Sorry for the delay....my schedule is maaaaaaaaaaaaaad off this week (for the second week in a row - this is crazy!!!!)!!!!
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The City Paper BIG MUSIC issue came out today (Wed. 7.19.06) and it was WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more than I could have ever imagined. They really co-signed for Bmore rap in a BIG way! I am so very honored to have been included in any capacity.

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Big Ups to everyone that was featured and/or immortalized in the very cool trading cards the City Paper crafted in honor of our city's most notable hip hoppas! (complete with personalized stats - even tho it seems like ere body was eronenously added to the Bang-A-Rang crew. C.O.M.P. is the only person that waves that flag, as far as I know) Above is a collage that Skarr Akbar* made by combining all of the cards. (* One of the many STARS to be featured on the IBB show next Wed. 7.26.06 @ SONAR). It's being posted all ova MYSPACE (as bulletins and comments...LOL! check out my page), message boards and blogs. Looks very cool!

(side note: I cannot believe the number of super stars that NEVER submitted music, but had the nerve to ask me what song of their's I used for the mixtape!!!!!???? NEVER AGAIN!!! I gave folk a chance to be on a DNA mixtape for free....IMA EAT THAT!!!! many of you are the same ppl that squawk about how much it costs - go figure???)

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.....after you sift through the songs that are just plain garbage and the ones where the sound quality and/or mix was so bad that it would disrupt the overall flow of the CD....you still may be left with 30 - 35 songs

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....then this number still has to be cut down because you can only get 80 mins on one CD (actually 74 mins. to be safe....see...LOL! I just learned dat!).

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.............This is when the real hard work begins.....

You have very real decisions to make....one has to think about the marketability, recognition and street credibility of the artist, the relationship with him or her (This matters tremendously- pervious or future), strategy (self-explanatory), feasibility (time constraints), content (will the target audience like the song?), etc.

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......After all that...you get your list down to 24 tracks (by being very calculated) and you still have to hurt feelings. Thing about it...that was never your intention (especially when you started the project out of love and/or admiration)

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SAD REALITY: YOU CANNOT COVER AND SHOW LOVE TO EVERYONE AT ONE TIME!!! The decision maker has to realize that (AND NOT BEAT HIM OR HERSELF UP) and so does everyone that feels like they've been excluded. Its usually a timing thing!...............THAT OR EITHER U NEED TO STEP UR GAME UP - ACROSS THE BOARD!

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Big Ups to Al of Govt Names!!! I appreciate your candor and willingness to express your passion about what's right and wrong Baltimore's local music scene. I've said it once...& I say it again....you inspire me.

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per GN: "The Best Of Both Worlds is my baby, my big article about the history of fusion between Baltimore club music and hip hop. I did a lot of interviews and research for this and I think it came out pretty good, although honestly I'm too close to it to be objective yet. I focused primarily on club producers who also make hip hop, including Booman, Debonair Samir, Blaq Starr, Dukeyman, Rod Lee (who I didn't get a chance to interview), DJ Ron Rico, and Say What (who I did interview, but unfortunately the stuff about him got left on the cutting room floor, so apologies to him). Harvell deserves a lot of credit for greenlighting and editing the piece, and adding his two cents to a lot of the article and helping it take shape, a lot of the turns of phrase and perspectives in there are his. Over the next couple weeks on Gov't Names I'll have posts about each of the producers spotlighted in the article to really share some music and show people what I'm talking about if they're not familiar."

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Appropriately titled, The Come Up, Jason Torres did a tremendous job with compiling and making sense of a discussion that was all over the map (focus-wise). The is the result of last month's City Paper roundtable that included DJ K-Swift, Ogun and Wink from Real On Purpose Records, Mike Mcintosh from Architects Studio, Victor Starr from 92Q, Shawn Caesar from Unruly Records, Sekani Williams and I. Additional commentary was later added by Ahk from 88.9, Golden Seal and OOH of Brown F.I.S.H. to round out this award winning story! Big Ups to you Jason...this was a real page turner. You are a truly captivating writer.

