The 1960’s and 1970’s were groundbreaking decades in the rise of youth culture and rebellion. The Beatniks of the late 50’s cracked the surface with their gatherings and shift in style. The outspoken hippies of the 60’s blazed through civil rights barriers with their social and political activism. Music sparked conversation and conversations inspired the music. The like-minded children of the era began to shape their own styles that challenged norms, the free spirits were allowed to express themselves like never before. The 1970’s were about experimentation and subgenres of music that were developing as a result. Different musicians were fusing their styles to create groundbreaking sounds. A group that pioneered the rock/funk/soul/psychedelic driven sound that blossomed during this era was Bay-Area band, Sly And The Family Stone. The band was the first major rock act to feature a multi-cultural lineup with men and women.
The band was founded by brothers Sly and Freddie Stone, trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, drummer Gregg Errico, saxophonist Jerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham completed the original lineup; Sly and Freddie’s sister, singer/keyboardist Rose Stone, joined within a year. They found much success with Billboard hits and four albums. They played to sell out crowds and were featured on television shows like Soul Train. I’m really into the haphazard gypsy style of this band. In fact, I see a hippie gypsy style resurging with all the floral and paisley prints hitting everything from MadeMe’s latest collection to Doc Martens. Are you embracing the florals and paisleys? I feel as though fashion right now has two sides. The happy, easy going, I wear feathers and headbands (hippie gypsy) thing. Or the dark, avant garde, don’t mess with me because some article of my clothing could cause sufficient harm to your body thing. Hopefully, none of this is taken too literally, because as always, fashion should be fun. Perhaps this quote from Vivienne Westwood sums it up best:
I am attracted to people who make this effort in knowing what suits them – they are individual and stylish.
Sly and The Family Stone set their own standards, broke traditional boundaries, and hopefully will inspire you to do the same, all while gettin down to some funky fresh beats!
The Brand New Heavies were leaders of the acid jazz movement in the 1980s and 1990s.
One of my favorite musical genres just happens to acid jazz. As an avid lover a hip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul music, one of the things I love the most about acid jazz is that it combines all these elements of music into one big ball of awesomeness! Its origins are often linked back to the UK in 1980s and 1990s with DJs and crate diggers bringing it to the forefront. One of the frontrunners in the “acid jazz movement” definitely had to be one of my favorite groups ever: The Brand New Heavies. The Brand New Heavies made inspiring and positive music that you could dance to. I remember coming home from school and throwing one of their CDs into my stereo regularly. I would dance around my bedroom pretending that I looked and sounded like leading vocalist N’Dea Davenport while my stuffed animals held it down as the guys in the band. For many of us that grew up in the 1990s, The Brand New Heavies bring back memories of when all genres of music could be considered “mainstream”. They introduced the world to acid jazz in baby steps by making songs that also had a pop appeal to them. The Brand New Heavies had an ever changing roster of group members, but die hard fans like myself who believed in the truly good music that they made. Just ask M.I.S.S. contributor Randi who sang the song “Fake” from the album Brother, Sister with her brother’s band! She also loved the Brand New Heavies so much that she sent away for label stickers in middle school!
The Brand New Heavies consist of Andrew Levy, Jan Kincaid, Simon Bartholomew, and N'Dea Davenport.
The Brand New Heavies formed in 1985 under the name of Brother International. Long time friends Jan Kincaid (drummer/keyboardist), Simon Bartholomew (guitar/vocalist), and Andrew Levy (bassist/keyboardist ) began as an instrumental acid jazz group that quickly gained a cult following within the London club scene. Inspired and influenced by their love of 1960’s and 1970’s soul and funk music, the group later changed their name to “Brand New Heavies” by borrowing from the title “Minister of New Super Heavy Funk” given to soul singer James Brown. They gained huge exposure when their demo tracks were spun at various clubs, especially the influential Cat in the Hat Club in London. Acid house and jazz music began to take over the London club circuit and would slowly make its way to the United States with the Brand New Heavies arrival.
