#weloveuhex
#stillprayingforhex
#weloveuhexandrobyn
#detroitmakestheworldgoround
Often times you hear the phrase, "Detroit Stand Up!" This phrase often comes as a part of a call to arms to rally the troops whether in support, defense or celebration of all that is Detroit hip hop. Well Detroit, Redford, Farmington Hills, Warren, Inkster, Dearborn, Ferndale, Flint, Miami, Cleveland, Chicago, Los Angeles and then some stood up in honor of our wounded yet not fallen soldier, Hex Murda.
Healthcare is no joke these days. So Detroit's hip hop family proved that they...er ...we are a family and came together to raise funds to help Hex and his family offset forthcoming medical expenses. For $10, a crowd of 700+ witnessed what was quite possibly the biggest Detroit hip hop show of our era. At one point the entire crowd was chanting "We love Hex! We love Hex!" It was awesome. Oprah would've hated every minute of it!
The night was hosted by Rochester's own "Rude" Jude Angelini of Shade 45 while Detroit's Ambassador to the world, DJ Houseshoes held down the turntables all night. The musical performances were AMAZING. Everyone who performed gave it their all and made sure the crowd knew the purpose of thier time on stage.
Performances included: (I apologize in advance if I've missed anyone)
Ro Spit & Ron Dance
Moe Dirdee
OneBeLo
Danny Brown
Miz Korona
Super MC
The Fat Killaz
The Almighty Dreadnaughtz
Black Milk
Guilty Simpson
Phat Kat
The Alchemist
Paradime
Slum Village
Trick Trick
The entire night was stellar. But a few moments stood out as highlights. Slum Village absolutely tore it down. They performed hit after hit. Everyone knew every word of every song. (I love those moments) But then it climaxed (girl shit) when Elzhi burned everyone's ear drums with one of the illest freestyles ever. Another moment was the lapse in time between Rude Jude introducing The Alchemist and The Alchemist actually coming out on stage. Noone really understood what Jude was talking about, until they heard the first few notes of "Hold You Down" and then *SHAPOW*...Alchemist on stage. The crowd took a collective shit in thier pants. Paradime must have taken a few lessons from being on the road with Kid Rock, because his time on stage was larger then life. (New album is going to be illy! plug plug plug) Miz Korona's set was bitter sweet for me. Bitter because her music gets slept on like a severe case of narcolepsy. Sweet because it was awesome watching those narcoleptics wake the hell up right in front of me when she stepped out on stage and absolutely murked it! Her recent work with producer Chanes is of epic proportions! The best moment of the entire night however, was the moment Ms. Robyn stepped on the stage. You could feel and sense her strength, integrity and thankfulness. If anyone needs a lesson in strength or the definition of grace under stress, she's the one to look at.
I could go on about how every performer did thieir thing, but you were probably there. If you werent there you missed out on great performances and appearances by tons of Detroit Hip Hop classmates including D12, Street Justice, Chief, Moe Dirdee, Dante, Quest McCody, Ty Farris, Mike Chav, Magnetic and Will Sessions.
But just because we had a great time at the show, it doesn't mean Hex and his family no longer need our prayers and support. If you weren't able to make it or haven't had a chance to offer monitary assistance to the Hex Family, you can visit www.paypal.com and enter the email address: thehexcarefund@gmail.com.
But for now...enjoy some pics from the event!
KEEP STANDING DETROIT!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Dillanthology Listening Party Pics (10.13.09)
If you know anything about Dilla fans, you know that we know how to have a good time when good music and positive energy is in the air. That always seems to be the case at 5E Gallery. whether its discussions on the digital age of hip hop, grimy reggae after hours or a celebration of the musical legend of J.Dilla, you can always expect to walk away with a great story to tell. Every Tuesday night at 5E Gallery, they have "The Foundation" which honors and showcases women in hip hop. Well Dilla loved the ladies and the ladies will always love Dilla. Peep the scene below. TURN IT UP. RAISE IT UP. SHAKE IT DOWN
Monday, October 12, 2009
Detroit Makes The World Go 'Round (Literally)
This is short and sweet. I assume that you (Taste Makers Audience) are bright individuals and don't need me to go into detail about what's good this week....Peep the flyers below.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Detroit Taste Makers Selection: Exclusive: The Find Magazine X DJ Houseshoes Present… – The Shimmy [Mix]
"Detroit's Ambassador To The World" and the self proclaimed President of the Detroit Taste Makers League, does it again. After the release of the epic "King James Version" he gives us another treat. He teamed up with The Find Magazine and put out this ill mixtape..."The Shimmy".
