Don't turn your back on the year that opened up your creativity

2020 introduced all of us to a new way of living. Coronavirus shook the world and dumped everything we knew upside down. Civil rights protests, radical political movements, and city shutdowns led to levels of uncertainty not seen in decades. But not all was lost in this sea of doubt. 

Don't turn your back on the year that opened up your creativity. I feel for those figuring out how to live during a pandemic. Is it safe to go out? Where can I go? Do masks work? Is the vaccine safe? There were a lot of unanswered questions. Logging into social media only seemed to lead to more confusion. I knew this was a big opportunity to redirect my energy and focus on something more productive. 

That is when I was able to shift gears and bring a writing project to life. I turned surviving into thriving. I was getting up every morning optimistic about opportunities. I wasn't going to work for someone else each morning, I was truly working for me. Money wasn't the goal or focus of my decision-making. Writing and art saved my life. It showed me what I want to do for my life's work. I was a writer. And it was fucking incredible. 

There are always reasons present to not do something. It was the way of life for so many. There was judgment cast if you stayed in or if you ventured out. Criticism rained over those who wore masks and on those who didn't. Everything sparked resistance from somewhere. It brought some closer while pushing others away. It was difficult to just be. 

This doesn't negate the tragedy that existed for so many people. Deaths, sickness, and loss changed families forever. 

This pandemic has taught me a lot about life and I know I'm lucky to be able to share positive experiences during this time. Gravitate towards the light while in the darkness. That is how I'm going to move in all facets of life moving forward. We are unable to control a lot of what comes our way. Create because it is what lies within us. Produce meaningful work to satisfy yourself. The rest will fall into place.

Thanks and much love!

M.G.

Mental health a top priority during pandemic

During times of crisis, it may be best to return to the basics. There is no question many of us in the world, literally, the world, are going through tough times. The struggle for many is real. There is also a part of the population that is fighting a battle you may not even see. Depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, to name a few, are a battle that challenges every aspect of one's life. It can be crippling to get out of bed or stay focused on a task at work without a possible panic attack. Especially during a global pandemic. 

It is imperative to do everything within our ability to help set ourselves up for success. That includes being conscious and deliberate in a consistent routine. We have seen there is a lot that is going on around that we are unable to control. Let's start with some tips on creating a wellness routine to help soothe your mood and contribute to healthy decisions that become a lifestyle. 

Sleep: It will be important to get a thorough, REM stage navigating, an uninterrupted evening of rest. I said important, as many of you might have read or thought impossible! It may seem that way for some of you but continue to make this a priority each night and to start each day with 6-8 hours of rest minimum. 

Bathe: Begin each day in water one way or another. There is a great flow of energy within water that we benefit from greatly. It feels nice to be clean and dried off to greet the day. Don't be afraid to experiment with essential oils, conditioners, and other natural products that can help hydrate our skin and repair damaged or dry skin/hair. 

Clothes: Clean clothes to wear each day will make a lasting impression with how generally confident you are around others. We all know what it feels like to know we are not wearing something fresh out of the dryer. There isn't a requirement to wear designer collections every day. Make it a priority to stay on top of piles of laundry throughout the week. It adds up. 

Activity: Movement is the goal. Get your body and blood moving early. This is going to be different for most people. But there are solutions in every circumstance to find a way. Create ways that may go missed on most days. Park a little further away. Take the stairs. Get up earlier to stretch before your shower. You can get very creative in city or rural environments. 

Creativity: Express yourself in any way possible that you desire. The beauty is there are many forms of art, music, dance, and expression. Find a way to say it. This will help your well being and positively affect your relationships. It will spark your unique gifts. It will ground you and give you tangible evidence that you're capable of more than you may generally feel. It will feed your heart to do this for yourself daily. 

Diet: This may be tougher for most during this time as I recognize many may be in financial distress and will have to make resources allow them to survive. We will be kind to ourselves during this time if choices are recognized as not the best but what must be done. Do the absolute best we can with what we do put into our bodies. Including drinking lots of clean water every day. 

Meditation:  Spending time in silence, unplugged from electronics, and focused on the present state of mind is extremely healing. It can be intimidating to some and is not easy. There are many forms of meditation. Guided meditation may help those who are newer and unsure of how to practice on their own. Meditation with nature sounds, flowing water, or light rain may really help. Consciously receiving and soaking in all sounds around you to be aware of what is around us to get us out of our state of worry or depression. There are many more as well. Don't be afraid to try different styles as you may find one will particularly work best for you. The benefits are incredible with consistent meditation. We can create new neuron activity and make new brain associations with an optimistic future while being able to respond to positive thought. 