In 1990, the Brand New Heavies added a vocalist by the name of Jay Ella Ruth and signed a deal with the CoolTempo Records. They released the single “Got to Give” from their debut self-titled album Brand New Heavies. The single was hot and the album was even better! They were both met with widespread critical acclaim assuring the Brand New Heavies a spot on the music charts. Soon after the release of “Got to Give”, Jay Ella Ruth left the group and the band signed to a division of Chrysalis Records in the UK. American distribution was soon picked up by the independent label Delicious Vinyl which is known for signing west coast artists such as the Pharcyde, Tone Loc, and Masta Ace. With the Brand New Heavies added to the roster, the label hand picked a newly signed singer by the name of N’Dea Davenport to replace Jay Ella Ruth.
After joining The Brand New Heavies in 1990, leading vocalist N'Dea Davenport moved from Los Angeles, California to London, England.
Even though N’Dea Davenport would be the newest member of the group, she was certainly not a stranger to the music industry. She previously provided background vocals to a number of artists including Tone Loc, Young MC, and Madonna. She proved to have great chemistry with the Brand New Heavies and added the right element of funky and soulful vocals that were needed. Although N’ Dea had solo aspirations, she was drawn to the band out of a love of collaborating. A revamped version of the first album featuring vocals by N’Dea Davenport was then released, spawning the feel good singles “Dream Come True”, “Never Stop”, and “Stay This Way”. N’Dea Davenport’s strong, yet soulfully sweet voice was definitely one to envy. Her style was reminiscent of every popular 1990’s trend. At a time when the resurrection of 1970’s style and Seattle grunge fashion were all the rage, you could find N’Dea Davenport rocking a hippie vest made complete with a choker and a plaid baby doll dress with a knit ski hat. Fresh indeed!
Back in the good old days when MTV actually played music videos, The Brand New Heavies’ “Never Stop” was in constant rotation. The song landed on the American R&B charts making it one of their most successful singles to date. With the Brand New Heavies becoming the first British group to accomplish such a feat with a debut single since Soul II Soul several years earlier, they quickly hit the studio to record their second album, Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1. An earlier performance in New York City that also featured rappers Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest and MC Serch of 3rd Bass inspired the group to incorporate more elements of hip-hop into their music with this album. Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1 was met with widespread acclaim and included guest appearances by rappers Main Source, Gang Starr, Grand Puba, and the Pharcyde.
The Brand New Heavies became known for their hip-hop collaborations.
In 1994, The Brand New Heavies released their third studio album Brother, Sister. The title track to the album (which happens to be my personal favorite) featured a funkier, more soulful sound reminiscent of music legends James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, Vicki Anderson, and Mallia Franklin all combined into one! Against the backdrop of Andrew, Simon, and Jan’s funky instrumentation, N’Dea offered advice that seemed to speak directly to the youth of the world. In words that still strongly resonate with me even to this day, here’s what she said.
“Grandma said, at times you’ll feel a sting. There’ll be sharp turns and up hills and closed doors. Then she said hold onto your faith ’cause in this world you’ve got to go and get yours. So you stand up! Be strong! Go out there! Hold on! To the real things that matter, ’cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter.”
Singer N'Dea Davenport briefly stepped out on her own to pursue a solo career.
Although N’Dea Davenport’s solo aspirations were postponed to join the Brand New Heavies, she stepped out on her own and was featured on rapper Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 album in 1993. The single “Trust Me”, which had N’Dea singing the hook is considered a classic to fans of both N’Dea Davenport and Guru. She eventually left the group after the release of Brother, Sister in 1994 to pursue her solo career. Her self-titled debut was released on V2 Records in June of 1998. While it was only moderately successful, the album gave listeners the funky flavor that they had come to love and expect from her. The album featured production by Atlanta’s Dallas Austin and N’Dea Davenport herself. Singles released from this album include “Whatever You Want”, “Underneath A Red Moon”, “Bring It On” and “Bullsh**in”.
In my humble opinion, the Brand New Heavies just didn’t feel the same without N’Dea Davenport present. After the release of her debut album, things remained relatively quiet on Davenport’s career front but the Brand New Heavies would continue to make music. A singer by the name of Siedah Garrett joined the group for their third studio album, Shelter that was then followed by a greatest hits album entitled Trunk Funk – The Best of The Brand New Heavies . On the greatest hits album, a singer by the name of Carleen Anderson provided vocals on some newly recorded tracks as Siedah Garrett left the group. An Japan only album entitled, We Won’t Stop, was released in 2003 and Allaboutthefunk featuring British singer Nicole Russo on vocals was released in 2004.
