UPCOMING EVENTS
STAY TUNED

Ghood Folk
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

www.flickr.com
This is a Flickr badge showing public photos from synergizehiphop. Make your own badge here.

  • Ebony Elle
  • DNA (Baltimore's Mixtape King)
  • Ike Carter
  • Rob @ Brownstyle.net
  • Jeff
  • That Kid RADIO
  • DJ Reddz
  • DJ Lil Mic
  • Kelly (Photographer/Editor/PR)
  • MelaniN. (Photographer)
  • Missy
  • Moccaa Banks (OG)
  • Samir (Producer)
  • Tasha of Urban Voices
  • Ro Brooks (SNH)
  • Crushforce Promotions


  • UPDATED SITE *COMING SOON!!! Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
    UPDATED SITE *COMING SOON!!!
    New Releases
    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
    Blogs I Read
  • STREETZ MAG
  • HipHop-Blogs(dot)com
  • Pro Hip Hop
  • Government Names
  • Meandering Assholicism
  • Lynne D. Johnson
  • The 411 on the 410
  • Micki's Blog
  • Missy's Mental Musings
  • A Dirty South Perspective
  • Nah Right
  • Hip Hop Politics
  • Concrete Loop
  • George Bush's Blog
  • Grandma's Basement
  • The Kween
  • Hip Hop Ruckus
  • Street Fame (NEW BOOK)
  • Dino Mom
  • Straight outta NYC
  • Ghetto Manga
  • Música para Todos
  • Cool Links
  • C Love on MYSPACE
  • St. Frances Academy
  • datpiff(*FREE*) Mixtapes
  • Baltimore City Paper
  • AllHipHop.com
  • SOHH.com
  • BUST
  • INDUSTRY NEWS
  • WHU DAT?
  • Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
  • Hip Hop Press Releases
    Press
  • ITSBALTIMOREBABY! LIVE (8.30.06)
  • Part I (WYPR - 3.24.06)
  • Part II (WYPR - 3.24.06)
  • Part III (WYPR - 3.24.06)
  • Baltimore City Paper - Super Style Warz feedback (3.8.2006)
  • Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
  • Baltimore Sun LIVE - "Battles, Not Violence" (11.24.05)
  • ughh.com (9.26.05)
  • illmuzik.com (7.28.05)
  • Baltimore City Paper - "She's All That" (6.29.2005)
  • Videos I love
    Apr 1, 2006
    MURS WITH 9th WONDER - April 5

    Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
    He's a cutie! Ima have to check this one out!
    I have no idea what it cost$...I don't care. he he! hit up the venue for more info.


    Be sure you check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 4/01/2006 12:16:00 AM   0 comments
    Mar 31, 2006
    Whaaada ya know....
    Stumbled upon an interesting blog today [gentlejones] where I found a recent interview that mentioned Baltimore. Im always tryna find out what people think about us....
    *
    *
    Project Pat: Back in Business
    By Amanda Diva (she is a very cool girl!)
    *
    ..............excerpt only. Click on the "gentlejones" link above to read the whole article.
    AllHipHop.com: Lastly you said Memphis music is different than Texas music, which is different than New York music. You and Three 6 really helped to define the Memphis Hip-Hop sound so how would you describe that sound?
    *
    *
    Project Pat: Memphis got a gutter type sound and you know Memphis is 90% Black and it’s a Soul city. But Memphis music is a dark sound. It’s a gutter sound. It’s dark. So a dude can hear it in Baltimore, and much love to guys in Baltimore ‘cause a lot of Baltimore n***as wrote me. Baltimore n***as is good niggas, and it’s dark in Baltimore. So a Baltimore n***a can hear that sound, and he feel that pain. He feel that gutter and he may have never been to Memphis but he’ll say, “Man it’s like that down there?” It’s just like that down there. And he here’s it and says, “Man I can relate to that. I can relate to that.” And he just clicks in. It’s just like anywhere else. Like Brooklyn, you know what I’m sayin’? Brooklyn hear that gutter and they be like, “Man I feel that, son!” ‘Cause it works vice versa. When Biggie came out, I felt that. I felt that man. I felt that. I mean, you gonna feel that.
    *
    *
    P.S. I tried to find the article on allhiphop.com but was unsuccessful. I doubt that its a phony tho!
    *
    Be sure you check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/31/2006 11:56:00 PM   4 comments
    Style Warz (3.30.06)
    Thank you to everyone that came out to STYLE WARZ last night. There were a lot of new faces in the place...so my shouts will be shorter than usual.
    *
    I like that friends are telling friends. That's what its about!
    *
    I had a lot of fun!! So many handsome men were in the place....mmmmmmmmmmhhh if only I didn't have a reputation to worry about...LOL!