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(I know OOH [all caps, please] is mad they didn't (edit 7.21.06) spell his name "right"...LOL! Forgive them brotha, for they know not what they do)

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JUST SO YOU ALL KNOW: I really hate my pic and if it pops up anywhere- YOU "the poster" are BLACK LISTED!!!! ...LOL! j/k, but not j/k!

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Congratulations are in order for Shodekeh (Baltimore's most recognized Human Beatboxer)!!!! Not only did you snag the much coveted cover, but the article, Spitting Game (by J. Bowers), was well written and much deserved. Keep up the great work!!!

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Timmy Grins and TheBreakdownTV are EREWHERE. Big Ups to the team...including one of my newest Myspace friends...DJ Excel. Check out Stream Of Consciousness by Jess Harvell when you get a few!!! Very Informative!!! mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmh!!!!

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Turning The Tables by Jaye Hunnie about DJ Spontaneous was a great read. GO SPONTANEOUS!!! You can catch him every morning on the Big Phat Morning Show (92.3 FM).

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The Big Music Thing is a downloadable mixtape of local music, featuring mp3's by many hip hop and club favorites including Dirty Hartz, Mullyman, Barnes, Cooli Hi, and producer Rod Lee.

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Much of the words (opinions) offered by anyone of us (with regards to the future of Baltimore Hip Hop) is more often than not based on a hunch, insight, a feeling, a wish and not so much on actual album and/or show ticket sales (aka PROOF).

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I see the writing on the walls (I see a bright future), but much of my optimicism is not based on anything substantial. I just feel blessed and fortunate to be part of something bigger than me. I feel anxious and nervous about all of the new challendes I face daily - for me that has always been a GOOD sign. FYI: No one is going to play cheerleader for ever. This IMO was "I got your back"....no more no less! The City Paper shined a spotlight on the scene only - NOW WHAT???? You got to keep on giving them something to talk about or else they won't write about us again.

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Its is at times like this that those of you mentioned need to really check your priorities and not get all caught up on the fact (& SMUG) that you were mentioned or covered and not some one else ....YOU ARE NOT BETTER (....& in some cases, not the most polished)...just in a better postition to be recognized by people with a "voice".

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.................and those of you that didn't get your shine this time need to devise or modify your promotional (this includes publicity) plan ...to better ensure that next time you are considered. I do hope they add more to the collection.

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Oh yeah!!! did yall peep the pic of D.O.G.? You have got to see those hats up close...I think they are so fly. The O's is blinged out! I may get a few and give them away as door prizes at the show.

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Check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove or www.myspace.com/itsbaltimorebaby

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I know some of yall like "B....please!!" .....& you just gonna be mad for a min....NO MATTER WHAT I SAY.....LOL! ...all im saying is supress your jealousy, congratulate your contemporaries and tell the devil to get back! (that's all it is, baby!) Your time is coming! fo sho! stay motivated! church!

I AM VERY OPEN TO PROMOTING & HOSTING "RELEASE EVENTS" FOR SERIOUS ARTISTS AT UPCOMING IBB EVENTS.

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I NEED AT LEAST 2 MONTHS NOTICE (IF YOUR CD IS DROPPIN IN OCTOBER...NOW IS THE TIME TO GET WITH ME)

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-YOU MUST HAVE A BUDGET FOR YOUR PROJECT

-YOU MUST HAVE A TIME LINE FOR YOUR UPCOMING PROJECT. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SET A RELEASE DATE AND STICK TO IT.

-YOU MUST HAVE YOUR COMPLETED CD AND COVER ART IN ADVANCE (FOR IBB PROMO AND PRESS). NO FLYERS WITH YOUR INFORMATION WILL BE PRINTED IF I DON'T RECEIVE THE ART AT LEAST A MONTH IN ADVANCE.

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IF INTERESTED, PLEASE HIT ME UP! @ SYNERGIZEHIPHOP@YAHOO.COM. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!!!

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I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO THIS FOR EVERYONE (1 PER MONTH), BUT I WILL GIVE EVERYONE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.