These are the top areas of concentration for a daily routine that all of us can at least attempt to carry out no matter where we live. When we have the resources we should try to attempt to rest at night, get a shower or take a bath, regularly do laundry, exercise daily, expression through a hobby like art, music, dance, be in thought during silence, and try to make good food choices. 

None of this is a secret or new. The challenge is to do it over and over again. This could set up the consistency which can extend into improving other areas of our lives. Please give yourself a chance to commit to yourself with these practices during Covid-19 measures. 

Do whatever is available to you through research in your county of your state to find out what resources are available to get into a behavioral health facility for inpatient/outpatient treatment. Many may not realize how many federal, state, and local resources there are for mental health needs. The RESOLVE Network nationwide helpline is 1-866-668-2566. That will be a great place to start. Be well kind world. 

Michael B. George 

Here's what they think about you

Fred Hampton speaking at a Chicago Black Panther Rally

   Before you attempt to discredit victims of social injustice, question methods of protest, and quickly insert a narrative of "get over it", please consider this.

   Since 1975 there has been a government building in Washington D.C. with the name J. Edgar Hoover on it. This is the racist scumbag who drafted the illegal surveillance program through the FBI named COINTELPRO. I will let the words of J. Edgar Hoover himself explain what the program was about:

   "The purpose of this new counterintelligence endeavor is to expose, disrupt, misdirect, or otherwise neutralize the activities of black nationalist, hate-type organizations and groupings, their leadership, spokesmen, membership, and supporters."

   This program ran from 1956-1971 and was directly related to the assassinations of prominent African American leaders in socio-economic reform, anti-war protests, educational equality, self-defense groups, religious leaders, just to name a few. COINTELPRO also led to the imprisonment of so many members of those aforementioned groups in an effort to:

   "Prevent the rise of a 'messiah' who could unify and electrify the militant black nationalist movement." - J. Edgar Hoover

   What does the government of the United States of America do? Let's name the Federal Bureau of Investigation building after him! And you still want to question why people are protesting? Let that sink in for a minute and let me answer that question with a question.

   How would you feel if the person responsible for the framework of a program that murdered a member of your family, a prominent member of your church, a teacher in your school, the father of your children, had a federal building named after him?

   Fast forward to today in an effort to see the racial divide continues in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as the city is fighting for justice. On Tuesday, June 19, Antwon Rose II was the victim of a shooting death while fleeing a traffic stop. East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld fired three shots that hit Rose in the face, elbow, and back.



Antwon Rose II

   In an official statement issued by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. in regards to the shot in the back, "That's the fatal shot."

   Officer Michael Rosfeld, 30, has been charged with criminal homicide and posted an unsecured bond of $250,000 being released on his own recognizance.

   The game is underway. This becomes a very delicate situation as precedent has been set unfortunately in these situations. A neighbor had recorded a very clear video of the shooting that at this time has over 150,000 views on Facebook. There have been notable cases in the past with clear video evidence of police misconduct that led to not guilty verdicts.

   In 1992 LAPD officers Stacey Koon, Laurence Powell, Timothy
Wind and Theodore Briseno were acquited of use of excessive force charges in the brutal beating of Rodney King. Video evidence recorded by a neighbor at the time of the traffic stop was available and used in court. On November 22, 2014, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot and killed at a Cleveland playground by Cleveland Police Officer Timothy Loehmann with partner Frank Garmback present. A nearby surveillance video captured the incident and no charges were filed against the officers. The Rice family did win a wrongful death suit and awarded $6 million dollars.

   History has not been kind to victims of police brutality and officer-involved shootings. There is a lingering stench from the situations mentioned and also the many more that weren't.

   The other ticky situation is the proper way to charge a case like that of the East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld. As we have learned through the trial that acquitted George Zimmerman of the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin of Florida. It wasn't even the fact that if Zimmerman had killed Martin which was established, it then became the process and if the premeditated intent was there in the act of shooting an unarmed minor. As we now know, this process of charging Zimmerman with 2nd Degree Murder proved to be a mistake as his self-defense stance held up in court.

   There are so many factors alive and in play right now with the city of Pittsburgh, it's surrounding communities, and the rest of the world's fight for justice for all. Fight hard, fight smart and may grace be on your side. As long as our government etches the name J. Edgar Hoover as a symbol on the current FBI building, it is fair to guess which side of the coin of justice our "system" is on.

