Almost The End of 2010......

Well it's almost the end of yet another year and alot has happened in the past 12 months!  Some good and some not!  But there has been alot that hasn't changed in this Baltimore music scene!  And probably never will.

This past year it seemed like rappers just came outta no where and they all were the same!  I'm the best because my homeboy said I spit hot shit!  I'm the best because everyone in my crew tells me so!  I'm the king of the city!!  I'm taking over the city!!!  SMH  They all sound the same and all rapping about the same thing!  I'm so hood! I'm busting off shots!! I'm so tough and will beat your ass.....blah blah blah!!  I was at a show at the Black Hole one night and no lie two acts that went on back to back sounded the exact same to me!  They were rapping about the same things in all their songs and if I gotta hear that everyone has SWAG I'm gonna fucking scream!!!

I wish everyone would leave 92Q alone and stop watching MTV and BET!! Try and be original!  Too many females trying to be Nicki Minaj and too many of the males trying to be Jeezy, Rick Ross and who the hell ever is hot right now!

Oh and when you take an industry beat and put your words to it.....please make it original!  Because just switching up words that rhyme with the original isn't working for me.  You have to take that beat and make it your own!  I want to be able to hear only your words when I hear the original song!  Not many are doing that for me at all!!

This year I got to see how much of these tough talking men are really just bitches with dicks!  How you get on FB and Twitter talking shit about people being on FB and Twitter talking shit?????  Did I miss the memo that stated that only you can be so thuggish on the net and it is ok???  Did I miss where it says that you are the supreme ruler of bitchness??  Yeah I think I did!  Because you need to be crowned that for real!  Fukkas on FB talking hella shit but once they see you face to face it's nothing.  Just stop being so tough!  You can't pull it off and most of you I know how you used to get your ass beat up!

Another thing that I got to see this year.....feminine ass men!  Gossiping like they are on the porch with Aunt Hazel and Cousin Gertrude!!  Talking shit because they got their feelings hurt!  Boo hoo and crying because a female don't want to fuck with them but whole time they fucking with someone else.  Get a fucking life!!  I tried to tell you all that EVERYTHING you say gets back to people!  Then when confronted you are sitting there looking like a deer in headlights not know if you can tell the truth that you are really a bitch or if you should lie like you usually do!  Grow some balls!!  Stop gossiping like a bitch!!

OK now this is going to hit a few of you to your heart and really it don't matter!  YOU ARE NOT AS IMPORTANT AS YOU THINK!!!  Too many of you are going around on this ladder looking down on everyone else!  You swear you are the most important person in this scene!  Well guess what??  You aren't!  Yeah you are a major player but the most important people in this scene will be the fans!!  Oh but that's right most of you don't have fans!!  You have friends who listen to your music.  You sitting there thinking that you should get some special treatment because of who you are!  Hell I think I should but I really don't!  There are 3 promoters in this city who really look out for me!  And in return I look out for them in promoting their shows and taking pictures at their events!  And writing about certain things!  But other than that, all other shows I have had to pay to get in.

So what good has changed??  Well alot of people have stepped their game up!  I'm hearing better lyrics and seeing better videos!!  Shows are getting better slowly!  One day promoters will stop trying to put 25 acts on one show!  That's just bullshit and being greedy trying to get money!  All that does is make me not want to come to your shows anymore!  Shows never start on time and then you trying to push people back and I have seen where they just haven't let people perform because it was too late!  SMH  That's some real bullshit right there!

Something else that "started" up this year was the battle leagues!  Now when I first started going to the Pit Fights and then the Grind Time battles, I was really impressed!  The lines were slick and the guys were going in with their lines!  They were seasoned and trained.  Then I seen these others and was like they reminded me of puppies who need to be disciplined and trained!  I'm hoping that for their own sake they learn from the veterans!!

We had a couple "disses" come out this year that made a buzz!  Yes the Shy "Where Keys At?" diss is at the top of that list.  This was a diss that came about because Keys was making some wild claims.  Anything from claiming she dissed Nicki Minaj because she didn't have that positive image for girls to that females in Baltimore weren't on her level and she wasn't doing any collabs with them.  Now why did Shy diss her?  LOL Well let's see, not because of the Nicki Minaj comment because who cares.  It was the whole female rappers in the city weren't on her level and the comment that Keys posted on the comment section of the City paper when she stated to Al Shipley how you gonna compare me to these wack bitches...talking about Ms Stress and Shy.  Shy addressed it in the song but of course people don't listen to lyrics.  Anyway, that got a buzz.

Another "diss" that came out was Bossman and Wale!  Now this was some stupid shit if you ask me!  You didn't ask me??  I don't care because I'm still giving my opinion!  Bossman dissed Wale because why?  He went to speak to him or shake his hand or what ever and Wale ignored him????  How many fucking times has Bossman did that to people in his own city??  Every time I see him!  He stares at me and never speaks!  He did the same thing to Shy one time at Sonar until someone said who she was!  How you gonna get mad at someone for treating you how you treat everyone else!  That's a case of thinking you are important!  Now he is shouting out the DMV???  Since when????  That man has always been about himself!

The funniest disses are from Tigah Man!!  I don't know who he is but he is hilarious!!  And he seems to know alot about Travy!!!  Oh sorry, Bossman!

Now alot of people have been asking me about reviewing their cds and hand me there cds or hit me with links!  Especially in this last month and that's not good!  I have been working my ass off and for me to listen to your cd and give you a review, I need to concentrate on the whole thing and not be disturbed. And that just ain't happening right now.  I will get to them as soon as I can.