I am not the best person to review music...LOL!, but for some reason ppl keep on asking me to do it! I never stick to the script......I write about stuff that has nothing to do with the music and when I personally like the artists, it generally comes through loud and clear. Another thing you should know is that ....if I don't like it...I won't write about it. My hands hurt (Literally- I think I am developing carpel tunnel)...SO I don't have the time or inclination talk about something that truly does not move me.....How doe$ that benefit me again? Most of the stuff I say will prolly not matter to the good majority of yall, but hell...I love to talk! and obviously ....you like it! ha! Plus, I went to Sound Garden and paid full price for it....so you know what that means!!!! All that said....please take the following with a grain a salt. aaaaaaaiiight!

1. Intro

2. Pocket Full Of Misery

3. Lawdy, Lawdy featuring Wicket Man

4. Magnificent

5. Who's To Say

6. Real Fighter

7. Baltimore to Benztown featuring Cam.l and Dichter

8. Get Live featuring Ogun

9. Breakfast with the blues

10. Take A Shot featuring Regulus

11. They Don't Want It featuring Prodigal Sunn

12. Red Dawn

13. The Movement

14. Ain't No Fun featuring Lord Cyrus

15. Lesson To Be Learned

16. Destruction

* CD Only Bonus track - Everybody Knows featuring Sabac RedCo. Produced by Dichter, of Dichter2 Productions

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Pro: The group's style is very lyrical. If you are sick of crunk.......this is your fix! Great East Coast Hip Hop!

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Background:
Robben Beatz and Dj Kurcial provide the sounds
MCs Fat Boi aka Moody, Deph Cef, and Dwell (& sometimes Robben Beatz) provide the lyrics
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According to their bio, "The name, Third Kind, signifies the difference between us and the current two party system Hip Hop seems to be stuck in. Mainstream or Underground, it doesn't matter. We stand for good music. Originality and meaning, not demeaning and unrealistic." I have to agree, these guys don't fit into the pre-established.
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I met them a few years back and have been impressed repeatedly not only because they are one of the few groups that can actually pack a club on their own, but also because they are so very real and humble. They have several top rated songs (college charts) and offers for record deals on the table and yet they NEVER brag or boast. That is so commendable!!!! Their shows are always LIVE!!!!..... Complete with Beatz on stage with his PC making sure that every thing goes off with out a hitch and DJ Krucial getting the crowd pumped before and throughout out their set.
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Although we come from different necks of the woods, I can tell that these are not your typical suburban white kids. I honestly think they are hood reporters in a sense.....check out the back of their CD cover! I find that lot of suburbanites think they do "Hip Hop" .....but IMO until you come into the "HOOD" (or at least an environment reminiscent of what inspired the first emcees and where the ppl are skeptical because of how you look and/or your name) ....& RIP it (even if you get booed or suck)....You can't get my full support and respect. I think there is a rights of passage for rappers as well. Far to many skip this step! It's so sad that battling has got such a bad rap because its truly a lost artform that could truly distinguish rappers from MCs. Rappin to me is as much about proving that you deserve respect as much as it is about putting out a great song! MC-ing has nothing to do with how many units you push.

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Fat Boi BEEN had the utmost from me!!! He was up in the 5 Season a few weeks ago DOLO @ the Team Fifty jump off and ripped it. The boy has heart & no one can take that from him! I love that! Beatz goes hard too! I think he would slap someone if provoked. I say all that to say that when I listened to their music....I approached it with a open mind and general admiration (as people) for the artists. I love that hood stuff!!!! Everything else....you have to literally blow me away with your wittiness.

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RATING:

1=Piss poor
2=Aiight
3= I see what you were tryna do
4= Ghood
5= Top Notch

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Art/Product Quality: 4
I can tell that money was spent on the appearance of the project. The pull out insert was made up of various pictures that went along with the theme. Not sure what they meant by "Disaster Relief", but if it was left up to the listener to come up with his or her own definition...I say that it really means that like the roaches...third kind's music will survive a Nuclear or other catastrophic diaster. DAYUM!

