MAMAS LOVE: Little Dragon "Little Man"

Little Dragon

always dope

yourstru.ly/​
differentfur.com/​
frenchpressfilms.com/​

MAMAS LOVE Taylor McFerrin feat. Ryat - Place in My Heart

I remember seeing Taylor back in 2008 playing at various loft parties and doing live art at his shows in NUBLU. He's been on the rise since, and his recent signing with LA-based label Brainfeeder is a major move. Here is the follow-up for the behind the scenes video for his new single "Place In My Heart" feat. RYAT Sarah posted recently.

Mama loves...MELO-X 'Cooked Food' [Official Video]

Melo did it again!!! love it!

Malcolm MeLo Mustafa X is a man of many talents ranging from MC, DJ, Producer and Photographer to name a few. But now you can add Iron Chef to the growing list. In this mini movie inspired by the Caribbean unity of his upbringing in Flatbush Brooklyn, Mustafa and his multi-cultural band The Redd Strypes conjure up the right recipe to get the ladies caught up in his cooking pot. This Studio One inspired piece is Shot by Slick Jackson & Directed by Jesse Boykins III.

MeLo-X "More Merch" Download Here: http://www.meloxtra.com/

Mama loves....NUMAADS 'Now' [Video]

I love Numaads!

Esperanzah is like a siren calling the listeners to her as she floats on the ocean of sound, created by her long time friend and musical partner SENSE (of The Q4 and Shahmen ). Her smooth earthy rap voice and angelic singing are carried beautifully by the strong drums and atmospheric vibes, and speaks to us of realignment with nature, with our roots and with ourselves. 

SENSE skilfully combines original use of sampling, interweaved with organic instrumentation, to sculpt a sound that carries an almost mystical atmosphere. He is a craftsman who has been perfecting his art for many years and is now coming forth in to the light.

The record features four original songs and two remixes of the title song Now, by renowned producers Robot Koch and J Rawls . Visit their Myspace to listen to some more joints of the EP!

Cee Lo Green: BODIES

Another brilliant video from Mikael Colombu, love this!

Video for Cee Lo Green's Bodies motion picture by Mikael Colombu Films. Featuring Cee Lo Green, Kerry Washington, Janelle Monae, Bilal and Karl Lagerfeld

Take me higher

RIP TEENA MARIE

Artist to Watch.. Mara Hruby

My guy Haydn aka Phantom Lover (if you didnt get his free EP, its here), recently put me on to the lovely Mara Hruby, from Oakland. Her voice is like the velvet you long to touch. Definitely an artist to follow... Check out her BANDCAMP to listen to more..
From her bandcamp: Introducing the new and fast rising twenty-two year old artist, Mara Hruby, from Oakland, CA. She burst onto the scene in the beginning of 2010 playing shows all around the Bay Area and is now releasing her debut EP “From Her Eyes”. This is her first release of music to the world and it will say a lot about her character and vision as an artist. Mara Hruby worked on this album for a total of nine months and even went as far as recording and arranging/engineering her own vocals. As a true artist, she jumps right into her dreams and doesn’t emerge until a full, final, conceptualized, and complete project has risen. “From Her Eyes” is an EP of cover songs originally recorded by male artists, and each song has represented a moment in her life. She is covering artists such and Mos Def, Andre 3000, Jamiroquai, even D’Angelo and a few others. She is a mesmerizing artist that puts on a show with poise and grace, and she’ll bring you into her heart like no other.




DOWNLOAD HERE

Mama love... Talyer McFerrin X Ryat

Two of my favorite artists taking a break during a shooting of the new video... loving this jam..

Taylor McFerrin & Ryat Jam Session from Simon Benjamin on Vimeo.

M.anifest BACK in the Motherland!

Big ups to my guy M.anifest who was recently back in Ghana for a month playing shows, shooting for a film and getting tons of media love (including MTV and Ras Kwame from BBC)! Check out the newest video :

Also if you never grabbed this track with myself X M.anifest from my first EP, grab it free here

Hey Ladies!! BFRESH

Watching BFRESH work is like watching a fire ignite. This woman is one of the most passionate and driven ladies I have come across, and she is known to work around the clock until she gets the job done! Her work speaks for itself, and her photos tell a story that needs to be heard. Recently transplanting from the Twin Cities to Brooklyn, she is HUNGRY and steady on the grind. Perfect match for HEY LADIES!

