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!!