    Big Ups to the DJs: Krucial & P Funk. K, you was rockin....as usual!!! Great to see ya!

    Special thanks goes out to the judges for the evening:
    Bosslady (House of Platinum Records)
    Tasha (Urban Visions)

    I can only imagine how hard many of the decisions were last night. I hope it was not that bad of an experience. Thanks a million Boss Lady for coming through with the mics....that was very very cool of you and they worked marvelously darling. I appreciate your willingness to help without adding something extra to it. If I can be of assistance to you [ever] please let me know.
    *
    *
    Shout out to:
    EJ - I love you boy!!

    Born King - can't wait for the new CD...one more song, you say??? LOL!

    Rell Ruger - so nice to finally meet you! Your grind is forserious!

    A-Milz - thanks for coming!

    Al (govt names) - Good to see ya as usual! Thanks for all the love you always show! We need you to stay interested. It means the world to so many!
    *
    Aaron Henkin & friends! Thank you so much for coming!!! I so appreciate your support! Thank you so so so so so so so much for the wonderful gift!!! You all are very thoughtful! You really showed me that you keep it real!!! If I can ever be of ANY assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.

    Kelly - so great to see ya! I really want to see the pics you got of D.O.G. - especially if you got something good!

    Shellbe Raw was in the buildin!

    Ms Tris Beats & Keebie were in the place to be. Glad to see yall as usual!
    B. Fly - the notorious B. Fly! What up gurly! Thanks for coming through. I'll holla!

    Melanie - I can't wait to see the pics.
    *
    The Unstoppable Nuklehidz was up in the spot causing havoc!!! Bmore Flava The Sequel June 30th @ the 5 Seasons!!

    Ogun - Thank you for being so great! You were such a big help to me all night.

    TM - you are so funny! I will def hook up your MYSPACE page. Give me a year...he he! j/k..holla!
    *
    PX was in the building! Neil and Blank yall are the best! Neil..ima hold you to your offer...he he!

    Brown F.I.S.H was in the place to be last night. That's what's really good!!! What Up OOH! What Up Jah!!!
    *
    Unreality was in the house! Whaddup, Unreal! I missed u hge!

    Big Ups to Ebony!!! You are such a great help to me! Thanks for rollin' with a sistah, Get ready!!!

    5 Seasons - Thanks to the entire staff!

    Security - Thank you guys!!!

    Little Clayway - Congrats on the new release. I promise I'ma get one of your new CDs very soon!

    Mr. Wilson - Always good to see ya!

    Low Key God and Ray Lugar - Thanks for showing your faces in the place. Yall are the foundation of this Hip Hop thang in Bmore...Im glad that new generations of people are learning that Baltimore does not have to try to get on the map..we already are. You will help to keep them grounded..Keep leading the way!

    Sean Simms (Ones on the Move) - Thanks for the great photos you took last night. My camera is in the shop so I so appreciate you steppin in to help.
    *
    *
    Performances:
    Invisible Set Entertainment & the Baltimore Bread Company (aka BBC) were most def in the building!!! D.O.G. kilt that shit!!! Thank you so much for coming through and showing love. I could go on and on, but I will start and stop with...you looked so good!!!! Your pictures truly do you no justice. Ladies, he's a looker!!! I can't wait for the album to drop. I'ma be at the store waiting for them to open. I thought I was going to lose my mind when RYDA GYRL came on!!! I am so glad to see the fusion of Baltimore Hip Hop and Club!!! Its about damn time. "Club Hop" as Mo Banks has coined it, shows promise of being the sound that thrusts Baltimore into the spotlight. According to him, "the song is just the beginning". Blaq Starr did his thang with the track, but Mo Banks really made it come together nicely. Heeeey.....also, that was me on the mic when the song went, "grind me grind me...gr gr grind me.." LOL! That was fun! So many fam in the building....Mo Banks (as hype man - WOW!)....Pop with the camera (I like dat!!!)...Henny (damn I wanted to see you rip it!!! Guess I have to wait until Hammerjacks') ......John Boh...."Wouldn't ya like to know John Boh" I am drawing a blank right now...but all yall!!!....Damn so many to name! I gots love for yall!!! I love how yall support yall man! He is already soooooooo rich.....now we just need to make him famous!

