The annual J. Dilla tributes are something that I personally look forward to. I don’t know if hip hop can be defined in greater terms than it is with the world wide out pouring of love for the memory of James “J.Dilla” Yancey, his music and truthfully, the love of hip hop culture. This was my second year attending a J. Dilla tribute and my third event. The D.C., Maryland and Virginia metro area has always done an excellent job with this event. I have had pleasure of covering this event in Baltimore and D.C. This J.Dilla event definitely connects the region as DJ’s and performers make the 45 minute or so drive back n forth to be present at both the Baltimore and D.C. event, local talent is highlighted at each and this year is no exception as I attended the Bmore Dilla “Forever Shining”. If you all allow me to stand up on my soap box for a minute(thanks):
Baltimore is not known for its nationally or internationally recognized artists, DJ’s etc. Although hip hop thrives in Charm City, if house music is the artery and veins of the youth culture in the city, then hip hop is its heart. The Baltimore hip hop community in conjunction with D.C. and nationally known artist(Guilty Simpson) came together and put on a good show.
I hope you all enjoy the footage that I put together of the show, as I like to do, I want you all to have the same feeling I had and view the concert as best you can. Thanks to everyone involved with this event…so here it is, Creative Beach presents Bmore Dilla Tribute/Fundraiser 2012.
I’m going to be honest…I did not think there would be a video for this song. The fact there is a video is just extra because initially it was assumed to be just another remix but Yasiin Bey puts a lot of meaning behind the song where he really makes it his own as opposed to “another version”. Ladies and Gentlemen, “N****s in Poorest” the video.
Creative Beach is very excited to present Cilla K’s new album “New World Lullabies”. Cilla K was featured on Creative Beach’s EP “Emerge”(which can be downloaded by clicking on the link above) last summer. Cilla K is a true creative because “New World Lullabies” was produced entirely by Cilla K and of course she is the featured vocalist on the album. Cilla k describes the album as “a mix of Soul, Electro and Funk Sounds.” I can say that Cilla K’s description is completely accurate and I think you all will love it(well I hope) listen to the album below and head over to bandcamp to support.
I hope you all have been checking the site, reading and getting to know Creative Beach, either way I have a confession…yes I am going to sit down and write a confessional like it’s the show “The Real World” circa 1990′s. Here it is:
“I support UK hip hop/Grime”
There I said it! Glad I got that off my chest! Now let’s get into the post
The wonderful people over at SoulCulture do great things and since their logo is all over everything I felt I had to highlight them to start. The consistent level of talent of coming from the UK is just amazing to me these ladies have done the right thing by linking together to do this song, I’m not sure if it can get better. Dubbed the UK Female Allstars, they got together late last year for a BBC 1xtra performance of their song “Rock The Mic” and they did the dang thang. The creative thinkers at SoulCulture took it a step further and decided it would be a good idea to release a video of their song. So sit back and enjoy the visual presentation of the UK Female Allstars “Rock The Mic”.
Once again international laws strike on the net, the official live video of their BBC 1xtra performance “is not available in your country or territory” so here is the next best thing or THE best thing…video from an audience member. I say well done and thanks! Enjoy everyone!
Nia Andrews is a name that Creative Beach became familiar with through her frequent Mark de Clive-Lowe collaborations and whose music I got to know even more when I saw her perform at CMJ last October. The Revivalist just did a piece on her and as always Jazz Sunday shows love and support to the other Jazz focused media outlets here in the internet land. Although before you get the scoop on Nia Andrews check out some of her music below.
Hello, hello and hello, I know it has been a few weeks since the last Jazz Sunday but even with breaks it always returns! Jazz Sunday has become a staple here at Creative Beach and it’s definitely something that I love to do. Today I’m going to take it back just a little, while we’re in the midst of winter, last summer saw the release of Kaidi Tatham’s “Five” project from the Jazz Re:Freshed collective. Jazz Re:Freshed is a very well known name here at Creative Beach and will definitely be a stop whenever that oh so needed trip to London happens. A supporter of Creative Beach reminded me about this album and hipped me to a mix put together by the site Best of All Worlds(see make sure you Like the Facebook page!). I definitely felt I had to enlighten the CB community, the Best of All Worlds mix is perfect for a Jazz Sunday, mid tempo and just a serious groove to brighten your day.
We goin’ to take this one up top for minute, way up top all the way to Finland. MC and Finnish representer Gracias has been making noise to Finland this past year and it is has started to filter across the the atlantic born Deogracias Masomi in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo and then moved to Helsinki, Finland when he was just 4. Gracias’ music is straight from the mid to late 90′s boom bap and melodic sounds with the flow to match. He released his “Gracias EP” last summer(which is currently only available in Scandinavia) although youtube is available to all and there are some videos for your listening and viewing pleasure below, dig into the hip hop coming out of Helsinki.
This one is going to be short and well…short. A LOT of people feel this way everyday when they wake up. Rather than ‘preaching to the choir’ this is a ‘you’re not alone’ pick me up. For everyone grinding it out whether work or school or just life in general. Hold your heads high and push on, fight the good fight.
M.I.A. performed along side of Madonna, Cee-lo, Nikki Minaj and LMFAO tonight at Superbowl. There may be controversy over a split second decision by M.I.A. but one thing that can not be disputed is the quality and level of production in her new video “Bad Girls” as well as the MIA signature “party/thought provoking” style. M.I.A. never ceases to find an opportunity to get you to dance as well as think about the world at large or bring awareness to issue. So let’s get into it, M.I.A. “Bad Girls” video. Oh! Congrats to the New York Giants!! All Ravens fans applaud you all.
Kardinal Offishall is gearing up for his latest album, in conjunction with the producer Nottz in a very big way. The single “The Invention of Truth” is brought to life by this short film. The film follows a group of hustlers and one played by Kardinall Offishall is at a crossroads in his life. The film highlights the West Indian flavor of Toronto as well and also features Bronx bred, Antiguan born MC The Kid Daytona.
You know you’re always going to get more here at CB. Check the behind the scenes footage of “The Invention of Truth”
