Ok, this is the second part of taking your Sunday to another level before you have to grind it out on the work front. The well known Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida ended a week ago and the conference always brings out the best. If you couldn’t make it this year or want to relive the experience don’t worry Creative Beach is here. Here is a 4 hour mix(yes 4 hours!) from DJ Spinna and Rich Medina’s set at the Tribe Gets Deep party at the 2012 WMC. Have a great evening everyone and enjoy!
And here we are, part 2 of catch-up Saturday(no that won’t be an official name). MC Melodee has been collaborating a lot with the Spanish production duo Cookin’Soul. The product of their hard work has been posted and updated on youtube quite frequently. The most recent collaboration involved Mr. Indie MC Mac Miller on the track “Genius”. Literally on the heels of that collaboration Cookin’ Soul and MC Melodee are back with another 80′s/2000′s mash-up entitled “I don’t care”. All I want to know is when is full length project coming about, EP, mixtape, album I’ll take all of the above or all three. I’ll really take that Amsterdam T-shirt though but you all know…it’s below, watch it “I don’t care” by MC Melodee production by Cookin’ Soul.
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.
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.
Well it’s not 2012 …just yet but it is rapidly approaching. Yes I know there are A LOT of year end reviews, recaps and the look ahead to the new year but I’m going to focus in a little more and put it into the context of the people and places that have been covered here at creativebeach.net. Creative Beach started here at this domain in April and started officially January 1st of 2011, so the end of the year and going into 2012 has a significant meaning but I’m going to highlight some of the many people I have covered over this year that you all will be hearing from in 2012, some places you need to keep on your radar and some things that will be making a big impact in 2012…well I hope. This is the last post of the year and it also happens to be my birthday!! Oh it wasn’t planned like this but I figured it would be a nice way to end the year and head into 2012. I’m not going to drag this out so let’s get it going starting with the who, the what and the where
People that are going to make noise in 2012:
Reesa Renee:
Reesa Renee was featured on the DMV Spotlight just this fall. She made a conscious decision to start her career in 2011 and I’m looking forward to her career taking off in 2012. When it comes to people who can “make it” she has “it”. The fact the she is 100% herself and puts it out there in her songs will make her an instant magnet that draws people in. She is a singing, rapping, sneaker wearing artist and people are tired of ‘personalities’. Reesa is just herself and that’s what most people strive to be everyday. Oh! Her music is good! Yeahhh forgot to mention that, I am absolutely in love with her single ‘Wonderland Cool’ and she keeps on delivering.
Tanya Lacey:
Wow…where do I start with Tanya Lacey? Ok, fly, fun and a smooth singer! Again, this is not a trend but just what I think people are feeling and Tanya’s personality really shines. Her songs feel fresh and her love of hip hop in an R&B format is going to have people checking for Tanya. She’s from Bristol, UK but this is the digital age countries and people are only a mouse click away. Her singles are infectious and whether a mixtape, EP or album people will be pressing repeat on Tanya’s music in 2012.
Joy Denalane:
Well, what can I say about Joy that I haven’t already posted (laughs) To me Joy Denalane dropped a top 10 album of 2011 with her majority German language album(with the exception of Happiness which is 100% superb) I have been following Joy since 06 when Okayplayer highlighted her. Her latest album Maureen is currently an import but with quality material like that regardless of language I am looking for Joy to branch out in 2012 on a level she hasn’t before even when she released her English language album Born and Raised.
J.Nolan:
I said it on twitter and it’s true…if you know Creative Beach, you know J.Nolan. J.Nolan is an artist that the site supports and I know what you’re thinking ‘how likely, you support this dude!’ and NO! That is not the case AT ALL. I first linked with J.Nolan last fall and was blown away by his Broken Dreams album. He is fiercely independent but his drive and talent are just bubbling and it’s only but so long a talented artist can wait in the wings. 2012 is going be a year that many, many more people get to know J.Nolan. As I have joked “Everybody likes J.Nolan” and people will see in the new year.
Some things collectively that are going to make noise in 2012:
The UK hip hop scene:
This one is big! Yes I’m summing up a whole scene but I mean it. The amount of steady quality music and talent coming from the british isles just can’t stay in Greenwich Mean Time. We’ve seen Dizzy Rascal get mentioned here in the states, Tinie Tempah has been embraced by hip hop elite but oh there is sooo much more! Young Americans are more open minded and while we’ve long loved british soul, the accent barrier stopped hip hop from being something a lot of Americans could embrace but throw all of that out of the window in 2012. There is a whole team of female MC’s poised to make noise and just dig through the hip hop/grime and pick any number of artists, get ready because hip hop draped in the Union Jack will be coming to city, radio station and club near you.
House Music:
Woooo hooo this is something I am definitely foreseeing. We’ve been hit with euro-techno/dance tracks for a few years now but I’m talking about straight up house music! Late 80′s, early 90′s in the public consciousness. It is a natural transition, so if you like your hip hop and R&b a la Jungle Brothers and Cece Peniston it’s been over 20 years and guess what…everything comes full circle.
The French Dance Scene:
This is fairly recent development for me but looking at the amount of talent that is coming from France on the dance tip, it’s undeniable. The duo Les Twins are going to be featured in the Cirque Du Soleil’s “Micheal Jackson show and of course there is the current favorite dancer Laura Nala, oh! Not to mention that almost every major dance competition is held in France, Yak Films is already up on it, check your music videos, commercials, local festivals and what your younger cousins are doing at the cookouts next summer.