The Brand New Heavies continue to make music capturing the energy and funk that they became known for.
In 2006, the Brand New Heavies reunited with N’Dea Davenport for a new album entitled, Get Used to It. They released a live album in October 2009 entitled Live In London and plans to release two more studio albums in 2010. I couldn’t be happier! While the Brand New Heavies certainly continued to make good music without N’Dea Davenport on deck, the combination and chemistry of these two forces are simply magical. The revival of acid jazz is back and in full effect! When it comes to making music, I hope the Brand New Heavies never stop or give it up!
It’s safe to say that the staff at M.I.S.S are fans of the fabulous Nina Simone. She embodies the spirit of what this publication represents. An eclectic array of talents, cultural activism, passion, and perseverance. In fact when I asked M.I.S.S Lexx (a huge fan) she told me that
In the 1960’s, no black woman performing artist was more gangsta than Nina Simone. She wrote about stuff that even a man would be a little reluctant to talk about. She said things about white-people that limited her time on TV & Radio but she was always true to herself, her emotions and her passion.
A bit of background on Simone, she was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in North Carolina, she was one of eight children in a poor family in 1933. She began to play the piano at age three. Her mother was a strict Methodist preacher who also worked as a maid. Her father worked as a handyman. Upon her mother’s employer hearing the young child’s talents they decided to fund her piano lessons. Simone’s continuing education was locally funded by the community due to the interest in her promising talent. At the age of 17 she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she encountered blatant racism while applying for a scholarship at a local college. After she passed her test admirably yet didn’t receive the scholarship the examiner told her it was “because you are black,” the rejection thus fueled her enthusiasm for the Civil Rights Movement that was about to erupt in the United States.
As any strong and willful woman would do, Simone decided to use her talents to teach others while funding her studies as a classical pianist at New York City’s highly regarded institution, Juilliard School of Music. Even though her talent was obvious to those around her when she applied once again in Philadelphia at The Curtis Institute she was rejected to which she attributed to her being black and a woman. Random fact: Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, and crew were frowned upon and made to stay in separate rooms designated for men and women while staying at The Barclay, a hotel located adjacent to The Curtis Institute. So much for being the place that The Constitution and Bill of Rights was written and signed!
In order to further fund herself she performed in Atlantic City under the name, Nina Simone. Here she built a small but loyal fan base with her mixture of jazz, blues, and classical piano. Nina was brilliant, but her brilliance was a troubled one. She struggled with bipolar disorder and her music was driven by passion, emotion, and anger. On stage she could be exuberant and suddenly enter a melancholy state and her voice would even go to baritone lows. Her first “protest” song was “Mississippi Goddamn,” a response to the four little girls being burned in a church in Birmingham, Alabama. Her ex-husband said in an interview that she was very upset, “pounding away at her piano for two hours,” a song was born. Simone was and is regarded as the “High Priestess of Soul” because of the attention she commanded when she was on stage. In one night she would give you singing, dancing, monologue, and has been noted for using silence as a musical element. Her performances were not just concerts, but happenings, very much a representation of the Pop movement going on in New York.
High Priestess of Soul
Today many artists attribute Nina Simone as a music, cultural, and style icon. Traces of her jazz/R&B/funk/soul influence can be found in the works of Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, and Cat Power, among many others. Many have sampled her, and even acts like David Bowie and Marilyn Manson have covered her songs. There are so many independent and socially conscious female performers around today; think Erykah Badu, M.I.A., Santigold, and Jill Scott whom have Nina Simone to credit for setting a high standard of being culturally aware and delivering a performance with lasting impact.
Here are some of our favorite tracks, hope you enjoy!
The track “Funkier Than A Mosquitos Tweeter” is a funky mix of intense tribal sounds and such passion is in her voice. A must listen.
