*

If you came to the show/party you know what happen.

LOL!

just joking........thanks for reading my blog.

Please tell a friend to check it out too.

Sorry for the delay........Pics will follow soon!


Wednesday was a sea of new faces.....thanks babies for coming out.

Special shout out to the venue.....Thanks Club Sonar and Steez for making it possible for us to have the event at such a nice venue. The whole staff (from the house management to security) is such a pleasure to work with. Wednesday's sound and lights were sooooooo on point. The lights most definitely enhanced the entire show experience. Skarr (oh....Ill tell you about our special guest performer in a min.) had the light guy making adjustments while performing........LOL! It was hot too.

*

WE HAD 2 of the regions HOTTEST DJs on one card.....

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to XM radio's SUPA FUNK REGULATOR CEE - LO for coming through and truly blowing us away. Dude's sound was BIG. I can't think of a better way to describe it. It was almost as if he bought his own speakers. It reminded me of the Scion Primo set which was held in the same room a few months ago. It was a powerful experience. Whether he was diggin in the crates (not literally...every DJ worth his salt uses Serato nowadays.....LOL! Please save the hate mail) or playing exclusives(this one with Busta I'd never heard....I might have to get that Busta Rhymes CD)......his utilization of his obviously extensive catalog was incredible. He is the type of DJ that makes you feel like you can't leave the floor because as soon as you sit down your other "JAM" will comes on. BUUUUUUUD of course..... "In Baltimore we don't dance we just pose.....Jail Flick Ahhh Jail Flick Ahhhh" ........so while I'm sure he was appreciated, I'm sure that his presentation went over a lot of heads. I would definitely love to have him come back to Baltimore for a show. 2 hours is totally not enough time for him to fully get his thing off. NOW......I know.


DJ 5 STARR the GENERAL is DA MAN!!! Very professional and laid back - I likes that!!! The show ended early (a little after 12 AM), but he kept the people in the spot until they turned the lights on. 5 Starr proved to me that he is most definitely NOT just a college party dj. I feel bad for even insinuating anything like that. LOL! I put you in a little box and you proved to me that you can adjust to any situation. You can spin hip hop with the best of them. I will definitely be working with him again.


Special thanks go out to the main man behind the scenes....IKE CARTER (First and Last Name are required)

Once again........he proved why he is such an asset to who ever is fortunate enough to have him on their team. There is no way that the show would start and end on time if it wasn't for his organizational skills and shrewd analysis of potential problems. I definitely see Ike becoming a major player in the entertainment industry. So glad to say I knew him "back when". No one is messing with him..he really knows his stuff.....F what you heard.


Ebony Elle - thank you so much for being such a great partner in rhyme. You've been there with me since the beginning .......so your opinion is one of the most valued. You NEVER waiver in your dedication and in this day in age....that is worth more than money. Thanks for your passion and enthusiasm for hip hop...I never met any one like you before...LOL! Thank you for always going above and beyond the call of duty. The food was delicious too! I hope yall got a plate!
*
I want yall to know: The birthday guy, DNA, enjoyed himself tremendously!!! He's going to need to read this recap to refresh his own memory.........LOL! GLAD WE COULD HELP TO MAKE YOU B-DAY SPECIAL!!! I am sure I am not alone when I say.....I WILL NEVER FORGET IT! I truly wish you many, many more!!!!
*

OUR FEATURED ACTS WERE AWESOME!!!

RAW DOC has one of the hottest line ups of artists to come out of Bmore - QUOTE ME.

Special thanks to Mack Houston, Bobby Baltimore, 2rouble and Lucky Hands


Actually....I'm not 100% sure that they are a group. Similar to M.O.L. (Top of the Hill Records)......they are a collective of MCs that perform together under one umbrella. Never the less.....the way in which they worked together speaks volumes about their working relationship. Even songs that were solo joints incorporated the other guys into it and made for a truly entertaining set.
*
They didn't just get up there and repeat their raps.....they obviously practiced, coordinated moves to be performed in unison.....they bought their people out to support them.....they showed up for sound check.....they handled issues that arose with professionalism.....they performed songs that were appropriate for the crowd......they were an absolute pleasure to work with. I look forward to having them on another show in the future.
*
I am not going to say I slept on them (I suggested them for the show.... so I knew a little something), but they actually IMPRESSED. Not just the team, but also mentor of mine. He is not easily impressed...... That's major.
*
Keep up the ghood work!