Well the end is near and a new year is about to start!  My advice to you all is this.....start paying for beats, videos and studio time!  Start paying for artwork and cd production!  And at the same time those who offer those services, stop trying to rape pockets!!  Just because it costs more doesn't mean it is better!  And some of you "business" people need to start making contracts and having people sign that shit!  A handshake don't always work with people in this city!  People forget that they tell you that they aren't going to charge you for something or they get pissed off at you and say they never said this or that!  Contracts.....legal and binding!!

Well I can't wait to see what 2011 holds!  I am hoping it will mean more shows out of town, paid for my services and hopefully Baltimore rappers getting a clue!  Because the Baltimore artists are on a mission with their music!!

If I have offended you or you felt like I was talking or referring to you in any of the words I have written, I probably was.  If you feel like you want to say something to me, go ahead but you might not want me to respond back.  Especially if I know any skeletons that you are hiding in your closet!

May 2011 be a prosperous New Year and maybe we can weed out these wack rappers from our scene!

Pettiness At It's Finest????

Ok I want to address this situation that has really in a way pissed me off and it made me laugh all at the same time!  Ok where do I start!  Hmmm I guess I should start with the beginning!


On Dec 8th my girl Tay Tay of TayLand Promotions posted a stat message letting people know that she no longer worked at Club Reality.


My response:   This makes me very very sad!!!! I will keep my fingers crossed and keep you in my prayers that something better happens and soon!! Love you Tay Tay!!


Tay's response:  Thank u Lisa, I still got Sonar anyways, its not like i dont have choices, i'm just going to be more careful this go round in choosing where i go. LOVE YOU! I look at it this way, now i can promote heavier and go to shows!!


My response:  :) this is true!! I'm not sure if CR realizes that they are going to lose business or not. I know alot of people went there on the strength of you! :)


Now with that all posted and said, I get to Club Reality for the Keith Murray show and be told that because I co-signed with Tay Tay on her stat message I was taken off the guest list!  LMAOOO What???  Co-Signed????  That's a co-sign by saying that??  Get the fuck out of here!!  


Let's see if I can't put some pieces together here!!!  I NEVER went to that spot UNTIL Tay Tay started throwing shows there!  I know alot of people never stepped foot in the building until Tay Tay started working and throwing shows there.  So how am I co-signing with anything she said except that now she can promote heavier and go to shows?????  And to that I said this is true! Get the fuck outta here with that!!


Now I paid my $20 to get in because I had already wasted my gas to go all the way out Washington Blvd from Loch Raven and  I wanted to see Dirt Platoon, Ty Gudda, Wyzae and of course Keith Murray perform.  But the thing is this, I really don't want to give my business to a place that acts like that over something as petty as that!


Now I know what some will say, Lisa they ain't worried about if you never step foot back in there.  This is very true!  But what about others who feel the same as I do??  Now people have to watch what they say because freedom of speech and freedom of opinions don't apply???  LOL  Just think about how you conduct business.  How long was Club Reality open before I stepped foot in there????  Awhile!!


But like I always say it is what it is.  You are running a business!  Now if I had said that it was real fucked up that they treated Tay like that and that's some bullshit and just talked bad about them, then ok I can see how they would want to take me off the guest list that DIRT PLATOON had me on but because the club was helping put on the show, they took me off.  I don't even care now.  But the principle of it all is that they didn't like what I said on Tay's stat about her having a hand in a good portion of the business that they do.  Sorry about their feelings but it's the truth from my stand point.


I don't know how anyone else feels about that and I really am not asking anyone to co-sign with me!  Watch out because you might be black listed and not be able to get on any guest lists or whatever!    I have taken pictures at that club and promoted shows and all that.  But that's cool.  


So any promoters that are doing shows there just know that I won't be there!  Sorry and I love what I do!  I love taking pictures and writing about shows but I have freedom of speech and the right to say and feel how I feel.  Just like they have the right not to serve I have the right to not give them my business or press.  I'm doing too much with this as it is but I think that it was pretty petty to be told I'm good at the door and then I get there and be told this bullshit!  LOL  


So it's not a big deal but at the end of the day, pettiness is pettiness!  And if I wanted to be the usual asshole that I am, I could be and say negative things about them but I'm not even going to go that route.  


So the moral of the story is.....hell I don't know if there is one.  But as a photographer who has been asked to come to shows to take pictures of the event or an artist who is performing and wants me to come take pictures, this kind of thing kinda interferes.  And if I do step foot in that spot again it won't be my money supporting them at all!  

Alfamega In Baltimore!!!

So I get a call from my girl Lena on Thursday.  As I'm talking to her she is telling me that Alfamega is going to be at Shaka Pitt's Studio on Friday and wanted to know if I would come and take pictures of him and everyone who was going to be there!  I said of course!  I like his music.  She put him on the phone and he and I spoke for a little bit.  Really nice guy.  I couldn't wait to meet him.

So Thursday I go to Spitter's Club Studio and meet Alfamega.  They were listening to some music that he had recorded for his album.  I must say that everything I heard was great!  He had some collabs that just blew my mind.  Every song I heard I was loving.  From the beats to the lyrics, it was all just great.  Everyone that was there was definitely feeling the music.

I was there for like 7 hours just chilling, taking pictures and listening to Alfamega answer questions about the incident that basically made him infamous.  As I am listening to him talk about it, I am really understanding that people listen to the media and take everything as the truth and law that they hear.  Not realizing that people have apologized and things have been squashed but people who have nothing to do with the situation are still holding on to something they really had nothing to do with.  So is the way of the world.

I don't know how anybody else felt about meeting Alfamega, and I can only speak for myself.  I think that this man is a nice guy.  He was cool about meeting and talking to everyone.  His music was on point.  As I was listening to one of the tracks that Shaka was working on, it was very moving and emotional.  I can't wait to hear the album when it's done.