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Lyricism/Delivery: 4

Very strong vocabularies. You really realize how much of a filler N*gga is when you listen to these guys...LOL! I don't know the last time I listened to some Hip Hop and that word was not used. Dwell has a rapid fire delivery that no body (I've seen in a min) is messing with. see "issues".
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Group Members Names: 1
Jokey Joke!!!! Dwell, Robben Beatz, Cef, Fat Boi and DJ Krucial are Third Kind & THEY ROCK!!!
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Use of Features: 4
Very good selections. It was very refreshing to see a group have enough confidence in themselves to release a first project that was so about introducing themselves to the listeners on their own terms and less about getting people to co-sign for their official-ness. Very complete project.

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Production: 4
Very Solid. All songs except "Baltimore to Benztown (F/ CAM.L and Dichter)" were produced and sequenced by Robben Beatz. That really says a lot. You would think that all of the songs (music) would sound alike or that listening to the CD straight through would have been hard work...but actually it wasn't. I always knew he was good, but thanks to this CD, I've made a mental note to mention Robben Beatz when I am asked who is hot. Rob has a very unique style and the samples he selects really speak to his general knowledge of all genres of music. Don't be surprised to hear him use a country ass Willy Nelson sample for one of his hooks....LOL!

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Issues:
Perhaps its just me, but it irritated me terribly that I could not figure out who was on each song. Not that it took away from my enjoyment of the CD or anything, but with so many people in the group....certain people stand out more and certain tracks and I would have liked to be able to comment on each.
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Not sure if this is an issue, but I couldn't figure out an appropriate header....LOL! If you are looking for a "pop hop" CD ....THIS IZ BEATZ and LYRICS!!!! I don't even think they had the typical obligatory "girl or party" track. I think this cd was made PRIMARILY for the fellas! Appreciating this CD is really about listening to the words and feeling what they are saying.
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It seemed like most of the songs were about professing their lyrical prowess and less about giving me a part of the song I could join in on and feel. I honestly had a hard time identifying with the artists, but that does not mean that I did not appreciate it for what it was. The constant firing of words at me got kinda monotonous after a while.

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Very underground style. If this is your thing, this CD will blow you away, but if you are like me and actually enjoy today's incarnation of hip hop (in moderation).....you are gonna listen and be kinda dissapointed. There was nothing on there that made me want to get in front of the mirror and shake it.
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Notable Tracks/ Current Faves!
1. Intro - Loved it! Very eerie!

2. Pocket Full of Misery - I love the pianos

3. Lawdy Lawdy (f/ Wicked Man) - I am really feeling track. The guys singing definitely complemented the trach. Plus, you get major points for incorporating scratching into the song. It gave it a real....early 90-ish (in a good way) feel!!! You really don't hear that enough any more. But I guess that is one of the benefits of having a DJ in your group.

4. Magnificant

5. Who's To Say - I have liked this song from the first time I heard it. I think was the first single off of the CD. I thought it was Rob on the hook, but it turns out its Dwell. They sound so much alike to me.

6. Real Fighter - One of the highlights of the album

7. Baltimore to Benztown (FEATURE) - OK.....was that someone rapping in another language.....LOL! I like the song tho!

8. Get Live (FEATURE) - I've seen this song performed numerous times. It's definitely a crowd favorite. It losses something recorded tho! Or perhaps I'm just incredibly biased!

10. Take A Shot featuring Regulus

14. Ain't No Fun featuring Lord Cyrus -I love CYRUS! When is he coming back?

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TK....I feel that I got my money's worth! Keep reppin Bmore lovely! You prove just how diverse our musical scene really iz! I look forward to hearing, reading & writing about your future endeavours! holla!

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check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove or www.myspace.com/itsbaltimorebaby

FYI: 7.26.06 @ SONAR!!! I'm gonna cut up!!! I already got my "Money Maker" Dress Picked out! LOL!

