theartxhibition-blog reblogged
Acceptance shouldn’t be on a case-by-case basis.
Charlemagne (via yanniesays)
theartxhibition-blog reblogged
“Muscular, Curvy, Dark-Skinned,” are the adjectives Times Magazine contributor Alice Park chose to use to describe phenomenal, now Principal Ballerina, Misty Copeland. As it is a wonderful thing that this story was featured in one of the country’s best selling magazines, why does the media continue to portray African-American women in such a way that comes across unfeminine? Why are all black women put in the “DARK” skinned category? As a black woman, I am aware of the colorist society we live and have lived in for years, therefore this term just adds fuel to the ignorant “Light-skin vs. Dark-skin” flame. Furthermore, of all the adjectives in the world one could have chosen to begin an article regarding a historical occurrence in the dance world, dark-skinned was the best term Park could choose? I hate to be the one to say it, but…. uh….. Ms. Copeland is the furthest thing from dark-skinned if you ask me. So it’s quite interesting, to me anyway, that the editor let that one fly…. Then again, what can you really expect from a country that doesn’t even value the life of African-Americans?
theartxhibition-blog reblogged
Check out the first interview I ever did as a musical artist leading up to the release of HOMEMADE with theartxhibition very own Yan Snead.
@LaBodegaRadio talks The Coffee Shop Blog’s “Why Black Men Don’t Date Black Women” and more!
World, thank you for returning to hear another episode of La Bodega Radio. This week the team steps out of the proverbial hip-hop box to discuss a few relationship/gender issues. It all started with the crew watching The Coffee Shop Blog's latest YouTube video, "Why Black Men Don't Date Black Women," the discussion leading us into a predictable argument (mostly B. Jones, Jonny Starks and Jamar vs. Yan Snead)-- a perfect segue into the impromptu show recording. Friend of the show, Tiye Bracey also joins in on the conversation. After checking out this episode, be sure to watch The Coffee Shop Blog's video on YouTube. (http://bossip.com/1121398/asking-college-boys-why-dont-black-men-date-black-women-video/?awesm=awe.sm_q8crH) -La Bodega Credits: @labodegaradio @just_jamar_ @yansnead @thereal_b_jones Opening Playlist: "Cut Master C Shit" - 50 Cent; "Gold Alpinas" - DOM Kennedy ft. Rick Ross
Heirlooms Original “Precious Cargo” Now Available!
Elliot Ellison-Banks, curator of www.heirlooms.bigcartel.com released his first original piece, the Forest Green “Precious Cargo” Bomber, set at 90 USD. The jacket comes in Men’s sizes Small-Large, and is extremely limited. Follow Heirlooms on IG and Twitter @ShopHeirlooms and stay tuned for new vintage merchandise.
SNDVL® (@SoleIndividual) VII Collection Now Available!
4 new colorwaves of VII Runner Jackets are now available on www.soleindividual.com including: the Columbia Runner Jacket, the Bordeaux Runner Jacket, the Raptors Runner Jacket, and the Olympic Runner Jacket. The retail price for all four of these is $80 USD. Be sure to check out the site for more merchandise and updates. If you are a brand looking to sell your clothing through SNDVL, be sure to contact them with the contact information available on the site!
The Coffee Shop Blog: “Why Black Men Won’t Date Black Women”
Last spring, Kean University alumni Shelsie Duchiene, Dahlia Wesley, Bergundi Steele, Jasmin Coy, and myself, Yan Snead went around the campus to young men of all ages and nationalities and cultures, to shed light upon an issue amongst the black communiity... that being, the black man’s disinterest in dating women of his same race. The reason we at TAX are revisting this video is because this past week the highly esteemed Bossip.com viewed and posted the video (http://bossip.com/1121398/asking-college-boys-why-dont-black-men-date-black-women-video/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter), which resulted in it’s going viral. At almost 30K views and counting, we’d love to hear your thoughts if you haven’t watched yet. Be sure to follow all of these young women on twitter as well as the videographer, Joseph Wright, also an undergraduate student of Kean University. (Links in video description) Stay tuned for more videos to come!