    Midas - "I gets down!" I know that's right! Yall really put it down last night. Big Ups to the entire team green including Kato and Akira. You all looked like you were having a good time. Midas was a little stiffer than usual...LOL! Im so used to him giving it up.....he was in no non-sense mode last night...almost too serious! It was all ghood doh! I would tell ya otherwise. Ima give yall a review of the Team Green joint shortly - as soon as I get a CD... *hint hint* LOL! I love what yall are doing. Keep it up..we need more focused folk like you around.
    *
    *
    STAND OUT SW PERFORMANCES:
    Japiro (M.E.P.) - OUR WINNER!!! I appreciate the fact that so many people looked at him as a non issue and he played it cool until it was his turn. He was explosive, plus he wasn't even on NO drug and gun talk!!! He won and he delivered lines like, "He's going to hold his sisters down"....I loved that!! We sooooo need MCs like him to balance all of the negativity and misogyny the is characteristic of modern hip hop. I look forward to seeing him come back and do his thing next month.

    HAZ - what up to you and Lady Haz and friends!!! It was good to see yall.

    Vizzzo - the kid's flow was niiiice. I look forward to hearing more from you!

    Crutt Ball - challenged Japiro in the final. I thought that he made better use of the three words, but hey I think that punch line at the end about low key was just too much for the judges to over look. Dude, had just came home after doing 5 years in prison. He threw his state issued ID on the floor as a punctuation to a point! That was classic! He was not playing!!! He better be glad the 5 seasons doesn't have a no shirt, no shoes, no service policy cause he would have been out of there. As the night went on....more clothes were taken off. By the final round...he had people telling him put his shirt back on...LOL! I thought he was really good. He made a great first impression on me. I look forward to hearing more from him. Plus he rolls with my people K- Mack (Annex Clique) and Reign Music...so I know...I already know!
    *
    Philly was most def reppin hard last night.
    Iceburg - Maaaaan, I have nothing to say....LOL! I think you did a great job! You need to holla at me and let me know whats poppin in Philly. I drive. I love you yung gist! Im gonna give you a good listen this weekend. You know I have like 2 or 3 of your CDs. You gave them to me and never took them back. Thanks for making the trip!

    The guy Cleev was nice as shit. I really enjoyed his energy and his swagger was just something to witness. I was a little disappointed that he did not win his round. I hope he is the type to keep it moving and comes back again. I know for sure that he impressed people. I know for sure he could win!

    Big Ups to Kadar & Kashon (The entire South Paw Entertainment crew in tow)!!!

    Absenexus - Sorry for calling you 9 mile....LOL! the people in the audience were trippin. He was a white MC...so of course the bunny rabbit comparison were of epidemic proportions. It was all love. I think dude did his thang last night.
    *
    Be sure to hit me up on MYSPACE
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/31/2006 01:24:00 PM   1 comments
    EJ @ Strictly Hip Hop (88.9 FM)
    Sorry this is soooooo late....A sista be busy!!
    Download & ENJOY!!!
    It will be worth it!
    *
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/31/2006 09:25:00 AM   0 comments
    Mar 30, 2006
    Bleek's new job
    Pro Hip Hop posted the funniest link today!!! Thank you!
    As seen on [Nah Right]:


    Check out the cartoon yourself in the new XXL mag!!!

    They are wrong!