In the Fight for What is Right, the Color of Your Skin Does Not Matter

 


  I am not a self-hating white man. Racism is real. White privilege does exist.

  Now that that is out of the way, I think it is very important to examine what is going on in our society and the polarizing actions of our police, political leaders, judicial system and corporate executives. This is a tough time in America, but the sad reality is that this is nothing new. This may be confusing to many. It depends on, not only which part of this country you live, but the color of one's skin. Do not let the title of this piece be misleading, the color of your skin most definitely does matter. That is apparent in the tragedies going on right now. Innocent, unarmed citizens losing their lives at the hands of trigger happy police, professional athletes receiving death threats for peaceful and silent protests, wildly inappropriate lengthy sentencing going on in our courts, as well as racist behavior from our political leaders. There is one common denominator in who is affected the most in all of the situations listed above. African-Americans are unfairly paying the price for simply being black or brown. I understand this is a very strong accusation to make. I have the confidence to say this because of the empirical evidence surrounding all of these situations. To name some of the people who are no longer able to take a breath because of being murdered by police actions or while in custody since 2012: Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Jonathan Ferrell, John Crawford, Ezell Ford, Laquan McDonald, Akai Gurley, Eric Harris, Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Samuel DuBose, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.

  The color of our skin should not limit our involvement in fighting against injustice. This is about the truth and recognition of a major problem in our society. I understand that there is level of respect involved for white individuals who approach these situations with good intentions. There is vernacular that must be consciously adjusted when entering these situations and a very big understanding of avoiding belittling the struggle of others by saying things like we and us. There is no getting around that this is a very difficult arena to enter into for a lot of people. But, I do not want to see people simply avoid standing up for what is right and getting involved because of the fear of not being politically correct. I will not accept an excuse that,  "I don't want to make things worse" or "I do not know what to say and how to say it without pissing people off." The greatest accomplishments in the history of our nation have been done with tremendous resistance. You name the amazing feat and it won't take you more than a few seconds to do a Google search and find results of who opposed it. Our generation should be working together to teach and learn from each other and use history as a resource to right the wrongs of our past. If you live in a community where you are not experiencing the horrible tragedies that dominate the news, I will challenge you to do the best that you can to understand what is happening. Just because it isn't happening to you doesn't mean that it isn't happening.

  This is a time for many of us to get involved and one of the most powerful places to start is to listen! This is a time to showcase empathy and offer an ear to those who are misunderstood, targeted and unfairly pushed to the side by our society. If someone is passionately fighting for something that you don't understand, please support them by showing a genuine care for what is going on. A good start is asking a person who is hurting and protesting, "Why do you feel this way?" The conversation needs to be happening to close the gap between those who are in the streets marching and those in the suburbs watching from afar. Don't tell someone, "Yeah I understand," ask them, "Can you help me understand?"

  The support from the white communities is necessary to make this a lasting change for future generations on which to build. Sometimes, it isn't a matter of solving the problem. This problem has been present since day 1. But, we have the power to make it better for our children, and hopefully they can make it better for their children, and so on. This is a sacrifice that doesn't even scratch the level of sacrifices that the African ancestors had to make under the circumstance of their arrival into this country. Our entire economy that we are thankful to be a part of and quote as the greatest nation in the world, was built by the enslaved Africans.

  This is our fight. This is all of our fight. Truth, love and happiness doesn't have a color. I strongly advise everyone to get involved and play our part to make our time on this Earth as productive as humanly possible. Do not think because you are white that you can't help. That is not true and I must say that the powerful black men and women in my life are the reason I am writing this article. I know that we all have the same objective. Together we will not tolerate unjust violence, we will protect communities. We will stand up for the safety of all, women, children, man and animals.

  "There has never been a successful revolution in the history of the world without our women right by our side blasting their guns and fighting with all of us!" - Immortal Technique. Think about that for a second and how powerful that is. Let's be the generation that has all race, ethnicity and gender uniting to fight for what is right! Fighting for the human rights of everyone! Fighting for what is right. Our skin color shouldn't dictate if we are in the game or on the sideline. We are all in the game. Let's get together and make this a better place to live and prosper for everyone.

  My heart goes out to the families and communities of every victim of wrongful death at the hands of police. Positive energy and vibrations to everyone out there in the streets, from every city in this country, who has had their lives changed forever. Tonight in Charlotte, North Carolina and the surrounding areas, be safe. Rest in power Mr. Keith Lamont Scott.