Jhene Aiko (@JheneAiko) releases “Living Room Flow”
A week ago, the beautiful Jhene Aiko randomly released a single entitled "Living Room Flow". To sum up it's sound, a follower of mine (@PrettyThinker) heard the song after seeing the link shared and says, "how can Jhene Aiko make 'I just want to fuck' sound like a lullaby?" This song is definitely one to throw in your sex playlist. If you haven't heard it yet, make sure you do that while your here. Enjoy!
For Your Ears: Bub Luv ft. Bristeves, “Sade’s Interlude”
Previously featured artist, Bub Luv, a Jersey Native and recording artist from the Madlights collective, recently released this smooth single entitled "Sade's Interlude". The track features female emcee, Bristeves, (Philly) who personally reminds me of a young Foxy Brown, over the soothing vocals of Sade. The song is truly reminiscent of true 90s R&B, music that this generation needs back, and I love what these artists did with the track, as well as the sample. Enjoy. Be sure to stream and download more from these artists via soundcloud and stay tuned for more to come! Bristeves, https://soundcloud.com/bristeves Bub Luv, https://soundcloud.com/sircraig
@LaBodegaRadio x Jonny Starks Episode 10: the Forbidden “C” Word
La Bodega is back again with your hosts Jamar Dickson, Yan Snead & B Jones for another episode! This week we cover Kendrick’s recently released album “To Pimp A Butterfly,” as well as aspects of an album that make it a “CLASSIC,” and the state of the entertainment industry. We also feature a host sing off! (lol) Be sure to CHECK it out & follow us on twitter @LaBodegaRadio.
CREDITS: Opening - “Love of My Life” Erykah Badu ft. Common (Snippet)
Indie Playlist - Soul - “Eastside”; F.L.O.W. - “Appetizer Freestyle”; Lafayette Stokely - “Miss. Caramel”; Sap - “Last Year”
Caf3Club’s Lowk3y (@LessAboutSumthn) presents “MADdope”
About a week ago, Jersey Native and long time friend of mine since about 7th grade, Kyle "Lowk3y" Lightner invited me to his house, a home I remember spending hours chilling and sharing laughs with, to go over unreleased music and ways to create more buzz. I was always fond of his artistry, but to my surprise he evolved GREATLY as an artist. The music he played for me reminded me of music that would be released under the Odd Future collective, but he noted that he feels it's still not perfect. As a musician, I completely understood. As a listener with no musical talent or experience with creating it, the tracks would sound ready to release. But, WE know, it just needs a tad bit more mix and mastering. I suggested he release a track just to give his listeners a feel for what's to come and honestly did not believe he would follow through with taking my advice. A day later, he releases "MADdope," but believe when I say, this is far from what's to come. Stay tuned for summer 2015.
Be sure to follow LowK3y on twitter @LessAboutSumthn and check out more of his sounds on his site www.soundcloud.com/caf3club.
For Your Ears: Timothy Bloom ft. V - ‘Til the End of Time (Edited)
Music video by Timothy Bloom featuring Fox's hit tv series "Episode" cast member Veronika Bozeman, performing 'Til The End Of Time.
In scrolling down my instagram TL last night I stumbled upon a short clip of a video to a certain music video by Timothy Bloom. Being that it was instagram, the video was only 15 seconds long and intitially the only vocals I heard were those of Timothy. Between those gorgeous vocals and the obviously raw visuals, I was prompted to go search the video to hear the entire song. I recognized the dark skinned beauty queen instantly but I couldn't put a name to the face until she began singing. *lol* of course... V from Empire. This chick is one to look out for. Hope you enjoy.
@LaBodegaRadio sits with Producer, AstroQuay (@Quay973), who talks musical inspirations, working with @FettyWap, and more!