    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/30/2006 12:12:00 PM   0 comments
    Tonight! Tonight! Tonight!!!!
    You can find me @
    ISE & TEAM GREEN
    WILL BE IN THE BUILDING!!!!
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/30/2006 08:43:00 AM   0 comments
    A Girl's Fight
    This is an opportunity for all my fellow HEROINES.......
    *
    Doing it in Strange Places... And Making Change: Young Women Fighting for Social Justice
    *
    *
    A commonly asked question at social justice events is, "What can I do to get more involved?"
    *
    This question is usually answered in one of three ways: send money, call politicians, and volunteer. Unfortunately, none of these foster a sense of investment in an issue or offer solutions for how to be personally involved in solving the injustices in the world. It also doesn't account for the lack of time, money and resources that these three answers require. What if we could just incorporate our politics into our every day lives, particularly into our seemingly apolitical jobs/careers? In fact, that is just what most activists do.
    *
    In this anthology, we want to hear from young women from all walks of life who have found creative ways to use their passion (from writing to banking to computer programming to being a homemaker) as an outlet for social justice activism. We seek to create an anthology that makes activism more accessible and inspire others to use the resources that they have to contribute to social justice. Changing the world won't happen over night, so let's share our daily successes and strategies for making all of our visions of a better world possible. Tell us what worked and what didn't because all experiences are valuable. We want to be sure multiple voices and perspectives are represented in the anthology. Writers of all experience levels are encouraged to submit work. All work must be original and should not be published elsewhere.
    *
    Submission Guidelines
    We prefer to have submissions sent via email in a Word or Rich Text Format document to andy_vandeven@yahoo.com with "Doing it in Strange Places" in the subject line.
    *
    Otherwise, submissions can be mailed to:
    Mandy Van Deven
    955 Metropolitan Ave, #4R
    Brooklyn, NY 11211 USA
    *
    If you would like your submission returned to you, please include a SASE.
    *
    Word count: 2,500 - 5,000
    *
    All submissions require your name, address, phone number, email address, and a short bio. Submissions should be received by May 1, 2006. Please direct any questions you may have to mandy_vandeven@yahoo.com

    Compensation:
    TBD
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/30/2006 08:26:00 AM   0 comments
    Mar 29, 2006
    The Battle within......
    I was a judge at the Madame of Murdaland battle on Monday of this week and was blown away by the amount of anger the MCs seem to project. I am no stranger to this after a year of hosting SW, but what was so shocking....all of the competiting MCs and performers were women. LOL! All of them had beef with someone on this night!
    *
    Big Up to the organizers Sonny Brown & Mr. Wilson and host/creator Ahk & his cohort, Big Scoob!!!!
    All-in-all everything turned out very well...pat yourselves on the back for making it HOT!
    *
    Big Ups to the performers:
    Shellbe Raw
    Tha Plague
    Silo (Annex Clique) - I love her since back in the day ...im mad her mics were jacked up and she dipped, but on the flip I feel her. Big Ups to my man, K-Mack!
    *
    The one competitor I was checking for didn't even show....that was not cool! I am not going to put her name out there yet b/c Ima give her the benefit of a doubt & I hope she has a very good reason for not showing. Home girl talked mad ish!
    *

    Of the ladies that showed:

    TM (VA) - couldn't hear what she was saying. She was just waaaay to laid back for a battle.

    Krazy (Hustle Hard Blvd.) - I was really impressed with her. I must admit, I was not impressed with her pre-lim display @ 88.9 Fm. I thought she was hot (flow-wise), but when I actually evaluated what she was saying, I didn't feel she was actually putting any real thoughts together. But ....Monday she came 100 times better. She may have been a little nervous at the station, because she obviously feels comfortible on stage. She really showed more of her personality and I liked that alot. She is very gutta with it, but I think she will mature into a real star. One round of the battle was a song and I thought her selection was great! She is really moving in the right direction. I think she gave her all during the competition and I look forward to hearing more from her and the other Young Hustlas.

    8 Ball - I think that was her name. When she was spittin her written material she was on fiyah! She has a real fast flow and rides a beat incredibly well. She ran out of gas everytime 've seen her rap...so the jury is still out on her. Big Ups to her for steppin up and competing. I want to see her perform a song...I think she has a lot of portential.

    Snow White - WOW! She was on the stage and off so fast....I really don't know what to say! Keep bangin!

    Ms. Stress - reigning CHAMP!!! Big Ups to you! You was not letting go of that belt...LOL! I still want to borrow it for my photo shoot tho. You really are a great battler. The battle against you self at the end was set up perfectly and I think the creativity you displayed made it hard to vote against you during the final round.

    Ima keep it real......I didn't think it was cool that Stress bumped Krazy during the competition. That could have escaladed into something that Baltimore Hip Hop don't need right now. Before the battle began, the hosts stated, "No contact was allowed"....it had nothing to do with "MoM" not being Style Warz [as Low Key God pondered aloud]....it had everything to do with judging based on the provided rules. In my book that was grounds for immediate disqualification, but it wasn't my book...LOL! ... It was Hip Hop 101's. I respect dat!

    Other than that.....can't wait for the next one.....

    Ill be there, BUT as a spectator only...LOL!