Make sure you go out and get a copy of this month's Music Monthly. Kelly wrote a very heartfelt piece dedicated to Tone (Kartel). I loved that she talked from the heart and showed people that those of us that are involved in this local music scene genuinely care about one another. He will definitely be missed! Also....check out the inagural installment of Street Beat's "Producer's Corner". This month features Sean Toure.
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Caught a lil of Rap Attack yesterday! Big Ups to Shellbe Raw on having her new song played "Give it to me Raw" (Forgive me - I think!). I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall .... The new song features a Method Man sample....can you guess what part....YEAH...."Give it to me RAW!!!!" .........& guess who was the special in-studio guest last night....LOL! Yeah, Meth! I wonder how he felt about that? LOL! Did you get that sample cleared? ....has his lawyer called already? Tune in next week for a special program dedicated to female MCs (or maybe it's women in Hip Hop...not 100% sure) should be dope! I prolly won't get to tune-in because B.Fly (of Brown F.I.S.H.) is shooting a video for her song "Fire and Brimstone". I am excited...this will be my first video cameo....Ah shucks!!! Then...I gots to hit up the Artscape. If anyone else is going ....lemme know! I always walk there from my house.
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The upcoming City Paper issue is going to be REALLY SPECIAL!!! I say upcoming because I am not sure if they are going to run it this week or next....anyways..........

Every year they put together a BIG MUSIC issue and I've been informed that this year's is dedicated to HIP HOP!!! The roundtable discussion should be a substantial part since it last several hours and was transcribed pretty much word for word. OMFG - Can you believe that??? WOW! I can't wait to see how this comes together. The timing could not have been more perfect....The show is coming up....as well as the CD release!!! Thank you God for your thoughtfulness!!! Big Ups to Jason Torres, Jess Harvell, Al Shipley and all the other City Paper writers for your continued interest in our fledgling music scene. With your help...things are gettin so much brighter! Not sure of the exact date, but the next 2 wednesdays are 7.19.06 & 7.26.06 (SHOWTIME: ITS BALTIMORE BABY LIVE!!! @ SONAR)

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I MISSED THE ROOTS SHOW @ RAMS HEAD!!! I HEARD IT WAS SO LIVE!!! DAMN!!! (*^*)(*_*) - I had to tell someone......Thanks 4 listening!...no really!

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check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove or www.myspace.com/itsbaltimorebaby

In addition......
I stopped by the M.E.C.C.A. CD release event at Sonar & it was packed (.............& HOT AS HELL!!!! I don't think the AC or any fans were on at ALL)!!! I was extremely late (I arrive about 12:45), but managed to capture a few pics of my peoples from Awnpont Productions (organizers). Their set was live as hell!!! I will write some more about the CD and movement when I get some more info. In the meantime, check out their page on MYSPACE. Big Ups to Liquor Box (Munk, Dusk & Jethro), Opposable Thumbs, Bishop & all my Nap Town Peoples!





This was a GREAT Day!!

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove or www.myspace.com/itsbaltimorebaby

What is BLACK AUGUST? (source)

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Black August originated in the concentration camps of California to honor fallen Freedom Fighters, Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, William Christmas, James McClain and Khatari Gaulden. Jonathan Jackson was gunned down outside the Marin County California courthouse on August 7, 1970 as he attempted to liberate three imprisoned Black Liberation Fighters: James McClain, William Christmas and Ruchell Magee. Ruchell Magee is the sole survivor of that armed rebellion. He is the former co-defendant of Angela Davis and has been locked down for 40 years, most of it in solitary confinement. George Jackson was assassinated by prison guards during a Black prison rebellion at San Quentin on August 21, 1971. Three prison guards were also killed during that rebellion and prison officials charged six Black and Latino prisoners with the death of those guards. These six brothers became known as the San Quentin Six.

To honor these fallen soldiers the brothers who participated in the collective founding of Black August wore black armbands on their left arm and studied revolutionary works, focusing on the works of George Jackson. In the month of August the brothers did not listen to the radio or watch television. Additionally, they didn't eat or drink anything from sun-up to sundown; and loud and boastful behavior was not allowed. The brothers did not support the prison's canteen. The use of drugs and alcoholic beverages was prohibited and the brothers held daily exercises because during Black August emphasis is placed on sacrifice, fortitude and discipline. Black August is a time to embrace the principles of unity, self-sacrifice, political education, physical training and resistance.