The crew at La Bodega Radio is back with another episode for the world to hear. Jersey, stand the fuck up, please. This week, they introduce producer Astro Quay, out of Paterson, New Jersey. He talks his musical inspirations, almost giving up on his dream at a young age, working with Jersey artist, Fetty Way, and balancing chasing his goals with the responsibilities of being a grown man. Opening Playist: "Survival Tactics" - Joey Bada$$ ft. Capital STEEZ; "We RUN This (Green Mix) - Jadakiss; "Ghost of Christopher Wallace" - Jay Electronica ft. Diddy; "Got Me On My Shit" - Jay Z; "Platinum Chanel" - Dom Kennedy Indie Playlist: "Lemonade" - Noah Vinson (BX); "Breakdown Lady" - Penny Shaw (Queens); "String Theory" - Bub Luv (Jersey) Credits: @LaBodegaRadio @Quay973 @Just_Jamar_ @TheReal_B_Jones @YanSnead Enjoy!
A Night with a Secret Show Host
Sunday, February 21st, was the listening party for Kahrice “Soulfull” Harrison’s, a lyricist out of the New Jeru Native Collective, mixtape release. The catch was, no one showed up except myself, lyricist and curator of the collective, Joseph “Sir Moore” Moore, and corrections officer, Jamar Dickson. This cat walks in standing at about 6’2… 6’3, handsome, with a warm vanilla complexion, bright smile, broad shoulders, jean button up and slacks, dress shoes and a gold watch… everything said “money.” He greets everyone with his deep and laid back, but despite it’s calmness, attention commanding voice and Joe guides him into the recording room, hands him a set of headphones and the listening session begins. After a few hours of hip-hop and R&B music and deep discussion regarding summer event ideas over hot Chamomile tea, Dickson invited me back to his Haledon, NJ apartment to talk more about who exactly he is.
I sat in his tidy living room on his leather sofa waiting for him to get changed out of his dress clothes and comfortable, and a few minutes later out he strolls into the living room with his black basketball shorts and a sheriff’s crewneck. He proceeds to sit upside down on the couch next to me with his legs up resting on the wall. It was interesting to see this man go from appearing to be this suave off duty CO, to a regular guy enjoying the rest of his night off in lounge attire… upside down on a couch. Q: So tell me about yourself, start from the beginning. A: Dickson:
“I grew up all over North Jersey. From inner city to the suburbs. Like completely opposite ends. The first half was all inner city, and the second half was in the suburbs, the last few years of high school… It changes you in different ways. It doesn’t have to change your character though. It makes you more well rounded, because you know, you’re dealing with two completely different types of people.”
Dickson describes where he first lived, which he did not name, as “ghetto, straight up ghetto.” He later moved on to a suburban district which was completely opposite of where he spent his younger years. “These kids were getting benzes and shit as their first car at like 17, that shit was different. I never really knew that type of city existed. Like these people aren’t just white, they’re RICH, really rich. And now these people are my friends, classmates, football.. basketball teammates.”
Throughout high school Dickson played basketball and football, but came to find he was much more skilled in football. He went on to play division I football at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and left prior to his sophomore year due to the unavailability of financial assistance from the school.
Q: What did you study? A: Dickson:
“Every single major you can think of, I tried them all. I couldn’t even tell you what my grades were that last semester because my life was just going crazy, and I didn’t go to class… I actually got suspended, academic suspension.”
He continued his undergraduate studies at Ramapo University after taking a full year off, but was unable to complete his education and receive a bachelors degree
. During this time Dickson also worked a warehouse job
and picked up waiting tables at Red Lobster, where he still currently works, and was laid off from the warehouse job after about a year and a half.
Q: Did you always want to be a corrections officer?
A: Dickson:
“My father was a cop, so it was seemingly bound to happen. But he used to have to fight me to take the civil service test. He used to ask me if I wanted him to push for a position for me, but I always told him no, because I didn’t want the job.”
Dickson took the civil service test numerous times between the ages of 19 and 23, and ended up landing the CO job at the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department in June 2014. His father has worked there for 21 years and is presently the Captain, but even still, he never wanted the job during his younger teenage years. He grew up disliking cops, because he witnessed and underwent the discrimination side of the law, whether it was being patted down, getting pulled over for what the urban community likes to call a “DWB” or driving while black, or being wrongfully harassed. Meeting so many cops through his father during his adult years made him more accepting of them, he began to see both sides of the law. “When I actually got the cop job, I liked it, immediately.” Jamar is still currently working at both Red Lobster’s and as a CO.