*
Shellbe Raw definitely added the sexy element to the show. Clad in a chocolate brown customized tee imprinted with her newest CD cover tied in the back, ripped denim petal pushers and what I'm sure were 3 inch pumps (you go girl!), Ms. Raw hit the stage and without even requesting it, the majority of the audience made its way to the front row. WOW! That's power. Though she has only been at it for a short time........Ms. Raw (out of the many artists I've seen in the last 2 years), seems to have the least amount of trouble winning over new fans. Even females (and you know how caddy we can be) give her props. There is definitely something to be said about her ability to command attention. Appropriately starting out with the song "Drop My Shiiid," (if my memory serves me correctly).......for the next 15 or so we were on her time. I don't think I saw nah one side convo going on while she was on stage.
*
The entire A.R.S. team was there in full force. Big Ups to Mike McIntosh, Niige, and Fingaz (360), etc.......As always it was great seeing you guys. Special thanks to XO, Ogun and Talal who all performed their contributions to "Do you Like it Raw" with Shellz as well.

*
410 Pharohs (who....for those of you that asked.....is comprised of DJ Boo Man, Jimmy Jones & Labtekwon) and The Tao of Slick (a Labtekwon affiliated group) were NO SHOWS!

Yeah!

In their absence........

The "IBB House Band Man" stepped in and proceeded to do the damn thang as usual....

MR. AKBAR

...who else would happen to have a show CD in their car.....LOL!

This guy never disappoints and I swear....NO ONE ever complains about seeing this guy perform the same songs. I think if we were giving out a PEOPLE'S CHOICE "Best Artist" award he'd definitely be on the short list.


He was so very good! No other comments are really required.

Google him!

*

Special shootout to a few of the beautiful people in the room:

Paula Campbell
The Bossman
Kash (N.E.K.)
Derrick Purvey & KID
South Paw Entertainment (XOXO: Chris B. & Ace - great seeing you!)
Katrina (Make up artist whose client list includes Shellbe Raw. So nice to meet ya!! I love your work and already have ideas that we can build on.)
Major League Unlimited (Big Ups to Mully Man and A-Milz!!! So great to see ya - ALWAYS)

Kamar (Blackhand Entertainment // Urban Suspex - Great seeing ya Stranger!)
Top of the Hill Records (M.O.L.'s Fire Arms was in the building. Special Shout out to Bunny and Tim)
Kelly Connelly

Greenspan
Pop of Crooked Streetz
Sonny Brown (It meant a lot to see ya! Thanks for your support!!)
Mr. Wilson (Next show is on me......NO BS!!! LOL! Thanks for coming out and support the event. We promoters do need to support one another. Keep droppin jewels!)
P-Cutta
I'm going to be on Deep Flow TV B*TCH!!! (Amotion, thanks for coming through. I can't wait to see how this episode turns out. I will tell anyone that asks that you are always on your grind!! I thought I worked hard!!! LOL!)
Don Brody
Team Green (MIDAS - thanks for your kind words)
Neil Norris (muscle bound 1/2 of PX.........LOL!)
Ones on the Move (Photo Man - Thanks for the shots of the event. I know the IBB readers will appreciate you taking them)
C.O.M.P.

Rollie Fingaz (You must get a copy of the new Street Dreamz DVD. Miami Kaos is responsible for the artwork!
Tracye Stafford of IKON Entertainment (Last year's SYNERGY Taste Maker Award Recipient)
Big Status & Mr. Kevin Vega (So nice to finally meet both of you, in person. I'm checking out that GREEN DAY CD as I type this!)
......SPECIAL shout out to HEAD NOD for keeping the party going. You guys have been to every single event I have given and ALWAYS stay until the end. That means a lot to me....you all know how much this event means to me. I try I try I try.....you all know it. I got madd love for you all. Big Ups to Mr Nance, Phat Head, Ty, Fat Tony, Jamal.........Yall some of the realest people I know. RESPECT!
*

Representing the WIDER METRO AREA:

Paris France

(Its always a pleasure to see you!!! Thanks for coming out!)
Target Squad (check them out at www.myspace.com/targetsquad) - Thanks for coming out. I wasn't playing when I said.... "WE coming to take over DC too". I'll be hollering at ya fo sho!)

*
To the rest of you who come out every month....(& yet we still have not met).....THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!!!

