The Baltimore Paparazzi

The Baltimore Paparazzi

Monday, April 1, 2019

The Passing of Nipsey Hussle


Nipsey Hussle



On March 31, 2019, the news broke of the murder of Nipsey Hussle. Fans, comedians, actors, athletes, music artists, just about everyone was posting their condolences and sadness of losing not only a rapper but a father, a son, a partner to actress Lauren London, an entrepreneur, a man who was trying to empower the community he grew up in as well as educate and help people everywhere.

I personally am not a per say fan,  I can't recite lyrics or tell you what song is play of his or the like.  I can say that I am a fan of the man himself.  I heard of him a few years ago through other people and other artists that I am a fan of and in the passing years became aware of the man who was very knowledgeable of the things he had done in his past and was now trying to help the community he grew up in as well as trying to help those growing up to not have to struggle as he had to in his youth.  I did however have his friend and artist J Stone on my radio show last year.  We talked a little about Nipsey during the interview.  I can't even imagine what he is going through right now.

I watched an interview of him and he was young talking about investing and buying real estate and things that you usually don't hear a "gang member" talking about.  He knew that all the cars and diamonds and jewelry were just things.  Every time I heard him talk about anything, it was giving knowledge and whether one person or multiple people got the message, the message was given,

I have seen multiple people on my timeline on Facebook who are effected by the loss of Nipsey Hussle and those who just can't seem to understand how they are effected because they didn't "know" him.  The only way I can explain it to them is this....through Nipsey Hussle's music people felt his spirit.  Just like with Tupac and Biggie, through music you can feel like you know that person, you can relate to that person.  Music is life....I have always said this.  Just like those of you who watch Love and Hip Hop or Real Housewives of whatever or those Kardashian....and become so invested in their lives and talking about what they do....people who are fans of Nipsey Hussle feel like they knew the man.

I hate when someone is judgmental about the way someone feels.  I seen so many people commenting negatively when all they had to do was not say anything.  Let that person grieve because that is what they are doing.  Grieving for a man, a father, an entrepreneur, an artist, a rapper, a member of his community, a business man and yes even a gang banger as he has been called.  But more importantly he gave music and lyrics to those who couldn't express how they felt or couldn't explain what they were going through.  If you as a person can't understand that, then say that.  Ask someone, hey....how can you feel so much for a man you never met or knew personally?  I mean that is if you really wanted to know.  Maybe you just wanted to be a true dickhead and think you are funny when you clearly are not.

I felt like I had to write this blog today.  I haven't written in so long.  I need to start again.  I have so much to say.  And I say things to get people to think about they opposite side of things.  Call me a devils advocate if you must.  I like to look at all sides and get people to open their minds to the bigger picture.

The world lost a really great man who will be compared to other great men.  Biggie, Tupac, Malcolm, Martin, any figure in the world who was about knowledge and empowering their people, communities and opening the eyes of the world.  I would say that Nipsey Hussle is in that class of men.

So to all my friends, fans and family of Ermias Davidson Asghedom aka Nipsey Hussle I am deeply sorry for your loss.


Yours Truly,



Friday, September 29, 2017

In The Spotlight Interviews.......


On September 2, 2017 I celebrated my 1 year on HardBody Radio doing my show In The Spotlight.   Check out the the first 3 interviews in the new building and the beginning of my 2nd year.



DaV1s7on's interview



Black$taff247 - Jay Bruno and Country Haze



TAGMG's Interview


Xavier James' Interview


Friday, August 4, 2017

Baltimore Cease Fire August 4th Through August 6th



August 4th through August 6th is the Baltimore Cease Fire.  And since the first announcement people seem to really have their "opinions" on this idea.  Well here are mine.....

When I first heard this months ago I was wondering if they were going to follow through with the idea.  See I have seen so many people in this city come up with good ideas but they have no follow through.  Mostly because good ideas need a lot of work and let's face it, most people have the attention span of a goldfish.  But as the days went on and I seen who was the "face" of the  Cease Fire I knew that she wasn't about to give up and she would keep up the motivation to keep those who were involved to keep involved.

I can't remember the first time I met Erricka Bridgeford but I remember that every time I seen her she had this beautiful smile and a hug.  So seeing that she was one of the founders of this movement I knew that it was going to have the follow through it needed.

Now as I first stated, a lot of people have given their opinions on trying to have Nobody Kill Anybody this weekend.  I was seeing a lot of negative opinions on trying to save lives.  Instead of talking down the organization and the people who are reaching out to the people in the streets and trying to at least get 72 hours with no one being killed.....maybe these people should help do something to help these kids realize there is more to life than just being in the streets.

People like to complain about things instead of trying to contribute.  I seen a lot of well its not gonna work......well what about the rest of the days of the year.......and you know it all has to start somewhere.  And it started today!!  

So far as I am writing this blog, there have been no murders.  I pray that this is a trend that continues.  So far in Baltimore we have had 209 murders. The youngest being 1 and the oldest being 97.

2017 Baltimore City Homicides - List and Map

I pray that the cease fire is truly the beginning of people cherishing life.

Please do your part in helping spread the word.