The mix includes Royce 5'9, Fashawn, 14KT, Quelle, Shawn Jackson, Black Milk, Wajeed, 14 KT and oh yes Ghostface Killah
Follow the link below to get your ChristmasInOctober on...
Exclusive: TFM & DJ Houseshoes Present… – The Shimmy [Mix]
Houseshoes In Detroit Dates:
10.17.09 "The Fucking Get Better Bro" Benefit for HexMurda (St. Andrews)
(Detroit Hip Hop elite is in the building, come through, donate for Detroit's frontline...Hex!)
10.18.09: DJ Houseshoes at Oslo
10.20.09: Houseshoes Loves The Ladies (Spinning at The Foundation @ Elements Gallery)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ann Arbor: Not Just for Urban Outfitters anymore
Disclaimer: I would like to offer my official apology in advance to anyone who resides in or near Ann Arbor. And to anyone who is a fan by choice or by relation to the University of Michigan.
With that said.
I hate going to Ann Arbor. For one reason and one reason only. I get lost every time I enter or leave that city. EVERY TIME without fail. I wish I was making this up but it's true. I went to Oakland University and was a member of a sorority. We had a sister chapter at U of M. They made me go there to drop off candles once. I was 18 years old. I had to be at this house by 4 pm. I didn't show up until 6. Why? Because I got lost on state street, main street, tree street, whatever it was. I think my fellow "sister" put a curse on me because ever since then I can not seem to navigate my way through the city. Even now. I'm all grown up and rely on my blackberry to point me in the right direction. I automatically develop dyslexia when I have to go to Ann Arbor. If it's not on the same street at Urban Outfitters, I'm lost, so don't ask.
I don't like U of M. I don't think the people there are bad. I could care less about their sports teams. I partially grew up in Maryland so I was a Georgetown Hoyas fan. Then when I moved to Michigan this bully at summer camp said to me.... "Adrienne! You live in Michigan now. You need to like Michigan or Michigan State. What'll it be?" I picked State and rolled with it. No particular reason other than I like the color green and I heard that school had a lot of fun. And I went to Oakland U. which didn't have a football team and didn't go Division 1 until 2000. So whatever.
But beyond my habitual disorientation and indifference towards the Wolverines...Ann Arbor has got a WHOLE lot to offer to the world other than the jacuzzi suites hotel and a big ass Salvation Army.
Music.
Keep reading. This blog is dedicated to those fellas doing it real big. You should be proud.!
Ann Arbor's Talent Show Starring: Yoshi
I had the pleasure of meeting local hip hop artist, Yoshi last year at the Red Bull Music Academy Session. We chopped it up for a little bit about music ... nice dude.
Fast forward to Summertime 2009 and I'm talking to my homeboy D.Allie at the Mayer Hawthorne show in, where else... Ann Arbor. (For the record I got lost on my way to this show)
Me: Who's this Yoshi cat opening up for Mayer H.?
D.Allie: Oh! He's so dope!
Me: *blank face*
D.Allie: Do you like Lupe Fiasco?
Me: Yes
D.Allie: Then you'll like Yoshi. He's great! He's one of my favorites. I think you'll really like him.
Me: *blank face*
I have this conversation EVERY SINGLE TIME I haven't heard of someone. About 10% of the time I end up liking what I'm hearing. This time fell within that percentile! He came on stage and owned the crowd from the first #BAR. He had excellent stage presence...great mic skills...super smooth R&B infusion. (His big teddy bear hype man was a crooooooooooo-nerr!) The whole crowd was 2 stepping by the end of his set. I became a fan. But the thing is I didn't realize I had already met him! Once again we end up chopping it up. I cop his cd "Talent Show". (Yes I actually bought it at the show). Put it in the whip as soon as I left and loved it from track 1. It's funny. It's crisp. Definately a must for the rotation.
Fast forward to today...
He's released the video for his single "Magnetic" from "The Talent Show" featuring the homie Buff1 from the Athletic Mic League. The epilogue is a snippet from the track "Meet The Deadline". Great video. I give it 3 cupcakes out of 5. I would give it a 4 if I was in it. ha ha. Just not kidding.
Check it out...
Fast forward to Summertime 2009 and I'm talking to my homeboy D.Allie at the Mayer Hawthorne show in, where else... Ann Arbor. (For the record I got lost on my way to this show)
Me: Who's this Yoshi cat opening up for Mayer H.?
D.Allie: Oh! He's so dope!
Me: *blank face*
D.Allie: Do you like Lupe Fiasco?
Me: Yes
D.Allie: Then you'll like Yoshi. He's great! He's one of my favorites. I think you'll really like him.