    The battle within..........
    I always listened to rap songs and never really saw many ciphers until I was much older...much older.... like prolly 3 - 4 years ago...LOL! My formal introduction to Hip Hop did not come as an MC...nor did it come from growing up with a bunch of rappers - I've always just been a fan. A fan of people doing something I could not do well...no matter how hard I try. When I was coming up....most people didn't think rapping was something that you woke up one day and decided you could do better than the next person. Shucks....most of the guys in my neighborhood played sports or sold drugs....some did both very well. Rap was something that blasted out of the radio stationed on the top of the block. No one saw rap's potential to make the poorest of poor rich.
    *
    It wasn't until a few years ago that any body I knew even expressed aspirations to rhyme. Big Ups to my man Ron Ski!!! I never imagined him becoming a rapper, but he is really really good. He is out vacationing in Hagerstown right now, but will be uptown real soon....... and when he does LOOK OUT! His brother is a beast too....anyway!!! Yall know how I get off topic......
    *
    There was a time when making music cost significantly more so MCs had to find other ways to get their names out there. Long before marketing became the way to show your verbal might....long before MCs/labels started the annoying practice of flooding email in-boxes with music related spam and long before everyone and their mama was out giving out their FREE CD (so many so that TODAY it's damn near impossible to listen to all of the CD you can possibly get after an event -- personal record: I recieved 35 CDs at one Style Warz). For most up and coming MCs (it would seem) battling became that bridge they had to cross before anyone would take them seriously.
    *
    I NEVER got the whole battling thing. Most of it is so fake to me. It is interesting to watch, but entertaining is not the word I would use to describe it. I know some people are like "what?..you host a battle!" LOL! I feel you, but I have never looked at Style Warz as a battle regardless of what anyone else thinks. Call me naive! Its an MC competition!!!! I understand why people think its a battle, but its only that because of how both the MCs and judges often interpret the rules. It's a "battle" only in the sense that one MC will be judged based on what his opponent brings, but the in your face, emphasis on disrespect and slander, the feigned excitement over bull sh*t punch lines, the lack of elbow room each artist allows the other, etc....nah! that is not something that I choose to be part of [under normal circumstance]. I am working hard to suppress the demons in me..LOL! ...not feed into that energy. It's uncomfortable for me as a spectator ....I am on the edge of my seat waiting for someone to get slapped...SOME of the stuff that MCs say to each other is like WOAH! Sooooo, here I am today trying to figure out how artists feel when in that situation. Is the feeling exciting, scary, motivating, nerve racking, stimulating, ect?? Is there a "rush" that MCs are chasing? Is the competitive nature of battling the most appealing part?
    *
    This leads to my next question.....Is there a certain point in an artist's life when he/she should stop battling? I've heard MCs say that established artists should not enter battles because its not a good look.. Oh let me clarify...it's a bad look if they lose. LOL! It's been said that after losing..... all the "rookies" will start coming after you or people will lose respect for you? My question is....how does an MC really know that people respect him any way? LOL! People tell lies!!!!! ...j/k! Is it important for an MC to have the support and respect of other MCs?....is having their support and respect motivating? is a lack of support and respect from other MCs debilitating?
    *
    When I fell in love with Hip Hop...the music was better[actual song writing - maybe not as profound, but catchier and easier to digest] , the acts were actually interesting people and their music showed that, people went out of their way to establish their identities (Latifah rocking the Afircan get up on her first album was a deliberate decisions. She wanted to be different], the arrangements were much more innovative, people seemed hungrier [willing to perform anywhere/with anyone] and even if there was beef in the industry...that was not HEADLINE news. Overall Hip Hop felt more positive...the future seemed brighter. So since my only real exposure to hip hop was listening and going to shows of the very best....I guess I judge indie artist by a standard that is unfair or a little to rigid. Noooooooooot!!! LOL!
    *

    The battles I've seen in my day have not been really good over all. I've left most unimpressed!

    Mediocracy is running rampant. Yes! You may have won the competition, but are you really the BEST? Do you even feel like you should have won?

    1) Battles are supposed to be freestyle
    This in itself is an art!!! Real freestylers are show man! You can tell that they put a lot into their craft. Yes, its a craft!!! Yes, its off the dome, but you better believe the really good ones read a lot of books!! The only way to develop as an artist is to read!!! Reading is fundamental!!!