The tradition of fasting during Black August teaches self-discipline. A conscious fast is in effect FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET (or suggested from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm), this includes refraining from drinking water or liquids and eating food of any kind during that period. Some other personal sacrifice can be made as well. The sundown meal is traditionally shared whenever possible among comrades. On August 31, a People's Feast is held and the fast is broken. Black August fasting should serve as a constant reminder of the conditions our people have faced and still confront. Fasting is uncomfortable at times, but it is helpful to remember all those who have come and gone before us, Ni Nkan Mase, if we stand tall, it is because we stand on the shoulders of many ancestors.

Black August is a time to STUDY AND PRACTICE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ABOUT OUR HISTORY AND THE CURRENT CONDITIONS OF OUR PEOPLE. In the late 1970's Black August was moved from the yards of California's concentration camps to New Afrikan communities throughout California and the united states empire. As the Black August practice and tradition spread, it grew to observe not only the sacrifices of the brothers in California's concentration camps, but the sacrifices and struggles of our ancestors against white supremacy, colonialism, and imperialism.

In the late 1970's the observance and practice of Black August left the prisons of California and began being practiced by Black/New Afrikan revolutionaries throughout the country. Members of the New Afrikan Independence Movement (NAIM) began practicing and spreading Black August during this period. The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM) inherited knowledge and practice of Black August from its parent organization, the New Afrikan People's Organization (NAPO). MXGM through the Black August Hip Hop Project began introducing the Hip-Hop community to Black August in the late 1990's after being inspired by New Afrikan political exile Nehanda Abiodun.

A sampling of this month of "righteous rebellion" and "racist repression" includes: The first Afrikans were brought to Jamestown as slaves in August of 1619. In 1843, Henry Highland Garnett called a general slave strike on August 22. The Underground Railroad was started on August 2, 1850. The March on Washington occurred in August of 1963, Gabriel Prosser's slave rebellion occurred on August 30th, 1800. The "Prophet" Nat Turner planned and executed a slave rebellion that commenced on August 21, 1831. The Watts rebellions were in August of 1965. On August 18, 1971 the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Afrika (RNA) was raided by Mississippi police and FBI agents. The MOVE family was bombed by Philadelphia police on August 8, 1978. Further, August is a time of birth. Dr. Mutulu Shakur (New Afrikan prisoner of war), Pan-Africanist Leader Marcus Garvey, Maroon Russell Shoatz (political prisoner) and Chicago Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton were born in August. August is also a time of transition and rebirth. The great scholar and educator W.E.B. Dubois died in Ghana on August 27, 1963. So, August is a month during which New Afrikans can reflect on our current situation and our struggle for self-determination and freedom.

The Struggle Continues!

"Recognizing that the Roots of Black August are founded in the Black August Organizing Committee (BAOC), we, the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM), are respectfully including this organization in the trademark of *Black August in solidarity with the history and actions that come from this movement."

Related Information: MXGM Solidarity Statement Black August Organizing Committee (BAOC)

The biggest celebration on the east coast is the one that is organized by the Malcom X Grassroots Organization. In past years, Dead Prez, Eryka Badu, Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique & so many more.....have participated in the festivities as speakers and featured performers. I love that many of my favorite acts are willing to speak out on issues that plague our community. I am more than sure the Katrina fiasco and Darfur will be a major topics of convo this year. I couldn't figure out who was performing, but this year's MXGO event is being held on Aug. 13th at BB King's in NYC. If NY is too far....how does VA sound?

Black Freedom Weekend Coming August 25-27th in Richmond VA

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This is Happily Natural Day 2005 (One Floor Beginning of the day Around 2pm)If you know vendors tell them about our festival!!