Regardless of personal opinions, closed mind opinions, or whatever, I meet the man and I got to hear his music.  I like his music.  I know local artists who aren't as nice or willing to talk to people like this man did on Thursday.  Down to Earth comes to mind.

Shout out to Shaka Pitts, Apex, Lenwood, Miss Cream, Lena, Davon, the two guys I never got their names, and everyone that came through.

KAGE: PRIME TIME

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the passing of Keith Gugliotta Jr aka Kage.  I was told about Kage by my friend and local scene dj  DJ Rome.  I remember him telling me about Kage but was never introduced to him but I believe I had seen him out at shows when I first came on the scene.

Last year when I heard the news of his passing I was saddened for many reasons!  One December 7th is also my birthday, two, he was so young and three he has a beautiful family who cared and loved him along with 3 very young children.  He was one of those guys who was working hard on his music and had the drive to push  his music.

 

So yesterday after months trying to get the song played at M&T Stadium and 98 Rock having a contest and it catching their ears and eyes, the Ravens front office agreed to play the song and video in the stadium.  Now the Ravens front office said that they couldn't use the song during the games for whatever reasons.  But I am hoping that the more people that promote this song and keep pushing, hopefully the powers that be will use this song as a theme to get the crowd and the team pumped.

There have been alot of Ravens songs being made and I commend everyone on their love for the game, music and for the Ravens but this song right here gives me goose bumps every time I hear it.  Kage wrote this close to a year and a half ago and I don't think he knew what impact it would have on people!  Then again maybe he did!

R.I.P. Kage   You are far from forgotten and the outpour of love and friendship that I seen with my own eyes yesterday showed me that.  Through your music your children will be able to hear your voice and your messages.  I know that you were there in that stadium as they played your song.  Even I could feel that!

So I will continue to push this song!  I will continue to pass it along to the Ravens players.  I will continue to do my part.  I know his dream was to get his song played at the stadium but I want to see the song played during home games!  The least the Ravens camp can do is buy the song or at least play the song so many times during the game and for every time they play it, put money in a college fund for Kage's children!  That's just my thought!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kage-Prime-Time/121835761205456

Wyzae

This isn't going to be the typical write up that I do on an artist.  All because I don't have all the info that I need but it is coming!!  :)  But I just wanted to get alot of you familiar with the name.

I met this young man a few months ago.  At the time I had no idea who he was or what he did.  Always showed me love and then the video came out and I was like hey I know this guy!!  LOL  I also found out that he is a writer and is publishing a book next year!  Check in out!!  More on Wyzae coming soon!!!

So I am suggesting that you get familiar with the name as well as the music!

http://www.facebook.com/wyzae

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-MD/Baltimore-Ink-Incorporated/154898544550599?ref=ts

4th Annual Baltimore Crown

The 4th Annual Baltimore Crown took place on November 7th.  As in years past, this event is not based on the concept of winners and losers.  It is an event that shines the light on the Baltimore Scene as a whole and to recognize those in hip-hop, R&B, poetry and spoken word who are really striving to do what they love and to make others aware of those they may not otherwise be aware of in other genres.

Every year before the event takes place, Chin-Yer sends out the list of categories and asks that the artists, their fans and even family and friends nominate people for the awards.  The difference in this event than in others is that when you nominate someone you have to give clear and precise reasons why you feel as though that person or group should be nominated.  And as in years past it has caused people to have debates if you will about who deserves this award or that award.  And every year people take this really way too far.

As I got to the event, Graddai was on stage.  These young men are very energetic and I love that they are just being them on stage and their music reflects that as well.  And rightfully so they won an award.  They actually weren't there when it was announced because of another commitment but issued an apology.  So grown up and professional of them!

When I finally got a chance to take a breath because as soon as I got there I actually found a seat and put my stuff down and started snapping pictures, I seen that 5 Seasons was packed.  I was seeing people that I couldn't say hi to because I couldn't get to them and I'm waving across the sea of people trying to speak to everyone!  Finally I got tired of walking back and forth to take pictures and just sat on the sat.  Ogun Bmore's Hero on one side and me on the other!

Larry Lancaster was great as usual.  At least this year he didn't have jokes about me as he has in the past.  One year I was Roseanne and the next I was the Snapple Lady.  Can only imagine what he had to say this year.  But the crowd was laughing and I even seen some people in tears from the craziness this man was saying!  It just flows so easy for him.  If you haven't had the opportunity to see him perform or host, please do so.

The producer battle was once again my favorite part.  The give the producers a challenge to produce a beat or beats using specific songs.  And no one disappointed.  Sorry to say that once they played Skarr Akbar's beat it was a done deal for me.  This man went above and beyond the call.  And from the crowd's reaction I think that it was well known that he had won the battle!

I don't have the complete list of winners.  But to me everyone that was nominated is a winner.  Especially if you have been working hard and trying to perfect your craft no matter what it is be it rap, hip-hop, poetry or spoken word.  There were alot of people there in that building who aren't aware of you and you aren't aware of them.  People need to be aware of their surroundings and be aware of what others are doing.  You never know, that person that you are ignoring and looking down on because you swear your music is better than anyone else, just might be the one to have a better grind and work ethic than you.  It's one thing to be confident in yourself and in your craft and it's another to put yourself on a pedestal and claim yourself the best.  Because there are going to be people to give you the God's honest truth and you are going to be mad.  Humble yourself.  