    2) MCs (not just Battlers) are supposed to be able to rap over any beat!
    As a freestyler, you are supposed to be able to flow over anything cause you are making it up as you go...what da problem iz? I can see why a junior MC would have difficulty...he/sh prolly only has a few rhymes memorized and haven't really played with the words enough to know how to flip them at a different tempo, but all these self-proclaimes super starz should always have something to say about anything.

    3) Lack of practice
    Ive watched the Nationally known battle DVDs and its obvious that those dudes have practiced how to dramatically deliver their verses. Because Hip Hop and rapping has become something that anyone with a dream can do......people who have serious aspirations to succeed need to really out do themselves EVERYTIME. Create a reputation of always puttin your all into everything you do!!!

    I could go on and on and on, but I won't. I don't want this to turn into an actual review of anyone's battle style, but overall ...all ima say is people really need to step their games up. Not just battlers, but rap performers as a whole.

    My Questions for MCs...... help me out...These are not rhetorical!!! LOL!

    Why are rappers so angry? I often wonder.... what is it about rapping that makes them [you] feel like the most effective or best way to come off is aggressive and combative? Even when emcees are not supposed to be battling!!! LOL! ...is there something about having another MC [who is not your friend] on stage with you that sets you off?

    I've noticed that a lot of MCs project a real aggressive ultra macho persona…[men and women]! is that intentional or is there some unwritten law that I don't know about. Do guys think its sexy when women rap all agressive, cuss a lot and talk about beating another MC's ass? Do gurls think its cool or fun to watch guys tear into each other?

    Do MCs make a conscious effort to look angry? Do MCs think that makes people feel them more? Is it intentional or emotional?

    Is disrespect of your opponent part of battling? I just want to know?
    Or is it that MC-ing and battling (specifically) is all about getting out your frustrations....which lends it self to pushing the limits and/or having yours pushed? Is it really all fun and I am being a p*ssy? LOL! Just askin!

    Ima climb down off of my soap box for a min.....until lata!



    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/29/2006 03:34:00 PM   0 comments
    My horoscope (3.29.06)
    Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

    So now that you’re getting better at discerning when to put out fires, and when to let them burn, you can move on to the next thing: when to actually start them. It’s not fair for you to always be reactive, letting some of the more fiery signs do all the heavy lifting and motivating. Every once in a while it’s your turn to step up and light fires under the asses of those who sorely need your inspiration. You know who they are. By leaving them to their own devices, you’re actually letting them down. Even if it doesn’t come naturally to you, Water Bearer, please pull out those matches and get to work.


    Interesting!
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/29/2006 01:56:00 PM   0 comments
    Mar 27, 2006
    OOH OOH OOOOOOOOOOH!!!


    Friday was a wonderful day in the life of this Hip Hop Heroine.

    The NPR piece ran earlier that day and I was on an emotional high. I’ve been feeling anxious and a lil overwhelmed lately with life (in general) and so it was really rejuvenating to hear how the piece came together and how well everyone expressed themselves. Man-o-Man….I loved Midas’ candor…..I loved Fire Arms’ bravado….EJs braggadocio is ADORABLE– “....and if there are some beautiful young ladies that want to touch me…they can do that too”…Lordy! Symph with the classic line, “Shut um down”….Ab Rock can go on with his “she sometimes creates chaos” comment….J/K.......LOL! What chu talking bout?… Haz coming clean about losing to worthy opponents. Gata….showing his gracious side. I’ve listened to the interview around 10 times already and find something else to make me laugh or nod my head in agreement every time. I especially appreciated the perspective
    Bilal Bahar offered. I know I am the Hip Hop Ambassador and all, but during this interview he proved that he is the keeper of the history. I need to go read a few books. I never would have thought to explain what battling was in the classical sense – why it started. The explanation you offered was very appropriate for the conversation as a whole and really punctuated mine. Upon reflection, it made me wonder when the competition lost its ”deterrent” power – or does it still have it? I’m so very glad you were asked to contribute.

    I left work a little earlier than usual because I knew that I had to be at the F.I.S.H. fry
    on time. Word on the streets was plan to arrive between 9 PM – 10PM because the doors were going to be LOCKED at 10:30 PM. LOL! Under normal circumstances that would have been a bright red flag or at least a cause for me to put my foot down and not go (the Aquarian in me hates to be controlled), but in this case …it surprisingly added to the mystique surrounding the F.I.S.H. & Friends blow out. This is also something…cause ya gurl don’t usually make her appearances until at least 11:00PM. I’m habitually late.