Q: So tell me about the radio show, how did you get into that? A: Dickson:
“Nobody knows… I love this radio thing because I can do it whenever I want. If I want to do a show Thursday night, I’ll do it fucking Thursday night. If I want to do it Sunday, it’ll get done Sunday. There’s no rules.”
On nights when Dickson is not working in the jail, he records podcast shows with his long time friend and co-host, Brett “B Jones” Jones. The show is called “La Bodega Radio,” originally named for his previous co-host, a young hispanic chick, who he describes wasn’t serious about the show. The show features up-and-coming hip-hop artists primarily from New Jersey and New York, as well as up-and-coming names in the entertainment industry. The episodes begin as interviews and become discussions about controversial issues in black culture as a whole, whether that be relationships, cop related homicides, injustice, or the state of hip hop and the music industry. New Jersey lyricist, Fuzz Rico, mentions that she listens to the interviews and loves the energy and vibes provided to audiences by Dickson and Jones. Another Jersey artist, Rick Smooth notes, in regards to a music review done by Dickson, “Your comments about my last tape, I really took to heart, but it was exactly what I needed to hear.” It is obvious that listeners enjoy the show, and it is only a matter of time before the fan base grows. Although Jamar lost his first co-host, he continued with the show because he enjoyed doing it and has been recording episodes for the past two years.
Q: Who inspires you? A: Dickson:
“Dame Dash. That’s my biggest idol. I love Dame Dash. He’s just a straight shooter. He’s got money
issue with different people, but that doesn’t have anything to do with me. I don’t know… He’s got good principals, independent guy.”
Q: Of all of the things you live by, your morals, and values, what would you say are your top three? A: Dickson:
“Respect, easily, number one, no question. Anybody who knows me knows that… People think I’m mean when I meet them because I am kind of mean, on purpose, so that they don’t fuck with me. I don’t like to feel like people can fuck with me, i really don’t like that. But then once we’re cool, I’ll knock all that down. I joke around all day. It’s really like a fake act. I’m sometimes mean to girls doing business, just so they know I’m not trying to sleep with them. I just like things to be genuine… That’s the most valuable thing right there. The most valuable… Everything from meeting people to the way I deal with people, it has to be genuine. I’m not like a ‘hey look at me’ type.”
In the next five to ten years Dickson wants to create his own lifestyle or art magazine as well as “have a bunch of kids and make sure his wife drives a mini-van for them.” He plans to make the radio show much more than what it is currently. “Hopefully it’s on some Combat Jack level shit in the next five years. It should be bigger, more money, and events involved.” His goals are not to use this show as a doorway to be a host on a mainstream radio show like Hot97, because originally the show was never for the advancement of his career, it was created for his first co-host. He also does not plan on ever applying to another job, because he says he loves being a corrections officer, and could do the cop thing forever. In the most serious of tones in his voice, but with a smirk upon his lips he utters, “I mean... my future? Something’s gonna win, because I don’t do anything half assed.” At 2:30AM, we were finally finished the interview and the CO slash secret show host walks me to his door to hug me goodbye and wish me a safe drive.
Check out their blog for more updates www.labodegaradio.tumblr.com and be sure to listen to their show on www.soundcloud.com/la-bodega-radio.
Kahrice "SOULFULL" Harrison (@KDLeSoul) presents his debut EP, Homemade
Franklin, New Jersey native and member of the New Jeru Native collective, Kahrice "SOULFULL" Harrison, finally released his highly anticipated debut EP on Febraury 25th.