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The purpose of Happily Natural Day is to raise black awareness and cultivate unity & solidarity within the African community. Our goal is accomplished by using spoken word poetry & music along with lectures & workshops to transmit uplifting, educational, and socially conscious messages to the masses at large. Our festivals are always pro-community, and we have stayed true to course in supporting black institutions at each of our former & future celebrations. In 2003, our premiere was held at The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and in 2004 our 2nd Annual was held at Nubian Village Academy, Richmond Virginia's premier African Centered School.

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Happily Natural Day's thematic and overall marketing aspect is targeted to the natural hair care industry & the conscious community of which we reach a target audience of African men & women ages 18 to 55. The utilization of natural hair care as a thematic has a multi-faceted benefit. First it opens a dialogue on one of the ever-present distresses caused by Post Traumatic Slave Disorder (PTSD) the inferiority complex as identified by psychologist Kenneth Clark and remarked on by Afrikan scholar warriors throughout history such as Marcus Garvey, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Assata Shakur, and Llaila Afrika. Secondly, it allows the conscious community to inter-relate across regional divides, socioeconomic divides, ideological and age divides for the sole purpose of upliftment in a way that is innovative and ever-expansive in methods of application. Fusing music & lectures together we have taken two aspects of Afrikan culture that have always served as means to transmit information from the griots & kemetic priests of our ancestry to the Last Poets & Dr. John Henrik Clarke now, the spoken word has always served as a timeless method to re-iterate where we as a people should be going and what we should be doing to further progress in our community both inwardly and externally.

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Our marketing program has strengthened each year with a wider and wider range being reached through print, web and radio media. Happily Natural Day appeals to the mainstream because natural hair care & spoken word poetry is "trendy" today , however, by saturating Happily Natural Day with artists & scholars who are about the mission of social change through not only their words but through their works, deeds, and actions we present natural hair & spoken word through a lens undistorted by commercialism & capitalism. At our festivals you find aficionados of spoken word, specialists in natural hair care, activists, organic farmers, spiritual teachers, students, children, entrepreneurs, politicians, musicians, visual artists, from as far north as New York City and as far south as Miami. Each year our attendance has grown, from 2003 reaching close to 300 patrons at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center to close to 600 in 2004 at Nubian Village Academy. Our flyers & posters have reached walls of restaurants, black owned bookstores & culture shops in Richmond, Tidewater, DC, and Baltimore and the response from these areas have been tremendous.

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With your support we can reach an even wider audience, your financial, in-kind, and volunteer contributions will allow us the opportunity to finance even greater print, radio & web promotions for Happily Natural Day, secure lodging & transportation for lecturers and artists, allow for a larger festival space through the use of outdoor tents for vendors & provide staging plus sound equipment for musicians to perform during the day. Through the spirit of our ancestors that fought to raise our consciousness and free our bodies, minds and souls we use Happily Natural Day to reach & bridge the gaps in the black community and invite those who feel the spirit of the ancestors calling, to join the movement to reclaim, reawaken, and resurrect the collective greatness of Afrikan people worldwide.

Happily Natural Day (The Other Floor around 5pm)

Interested in Happily Natural Day? Vending @ Happily Natural Day is Easy If you are interested in vending at Happily Natural Day you can request an application. Your financial support has allowed Happily Natural Day to be successful, and we vow to continue providing economically affordable opportunities for small businesses to promote their products and services. However, vendor spaces are limited and will be reserved only upon completion of the full application & remittance of application fee. Download MS word. application here HAPPILY NATURAL DAY VENDOR APPLICATION For more information contact804-622-9364 or email hndsupport@gmail.com

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I'd heard some chatter about someone having a Black August celebration in Baltimore Next Year!!!! That is wonderful! If you are intertesting in obtaing more information on the subject or if you want to participate in any Black August activities going on in Bmore....stop by the CONSCIOUS HEADS BARBER SHOP AND BOOK STORE (219 E 25th St Baltimore, MD 21218 (410) 889-0100) or visit their site.

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check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove or www.myspace.com/itsbaltimorebaby! I have a Paaartay coming up!!!!