This year I had the idea of doing something for Chin-Yer for a change.  Seems like that was the same thing that Shaka Pitts had in mind too.  He presented Chin-Yer with an award for the things she does in the scene.  Now with that being said.....LOL  When they announced that I had won for Photographer of the Year, I said my thank you's but choose to use that time to present Chin-Yer with one that I had personally bought myself.  I wanted her to know that as a fan of the Baltimore music scene that I really appreciate everything that she does so that I can get to hear and see artists perform.  So the true winner at the Baltimore Crown as I see it is everyone who is effected by the scene.

And yes I won for Photographer of the Year and a Special Appreciation award as well!  Which I was really shocked to have won 1 much less 2 awards.  I wanted to say some things but I just choose not to address the negative and be happy in the positive.

Dirt Platoon were inducted in the Legends Hall of Fame which they rightfully deserve.  These guys to me are hip-hop.  If you haven't heard their music please go to Youtube and look up their videos.  If you are a lover of hip-hop, you will not be disappointed.

Congrats to all of those who won awards and to those who were nominated.  It is a great look every year to see everyone come together and have a night that is just out and out fun.

Here are the pictures I took that night
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=245976&id=579821289
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=245981&id=579821289

Here are the ones that Desmond Gayle DG Photography took
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2078074&id=11101973

Ogun - In My Spare Time

Ok!  Now I finally got a chance to listen to Ogun's latest cd.  There were a couple songs that I was already familiar with being that I am a fan of Ogun and I have been to a few of his performances.  "I'm Great" that is produced by Marc Boone is to me a great track.  One of those tracks that is commercial without being commercial if that makes sense.  Another song that I was feeling was Stardom featuring Street Scott.  The lyrics as well as the beat and vibe was one of those songs that you can just kind sit back and close your eyes and just feel.

I have always thought of Ogun as a motivational artist.  While he has songs on here that are gritty, forgive the pun, they are believable as well.  There are too many people who rap about busting someone's head and you just look at them and say to yourself, who the hell are you busting??  LOL

The first song on the whole cd is called "How Do You Think I Feel".  I can feel the emotion in the lyrics and how pissed off he feels about the bullshit that had been said.  And to go along with that "Why You Acting" featuring Goon kinda goes along with that concept of nonsense talking.

Alright now what would Bmore's Hero be without a Baltimore song??  Well he has one!  "That B" is a Baltimore song for sure..  Shouting out neighborhoods and streets that everyone can listen and say hey that's my hood!  He is repping the whole city.  Not just east or west but all over.

Ogun as a few features on this cd.  One is Bakerman Blue.  He is on the song "Alien".  Everything I have heard him on I have been impressed.  The song isn't bad either.

Now I said that I always think of Ogun being a motivational artist and I was not disappointed.  The last track "Keep Pushing" was a very Ogun track and I'm glad he closed out the cd with that song!!

I'm not going to give my opinion on every single song!  You need to go cop the cd from Ogun for $5 and get that hardcopy and listen for yourself.

All in all I like the cd.  There are a couple tracks that I was just not feeling for whatever reason.  I am going to go back and listen through again at another time and see if the feeling changes.  Of course maybe I'm just comparing Ogun's "Checkmate" cd which I loved all the tracks but one.  :)  Not everyone is going to feel every track.

So if you haven't gotten it yet, then go get it.  Give it a listen.  Plus this is Ogun.  He is a veteran in this game and has alot of knowledge and some of you rappers who want to be artists need to get with the veterans and take some lessons!!

Mortal Combat Round 1 11-1-10

Well, well, well....Monday night was very interesting.  It was the first round of the Mortal Combat competition which I believe at the end of one person will be able to claim best in battling in the city.  I have never been to an MC battle until Shaka started having the Pit Fights and the more that I attend, the more I am seeing how rules seem to vary from "league" to "league".

As a member of the "scene" in the aspect of a fan and spectator, I tend to watch those around me.  With the combining of Baltimore Battles and Pit Fights I have often compared the two as full grown pitbulls and pitbull puppies.  Why that comparison??  Let's see if I can do this without pissing too many off!!  The Pit Fight fighters are more seasoned and more level headed like a pitbull who is over the age of 3 where as the Baltimore Battle fighters are like puppies who have no self control or manners.  I'm not even talking about the age as much as the ability in being able to battle someone and keep focused.  Hell Apex is the youngest and that young man has control and self awareness about himself.  That's training and respect for the battle game.

Anyway, on to Mortal Combat.

I was impressed by some and disappointed by others!  There were times when lines were said and I thought did he even research who he was going up against?  There were a few forgotten lines and a few tongue tied moments.  There were a round or two that I was thinking uhmmmm who is watching the time?  That minute seems to be going on forever.  But all in all it was a really good event with a really good turnout.

I want to say congratulations to P.T., Apex, J-Law, Smirf, and Odub.  The next round you all will have to come harder.  It's not going to get easier.  The next round looks like this.....

rio (1) vs j law (6)

pt (2)vs odub (5)

apex (3) vs et (7)

jo spade (4) vs smirf (8)

There have been alot of predictions about who is going to win in the next rounds and who is going to take the whole thing!  I can't even call it but I would like to see J-Law vs Apex.  I love Apex and think he is a fantastic battle rapper but J-Law impressed the hell out of me on Monday!  Why???  He was in the middle of his round and Goon said something and he incorporated it into his battle!  Someone behind him said something and he incorporated it in his battle!  He didn't let it throw him off track!  You have to be able to handle things being thrown at you from the crowd or be able to block the crowd out.  Just look at some of the pictures that were taken and you can see how focused he was!  

So congratulations to those who won.  To those who took the loss, it is what it is!  And I read that it was a popularity contest.....uhmmm no it wasn't!  You lost so just take the L and just because people came up to you after and said they thought you won doesn't make it so.  If I was a judge I would have agreed with the other judges.  It is what it is.  

On to the next round!!