Me: *blank face*
I have this conversation EVERY SINGLE TIME I haven't heard of someone. About 10% of the time I end up liking what I'm hearing. This time fell within that percentile! He came on stage and owned the crowd from the first #BAR. He had excellent stage presence...great mic skills...super smooth R&B infusion. (His big teddy bear hype man was a crooooooooooo-nerr!) The whole crowd was 2 stepping by the end of his set. I became a fan. But the thing is I didn't realize I had already met him! Once again we end up chopping it up. I cop his cd "Talent Show". (Yes I actually bought it at the show). Put it in the whip as soon as I left and loved it from track 1. It's funny. It's crisp. Definately a must for the rotation.
Fast forward to today...
He's released the video for his single "Magnetic" from "The Talent Show" featuring the homie Buff1 from the Athletic Mic League. The epilogue is a snippet from the track "Meet The Deadline". Great video. I give it 3 cupcakes out of 5. I would give it a 4 if I was in it. ha ha. Just not kidding.
Check it out...
Ann Arbor's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Ladies and Gentlemen (Ladies pay closer attention)....say hello to Ann Arbor/Ypsi's ATHLETIC MIC LEAGUE
Buff 1
14 KT
Grand Champ
Texture
Tres Styles
Vital
DJ Haircut
They've been delivering inherently intelligent hip hop around the country since '98. Talk about paying dues. I don't know about you, but I was eating personal pan pizzas every day from Oakland University's pizza hut in '98. When you listen to their music you can tell they work very hard to perfect their craft. Thier lyrics have depth and layers and the beats, done by their sub-league known as Lab Techs, are RIDICULOUS.
BUFF1....There's only 1 Buff. You know that ONE dude with that big smile who can rhyme his ass off and is usually wearing a crown? Buff is one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life. And did I mention he can rhyme his ass off? I have gone to countless shows in my lifetime and I have to tell you that in my top 10 shows Buff 1 and Mayer Hawthorne fall right in line. Buff 1 released "There's Only 1" last summer and the whole mic league was there. It seriously was one of the best shows I have ever been to. I didn't know any of his lyrics walking in, but it felt like I knew everything by heart by the time I left. I even went to that show dolo.
Don't believe me? Peep his video for "Real Appeal" produced by 14 KT
14KT...He released "The Golden Hour" last year. I would like to rename this album as the "Platinum Gold 24 Hours", because these are some of the best beats I have heard in quite some time. This and Ghostface's new record is pretty much the only things I've been listening to. Since A-Side is getting a lot of shine world wide, I wanted to dive a little deeper and step outside of Detroit and find out who's really making noise. And 14KT is that dude. He's worked with Black Milk, Tanya Morgan, Guilty Simpson, Invincible, Now On (Also apart of the A.Side Family), World Famous Beat Junkies, Monica Blaire, D12 & Past Due. He has a classic musical structure. It's clear with defined lines and keeps you wanting more. What I love is that he's not afraid to mix it up. You can find him making selections from ghetto-tech to classic r&b and soul to straight street bangers and then back to gospel. Don't believe me? Well Red Bull thinks he's the shit and so do I.
DJ HAIRCUT... Well. He's Mayer Hawthorne. I am convinced that this guy is Jamaican. He's got like 5 jobs. He's a rapper. He's a crooner. He's a DJ. He's a producer. He's a 1/3 of a sick hip hop group! When he's not making me scream like a 16 year old circa 1962 watching the Beatles, he's doing all kinds of other dope shit.
Like laying hooks on my homeboy's tracks.
Like producing my FAVORITE SONGS with his fellow LabTechs...
Download: Guilty Simpson "Chief Pat Pockets"
Watch: Buff 1's "Beat The Speakers Up" (WARNING: LAB TECH BANGER!)
Making dope ass mixtapes... (I mean it's called Shoot The Duck, you should expect nothing less than greatness)
Click Here for a listen....but that's all you get, beacause this is sold out ------> HAIRCUT
He's also a part of one of my favorite groups out of MI...NOW ON...
He is the DJ for the AML AAAAND he's got BARS!!
Oh yea...and he's sings some classic soul songs too. So I've heard. Well at least that's what Ghostface Killah, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake and John Mayer told me. But they be some bullshit sometimes, so they could be lying. ;)
Ok...if you aren't convinced that Ann Arbor is doing great things and isn't just real estate for U of M...check out A.Side Worldwide for yourself.
Buff 1
14 KT
Grand Champ
Texture
Tres Styles
Vital
DJ Haircut
They've been delivering inherently intelligent hip hop around the country since '98. Talk about paying dues. I don't know about you, but I was eating personal pan pizzas every day from Oakland University's pizza hut in '98. When you listen to their music you can tell they work very hard to perfect their craft. Thier lyrics have depth and layers and the beats, done by their sub-league known as Lab Techs, are RIDICULOUS.