    MYSTIQUE – what a beautiful word ...
    not to mention....a perfect segue into my thoughts on the historical event I had the pleasure of attending this past Friday. Lemme re-cap for you…first off - you HAD to receive an invite from OOH, secondly - there were no flyers, thirdly - no one really knew who was on the card (although several names were a given)…fourthly - I’d never even heard of the venue before, etc. Buzz for the show was generated simply by knowing that if you knew about it…you were in the know”. WOW! .....Yall some marketing geniuses!!! "I’m a BIG SHOT & You NOT!!!" LOL!!!!

    I arrived at the spot by 9:40 PM and was greeted by OOH who I later found out was wearing his pajamas…LOL! (that is an example of ghetto for those that have been searching for one) He mentioned that he read my blog and got a kick out of the part where I said “Brown F.I.S.H. must be some connected people if they are having a secret shindig”…. Glad I made you laugh. Who else could pack a spot when little to no details related to it were provided in advance? That is TRUST. At first, I couldn’t tell if he appreciated that comment or not, but I was being real. LOL! OOH is one of those people that you will never get him by trying to read him nor by listening to his music….OOH is a character – literally and figuratively.

    I said my peace and finally REALLY noticed that the place was already getting thick. I walked around... greeted a few people (Selah – My Aquarian Friend, Karen, P-Funk, Missy, Vertex, Melanie, Boss Lady, Jah Ali (Golden Seal), Bilal, K-Con) before finally going off in search of a chair. Missy and I were going to sit together, but she found her a chair and was basically like “I’ll holla” …LOL! I couldn’t get mad at her. Love you, Missy! Chairs were the hottest commodity in the spot…& there was like 10 of them…LOL! Finally got a chair …no thanks to Ogun!!! I had to add that!

    The show began with Lyrical Leviathan taking the stage to make his introduction. I couldn’t tell which member of the musical ensemble in his head was present on this night. He looked irritated by something ( I don’t know why) nor do I know if the look on his face and body language was a characteristic of his persona or a reaction to something that happened. Im always wondering things...LOL! He delivered a fiery verse that made the audience take in a deep breath. I’d heard the verse before, but was impressed by the way he used the crowd's energy and excitement to make it seem like he was delivering a brand new piece. Always the intellectual crowd’s favorite, LL was in his element. This dude is so original....I was glad to see that he was part of the event.

    Brown F.I.S.H. were so intent on creating a certain vibe…they literally bought the couch and coffee table from their living room to the venue. When OOH explained that…..it was the funniest thing in the world to me. It was a multi colored love seat comprised of shades of brown….Im not gonna describe it anymore cause I’m not trying to insult my man….LOL!

    The concept of the event was a day at the Brown F.I.S.H. lab…..

    very cool photo courtesy of Kelly Connelly

    No mics….no sound man….no computer generated background beat..…no headliners…..real musicians & a few of Baltimore’s FINEST (LOL! & not the po po) just happened to stop by ............

    Ooh (in his PJs) welcomed.......
    • Jahiti
    • Vertex
    • B-Fly
    • C Clear
    • Saleem of the Love Peace Project
    • Symantx
    • Archie the Messanger
    • Che Ray
    • EJ
    • Mykeey (who's remix of FISH bowl was classic... LOL!)
    • Skarr
    • Mason - Dixon
    • Several other great musicians friends (guitarists & drummers)

    IS YOUR HEART BEATING FAST TOO?

    I'm gettin pumped all ova again.......