AB Rock - Aint Yours (Baltimore Ceasefire)

The Bangladesh Project ft Anonamas & Wombatt55 - Ceasefire (A #BaltimoreCeasefire Anthem)

Von Vargas Ft Various Artists - Baltimore Cease Fire


Thursday, March 9, 2017

Team Kreamate - The Krate Tape 2 - The Kare Pakkage

Team Kreamate - Krate Tape Vol2
The Kare Pakkage



On February 14, 2017, Team Kreamate release their 2nd mixtape in their Krate Tape series.  This one was for the ladies.  The Kare Pakkage consists of instrumentals from Jodeci, Musiq Soulchild, Blackstreet, BBD, Bobby Brown, Total, among others. 


Definitely a mixtape that you need in your collection.  Team Kreamate has outdone themselves once again making the industry beats their own.

The Krate Tape 2 - The Kare Pakkage


Click on the link above and listen for yourself.  Stream or download but give this project a listen and see for yourself if you don't fall in love with at least one track on there.  My suggestion is the last track by Rebel "It's My Poison".  A combination of "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown and "Poison" by BBD.  Take a listen and see what you think.





Monday, October 24, 2016

Bodymore Big Steve - I Do This **** In My Sleep


Bodymore Big Steve - I Do This **** In My Sleep


So a few days ago I received a link.  Big Steve of Bodymore Records had sent me this project to listen to and review.  And I have been listening to it every day.

I have known Big Steve for years and I have watched him grow as an artist. This project is a mixture of beats and well stories. Big Steve goes over industry beats and makes them his own. He doesn't try to do what the original artist did and doesn't talk about the same things.

The very first track is a collection of what is called Classic Shit and it truly it.  Parts of verses from some of the best songs the Big Steve has had over the past few years.

The tracks on this project are such a great mixture.  The songs that are really personal and about love and his girls....he has 3 of the most beautiful little girls.....are the ones that I really feel to my soul.  His pain of loving and losing is like him opening up himself and it is therapy for him and the listener.

He even as a track called Spoken Word that is dedicated to his daughter Mira.  Something really different for an artist to put on a mixtape.  Almost brought me to tears the first time I heard it and even the 5th time I listened to it.

Big Steve has Lil Black from 92Q hosting the mixtape.

He even sings a little on the songs with the help of autotune.

I love seeing the growth in this young man over the years.  This project really shows the versatility of Big Steve as an artist and the growth as a man and father.  

He will be dropping this at midnight tonight online and delivering hard copies tomorrow for FREE.  According to his post he made this morning.

Grab this project as soon as it comes out.  You will be playing this from beginning to end and then repeat.

Bodymore Big Steve Facebook Page

Monday, October 17, 2016

Upcoming Events......

On October 27th Beanie Sigel will be at Gentlemens 10 2135 Edmondson Ave Baltimore, MD.  Admission is $20 VIP is $50.  This is also the Mixtape Release Party for $pence "The TurnUp King".  The flyer is below.  Check it out and go support local artists, local businesses.  Yes my logo is on the flyer as well.  I'm hoping I will be well enough to attend!  



The very next night Freeway and Peedi Crakk will be at the Downtown Cultural Center 401 N Howard St. Baltimore, Md.  Support the local artists and local businesses.




Team Kreamate will be performing as well.  You don't want to miss their performance.  Definitely a must see.  


Sunday, October 2, 2016

Taz Spitta - Subject Matters



Taz Spitta - Subject Matter

 

I haven't done a written review in a while but when I listened to this project I knew that I needed to be vocal about it. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I am I listener.  I listen to lyrics, the flow, the beat and voices.  All of that has to peak my interest.  And when I downloaded this mixtape off of Audiomack..... here is the link  Taz Spitta - Subject Matter and you can get it on Datpiff Taz Spitta - Subject Matter  I really had no idea what I was about to hear. 

I had seen the name Taz Spitta on flyers and apparently even been at events before but it wasn't until recently that I really took the time to really listen.  Its so hard to pay attention to lyrics while artists are performing but a few months ago something seemed to tap me on my shoulder and said hey pay attention to this artist.  So I started to pay attention when I would see Taz Spitta perform.

Performance wise he is very engaging.  He interacts with the crowd.  It doesn't seem to matter if the event is packed or if there are 10 people, he gives it his all as if he is performing at the Arena.  The stage presence is on point.  Very important to me as a spectator and supporter. 

The title is "Subject Matter" and that is something that every song has.  I love songs that tell stories.  There is a concept and the artist stays with that concept.  He isn't just rhyming words. 

As I listened to this project, I noticed that the beats were varied, this to me shows the artist's ability to be versatile! Not everyone can ride any beat that is given to them.  An example is the song  "More" which is a very fast tempo song.  Taz Spitta flows with the beat with ease. 

Another thing......Taz Spitta sings also on the tracks.  And does it well.  

This is a well rounded artist who gives you a quality project.  If you listen to it, I guarantee there will be at least one track that will be your favorite.  Mine is "Right Now".....and "More"...... "Mastermind".....yeah there are a few.  

Click one of the links and download it and take a listen.  Taz Spitta <<<<< Go LIKE his page if you are feeling his music!