To all the newcomers or first timers.......Thanks for coming and I hope you found the event to be fun and will come back in the future. Baltimore hip hop is something special.......its not New York style....its not Southern or crunk......its Bmore Baby! & in my book that's damn special. Get some!
*
Also.......got to mention:

Ray Lugar & LOW KEY GOD!! You were truly missed!!! Where were you man? LOL! Don't let it happen again.

*
Also........on the record - G.E.M.

Make a long story short....I told them I was going to put them on the "next" show and it didn't happen. Planning these shows is waaaaaaaaaay more complicated than any of you may know. I can't just worry about making the people happy....I have to make sure Baltimore Hip Hoppers is happy too and MAN that is oftentimes and insurmountable task.

*
This last event (11/29/06) was not typical in any way. I never intended this to be a show in the typical "show" fashion (4-5 acts). It was supposed to be more of a party and that meant that I had to limit the number of acts and end the "show" early. Couple this with the adjustments we made to our show to accommodate the "NO SHOWS"......& needless to say.....after it was all said and done ......I made some very poor decisions -MY BAD YALL! I have a tremendous amount of love and respect for you ladies and want to do all that I can do to help others see why you are so special. I could tell you all the details, but at the end of the day....it's still an excuse or justification. I will not promise anyone anything again.......it's not fair to me or anyone else.

*
I am going to chill out for a min........
I'm going to let some on else lead the event march. Big Ups to Sonny Brown, Mr. Wilson, Tislam, Missy, Grasshopper, Kelly Connelly (NEW EVENT: Hip Hop karaoke @ the New Turntable Clun on 12/22/06 w/ 92 Q's DJ Spontaneous) and all the other independent promoters out there organizing monthly/weekly Hip Hop events. You have a huge supporter in me. I will be sending people your way. Keep the flame alive!!!

*

As for me.....& what I have cooking...........Stay tuned for all the details!!! I won't keep ya waiting long.

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

I AGREE:
Bad rap music just feeds ghetto image
By DeWayne Wickham

Note: BAD RAP

*

JUST HAD A SIMILAR DISCUSSION ABOUT YOUR BOY.....FLAVA FLAV:
*
Can blackface be far behind?
Stereotypes, minstrel melodies lace hip-hop hits
*

ANOTHER POINT TO PONDER:

Culture doesn't cause African-American poverty
WHADAAYA KNOW?!?!

*
Dude has a lot of black folk really really mad at him.......

The outgoing governor gets an amusing cameo role in this week's episode of the Baltimore crime drama.
*

GREAT NEWS....may be old to some:


Final season of 'The Wire' will examine role of the mass media in Baltimore


Season Five (the media)
"HBO announced September 12th, 2006 that they have commissioned a fifth and final season, ordering 13 episodes. David Simon indicated in a recent interview he pitched an idea to HBO executives about the fifth season to revolve around the media."

I think that since the basis of season five will revolve around the media, it may be safe to assume that many of the characters that we've seen in the past will come back to be a part of one BIG storyline.

After all what other entity can touch on so many different environments in a city?

The media is a source that provides the world with a window into so many parts of a city, wether the news is good/bad or ugly, the media is the thing that can inform or mis inform a community about what does or does not happen in a city. Maybe we will see characters from the past cross paths one more time before the end.

The wire has been great in focusing each season in the storylines of each of the characters involved with the theme of each season, and because of this the show has succeeded in developming many compeling characters that we've all grown to care about and understand. It'll be interesting to see how David Simon & co. wrap all these storylines up in the 13th episode of Season 5.

Do any of you have any thoughts on what conclusions we might see to the storylines of the major crimes unit/ Marlo's drug organization/ Omar/ Prez and his teaching career/ Prop Joe/ Wee-Bay (and in this case Avon too)/ The greeks (if they return) and so on....

*

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

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

Midas - PAY PER VIEW
*
Ever since the first time I met Midas, I knew there was something special about him. Maybe it's his smile....or the way that he casually sways from side to side while performing ....or perhaps its the way he always looks like he is tearing the house down when performing...even if the house only consists of 5 hip hop die hards.

*

As a Style Warz champ and Super Style Warz finalist, he'd already proven that he can rock a crowd (kick a funky 16), but had yet to really prove that he had the chops to launch a music career.