Rebecca “B FRESH” McDonald of B FRESH Photography and Media

WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME? Currently, I call Brooklyn my home.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I am from a quick-witted-headstrong-mother and a frugal-biker-environmentalist father. The city is the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul).
WHAT DO YOU DO? I am a multimedia artist/journalist working in arts/entertainment/politics in the mediums of photography/video/written word. The work I produce focuses on community power development and telling stories of creation, empowerment and revolution. The common thread throughout all I do is storytelling, which is my ultimate passion in life.
TRUE BEAUTY IS…honest grittiness | colorful textures
BEATS…fuel my energy. I am always listening to music, and I create to the beat.
TRUE SEXY IS…confident | humorous.
MUSIC IS MY…soundtrack to life. I always use lyrics to reflect on life, to escape, or to use it as a tool to connect. That is the same way I use my camera! For example, in a crowd, you can use a camera to isolate yourself, or to connect with people. I typically choose the connection, even though I am an introvert. I love spending time home alone creating, relaxation and rejuvenation. after a long day being super-social. Music helps me find that balance.
ART DOES...not need to follow rules. You must know the rules of your craft, so you can break them. The premise of my work is to always think outside of the box, in terms of creativity, content and technical skills. I aim to represent a missing element in mainstream media- those voices of youth, women and people of color in a unique and bold way.
MY NIGHTS ARE…LONG. I create and am the most inspired in the evening.
THESE 3 TURN ME ON… Passion | Dancing | Happiness
SELF-KNOWLEDGE…is constantly evolving.
ENOUGH OF…the mediocrity! I want excitement in the art/entertainment/political worlds. We have fallen into a trap, and need some excitement in our lives! Who’s with me?!
MY CREATIVITY IS…on fire! I can't stop creating and thinking of things to create. i wish I had more hands!
TRUE POWER IS…self-honesty, and the ability to harness life’s passions while motivating others and staying true to one’s core values.
LIFE CAN BE THE...pits, and drag you down sometimes. We must get back up, and keep moving, stronger and smarter than before. There have been many times when I have considered ending my full-time commitment to the arts. When I am close to giving up, something always happens, to reassure me that I am on the right path.
TO LOVE IS TO…live, as living is to love. It’s not the same as the rush from eating chocolate though- sorry.
I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE…I can be versatile. I can lead and create in any environment. I can navigate covering a museum opening with millionaires, to a rally on the capitol, to a Snoop Dog show, all in one day.
WORDS YOU LIVE BY: “The revolution is ourselves, our lives.” -Audre Lorde
NEW PROJECTS FOR 2011? I am currently working on developing a distribution strategy for my database of over 500,000 images, similar to that of Getty Images, but for the community. Grassroots and progressive websites and blogs are being sued right and left for using copy-written materials. I want to provide a service where the community can obtain creative and quality assets (photos, video, audio etc) without having to worry about legal issues. I am studying for the LSATs, so you may see me at NYU in the Entertainment Law program in the next few years, to pursue my passion for protecting the rights of artists.
I also am working on a book, and developing other merchandise.
WHERE CAN WE REACH YOU? You can reach me at 917.727.2013 or bfreshsphotography@gmail.com
STAY CONNECTED:
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr

POP-UP PANDA [Dec 3-4]:: FEATURED BRANDS :: HOUSE OF NASSAT & GOLD COAST TRADING

I've been working behind the scenes to mastermind a pop-up shop featuring some of my closest artist fam and favorite brands. I've got my girl, Waichi who is bringing her awesome taste and expertise as a creative director/event producer and designer/ stylist Chay on the team, so when you add their selections to the mix, you probably got one of the finest independent art & fashion  shopping experiences that New York can offer...so don't waste your money at Walmart and Marshalls on  imagination-deficient mass-produced gifts when you can get one-of-a-kind art & clothes & accessories while you're also supporting living artists. I'll have a some affordable prints to sell as well. We donate a portion of our profit to Falling Whistles, a non-profit dedicated to bringing peace in the Congo. 

The shop will be open for two days, this coming Friday and Saturday (Dec 3rd-4th), and on Friday, we'll going to wrap up the night with a birthday funhouse party for Panda's co-founder, my homie DJ/MC Stimulus. Music will be provided by good friends, WAAJEED & DJ Parler...

POP-UP PANDA /// Dec 3rd & 4th  \\\ 12pm-8pm

a pop-up shop curated by Chi2 + Chay$theGreat.  Featuring uber, yet affordable, one-of-a-kind and limited quantity art, toys, apparel & accessories.  Portion of proceeds will benefit Falling Whistles. 