ODUB

P.T.

SMIRF

APEX

4th Annual Baltimore Crown

The 4th Annual Baltimore Crown Awards will be held on November 7th.  With categories like these, it should be interesting.

Hip Hop Artist of The Year: 

Battle MC of the Year 

Poet of the Year 

Vocalist of the Year 

Band of The Year 

Best Underground Release 

Graphic Designer of The Year 

Best Baltimore Media 

DJ of the Year 

Studio of the Year 

Producer of the Year 

Photographer of the Year 

Videographer of the Year 

Manager of the Year 

Promoter of the Year 

Best New Artist 

Under the Radar Award 

Best Live Venue 

Best Poetry Venue 

Best Hip Hop Venue 

*Golden Awards are awarded to Artists who ALSO make other contributions to the scene by providing services, outlets, resources, community service (Any Thing That Enhances The Scene)

Golden Mic 

Golden Pen 

Golden Stage Awards 

Special Appreciation 

Special Contribution Awards

Already the voting has started more than a little controversy. As usual.  In the few years that I have been in this scene I have come to realize that what I know isn't all that there is.  I knew about the Baltimore music scene back in 2000 when I met a friend who is a singer.  At that time he basically told me that Baltimore was not the place to be if you wanted to get a fan base and to get noticed.  He said that he and his team didn't bother to do shows in the city because there was no love.  Hmmm interesting.  

It wasn't until 2006 when I met another artist in the city who was getting radio airplay and doing things and traveling that I seen another side of the Baltimore music scene.  The commercial side basically.  I seen how he did the commercial thing and got noticed and signed and was moving and shaking.

A few months later I got to see yet another side.  I was introduced to the Baltimore scene that most of you know.  The 5 Seasons, The Black Hole, Whispers, Penguins, Fletchers, Bedrock......all the little places where events were being put together.   I got to see a unity of sorts.  A movement.  But the thing about a movement is it goes for a little ways and then stops.  It moves and then people get uninterested in the movement, get bored and they move on.  

Now here it is 2010 and I see the same things going on with alot of the same faces and a few new.  There are so many rappers and artists in this city.  My big thing is that if you only see who is in your circle, you aren't expanding your mind.  If I only worried about who and what was going on in my little circle of M.I.B. then I wouldn't know about Byrdland Music Group or Z.O.M.E. or the M.A.B.A. and the list goes on.  I'm not saying you have to work with all the people in the city but damn be aware of your surroundings.  Be aware of others who are grinding and making moves.  You think you are doing things but just maybe compared to someone else you might not be doing as much.


I have seen alot of self proclaimed royalty in the city and I find it funny.  I see alot of people claiming fame because of views on YouTube and the comments left on the videos.  These people think you are the best because that's all they know or all they see.  Is that clicking for you yet??  Hmm ok....The only cheesesteak you ever eat is at Stoko's.  You ate one at another spot one time and it wasn't nothing compared to Stoko's!  So now you making statements that Stoko's is the best.  But you only had food from one other spot.  The only way you can truly say that Stoko's is the best is by going to all the spots and trying their cheesesteaks.  Is that easier to understand?


I say things to get people to think about the things they say.  If you say that someone is deserving of one of these awards then explain why.  I think he/she deserves this award because of this and this and this.  Chin-Yer is trying to make it as fair and deserving award show.  It would be easy to say ok well he/she deserves this award because they didn't win one last year!  Well what have they done this year?  If you don't know what anyone else's is doing how can you honestly say one person is doing more than someone else?  I'm just say educate yourself with what is going on around you.  If all you know is your crew or your little circle then of course all you are going to know and vote for is them.  Be aware of your surroundings at all times.  You may be thinking that you are grinding hard but the next man is grinding and making moves and having meetings that you aren't even aware of.


So the Baltimore Crown this year should be really interesting.  I'm sure there are going to be some surprises and some sour faces.  I'm just glad to be apart of it and get to see people that I don't get to hang around with because we don't move in the same circles!  I'm looking forward to seeing all the poets and spoken word folks!  I need to get to some of their events.  Didn't even know I had a friend who does those events!  See just goes to show you that even I need to expand my mind.


So vote for whoever you feel deserves the award.  Just be sure you are able to give a good reason for why you are nominating them. 


Happy voting!

What Happened To Hip Hop?

As I was driving this morning, they were talking about the BET Hip Hop Awards show that aired last night.  Now I didn't watch it nor did I have any desire to do so.  Why?  Because I'm not a fan of industry hip hop.  Don't get me wrong, there are a few songs I will listen to but if it weren't for the fact that the cd player in my car doesn't work, I wouldn't really know anything about what is being played on the radio.  I do however like J. Cole.  I think that is a talented young man and if the industry doesn't try to control and censor him, he may be one of the few who can bring back real lyrics and real hip hop.

I know that things can't stay the same and they have to progress and move forward but have any of you really listened to any of the lyrics in majority of the songs that are popular?  Gone are the days of telling stories or being political without being militant.  Gone are the days of rhymes that make you say Damn did you just hear that??  Gone are the days of what hip hop was really made to be about.  Now you have cartoon characters and gimmicks that just make you look at the videos and say what the hell are they talking about.

Now I know alot of people are wondering Lisa what makes your fat white ass such an expert on the hip hop scene.  Well I'm not an expert, I'm a fan of music and have been listening and dealing with music since probably birth.  You see my musical ear goes beyond hip hop and R&B.  I listen to every genre there is.  So my range is wide when it comes to music.

