Style Warz that was particularly close to my heart. My Home Skillet Symph from the All girl Hip Hop sensation Tha Plague…Plague Up in this Bish!!!!!..took home the top honors and repped so lovely for the ladies. I love the fact that the first female to win was her. This gurl spits fiyah—Please don’t take me word for it….check out their site www.plagueup.com. The event had a great turn out and lots of heads now recognize her as a result of that night so…it was such a good look for her.

In June we were all taken for a loop with Haz arrived on the scene. Man, this guy is gonna be a major problem. Not only for all these wack ass yo's out here, but also for the ladies. Honey chiiiiiille, when I tell you he is a cutie…I am not doing him enough justice. He even had the nerve to perform in a beater. He really needs to stop!!!!!

So…that’s pretty much the run down. I needed to bring you all up to spend on the SW winners that you need to be checking for.

Style Warz is such a learning experience for me. I hope that those of you that read my blog learn something from my mistakes and celebrate me when some of my crazy ideas pay off. I promise that I will give yall the full run down about Style Warz tomorrow after I recover. Aiiiight!!! So you all have a good day!!!!

Remember,

HIP HOP LIVES!!!!! WATCH OUT NOW!!!!

TONIGHT!!! TONIGHT!!! TONIGHT!!!

SUPPORT THE URBAN UNDERGROUND!!!!

posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 8/25/2005 07:15:00 PM 0 comments

Aug 23, 2005

A Day in the Life of a Hip Hop Heroine

What it is yo! Wassuuuppp!!!

Hello, Hello, Hello and thank you so much for checking out my inaugural blogspot. Some will pop bottles and blow their whistles (where my B-more Club heads at?)...while others will rue the day I took my MADNESS public.

I have shares for $ale...holla @ ha gurl.

My name is C Love aka Baltimore's premier publicist for the "underdog" and Hip Hop Ambassador. That is me at the Elements Party featuring KRS-1. That show was so awesome. By far one of the best Hip Hop shows I've ever attended. I recieved several great honors that night. Not only did I host, get an autograph and sit on stage for the Blast Master's performance, but I also got to chit chat with him for a min after the show. That will go down in history as one of my better days. His positive energy was radiant.

Baltimore's Temple of Hip Hop rep, Tislam, ---Bless his heart--ran out of memory and I couldn't get a picture with Chris (LOL! like we're on a first name basis), but the night wasn't a total wash. I did get this snapshot out of the deal. I know your saying, "what's so special about that one?"....LOL....I NEVER TAKE A GOOD PICTURE. I know this one isn't the best, but it is the most recent one I have at my disposal......so tahdah!!! here it tis!!!!

There are several missions that drive me in life:

1) I feel that young adults (ages 17-24) are often written off as hopeless.... which is not fair.

I work very hard to be an example and role model to this age group, in particular. I am in a unique position: I'm at that age where I can still speak their language and not sound corny (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT) AND .....respectful enough to know how to communicate with my elders (MAYBE MORE IMPORTANT). I can be a conduit for change or least help start the dialogue so that we can get to the bottom of why the community is in such discourse.

AND

2) The conservation the Hip Hop culture.

I will one day take my message global, but in the meantime, I've been focusing my energy on this rubix cube called, BALTIMORE, MD. I see so much potential. That is one of the many things that keeps me motivated.

MY BIGGEST goal during the last year was to let as many people as I possibly can know that BALTIMORE HIP HOP LIVES!!!!! It feels so good to see how attitudes are changing since I very enthusiastically (some say naively) showed up on the scene over a year ago.

WE HERE!!!!! ROOOOAAAHHHHH!!!!!

RIGHT NOW is such an exciting time in Baltimore Hip Hop

During the last year, I have watched the crowds at Hip Hop events grow and morph into something that is more representive of the population. No longer are Hip Hop shows "sausage fights" comprised of testosterone fueled bands of white-teed yo's. Oh Nooooo!!! More and more people are showing up just to find out about these people who's names and stickers they are starting to see everywhere. More and more women are taking and interest and if you didnt know....that is a POWERFUL sign. I feel so proud knowing that I believed when others said there was "NO HOPE for those @$*&^ s!!!" ....now if i can only convince folks that there is still work to be done.