139 Chrystie [btw Delancey & Broome]

Chi2 is a collaboration between Waichi & myself. Check out our blog at www.thechi2.com
where you'll find more of the
Stay tuned, I'll be featuring some of the brands & artists we have selected for the event.

FEATURED BRAND :: HOUSE OF NASSAT

Nacinimod Deodee's line House of Nassat takes a futuristic twist on traditional tecniques & design of clothes-making. Imagine indigenous patterns on crocheted jackets that makes one look like one just stepped out of a STAR TREK episode taking place in ancient Mesoamerica. Nacinimod is a true visionary, and just like traditional craftsmen who weave their ancestors's legends into their fabric, his geometric designs spell out the symbolic patterns of his cosmos...there is more than what meets the eye.

We will have some of his one-of-a kind exclusive pieces on sale this weekend at the POP-UP PANDA.

ABOUT: The House of Nassat is a lifestyle line offering hand-made one of a kind pieces as well as everyday apparel. As CEO and head designer I have had the opportunity to create custom couture pieces for fashion forward artists such as Erykah Badu, Common, Musiq, dead prez, N'Dambi, Junior Kelly and Talib Kweli. We at the House of Nassat are fully committed to our mantra, "actively participating in the pursuit of perfection". Keep your eyes peeled for the real. Nacinimod signing out. Be Brave, Be Fearless... 

myspace :: facebook

Second Look TV Episode 4. House of Nassat from Adam Group Productions on Vimeo.

FEATURED BRAND :: GOLD COAST TRADING

Both Sarah & I love GCT. Its founder, art director/designer Emeka Alams was also responsible for establishing & creating the look for another dope brand 21MC, which became a huge success back in the days of myspace (check this interview with him to find out more about that connection)...how can one forget the amazing visual branding & art direction that gave 21 MC an instant cult status (I was one of the very first to support them in '07 on my blog). Emeka is a true adept of creating a look that communicates concepts, a feel and a lifestyle on many levels...brilliant stuff.

Check out their site to see more of the collection. Pretty excited to have them on board!

  All images are courtesy of Gold Coast Trading

Mama loves Muvlikamor

I'm always in awe of a person who can pick up any instrument and make magic. When I first met Dj Kiva, I knew he was just that. Magic. In the last 3 years, Ive watched everything he musically touches, flower, and I'm excited to watch his newest project with Sunru take flight. Its sound is from another planet.. Learn more about the recent release, Muvlikamor...

Muvlikamor
Destroy All Concepts is proud to present the altered musical reality known as Muvlikamor. Eponymously titled, “Muvlikamor” is a collaborative release from Brooklyn based producer DJ Kiva featuring the cosmic vocal-stylings of Oakland native Sunru. Falling under the influence of electronic music, hip hop, punk, and future-funk, “Muvlikamor” picks up where artists like Gonjasufi and Dam Funk leave off and takes listeners on an epically funky journey to the outer limits of the galaxy. Space is The Place and Muvlikamor is representing!

About DJ Kiva
DJ Kiva is a NYC-based musician, producer, and DJ operating from a Bermuda Triangle-like section of Brooklyn whose soulful original productions and remixes have graced the platters of a slew of international labels including Tommy Boy, Kindred Spirits, Bagpak, and his own Adios Babylon imprint.
Equally at home onstage as behind a mixing console, Kiva has also been touring internationally as live guitarist for hip hop groups "Shape of Broad Minds" and "Willie Isz" featuring Jneiro Jarel and Khujo Goodie of Goodie Mob on the European festival circuit and has performed at Sonar (Spain), Hove (Norway), Roskilde (Denmark), and Montreaux Jazz (Switzerland).

About Sunru
Sunru is truly a Brotha from Another Planet. Growing up around go-go, punk rock, and hip hop in Washington D.C. and traveling the world has created a diverse artist who fuses dancehall, blues, rock, soul, and rap into his original vocal play which seamlessly bridges singing and rhyming. Currently based in Oakland, Sunru has recently blown up in the electronic music scene and has been a featured vocalist on Bassnectar's breakthrough album "Mesmerizing the Ultra" (OM Records) as well as Other Weapons “Basis to Break This” (Destroy All Concepts).

BUY ALBUM HERE: MUVLIKAMOR

Theophilus is FLYING HIGH!

Feeling this new video. Also feeling this GQ pic! Check him out in December's Issue!

SARAH WHITE+ EMBASSY ENSEMBLE

Come thru this Thursday to Joe's Pub and welcome me back from "maternity leave"! So excited to rock the mic and get back to business!