Also I have been around people who make music for alot longer than the time I have been in this scene.  10 yrs ago I met someone who had his own group, was touring and had meeting with A&R's.  To this day he is still in the business.  Has a distribution company, has a tv show that he is filming and still recording with industry people.  I have an ex who used to write rhymes and was in NY one day and last his rhyme book on the subway.  The next thing he knew one of his boys told him he heard his lyrics on the radio being put out by Bad Boy Ent.  So I was in the scene before most of the people in it even knew what the scene was.

I just want to hear good music.  I want to hear a story being told that doesn't have the same worn out bullshit lines that every other song has.  Two people can tell the same story but it's all in how they present it that makes you listen.

Industry music has been dumbed down so much.  Don't believe me? Just look at what's being played on the radio.  Pretty Boy Swag, Teach Me How To Dougie, Anything by Waka Flocka......Tell me that the words in any of those songs matter to anyone.  The only reason that music is getting played is because it has a good beat or the kids can dance to it!  Do an experiment. Pick a song that is on the radio, something that gets played every hour on the hour, either look up the lyrics or just listen to the lyrics.  Now play the song and close your eyes and see if you can see the song in your head like a movie.  If you can then maybe you need to be in the movie business because you have a vision that I can't get.

I think there needs to be an education seminar for these young rappers coming up in the scene.  They need to stop trying to sound like Little Wayne, the females need to stop trying to be Nicki Minja and they need to listen to the likes of KRS-1, Public Enemy, Wu-Tang, Run DMC, Slick Rick, Too Short, Salt & Pepa, Mc Lyte, Queen Latifah, Guru, Gangstar, George Clinton and list goes on and on and on.

That's just my personal opinion.  But what do I know?  I'm just a nobody anyway.  Just a lover of music....all kinds!!!

The New Camera - Just A Couple Weeks Away

Well this is the camera I am getting I do believe!  I will be buying it in the next couple of weeks.  Nothing real fancy but an upgrade from what I was using.  

Thank you to those who have donated even just a $1 to try and help me!  Tay Tay collected $110 for me and wanted to do more!  Also I had a few others tell me they were going to give to the cause and that meant alot. So wit in the next week or so I will be going into debt sort to speak and buy this camera so I can take pictures once again.

But things will be different.  The definition of paparazzi is 

(plural of, paparazzo, nodot=1); freelance photographers who sell photographs of celebrities to the media, especially ones who pursue celebrities and attempt to obtain candid photographs.

I have been doing this for free and not asking anyone for anything unless they ask me to come to their show or if they wanted a photo shoot.  Then it becomes a job.

I am still going to be taking pictures for TayLand promotions and for EC because for one they have a "business" deal with me sort to speak and for two they have tried to do things for me because we have a mutual love and respect for one another.  Also I will still be taking pictures of those I consider family and real friends.  Any other pictures that I take can be bought and will have my logo or website on them so that it can't be cut off or I just won't be taking certain people's pictures.  Sorry but since July it has been an eye opener to how much bullshit people have tried to feed me.

I support you by buying your dvd or cd and you get asked to donate to the camera fund and you say you don't have any money or you just turn away.  LOL  So my kindness is not a weakness!  I wasn't even asking for the donations.  That was something that someone felt was only right seeing how I support and take pictures and try and help other local artists other than my "home team".

In life we are tested every day.  And I believe this was a test for me to see the bigger picture and the reality of what my "role" is in this scene.  And it was a test for those around me and a good majority failed.  LOL  Since my camera has been broken, the requests for me to attend shows and events have all but stopped.  LOL  So I really find it funny!!

So once again, thank you to everyone who has supported me and who have given and who have offered to give and who have just been true to me.  Thank you to those who haven't as well.  Without you showing me the real you, I might have continued to be a fool.

Dirt Platoon - Deeper Than Dirt

On November 7, 2008 I was at the Baltimore Crown.  It had been only 11 months that I had been going to shows in the city and I had already gotten to see a lot of talented people and was realizing that there were tons more just waiting to be heard by me.

As I was sitting there, I was looking around and my eyes fell on two guys that were standing to my far left.  I don't know why, well yeah I do but anyway they got on stage and I was thinking ok let's see who these guys are because I didn't recognize their name.

As they started performing, all I could think was to me, this is real fucking hip hop.  I was loving their energy and their stage presence.  It's kinda hard to really listen to the lyrics but what my ears were catching I was loving. Their name???  DIRT PLATOON

Now here it is September 16, 2010 and yesterday Dirt Platoon had put out another album. "Deeper Than Dirt".  As I was handed my copy last night I really wanted to go listen to it ASAP but I was at the show and I got to see them perform live which is always a pleasure for me. Snook and Raf have always showed me love and I give it right back.  So when they asked me to do a photo shoot the only thing I asked was when and where.  Now I didn't make the cover which was cool because I really like the picture they used but I did make the inside although someone else got the credit!  LOL  

Ok so I put the cd in so I could see what I was going to have to work with as far as my little blog review that I have been doing.  There are 12 tracks on the album but I'm not going to tell you my opinion on every track!!!  Go download it for yourself at http://brakefastrecords.bandcamp.com/album/deeper-than-dirt or get your hard copy from Raf and Snook!  I'm gonna hit on a couple of the songs!!!

The first track is Pennsylvania Ave which they did a video for .



Of course I like this track.  It is true DP.  Storytelling to the extreme! They are letting you know where they came from......Pennsylvania Ave home of the Dirt Platoon!!

The next song that kinda caught me was track 5.  Raven  Now with a name like that I'm like ok what's this song going to be about??  A girl? A raven since this is Baltimore?  So the song comes on and I'm like feeling this laid back music.  Then Raf starts comparing a girl to a raven.  Hmmmmmm  The thing that came to mind was LL Cool J and I Need Love.  That's a good thing in my opinion.  You have these rough and tough and gritty songs that DP is known for and then here is this song that isn't a love song but in a way it really is.  Love it!!!