BUFF1....There's only 1 Buff. You know that ONE dude with that big smile who can rhyme his ass off and is usually wearing a crown? Buff is one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life. And did I mention he can rhyme his ass off? I have gone to countless shows in my lifetime and I have to tell you that in my top 10 shows Buff 1 and Mayer Hawthorne fall right in line. Buff 1 released "There's Only 1" last summer and the whole mic league was there. It seriously was one of the best shows I have ever been to. I didn't know any of his lyrics walking in, but it felt like I knew everything by heart by the time I left. I even went to that show dolo.
Don't believe me? Peep his video for "Real Appeal" produced by 14 KT
14KT...He released "The Golden Hour" last year. I would like to rename this album as the "Platinum Gold 24 Hours", because these are some of the best beats I have heard in quite some time. This and Ghostface's new record is pretty much the only things I've been listening to. Since A-Side is getting a lot of shine world wide, I wanted to dive a little deeper and step outside of Detroit and find out who's really making noise. And 14KT is that dude. He's worked with Black Milk, Tanya Morgan, Guilty Simpson, Invincible, Now On (Also apart of the A.Side Family), World Famous Beat Junkies, Monica Blaire, D12 & Past Due. He has a classic musical structure. It's clear with defined lines and keeps you wanting more. What I love is that he's not afraid to mix it up. You can find him making selections from ghetto-tech to classic r&b and soul to straight street bangers and then back to gospel. Don't believe me? Well Red Bull thinks he's the shit and so do I.
DJ HAIRCUT... Well. He's Mayer Hawthorne. I am convinced that this guy is Jamaican. He's got like 5 jobs. He's a rapper. He's a crooner. He's a DJ. He's a producer. He's a 1/3 of a sick hip hop group! When he's not making me scream like a 16 year old circa 1962 watching the Beatles, he's doing all kinds of other dope shit.
Like laying hooks on my homeboy's tracks.
Like producing my FAVORITE SONGS with his fellow LabTechs...
Download: Guilty Simpson "Chief Pat Pockets"
Watch: Buff 1's "Beat The Speakers Up" (WARNING: LAB TECH BANGER!)
Making dope ass mixtapes... (I mean it's called Shoot The Duck, you should expect nothing less than greatness)
Click Here for a listen....but that's all you get, beacause this is sold out ------> HAIRCUT
He's also a part of one of my favorite groups out of MI...NOW ON...
He is the DJ for the AML AAAAND he's got BARS!!
Oh yea...and he's sings some classic soul songs too. So I've heard. Well at least that's what Ghostface Killah, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake and John Mayer told me. But they be some bullshit sometimes, so they could be lying. ;)
Ok...if you aren't convinced that Ann Arbor is doing great things and isn't just real estate for U of M...check out A.Side Worldwide for yourself.
Ann Arbor's Unofficial Mayer...Hawthorne That Is.
If you haven't heard of Mayer Hawthorne by now, you should probably pack up all of your belongings and move to a bigger place. Because that rock you've been sleeping under is going to get awfully cold this winter.
His music started as just goofing around until Peanutbutter Wolf of Stones Throw got ahold of it. And PB.Dubb is no dummy. He knows good ol' fashion sangin' when he hears it. Signed DJ Haircut to Stonesthrow...Mayer Hawthorne & The County were born...A Strange Arrangement was released... and now Madonna and Whitney Houston are asking themselves "Who the hell is Mayer Hawthorne, and how did he outsell us I.Tunes?"
Let me repeat that.
He beat out Madonna, Whitney Houston, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z etc. on I.Tunes
He's doing shows with my favorite...Ghostface...and selling out city after city.
When they said A.Side is world wide you'd better fucking believe it. Peep some live footage from the EchoPlex in LA
(For the record, this has over 28,000 views)
His music started as just goofing around until Peanutbutter Wolf of Stones Throw got ahold of it. And PB.Dubb is no dummy. He knows good ol' fashion sangin' when he hears it. Signed DJ Haircut to Stonesthrow...Mayer Hawthorne & The County were born...A Strange Arrangement was released... and now Madonna and Whitney Houston are asking themselves "Who the hell is Mayer Hawthorne, and how did he outsell us I.Tunes?"
Let me repeat that.
He beat out Madonna, Whitney Houston, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z etc. on I.Tunes
He's doing shows with my favorite...Ghostface...and selling out city after city.
When they said A.Side is world wide you'd better fucking believe it. Peep some live footage from the EchoPlex in LA
(For the record, this has over 28,000 views)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