Plus we have a few MCs that are making noise nationally!!!!

I feel sorry for people that have a superior or elitist attitude regarding Hip Hop. I feel that Hip Hop "is what it is" because it can not be easily defined. To say one style or song sucks and another "good" song based on a biased set of standards...... is VERY narrow minded IMHO. There is enough money out here (if that's why you do it???) for trip hop, krunk, nerd rap, gangsta rap, gospel rap--WHATEVA!!!--to eat. I can find redeeming qualities in all of it.

***Now-- this is not to say that some artists are not better prepared, more universal, than others-- All I am saying is that their is a market for everything--you gots to feel that***

I love to write and promote (aka run my mouth).....and was always extremely organized,........... so I decided to combine my love and talents and take a chance on a market that my colleagues said was dead--LOCAL HIP HOP. Yeah, as you can see I like BIG challenges.

Through this blog, I will primarily focus on issues related to Baltimore life, people and products that I feel haven't received their due as well as anything else I come up with. Oh and please believe, I have some stuff on my mind all the time. I am always up to something...LOL.. All I can tell you is to expect some stuff that you can use and some stuff that you can pass along to a friend.

There are quite a few up and coming artists emerging from Baltimore so as time goes on I hope to enlighten you all about a few of them as well.

Hopefully, I will meet some people that share my entrepreneurial spirit and we can get some $$$ together.

I have an American Dream too.

Why a Hip Hop Heroine? Not to be confused with Heroin (that terribly addictive drug), Heroine as in a female hero....LMAO!!!! Believe me, some people didn't know what that word meant. Well #1 ...I think it sounds hot hella HELL!!!! LOL!!!!, but more importantly ...I feel that women can play a major role in changing the music industry's mind set regarding the messages being spread through urban music. Plus, I think that we can gain a place at the table in the process. Music and culture are very important to making life worth living. Hip Hop Heroines work to make sure Hip Hop is seen for the beautiful art form it really is. I am a Hip Hop activist and hero to many!!!

Well, Today (8/23/05) I am making moves...you all will see how I get down. I stay doing SOMETHING!!! I try to make something happen everyday. I can't give yall all my goodies, but when I can, I will be sure to give yall the exclusives. AIIIIGHT!!!!

It's STYLE WARZ time AGAIN!!!!! THIS THURSDAY (2/25/05) @ THE 5 Seasons 830 Guildford Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202. In the Shopping Center with the Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbin @ Guildford and Madison Avenue. This is one of my babies. It is a competition where MCs compete against each other performing their written lyrics. I host and P-Funk DJs......it get's CRAZY every time!!!!! Come on out and see the action for yourself!!! EVERY LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH. Click on "STYE WARZ" for more info.

I want to leave you all with some food for thought:

".....Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms; to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
~ Viktor Franklfrom Man's Search for Meaning Attitude Quotes - Perception

This is a famous picture that is usually shown to college students in Psychology 101. How you internalize the world around you usually determines how you percieve the things that happen to you and for you. Check Yourself often!!!

What do you see when you look at the picture....do you see a young lady or and old one?

What do you see the independent music scene in your city/state? Do you a great opportunity or insurmountable odds?

I SEE GOLD!!!!!

BE SURE TO COME BACK OFTEN!!!

PLEASE SUPPORT THE URBAN UNDERGROUND!!!! (MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW)

Im gonna take this one thought at a time......so I'll holla back!!

posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 8/23/2005 08:40:00 PM 1 comments

About Me

Name: C Love "The Rap Addict"
Home: BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, United States
About Me: I LOVE LIFE! HIP HOP IS MY HEART! I'M THE HOST OF NO GUTS NO GLORY: THE ULTIMATE SKILLZ CHALLENGE (BALTIMORE, MD) EVERY 4TH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH @ 5 SEASONS
See my complete profile