Prior to the release, along with video footage of studio time leading up to the release as well as an interview with La Bodega radio, he uploaded this thank you letter to his fans, family and friends via the New Jeru Native Tumblr account:
"Man this is it. I can’t go back now because its done and ready to go just waiting for the clock to run out. I’ve been involved in music since I was 12 and it kept coming in and out my life no matter what. Now at 22 my first EP is coming out. Only person responsible for having something chase you for so long because he wants it done is God. And regardless of how anybody else looks at it that’s how I see it. He wants me to do this to do MUSIC for some reason that I don’t have the answer to. JoeV (SirMoore) is the reason this all came together. He made me go in the studio. He was making sure i was still writing he’s the one that threw the tape idea out in the air lol and we’ve been working on this for almost a year. So for those who also wanted this to happen thank him. I wrote a feature for a song and I was hype about it. You know what big sis hit me with when she heard it “eh” haha so she’s the reason of consistency the reason I felt I really went hard on most of the remaining songs. She also designed the cover for the project so you gotta love her. Thank you Mercedes. To the ret of my New Jeru Native Clan; I’ve known you guys maybe a month and your support ha been amazing. I can’t wait to see what we all create together in the future. It feels good to be around so many amazing talents. I got nothing but love for you all. Alemah been more excited for February 25th before I even knew what the release date was going to be. She heard maybe a song and a half and stuck with on putting this together. She even got her brother to be a fan ha. Darryl, Jalen, Jihad ya’ll know it is. We’ve always stood behind whatever we was doing for another that’s why ya’ll the bros. Nothing more nothing less love ya’ll man. Hadiyyah for 2 years you’ve stood by my side and supported me. When I said I was going to do this you weren’t all the way with it until you actually heard me and you continued to ride along with my dreams. You we’re the first person to hear the full tape when it was done. You get excited to see me happy about what I’m doing and thank you for sticking with me as I finished my first ever EP. I don’t know if it would have got done without your push and support. You my not know how much of an effect on this tape you had but it was a lot. Your a part of this and I love you. Marquis, Shayne we grew up together and I always knew we all would be doing something good one day. I’ve supported y’all with sports for as long as I know and when it came to my video stuff ya’ll did the same. Now with the music y’all been just as if not more supportive than ever man and I love you boys like brothers.Thank you. Mom n Pop this project made me appreciate you guys so much more and wish more people had parents like you guys because you have never in my life strayed away from me chasing my dreams. You’ve always been right next to and doing whatever it takes to get to the next step. And it’s such a blessing to have that because that’s all some kids need sometime and I still can get that at 22. So thank you both I love you."
@LaBodegaRadio sits with @GreatScottNYC who talks worldly issues, black culture, meeting his biological father & more!
World, this episode of La Bodega features the incomparable Great Scott, brand strategist, "social media psychologist", and author of [AUDIO BOOK
] THINC: Once You THINC It, INC It, produced by Sirius XM associate producer Jameson Bennett. Scott touches on a multitude of topics, from worldly social issues such as understanding ISIS, the first time he met his biological father, and much much more. I'll let Scott Mckenzie do the talking.
Oh and it's Jamar's 25th birthday.
Get Scott Mckenzie's new , FREE AUDIO BOOK - "The Digital Machiavelli: The Five Laws of Wealth & Power.
Opening Playlist:
"WAWA" (When Are We Afraid) - Sap; "The Town" - Dave East; "Smash On O'Leary" - Curren$y
Jersey Playlist:
"LoveHate" - Soulfull; "Get It By My Lonely" - DJ Jayhood; "Pimp See" - See.Francis
Credits:
@LaBodegaRadio @GreatScottNYC @Just_Jamar_ @TheReal_B_Jones @YanSnead
For Your Ears: @LaBodegaRadio Gets Up Close and Personal with @MercedesCSmith, NYC Based Publicist
"We're back with another episode of La Bodega for that ass. This time we decided to step outside of our traditional hip-hop guests, and invite the beautiful Mercedes C. Smith,an NYC-based publicist and curator of the 'Let's Care More' organization, for a sit-down.
Mercedes speaks on an array of things including her non-profit organization 'Let's Care More,' her working relationship with THE Haitian Jack, present-day activism and more. I even got a fresh baldy for it. Brooklyn keeps on taking it.
Be great, internet.
-La Bodega"
LetsCareMore.com
Opening Playlist:
"The World" - NaS; "Young and Black" - Kendrick Lamar; "Don't Stop Jada" - Jadakiss
Jersey Playlist:
"VSLTW!/Vibrate" - SirM00re ft. Khamaal; "Doe Boy" - Marcus Troy; "Sometimes" - Moruf; "Frequency" - Khamaal
Credits:
@LaBodegaRadio @Just_Jamar_ @TheReal_B_Jones @MercedesCSmith @YanSnead @0shyt @LetsCareMore