In this video, “Ain’t Got No…I’ve Got A Life,” Nina looks absolutely beautiful with her hair wrapped, giant earrings, and yellow halter dress that compliments her dark skin. Even though she talks about what she doesn’t have, this song addresses appreciating the things you do have, like life and your body, which don’t cost money. The live version comes in clear and the sound is great the combination of the drumming and piano are amazing.
“My Baby Just Cares For Me” a sweet personal favorite.
Nina Simone
Nina talked about things that even men were afraid to address
High Priestess of Soul
Strong and willful she used her talents to teach others to fund her career
Nina struggled with highs and lows personally but managed to create a beautiful career
Nina with her ex-husband Andrew Stroud and their family
Even in a natural state, Simone exuded an aura of authority
Her influence can be seen in all of the independent and socially conscious artists today
In 1992, I made myself the honorary 4th member of TLC. I studied every dance move, learned every lyric, and read every magazine article I could find on the group. I even went as far as attempting to go to school one day with a condom placed over the left lens of my eyeglasses! Needless to say, that incident earned me the worst punishment of my life! However, there was still something about TLC that I just couldn’t resist. The loud colors, funky sounds, and unique style that embodied the group was unlike anything I had ever seen or heard before. Left Eye’s playful rhymes, T-Boz’s sultry alto vocals, along with Chilli’s straight-laced R&B harmonizations were like a music formula of pure genius! Unlike many of the female groups in the 1990s, TLC didn’t just sing about love and what it feels like to have your heart broken. Their message was one of female empowerment, individuality, and responsibility. While love was occasionally in the equation, they were also able to touch on more serious topics such as friends, date-rape, and domestic violence. As a young lady, those things were very important to me. From the moment I heard the first single, “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg”, I was wanting and needing more TLC in my life!
Ooooooohhh...On the TLC Tip was the first studio album from TLC
TLC was comprised of members Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. The group met in Atlanta, GA and were signed to Laface Records in 1991. TLC’s first album Ooooooohhh…On the TLC Tip was released in February of 1992. With lyrics written mainly by Left Eye and music producer Dallas Austin, the album proved to be both a commercial and critical success. It was certified quadruple-platinum within a year, producing three top ten singles on the U.S. Hot 100 charts. “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg”, “Baby, Baby, Baby”, and “What About Your Friends?” introduced the world to the blended sounds of R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, and Funk that made TLC truly unique. Wearing brightly-colored, baggy clothing adorned with condoms helped to promote the group’s message of safe sex while also giving TLC a signature style of their own. Dismissing and ignoring all pre-conceived notions and stereotypes of what it was to be “a proper young lady”, TLC earned staying power and respect by being exactly who they wanted to be at all times. In the song and video for “Hat 2 Da Back”, TLC described their style and were completely unapologetic for it. This act earned the ladies much respect.
In despite of all of the success that TLC achieved with their first album, personal problems seemed to plague the group as well. T-Boz, who had sickle cell disease, became very ill during their first national tour and had to be hospitalized. TLC member Left Eye who had been dating Atlanta Falcon’s football player Andre Rison, was arrested and indicted on charges of first-degree arson. The two reportedly had a volatile relationship that reached its boiling point when Left Eye tossed numerous pairs of Rison’s sneakers into a bathtub, covered them with lighter fluid, and then lit them on fire. The bathtub began to melt and subsequently set the structural frame of the house on fire. Left Eye was sentenced to five years of probation and a $10,000 fine. She was also ordered to attend rehab for an addiction to alcohol. As seen in the VH1 documentary, “The Last Days of Left Eye”, the rapper admitted to being a heavy drinker since the age of 15 years old.
In 1994, TLC re-entered the studio to begin recording their second album CrazySexyCool. With help from producers Tim and Bob, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Babyface, and long time collaborator Dallas Austin, the album proved to be TLC’s most successful one to date. The title of the album derived and was a play on each of the women’s personalities. Left Eye was considered to have more of a crazy side, Chilli was known for her sexiness, and T-Boz had more of a laid-back, cool vibe. With 2 years passing since the release of their first album, TLC’s sound on was a bit more mature, sexier, and less boisterous on this album. In the video for CrazySexyCool’s first single, “Creep”, we saw TLC dressed in sexy, silk pajamas singing tunes of unfulfillment and infidelity. Left Eye’s raps and vocals appeared significantly less on this album, as she was still continuing her treatment in rehab. However, her writing remained ever present. She was responsible for writing the group’s biggest single ever, “Waterfalls”, which dealt with issues of drug dealing and HIV. The song’s message was powerful and touched many all over the world. In 1996, the song was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Along with the single “Waterfalls”, three other singles: “Creep”, “Red Light Special” and “Diggin’ On You” all reached top 5 slots on the US Hot 100 Charts. CrazySexyCool sold over 11 million copies and became one of the first albums to ever receive a diamond certification from the RIAA.