Next song was Crook.  Snook says " your family won't know you're deceased for 4 weeks"!!!!!  I rewound that shit like 4 times!!!!  The whole song is just raw and uncut.  You can hear his intensity in his words!!  Love it!!

The Fuck It is the only song on here with a collabo. Mic Brown and L.E.G.A.C.Y.  Definitely feeling this song.  The flow of all 4 of these young men together just feels like it was supposed to be like that!  LOL


Another song that got my attention Long Time No C.  Another song that is towards a female.  Showing that you can be a real man and still have that loving side.  Then you think the song is over and a beat comes on and you think it's another song but it's almost like a remix.  LOL  Took me by surprise!  


Deeper Than Dirt the final track on the album.  Yet another story being painted. " you mess around and get your rap book shattered.  I stay above average.  I love ham with my cabbage...."  Raf Almighty  "I learned more from my mistakes than my successes....."  Snook The Crook

Now the whole album is fire to me but my opinion don't mean a whole lot of nothing but any one of you who know me know that I'm not going to give anything a pass.  This cd is a must have in your collection if you really love real hip hop.  This is what I love to hear.  I love to hear the realness of the words.  The intensity and love that these emcees have for their craft!  This is art.  This is music!  This is life!!


Much love and respect to Raf Almighty and Snook The Crook and Brake Fast Records. 

Tay Land Promotions aka Tay Tay

I wanted to do something different in a way!  Instead of doing a bio of an artist or group or a review of someone's cd, I wanted to give a special thanks to someone who since day one of meeting her has been a really caring person.

If you don't know who that is in the picture with me then you need to get to know her!!  Her name is Tay Tay and she is a promoter here in the Baltimore scene.  She puts on shows at Sonar and at Club Reality where she is also a bartender!  I met Tay through B.O.M.B. and Shy Lady Heroin when she was throwing shows and bar tending at Penguins.   She seemed really friendly and I soon seen that she was funny.  Tay isn't from Baltimore but you really couldn't tell it because of all the love she has shown for the local artists.

As time moved forward, she started throwing shows at Bedrock.  Her shows seemed to consist of known acts as well as people I had never heard of as well!  She seemed to be giving a shot to everyone who wanted to do a show!  Regardless of if they were wack or not.  I have became familiar with a few artists through Tay Tay!

When my camera broke Tay was like the 4th person to suggest taking up a collection to help buy me a new camera.  The reasoning was that I have taken pictures for free of just about every artists, rapper and wanna be since 2008.  Now my whole thing was that I wasn't sure how some people would feel about people wanting to get money together to buy me a camera something like what others had bought for themselves!  But then again I don't charge for the show pictures and the photo shoots I have done for people were so cheap I was basically doing them for nothing.

In 2008, I went to 60 shows and took a total of 6,870 pictures.  In 2009, I went to 41 shows and took 3,832 pictures!!  And so far in 2010, I have gone to 37 shows and took 4,396 pictures.  Not to mention the 11 photo shoots and other events I have done and taken 539 pictures for those.  Of those 11, I got paid for 3!   That is a total of  15,637 pictures in 2 and a half years.

So Tay took up a collection at her Purple and Green Event on August 18th.  She collected $61.  I was appreciative of it because I wasn't expecting anyone to give but a $1 or $2.  I wasn't expecting anything for real!  I was just happy that Tay cared enough about what I love and what I do to even try!

So Tay, thank you for all that you do, have done and will do in this music business!  That's why when out of town artists ask me about shows I send them your way.

I love ya Tay Tay!!!

Bar Cardy - 6 Star General Block Work

Now I was asked about doing some cd reviews for some of the local artists.  My thing is that I am honest and whether we are cool or not I'm going to be honest and I don't know if people can really handle the way I feel about music or if people will think that because I'm cool with someone that I'm gonna just give bullshit a pass!  Well if you think that.....YOU DON'T KNOW ME AT ALL!!

Now let's get this out the way!!  Bar Cardy is my friend!!  Kartel is my family!!  Bar Cardy is my family!  But I'm gonna be harder on family than I am with anyone!!  So if you think I'm not being truthful then like I said you really don't know me at all.

So here it goes!!  Are you really ready?  I hope so because here goes my review of Bar Cardy 6 Star General Block Work........

I wasn't sure what to really expect when I got this cd.  I have seen too many "street" cds and after a while they seem to all be saying the same bullshit and just basically bore me.  Mostly because the words are all the same.  There are ways of saying the same shit as the last man without saying the same thing.  But of course knowing Bar Cardy like I do I knew that his word play was going to take care of the issue for me.  But I wasn't sure if the whole cd was going to be just for the streets!

I had already heard a few of the songs because Bar had performed the songs which is a smart move.  Get people to listen the song and then when the cd comes out they will really want it because they have heard at least 3 or 4 of the songs.  Me personally I have heard at least 6 of the 19 songs BEFORE the album release party!  So as I sat here listening to the songs that I wasn't familiar with I was so happy to hear that the same word play I have come to know Bar Cardy for was more relevant in all the songs.

Now the whole "street" cd issue....People who are "out here" will love this cd.  Bar Cardy keeps it street.  He talks about guns, drugs, gangs, beating the shit outta whoever BUT the way he uses the words not only do you BELIEVE that he is or has done or been apart of all that but it's not the same words or metaphors that someone else has used time and time again.  And people who aren't "out here" are going to love it because it's not the same "I'm selling drugs, I will bust a cap in your ass with my big ass gun, I'm in a gang" bullshit!!  You can relate to the songs no matter who you are.