*

In response to all of the speculation...all of the questions.....ALL OF THE TALK..... Team Green presents.....PAY PER VIEW. I for one.....have been waiting for this project with eager anticipation.
*
Note: Not sure if this should be called a mixtape since (from what I can tell) all of the beats and song concepts are original. It REALLY must be nice to have one of Baltimore's top producers in-house.
*

Overall....I found the mixtape to be well crafted and entertaining from start to finish (Just the right amount of songs [approx. 10 total].....minimal beat jacking......segues that fit [I LOVED the "Da Pimp" interlude...LOL!]....attractive cover art, etc).

*

Midas has a very clear and articulate voice, makes great use of his vocabulary, possesses a very witty perspective, and has a real knack for hook writing.

*

While many of the Baltimore hip hop superstars that emerged during the last 2 years have fallen off (or maybe we haven't seen them because Baltimore people hibernate in the winter?), Midas has continued to press on. Still entering online battles, hoppin on mixtapes, doing shows, interviews, etc. Maybe he really wants this .....mmmmmmmmmh!
*

LET'S GET THIS OUT THE WAY: I'm sure there will be other songs that other people think deserve recognition......

*
Below are simply some thoughts on the songs that really jumped out at me (for whatever reason) when listening to the CD during some of my leisure time.

*

My advice to you would be to not base your decision to like something so heavily on what someone else says.......cop the CD for your self. But if you still need another opion check out Midas's recent review in the BCP (shout out to Al Shipley).
*
Highlights:

*
Fight Night (Not necessarily on of the strongest SONGS on the CD, but I loved the concept and voices. This showed a lot of creativity. It sounds like you had fun recording this song. I had fun listening to it. In addition, I particularly like the way in which you used the beat to tell your story instead of just rapping over the beat. The song could have turned out totally different.)

*

Hater Face (I think this is one of the lead singles for the release. Sounds sorta like a down south beat - especially with the slowed down sample. I feel like this was a "safe" beat (how wrong can you go when you are giving the people what they are use to?) <----- That being said.....This will absolutely appeal to Baltimore. We like a good song we can 2-step to. I can definitely envision myself dancing to this song

*

Movies (I'm a succor for these types of songs. You HAD to say some real ish on this track. Akira laced you, maaaaaayne. You didn't disappoint. THANK YOU!)

*

Here We Go f/ Don Brody (of Roundtable Music Group) (This is one of the few collaborations on the CD. I think Don Brody did a good job with this track. He did not over power it and his verse was hot.)

*

Spit It Out (Saw this performed at the 5 Seasons last Monday and the crowd reaction was very positive. The beat has a lil bounce to it and Midas' flow for the track was laid back. DEFINITE REPEATABILITY)

*

The Break Up (Cool Concept. I assume this is Midas showing his sensitive side.......LOL! Shout out to the producer Mike "The Creattor"!!!)

*

This is a great introduction, but I am still waiting for that irrisitably annoying hit. That song I can't get out of my head. You say you want to be a recording artist. The recording industry wants songs that can be packaged and sold easily. Most of us only let music from people we already love "grow on us"....anybody else betta come correct the first time. I expect to see some MAJOR growth with the next project. We already know that you (Midas) are a great MC....now its time to start defining who is Midas. What is your musical niche? I think you are on the right track tho ...you've covered all the customary "subject matter" bases. NOW ...LETS TAKE SOME CHANCES. Never the less....SOLID RELEASE!

*

COP IT TODAY...CHECK OUT THE KID WITH THE GOLDEN TOUCH...or gun as he puts in in song #3...LOL!


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

GCBme.com ia hosting a video contest with Hip Hop Official, the only hip hop music and culture channel made just for cell phones. The contest is called "HOT 16", where true lyrists can split their best 16 bars on camera. The grand prize winner gets their video displayed on Hip Hop Official's channel for one month and a new Coby PMP 4320 Player (www.gcbme.com/hiphopofficial). The goal is for contestants to use their rap skills to spread the word about why Hip Hop Official is the hottest hip hop channel for your mobile phone.
*
The contest is up and running and ends on December 11th. After that, GCBme will post the top 10 best videos for a public vote to decide the winner from Dec 13th - 19th.
*

GOOD LUCK!!!






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

..


Infamous Mobb and Rapper Noyd from MOBB DEEP will be performing live at Hiphop 101

with special opening acts Born-Divine, UNREAL and COMP.

$10 males
$5 females

Hosted by Sonny Brown And Squarrial Wyde

Music provided by DJ Jabril




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