Money is without a doubt known to be a little “funny” at times. While many of us were thinking that TLC were comfortably enjoying the fruits of their labor, the group was actually in financial turmoil. Things got so bad that in the summer of 1995, the group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They declared debts totaling 3.5 million dollars, claiming that after paying managers, producers, expenses, and taxes they were only bringing home about $35,000 a year. They eventually settled their cases, renegotiate their 1991 contract with LaFace Records, and parted ways with their long time manager Pebbles.
With all the drama out of the way, TLC re-entered the studio in 1996. As a group, they made appearances on the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack with the song, “This Is How It Works”. They also appeared on the Soundtrack for the motion picture Panther by contributing to the song “Freedom”. Before working on their third studio album, FanMail, the women of TLC took some time off to pursue personal interests and work on side projects. Chilli appeared in the independent film HavPlenty, and T-Boz co-starred in Hype Williams’ 1998 film Belly. Left Eye started her own artist development company and signed Blaque, who were a TLC-like female R&B trio. She also contributed a verse to Lil’ Kim’s Remix of “Not Tonight”.
FanMail was released in 1999. The album title was a tribute to TLC’s fans. In typical TLC fashion, this album was full of female empowerment, positivity, and a reversal of the mainstream and traditonal “female and male” roles in society. The first single, “No Scrubs” was a number-one hit and had ladies walking around telling guys, “No, I don’t want your number. No, I don’t wanna give you mines. No, I don’t wanna meet you nowhere. No, I don’t want none of your time!” The second single, “Unpretty”, dealt with a woman’s struggle with her self-image. It was through this song that TLC let us know that as women, unrealistic concepts of beauty often portrayed by the media were not at all important. Inner beauty and self acceptance were the two things that really mattered. FanMail went on to sell over 6 million copies in the U.S. and won TLC two Grammy Awards.
Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes: May 27, 1971-April 25, 2002
While recording their fourth studio album, 3D, growing tensions between Left Eye and the two other members of TLC began to mount. Left Eye wanted to withdraw from the group to pursue solo stardom. She recorded her debut album, Supernova, that was to be released on Death Row Records in 2001. The album was not initially released in the United States, although it was released in other countries. The album included a song entitled “A New Star is Born” which was dedicated to the memory of her late father. She told MTV News:
“That track is dedicated to all those that have loved ones that have passed away. It’s saying that there is no such thing as death. We can call it transforming for a lack of better words, but as scientists would say, ‘Every atom that was once a star is now in you.’ It’s in your body. So in the song I pretty much go along with that idea. … I don’t care what happens or what people think about death, it doesn’t matter. We all share the same space.”
While reluctantly working on tracks for TLC’s album 3D, Left Eye took some time off for 30 day spiritual retreat in Honduras with family and friends. During the retreat, Left Eye reflected on her personal life, career, and was also in the process of setting up an educational center for Honduran children. Tragically on April 25, 2002, Left Eye was involved in car accident in La Ceiba, Honduras that took her life instantly. She was only 30 years old. The passing of Left Eye was a loss that left people all over the world shocked and saddened. Much like death of songstress Aaliyah, it just didn’t seem fair that such a talented, young soul would have her life taken so abruptly. Millions mourned for her. Left Eye was one of kind. She was a true hip-hop star who’s light seemed to shine just a little bit more brightly than her counterparts. Her talent, positive energy, and dedication to the art of music were apparent in every word that she had ever written. Controversial, spontaneous, and full of color, Left Eye will forever be remembered for her tremendous contributions to music and the world at large.