    It was so very organic....the entire set up.....the absolute silence that was required of the audience in order to hear the music....the mixing of perspectives (from conscious to gangsta)....the feeling of LOVE and UNDERSTANDING . I have honestly never been to a show that good in my life. It was very moving.
    *
    It was on days like this one that I especially miss my camera....
    *
    Sure, I've been to big budget concerts where some of my favorite artists performed and I had a great time, but I'd never seen Brown F.I.S.H. perform....nor had I ever saw Symantx or Mason-Dixon for that matter. I went into the show not knowing what to expect. Sure I'd heard of everyone on the cards name before, but can't really say I knew how each would freak it with a band. That is a hard nut to crack for some...alot of rappers are tone def. LOL!
    *
    Funny fact from F.I.S.H.story....Everything I'd heard about them was on some,"they on some ole political kick like Dead Prez". While I am very interested in the world around me - that is not exactly what Im looking for when it comes to music - right about now. I like artists that embrace it all - that is me ALL DAY LONG! LOL! Conscious, but not overbearing. After hearing Ooh talking about things he likes for girls to do to him...LOL! I would laugh at a person for playin themself if anyone told me that again. Don't you hate when people tell you about why they don't like an artist and they've never even listened to their music. That is the worse. I am going to enjoy gettin more into their music. I never use to see them anywhere - NOW it seems like I keep running into them - everywhere...LOL! Its all good tho! Talented as they are...there is nothing big headed or pretentious about any of them. All of them showed me love from the break. I assume that this is the track record they have with a lot of people because so many people in the audience knew the words to their songs and lingered around the venue to personally give their appreciation for the invitation to the event. It was FREE, but I would have paid for this one. I can'twait for the DVD.
    *
    If you’ve been reading this blog for a min….you will know that I am usually unimpressed. If you’ve been reading, you know that I am a fan of artists that have their own style and approach (to whatever it is they do) …..so it should come as no surprise that I was in heaven – ALL NIGHT LONG!!
    *
    Skarr is so awesome!!! I swear I take back everything bad that I ever said about Skarr in the past. What I didn't like about him was his energy. Quite frankly he scared me and I pegged him a repeat offender. Buuuuuuuuut what a difference a year makes. He is so misunderstood and it became so abundantly clear on Friday (at this show) that through his music he can express himself fully. He looked so good doing his thang! When he performed this past Novemeber at the Happy Birthday Hip Hop party it really struck me how together he actually is. I was giving him a chance and since then he has done nothing but make me respect his grind. I think that with more events like this one....people will start letting down their guard where Skarr is concerned and give the brotha a chance to talk. I've had one of his song on my MYSPACE page for the last month or so.....its the bomb!
    *
    Symantx is a beast! Very very deep and seductive female voice. Yall know I likes those!
    *
    Che Ray ......"melts in your mouth" music! That's all I can say!
    *
    EJ - He is such a super star...They damn near had to grab the mic from him.
    *
    Archie truly is the messenger.....what a fitting name!!! He bought good news! Keep the message alive!He was the lone poet (spoken word performer) and he held it DOWN!!!
    *
    Jahiti....has such a beauiful voice.....I would love to hear him perform the E. Badu song, "Im in love with you".....WOW! Not sure who could do the female part cause E's voice is so differently sweet on that track....oh shucks! I digress....I apologize..... Jah is a star!! I see you - I look up when I walk!
    *
    Ooh, my brotha from another.....CALL ME... TOMORROW IS TUESDAY!!! LOL! I had so much fun rockin with you!!! You are a great host!!! I hope I haven't worn out my welcome!
    *
    B.....you ALREADY know you are the TRUTH!!! From the way you dress to the way you hold the mic....no body else can even tolerate the light that shines on you! SOUL GLOW!!! Lol!
    *
    So many fam were up in the spid--dot! Yall know....I gots love for ALL yall!!! Stay Focused, people!! Great picture, Kelly!!!
    *
    FYI: Torch Mic Friday is a WEEKLY event that is hosted and promoted by Torchlight Entertainment where LL/SVL/SH is the host. This Friday ONLY Brown F.I.S.H. took ova the show!!! (or at least until F.I.S.H. & Friends II) Next week TMF will return to their regularly scheduled programming.
    *
    THURSDAY 3.30.06 STYLE WARZ FEATURING MIDAS & D.O.G.
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/27/2006 05:25:00 PM   2 comments
    cool blogger tools
    Big Ups to all my bloggers out there....here are so tools you can use to spruce up your page - ENJOY!


    iSOUND.COM

    http://www.freeblogpoll.com/

    http://www.slideroll.com/

    www.flickr.com/photos/tags/blogger/show/



    Brown F.I.S.H. Show review coming.............


    Madame of Murdaland ALL FEMALE MC BATTLE ** TONIGHT ** @ the 5 Seasons!!!! Im a judge!!!!
    posted by C Love "The Rap Addict" @ 3/27/2006 08:58:00 AM   0 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
    Recent Posts
    Chatter Box
    IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!
    "Fire and Brimstone" Video Shoot
    Reviews
    Rap / Hip Hop
    Spoken Word
  • 5th L
  • Olu Butterfly
  • HGE
  • E the Poet Emcee (TLE)
  • Rebecca Dupas
  • LOVE (TLE)
  • My Life
    Props
    Template by

    Free Blogger Templates

    BLOGGER