iSupport: J. Ivy "Shades & Blades"

A nice video and major nod of respect to the lead actress Nia Faiweather. She's a fellow New Rochelle High School Alum so ya'll know I'ma support local success when I can. Check this out. Also she's currently performing all month in B*ITCH The Play.

Alicia Keys Covers The New VIBE

The Boogie Man from Sasha Jackson

The Boogie Man from ESSTXR on Vimeo.

The talent that is out there is so remarkable. I love seeing people creativity get their visions out to the masses. Here we have a short but thought provoking cinematic piece by Ms Sasha Jackson. Check her out for more at www.esstxr.com

Nerd Moment: Jim Lee Draws Batman on an iPad

The legendary comics book artist and current co-publisher of DC Comics shows his skill drawing "The Bat" using an iPad.

I prefer using my finger to a stylus of any sort--makes it more fun. I honestly have to say this piece was not going in the direction I wanted so I stopped and got back to real work : ) but you get a general sense of how I layer on colors and work positive and negative shapes back and forth to get edges...like in painting.

Esperanza Spalding's Win Holds Mirror Up To Music "Fans"

Not even 48 hrs removed from the Grammy's and the "who is she?" comments are still running rampant online for Esperanza Spalding the Best New Artist Winner that upset many included Pop sensation Justin Beiber. Even Mr. Kanye seemed at the vert least "puzzled" by the results.

Did it ever strike people that 1) Most folk didnt know Drake for the better part of his early career either? and 2) Just maybe the best music isn't always the most commercially successful?

Esperanza Spalding has been grinding, putting out albums and touring for years, Including performances for the President. Just cuz YOU weren't aware of your doesn't devalue what she's done. She was brought to my attention maybe 1 1/2 ago by request of Bright Eyes so it's nice to see for success now.

Take a moment and google to woman. Her work is quality.

I can respect Cassie.....

...simply cuz she KNOWS she's not here for her music. So hey keep turning out that eye candy.

Bitchie's Spot has more images from the new Vibe shoot.

Evie Behind the Lens = Magic!!!!

Lonely Toss featuring Nelson Estevez and Akira Adel from Jinesis on Vimeo.

Drop by Evita's Blog For More Info

The Bar is high for a Reason

Last night at Club Providence in NYC, I had a musical discussion with Connecticut's Dj Genius about the state of the business and the quality of currently hyped artists. It was basically a solid follow up the points made in a similar convo I had last month.

In late July I was invited to a BBQ thrown by Digiwaxx Media in Mt. Vernon, NY. I met my friend K there who’s a talent manager(among many things) out of CT and the person who invited me in the first place. She introduced me to her connects in the spot and all was lovely. Good food and drink along with observation of the crowd inspired much conversation.

Among a group of that included promotional people, dj’s, artists and producers, we went in on fashion trends like the skinny jeans (the ladies don’t approve guys), autotune, proper stage presence and more. The main topic that really brought out everyone’s passion for this music and culture was the overall difference between today’s artist and the artists of our generation, the 90’s. There were those in 100% support of today’s music scene, those in stark opposition and thus within the gray area. While giving full respect for his accomplishments both as a writer and actor, Drake, or at least the current manifestation of Drake was genuinely raked over the coals for having a severe lack of personality. While he does well at mimicking the styles of a Kanye, Wayne or Andre 3000, he doesn’t have the charisma, charm or presence of any of them. Adding the “Fail” that was his lead video for “Best I ever had” and it was agreed upon that his buzz is fading fast.

But at least Drake is getting face time and capitalizing off of his Young Money affiliation. We all found ourselves at a loss trying to find out what a Kid Cudi is. Outside of a few songs, his digitally created career has left many fans and industry insiders alike searching for his story. What is it that makes us want to listen to you? As I said to the collective, “We respect the talents of all these artists, but understand the time frame we came from. The bar is set very high and a lot of y’all have yet to even approach it.”

Let me describe the bar for you. The almost manic passion of DMX, the poetic force of Nasty Nas, the Inhuman Lyricism of Big Punisher, the refreshing originality of Wu Tang, EPMD, Brand Nubian, Ice Cube, Dungeon Family, etc….. The list goes on and on for a era of solid music. Not only due to there talents but the humble paths they took to get there. Maybe it’s just too early to judge and the truth is that a new lane is being created not to be compared to those before? Or maybe I’m trying to be less pessimistic……

Support my Buddy Jae

My multitalented pal Jae just laced Pink's joint "I don't Believe you" on myspace karaoke. So i'm asking y'all to take a moment to listen to her and support with a comment if you like. This isn't some "I wanna be a rapper shit" just sharing talent.

Thanks in Advance.

Clicc Here