Devastated by the death of their friend and band mate, Chilli and T-Boz made the decision to complete the remainder of the album 3D, but retire after the release and promotion. 3D featured the singles “Girl Talk”, “Damaged”, and a Left Eye tribute entitled “Turntable”. In 2003, TLC released a greatest hits album entitled Now and Forever: The Hits. The following year, T-Boz and Chilli hosted a reality television show, R U the Girl, with a grand prize of a chance to record a song and perform once in concert with the pair. Currently, T-Boz continues to be a spokesperson for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. In 2005, she opened a children’s boutique called Chase’s Closet (named for her daughter). In 2009, she was a contestant in the reality show The Celebrity Apprentice. Songstress Chilli markets a line of handbags titled, “Bags by Chilli” and in June 2009, VH1 announced plans to air a reality series documenting her quest to find love. Although, TLC was never the same without founding member Left Eye, T-Boz and Chilli continued to record and perform both separately and collectively.
Those of us who were fans of TLC are left with memories of both joy and sorrow. Although are hearts were broken after the passing of Left Eye, we are forever grateful for music and messages that were given to us by TLC. Memorable songs and moments will live on forever with the reminder that good music is timeless. Often imitated, but never duplicated, there will never be another group quite like TLC.
Watch out all you jive turkeys, wannabe hustlers, suckers, and fake gangsters! There’s a new man in town who’s badder than bad and goes by the name of Black Dynamite! Just as any superhero or crusader requires their own special and unique theme music or soundtrack, Black Dynamite is certainly not the expection. In fact, he has both. The Original Motion Picture Score and Motion Picture Soundtrack to the film Black Dynamite features an explosive mix of funk and soul music so sweet it’ll be sure to have you wanting and needing more!
Blaxpoitation Spoof Black Dynamite Hits The Big Screen
Black Dynamite, directed by Scott Sanders, is an epic and hilarious spoof of of blaxploitation films of the 1970s. Blaxploitation is a film genre that emerged in the early 1970s that featured primarily black actors as non-traditional heroes who were usually in conflict with “The Man”. Most blaxploitation films took place in the ghetto and inner cities of America and usually involved hit men, drug dealers, and pimps. Sticking to that same format, while poking fun at the same time, Black Dynamite is reminiscent and parallel to some of the finest blaxploitation movies ever made. Actor Michael Jai White stars as the title character Black Dynamite who is a former CIA agent that is called back into the business when the mafia kills his brother, fills black orphanages with heroin, and floods the street with bad malt liquor.
Black Dynamite's Score And Soundtrack Features Both Soul And Funk Music
Blaxploitation films were the first to feature soundtracks of funk and soul music. In fact, blaxploitation films became widely known and publicized based on the music and artists that were featured on the soundtracks. Earth, Wind, and Fire contributed to the soundtrack for Sweet Sweetbacks BaadAsssss Song, which is considered by some to be the first blaxploitation movie ever made. “Pusherman” and “Superfly” are two very popular Curtis Mayfield songs that were featured on blaxploitation movie soundtracks as well. I’m also willing to bet that a few of you know lines from that infamous Isaac Hayes classic Shaft starring that bad mother (shut yo’ mouth) Ron O’Neal. The film Black Dynamite features a score and soundtrack that is just as promising as these classics.
Black Dynamite Original Score Composed And Produced By Adrian Younge Released On The Wax Poetics Records Label
The score to Black Dynamite was written, composed, and performed entirely by the multi-talented Adrian Younge. Younge is a self taught musician, film editor, and recording engineer that has dedicated his life to the study of vintage soul music. He recorded the album in his fully analog home studio with vintage equipment and instruments that included the Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Hohner Clavinet, synthesizer, vibraphone, guitar, bass, sax, cello, and drums. The music is deeply authentic, funky, and down right soulful. Tracks such as “Chicago Wind” and “Gloria (Zodiac Lovers)” feature amazing vocals set to smooth grooves that give off mellow vibes. While tracks such as “Jimmy’s Apartment”, feature witty vocals against a backdrop of pure, unadulterated funk. This album is Younge’s second in the movie score field. The original soundtrack album and single “Black Dynamite Theme” were released on the Wax Poetics Records label on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. Black Dynamite, the movie was released nationwide on October 16, 2009. If you’re in need of some super bad comedy with super bad music to match, be sure to check out the movie. In the meantime and in-between time, check out the super bad Black Dynamite Score Documentary below. For more information on the score and soundtrack and to purchase, visit the newly re-vamped and always cool Wax Poetics website.