More info here:
"The Embassy Ensemble Presents," is an intimate concert series featuring both new and established musical guests from around the world, backed by the blazing horns and funky rhythm section of The Embassy Ensemble.

THIS MONTH'S GUESTS:

The Embassy Ensemble, Blitz the Ambassador, conrazón, and Embassy MVMT bring to Joe's Pub full body lounge, a special "Soul of Brooklyn" edition. Featuring the soulful sounds of Brooklyn-based guest artists, Sarah White, The Stuyvesants, and Len Xiang, this event promises to be a spotlight on Brooklyn's most captivating renaissance artists. Presenting, Brooklyn's Finest!

So.. I'm in love!

Soooo feeling the work of RETNA and EL MAC!

Of Our Youth - RETNA • EL MAC from RVCA on Vimeo.

Waiting....

Eagle Nebula + Daru+ Love Bomb Films=


FREE EP HERE~!

Wish I could sneak out tonight....

CMJ PICKS: CHICO MANN

Come kick off CMJ right with Afro-Cuban rhythms, Afrobeat and classic freestyle brought to you by DJs Sabo, T-Kat and Uproot Andy, and a performance by the one and only Chico Mann. This event is sponsored by Wax Poetics Magazine and Record Label, and celebrates the release of Chico Mann's new album 'Analog Drift' which comes out next week!

This event is private, if you wish to attend please send an email with your name and credentials to - cmjrsvp@co-signcollective.com.

Your RSVP will be confirmed!

Ma loves YAK FILMS

TURF FEINZ "RIP Rich D" | YAK FILMS




Check out YAK FILMS here

Making letters DANCE

Big ups to Brooklyn artist, Ebon Heath, doing HUGE things in Berlin at MADE! Check out this inspiring interview.. If you are in Berlin, dont miss it THIS WEEKEND!

VISIONS OF VISIONARIES WITH EBON HEATH | MADE from MADE Blog on Vimeo.

Also peep the Collaboration of Ebon with Mona Ibrahim which launched in Dubai. See them HERE..

wow..love this.

Eagle Nebula drops Bombs...

My lady, the one and only Eagle Nebula, will be dropping an EP early next month. The single, produced by Daru, is already on steady rotation, so I'm amped to hear the rest. This song has been stuck in my head all week, get it free HERE:

LoveWall from LoveBomb Films on Vimeo.

Mama loves Eavesdrop!

Ok, I've kind of been on a Philly kick lately, but gotta show some love to Junior and Lil' Dave keeping the Eavesdrop Radio podcast off the chain for all of these years! This weeks mix is no exception. The selections are flaming hot, and also featuring some of the releases we have mention recently on Wronglips! Check it out..


Dj Kiva feat. Jniero Jarel - Sky is Falling
Robin Hannibal & Jullian Gomes - I Need Your Love
Bilal -Levels
Flying Lotus feat. Thundercat - Mmmhmm
Ryat - Not For this Lifetime
Bonobo - Eyesdown (Floating Points remix)
Quadron - Slippin' (Natural Self remix)
Jazztronik - Listen To Your Love (DJ Mitsu remix)
Dezaray Dawn - Hide Away (BusCrates 16-bit Ensemble remix)
Presevation Hall feat. Mos Def - It Ain't My Fault (Soul Litchfield remix)
Jneiro Jarel - Monkey Hustle
The Bahama Social Club - Open Wide
Pam Grier - Long Time Woman
Orgone - Crazy Queen
Mark Ronson - Lose It (In The End)
J. Rocc - Play This Too
The Bamboos - Keep Me in Mind (Flevans Remix)
Jamie Lidell - Enough's Enough
John Legend & The Roots - Hang on in there
Zo! - All is well with love
Blue Six - Luxury
Kissey Asplund - Move Me
Bilal - Is This Love
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Spottie
Trackademics - Fool on the Hill (ft. Phonte)
Lone - Once in a While
Foreign Beggears - Gravity (ft. Dabrye & DJ 2Tall)
Shafiq Husayn - Cheeba
Saturn Never Sleeps - Black (ft. Rucyl)
Phantom Lover - Beaucoup (ft. Fatima)
Amede Soundsmith - Without You
La Melodia - Come and Get It
MED - Where I’m From (ft. Aloe Blacc)
Aloe Blacc - What I’m Sayin’
Cee-Lo - Georgia
Raphel Saadiq - It’s a Shame
Bilal - Flying (Inst.)
Eric Lau - Cruise Control
Anthony Valadez - Homeless Hipster Theme (Mr. Sonny James PBR Remix)
Dam-Funk - All I Wanna Do Is Get Away

She SAID