Google+:
I definitely had to throw the tech side of things in the mix, facebook is constantly changing and Google+ seems more professional, new, fresh and not as much “look at me”. I’m not saying facebook is going anywhere but Google+ will definitely be an option to many in 2012.
The Places that are going to make a lot of noise in 2012:
The DMV region(Maryland):
Hometown baby! Chea! ok, ok I’m from here so what you wanna know, I’ll tell you. Seriously there is an immense level of talent in just Maryland as a whole, extend to folks flowing in and out D.C. and across the river and throughout Virginia and you have 2012! Yes Virginia definitely made a mark but Maryland is definitely going to be heard of more as a talent pool and start to stand on its own…Jersery has a spot. Yeahhhh hip hop it’s our turn.
The African Continent:
I can just hear someone saying “The WHOLE continent!?” and I answer…why yes! Okayplayer launched OkayAfrica in 2010, I can name drop more than a few artists: Black Coffee, Blk Jks, the multiple scenes in almost every country and the fact that the 21st century is time for Africa to shine…2012 is going to be stand-out year.
Points previously not highlighted:
Oh yes…I’m talking about Worldwide. World hip hop/ R&B is going to get major shine in 2012. Forget you city you better be prepared to rep your country. Heard of that dope artist from Poland, You into that songstress from Argentina? You like that band from Singapore? All boundaries will be down in 2012.
Oh! One last one! It’s all about Independence in 2012! Mac Miler was #1 and that’s not a one time deal be on the look out for it more and more, the internet are now solidified as the “streets” and the streets are talking and voting with their money.
HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR’S EVERYONE!! Catch you in 2012…Creative Beach Collective is going to continue an upward climb so get your gear and let’s make the ascent together!
Talk about a heavy heart, as the 21st century goes I found out about Heavy D’s passing via facebook. I was getting out of my car and randomly checked Facebook on my phone and was shocked! “Is it true? what’s going?” Then it was confirmed and I was stuck. “Wait a minute Heavy D was just on BET hip hop awards? He looked healthy” is what I said to myself. It was true and I went back n forth with friends on facebook and twitter. Heavy D was definitely a part of life soundtrack growing up and memories my upbringing started to flashback as I listened to Heavy’s music and watched his videos. May God bless his soul and his family because Heavy D was not just Heavy D but Dwight Arrington Myers, he was a real person.
Throughout the week there were numerous video tributes, mixes and radio shows that paid their respects to Heavy D and here is a compilation of just a few that I found or listened to.
DJ Face and DJ Cuzzin B Heavy D Ustream mix show tribute Recorded November 8TH
Pete Rock Speaks on his Cousin’s passing on Peter Rosenberg’s raido show
To close out something to download and listen to: DJ Wonder’s Heavy Tribute
1. Heavy D & The Boyz – Mr. Big Stuff [Remix]
2. Christopher Williams/Father MC/Heavy D & the Boyz/Jodeci/Mary J. Blige/Tim Dawg – Next Stop Uptown [Studio Version]
3. Heavy D & The Boyz – Is It Good To You
4. Heavy D – We Got Our Own Thang
5. Heavy D And The Boys – Now That We Found Love
6. Heavy D – In Living Color Theme
7. Super Cat/Heavy D – Dem No Worry We
8. Pete Rock/Heavy D/Beenie Man – Massive Hold Tight
9. Heavy D & The Boyz – Who’s The Man
10. Soul For Real featuring Heavy D – Candy Rain (Remix)
11. Heavy D & The Boyz – Got Me Waiting
12. Monifah/Heavy D – I Miss You (Come Back Home)
13. Heavy D & The Boyz – Big Daddy
14. Big Bub/Heavy D/Blackstreet – I Need Your Love (Remix)
15. Mary J. Blige/Heavy D – My Love (Remix)
16. Musiq/Heavy D – Buddy (Remix)
17. Heavy D feat. Q-Tip – Listen
18. Heavy D featuring Anthony Hamilton – I Can’t Help The Way
Heavy D is missed and will continue to be missed! I personally feel from what I saw of him he made great use of his time here on earth and I am in awe of all he accomplished in his 44 years. I will leave this tribute with the last tweet Heavy D wrote and it says it all:
Aaaaaahhhhh Awkward Blackgirl is back on! Sorry everyone but this is just a great show. Gotta laugh at J and Cece’s outfit, ok, ok… I’m not going to say too much, except apparently I missed episode 9. Watch the latest episode and catch-up like I did. Enjoy!!
The Roots are officially back. They have just announced their latest studio album entitled “Undun”. This is a powerful single to introduce to the masses because it’s very reflective and glides along until you’re thinking “that’s it, it’s over” then you go back and play it again. So press play and then press play again and so on.
Summer will not return for another 9 months or so but why not keep it going with this Green Street released Free LP. Everything about this album just says sunshine and happiness. Sunshine and happiness can definitely be carried throughout the year but we all long for the days of shorts, t-shirts and rocking shoes with no socks(yeah you put powder in them). I love rocking my northface coat but feeling the warmth of the sun on my face is equally as high on my love for the seasons. Stream the album and download Endless Summer, you’ll thank me in January.
Tabi Bonney just released the video for his ski beatz hit single(yep I said so) “Parachute” The video follows the song perfectly and it’s the quality well crafted and fun video that we have come to expect from Tabi. The Summer Years is a great album(I was jammin’ to it in the car today) and Tabi just makes music that fits him. It is officially fall but take it back a couple of weeks and experience summer or keep summer moving continuously. Press play and Enjoy!