It doesn’t really matter where you set up your grill – a backyard, rooftop, or park, as long as you have your friends and some music to carry you through the night. You already know we like to get our grill on, and thanks to Montreal based DJ crew, The Moustache Men (Classi Assi, F.U.N.K, and New Money) and DJ’s Tanner and Arem from Vancouver’s The Faction Crew delivering ”80 minutes of mellow hip hop, funk, soul and more,” we’ve got a soundtrack.
They knew they could pull something off together after meeting while on tour in Canada. The diverse playlist came to fruition through a series of emails, as the distance between the DJ’s in Montreal and Vancouver is equivalent to the distance between NYC and LA. Put some like minded people in front of a computer and the results can be epic. Frank 151, Circa, and Shine Nightclub agreed, so they sponsored the mixtape.
Upcoming dates for the artists promoting the mixtape include, Thursday, June 4th at the Blue Dog in Montreal, where you can catch Classi Assi and F.U.N.K with a small launch at thier weekly. June 12th at Shine Nightclub in Vancouver they get busy with DJ’s Arems, Tanner, and F.U.N.K on the decks.
This Saturday—July 12th—the world famous WEFUNK radio show (Montreal) will be making their first West Coast appearance (ever in their 12 year run!!!) at the Elbo Room in San Francisco and I am so proud to say that I worked on the above flyer (toot! toot!)…Yep! When I’m not posting about Free Slurpees (yea, who loves you?!) on M.I.S.S. Crew, I, M.I.S.S. Lady Lexx, do my thing as a graphic designer while listening to funk music…and in my humble little world, this is the stuff dreams are made of…
Check the details after the jump and I hope to see you funk-lovin’ ladies there!
I’m the resident WP reader/fiend (as opposed to WWD), so I had to share my excitement on this new musical experience, that is Wax Poetics Digital! The site has thousands of new releases and vital reissues available for download now! The tracks for sale, in digital format, will interest all Wax Poetics readers, as the stock spans Brazillian to breaks, Latin to lounge, and of course, plenty of classic and unearthed jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop (aaawwww yeaaaaah!).
Also, be sure to head out and celebrate the official launch of Wax Poetics Digital with two of my personal favorites, The Budos Band and the charming and talented, DJ Amir. Check the details:
Tracks from Wax Poetics Digital have been hand selected by the Wax Poetics Staff and are ready to be played tonight on the Record Rundown. The Wax Poetics Record Rundown broadcasts every Thursday from 10pm to Midnight on East Village Radio.
There’s nothing like the energy and vibe of funk music and one of my favorite funk bands is Parliament. If you haven’t yet seen the King of Funk – Mr. George Clinton – then this show is a definite must see. I remember my first P-Funk show in college – it was concert, costume party and giant dance party all in one. George Clinton and his band are performing in LA at the Crash Mansion. The music will be great and the performance will be very exciting and vibrant to say the least. And, the costumes – you know they’ll be funky!
Details and info on discounted pre-sale tickets after the jump! Read the full story
Yes of course fashion and beauty are exciting, but one of my other favorite pastimes is discovering GOOD new music, and the following two bands, Hottub and Chow Nasty are fo sho, Ah ma Gawd worthy. Visit Hottub’s Myspace page:http://www.myspace.com/hottub94608 Shows in California from Feb. – May 2008
The ladies of Hottub with their cheeky femme-bot rhymes are hardcore rapping machines and Chow Nasty’s indietronic funk is just crazy, quirky, fun. Both bands are San Francisco East Bay natives, and both are guilty of marrying funny, clever lyrics to righteous good beats, and have a hell of a lot of flair. So listen up folks, if you like to get your dance on, gather up your posse and check them out ASAP!!
Ah ma gawd, so fresh, it’s raw….
Mission High School Cheerleaders
(backing vocals featured on “Ungawa”)