There are a few songs that really stand out for me!!  Ok "Neva Gon Catch Me"  really caught my attention because of the "nah nah nee boo boo" lines caught me really off guard!  LOL  But hey it made me really listen to the rest of the song!  "God Luvs Me" is one of my favorites on this cd.  "Become black Jews and get richer..."   Thoughout the whole cd Bar is giving advice if you will to those on the block and those who are rapping.  "Hustlaz" gives you rules to being a hustler.  Real fucking talk.  " For the sixth time, make your word bond.  Mean what you say....."  The songs are Bar Cardy!!!!

I think the one that meant the most to me out of all the songs on here was the last one.  "Godfathers"  The reason I say that is because I love to be told a story! As this song played I could close my eyes and see shit play out like a movie!!  I could feel the pain and hurt that Bar was spitting about.  And the last words he says..."Fuck you man".  You could feel the disappointment in those 3 little words.

Now I'm not gonna sit here and dissect every song.  All anyone has to do is go and take a listen for yourself.  Bar Cardy did his thing on the songs and with picking out the beats for this project.  Shout out to all the producers on here!!!  He has a few features but they aren't over shining him.  DJ Jabril thank you for not talking over the songs and being annoying!  LOL  Shout out to Shaka Pitts!!!  The recording and mastering is just so fucking lovely!!  LOL  Shout out to ARS on the mixtape mix.

Now how can you get your copy??  Hit up Bar Cardy on FB.  Or just go to allbmorehiphop.com and download it from off the website!  I'm telling you, you will not be disappointed.  Especially with songs like "Whores", "Ain't G", "Hatas", "Burnin' Match" and so many others!!  You will find a few favorites on here!!  Hell I know I did!

See and you all thought I was about to get real ignorant or something didn't you??  LOL  I would have if it was some bullshit!!  But Bar Cardy is one hell of a rapper.  The word play is just sick.  So get your copy ASAP!!  Don't be surprised if I quiz you when I see you!!


R.I.P. Stryfe and R.I.P. Tone                        K's Up!

Shy Lady Heroin's Interview Addressing Things

These are videos from Shy's interview with Permiss on 1010am.  She addresses her career in music as well as the diss song she did at Keys!!  She let's everyone know the truth behind the video, the truth behind the battle!  

These videos are by Amplified Video aka Ernest Turner

Introducing Dubbs Lane

Dubbs Lane was born C. Lanehart in one of the poverty stricken neighborhoods on the North Side of Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 16th, 1983. The efforts of his mother and father made it possible for him to rise above the crime on the streets and focus on music. By the time he was nine years old he listened to Rob Bass' "It Takes Two", which he memorized verbatim. Initially, rap was a form of entertainment for Dubbs, but when he started writing his own lyrics at the age of ten, rap became his secret passion.

Possessing a "Do it yourself attitude", Dubbs recorded, mixed, and produced his latest project "Welcome to Myspace Vol. 1". Keeping in mind that at the time of completion he was still an unknown underground artist, he decided to make it a free download available through his myspace music page. Through heavy promotion and dedication, Welcome to Myspace Vol. 1 has been downloaded well over 2,500 times from September 2007-March 2008. Welcome to Myspace Vol. 1 served as a platform for Dubbs Lane to increase his visibility in order to build the necessary buzz he needed to have his name mentioned as of one the "Fresh Faces" of the industry.

With the strong will instilled in Dubbs Lane from his parents, he is no stranger to "paying dues". Without any representation to book shows for him, he personally sought out promoters with his demo and performed on spot auditions, in hopes of being put on the performance bills of future shows. As a result of his tenacity he can be seen constantly performing at various open mic nights and underground shows around the DMV (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. Through his dedication, he has become a frequent performer at The Turntable Hip Hop Club, The Black Hole Club, The Sonar, and The Penguins just to name a few. His most notable performances to date were Spotlight Live in Time Square New York for the 50 Mics Tournament Challenge. Most recently he became an East Coast finalist on The Source Magazine Unsigned Hype Tour.

Dubbs Lane has evolved from humble beginnings, making song parodies and mix-tapes, to starting a record label with the help of a childhood friend. As a partner of Fresh Air Ent., C. "Dubbs Lane" Lanehart thrives on overseeing the completion of albums that can be listened to from start to finish without ever desiring to skip a song. With the state of instability that the Hip Hop industry is in, Dubbs Lane is eagerly waiting to tackle the task at hand. Dubbs Lane has been profoundly influenced by Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, Master P, Ice Cube, and Cash Money. He often uses their success and business savvy as a blueprint for starting his own corporation from the ground up and turning his brand into a household name someday. He is a driven perfectionist and it shows in his various music endeavors.

                                                    -Jackie Stien-
                                      Urban Mainstream Magazine


http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=166331

http://www.myspace.com/dubbslanehoodflame

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=677486452

http://dubbslane.bandcamp.com/album/everybody-hates-chris-but-loves-dubbs?autoplay=true

Now this is Dubbs Lane and I encourage anyone who doesn't know who this man is to go and read about him through the above bio and hit his links.

Dubbs hit me on MySpace well over a year ago!  I listened to his music and I was really liking what I was hearing!!  I had seen him on stage a couple times before I introduced myself!  And when I did it's been love ever since!!

This man gives one hell of a show.  He is more than an emcee, he is an entertainer!!  Don't give him a cordless mic because he will get off stage and go through the crowd.  He tries to get the crowd to interact with him and he succeeds to the fullest!!

I have seen him perform at so many different venues and every time he gains respect from his peers and new fans at every show!  I am so happy to have my own Dubbs Lane cd!!  I think you should go get yours.  I don't think you will be disappoint at all!!  The link is right up there!!  It's free!!

I love Dubbs Lane!!