Made in Naija
With the Asa, Nneka and other prodigies, the success of Broadway musical Fela there’s no denying that Nigeria music is once again à la mode.Creator of Blufunk, Nigerian troubadour Keziah Jones is at the top of his game. with a 20- year career highlighted by 5 succesful LPs. Jones who share is time between NYC, Paris, London and Lagos is set to release his latest album ‘Nigerian Wood‘ this Spring* in North America.
First things first, tell us more about yourself?I was born in Nigeria where I lived until I was 8. Then, my parents sent me to boarding school in England. It was there that I was exposed to a lot of British music, Eighties pop, Ska and people like David Bowie, Duran Duran and Japan, people I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to hear in Nigeria. At that time I was also listening to a lot of PFunk- Georges Clinton and the Parliament- and African-American Blues with people like Chuck Berry…
Performing live is very key to you as an artist, can you explain?I started playing on the streets after I left school when I was about 18. First in London then Paris. My performing was very intense, I was singing at the top of my lungs accompanied by my guitar. I felt the necessity of playing outdoor and these experience has definitely shaped my performing style. Read more
Ryan Perfect: “Hip Hop Beware” (RIP BIG PUN)
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of BIG PUN’s passing, Queen’s talented MC Ryan Perfect has released “Hip Hop Beware” (Big Pun Tribute). While many of you are anticipating Ryan Perfect’s website launch, which will feature his brand new mixtape “THE MESSAGE”, download Ryan’s EP “Searching: The Lyricist Lounge Sessions 2001-2003“, while you wait, straight from the source.
Renaissance 2.0: Curtis Santiago
Curtis Santiago is a breath of fresh air - the kind of creative visionary who steps onto the scene and revolutionizes the game rather effortlessly. You’ve probably heard his name bouncing off the lips of those kids who are always two-steps ahead when it comes to music, fashion, film and art. That’s because Canadian born-and-raised Santiago has made a name for himself in every field – he was a member of the Hi-Phoniqs soul band in the late 90s, has co-hosted CTV’s Fashion Television, has exhibited his colorful, “wild-style” paintings in galleries across the country, made his acting debut in a John Cusak film that recently wrapped in Toronto, and is now set to host the highly-anticipated RedBull 3Style DJ Tour. His music is as post-genre as he is, fusing slick rhymes with soulful rock. Santiago released his latest mixtape with Mick Boogie, “HAVE MERCY!” last April, featuring a collaboration with TRACE favorite Mickey Factz on a remix of The Killers hit track “Human”. TRACE sat down with Santiago to gain a little more insight into his eclectic music, personal style and future projects. Read more
Dungeon Dragons: Little Dragon Performs at Le Poisson Rouge.
Since releasing their self-titled debut album,
For additional show and ticket info visit: http://lepoissonrouge.com/events/view/633
- Courtesy of Devin “Pan” Barrett
Drea [He Say, She Say]
- Listen to He Say, She Say
- Interview by Ferrari Sheppard [Founder and Editor-in-Chief of StopBeingFamous.com ]
- Photoghaphs by Dakota Harper
Estilo Hip Hop.
Hip Hop music has the ability to give a voice to the disenfranchised in any country, and as music with a message it is a form available to all societies worldwide. Directed by New York based filmmakers, Loira Limbal and Virgilio Bravo, ESTILO HIP HOP chronicles the lives of Eli Efi, Guerrillero, and Magia, three hip hop artists from Brazil, Chile and Cuba who firmly believe that hip hop can change the world. These three inspirational leaders mobilize young people to become politically active. However as the stakes assume greater risks, the leaders are faced with challenges and have to make
life-altering decisions that ultimately impact the course of their lives and of the hip hop movement.
ESTILO HIP HOP will air nationally on Global Voices on PBS WORLD on Sunday, June 28 at 10 PM. For more information and to check your local listings, please visit
- Courtesy of Sigourney Salley + Keith Selby
A Jade Of All Trades
Place: Santos, NYC | Open Party
Subject: Jade
On an evening that ideally complements a blanket and a movie, there I stood in front of the stage waiting for Jade to perform. The first time I saw her live, I must admit her songs left a spell on me that has yet been broken. In awe by her mighty vocals, I was immediately taken by her aura and for that reason this gloomy night seemed to linger auspiciously. Although the rain and the cold did not inspire much promise, NYC still agreed that something magical would happen. About 10:30pm the TRACE team arrived, ready to record this spectacular evening, but even more expecting, and indeed we experienced the magic. Within minutes the initial group of 30 party-goers became an eclectic crowd of 200 hipster fairies, socially fluttering together. Instantly the venue’s (Santos) vacant decor transformed into a magic castle where Cyclopes and Sorcerers played the role of security and bartenders. Literally a disco ball in the shape of a heart sparkled over us with meaning, and the natural chatter vanished underneath Q-tip’s funky turntables, which instead gave our bodies a reason to converse with the music. Maybe it was the strobing lights or the thick smoke, but as I scanned for my reflection by the bar mirror, amongst it all, I barely identify who I was. A paraelle feeling to OZ, we traded our admission to become apart of this mystical experience, and anxiously, we waited to hear from our special guest… Read more
Dope Boy C For President.
Curt@!n$
Hometown: Brooklyn NYC
AGE: 24
LABEL: High Society Life INC
KS: Some of your fans may not know but, this is not your first go round. Give people the run down about your story thus far.
C: My first major look was the Source “Unsigned Hype.” Back then to have Unsigned Hype was like Whoooaf. You know what I’m saying, I was probably 15, 16 OR 17 around there when I had, I was still in high school. So that started my “BUZZ” the media blimp started, I dropped the mixtape “Young Brooklyn VOL 1″ which you know totally took me to another level; then Vol 2 was the big one. MTV mixtape of the week; Source mixtape of the month. I got a tour off that mixtape. I went on tour with 50 cent and G-Unit; so that just built my buzz and brand even more. And then I took a break for a minute and came back with the “Rebel Radio” so no they getting to know me again. One more time I’m getting new fans and catching up with new fans.
GIRLS and THINGS
How often do we hear music from across the pond aka LONDON? ”Girls and Things” by Thai Matic is a solid mixtape offering that will put most AMERICAN rappers to SHAME. The production is FLAWLESS, Thai Matic’s delivery is tight, and his British accent compliments his raps and brings a new sound to rap as a whole.
A wise old sage once said, “Anything worth having is worth waiting for.”
SELAH SAYS says, “Run as fast as your fingers can type and Download this HOTTNESS.”
Download Thai Matic’s “Girls and Things” here
I would love hear your thoughts on it! Twitter me. www.twitter.com/selahsays
But in the meantime, check out Thai Matic’s Facebook and Myspace Pages.
Facebook: click here
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thaimaticmusic
xx
American Big Bad Wolf in Paris
This is hot house offering from FRENCH LOPEZ. If you don’t know about him or French Lopez Records, get up on game!
Follow his TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/frenchlopezrcds
Download “American Big Bad Wolf in Paris: Burnin the House Down” here
Enjoy!!!
xx