 

Solo debut album Travel Through by Moemaw Naedon - Review

artwork by: Ronnie Hicks


  I'm very excited to present my review of the solo debut album, Travel Through, from Moemaw Naedon out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Surface Level Records.  This is the third album that Naedon has been a part of, but his first solo LP which was executive produced by Billy Hoyle.  The previous two releases, Gallactic Brethren with Brother Seamus and Circular Signals with The Latebloomer were phenomenal albums that I recommend you go get!  I must say that I am very impressed with Moemaw Naedon's ability to give each of his projects their own identity and listening experience while maintaining the substance and core style that has you there as a fan to begin with.  That is very, very difficult to do.  I have been a huge fan of artists with commercial success that have been unable to give you multiple albums that stand on their own which can seperate themselves from previous works while maintaining their flair.  I really feel that Travel Through really lets you in to the creative world and ability of Naedon.

  Track 1, Idle at the Edge, starts off with a little taste of what is coming with a smooth and simple start.  Track 3, Grass Blades, really jumps out and grabs you!  Very powerful sound that actually reminded me of Blackalicious Rhyme Like a Nut at first. I really liked this line, "Grass blades, sharks in the caves, what's the next vessel when the body parts ways from the light that you hold long term in the maze, soul searching sound waves."  Beautiful.  Then Track 4, Travel Through, really maintains the energy and flow with a wicked beat that has some really nasty drums.  It tails down into a very dark backdrop that is intoxicating.  Very interesting progression that I dig very much.  Track 5, Digital Wolf, takes you on a wild ride in which I picture Kool Keith appearing in a rabbit suit asking you if you are ready to see just how deep the hole goes.  Track 7, A Quarter Day Ago, is a super smooth jam that leaves you with your mean face on bobbing your head to each word smiling just waiting to say ooohhhhhhh, "Late night, planned flight trying to get the plan right, reflections in the day shape the feelings that I can't fight" as the words fade and perfectly paced piano takes over.  Track 9, From the Start, has a strong beat that made feel back to the days as a teenager bumping jams in your ride with a system just letting that baseline ride out on full blast letting that clean rumble provide the soundtrack to your evening.  That was a great way to end this certified banger!  This is definitely done with high integrity to the real Hip Hoppa and I know many will agree with me when they give this a listen to.  Go out and get it!


Go to the links below to get yourself a copy of this great Hip Hop album you will be blasting on the regular.

Free Download Track: Travel Through

Purchase Album on iTunes

Purchase Album on Amazon

Follow Moemaw Naedon on Facebook

Enjoy,
M.G.

The Soul Pros are Your Prescription for Funk

   I have been very happy to have the opportunity to have lived in Denver, Colorado over this past year.  It is a beautiful city with a booming economy and tons of great shows going on all of the time.  I was able to find my favorite hip hop group in Colorado, The Soul Pros, and have enjoyed every performance since that time.  In my opinion they are the front-runner in regards to adhering to the high standards of genuine Hip Hop culture.  The group consists of Aaron Ladley AKA DJ A-L, emcees Mike Wird and Pavlo Kee.  Their name actually does them justice as these three young men have plenty of soul incase you're lacking that key ingredient in your life.  They are a real throwback to the days of having dance parties, graffiti, cyphers and DJ's just getting funky with break beats.  They have performed live art/ dance party shows that are some of the most fun I've ever had dancing and smiling for an evening.  All the elements are well represented when they are in the house!  You will see Mike Wird during a set pass the mic and jump out into the B-Boy circle and get down!!  These are some very conscious smart cookies here too, as Pavlo earned his doctorate recently in Environmental Engineering.



  An interesting personal story that really made me smile was during the first show I attended at Goosetown Tavern, I was introduced to Mike Wird before the show started and when I said I was from Pittsburgh he automatically said, "J-Sands is my man!!!"  I definitely perked up and said I'm in the right place right now.  For those of you reading this and are unfamiliar with J-Sands, please look him up as well as the Lone Catalysts, you won't be sorry.  They have one the most vibrant stage shows I have been to and have thoroughly enjoyed the energy and substance they bring.  They are true fans of music and understand what it means to represent in front of an audience and engage with them.  I can't tell you how many times DJ A-L has made me lost my shit and jumped into a B-Boy circle with very high level dancers.  Not giving a care in the world, just reacting to the vibes of some great soul and funk music.  That is what it's about.  Losing yourself in the moment and just being.  I think we all need that in our lives and I appreciate the way they master their craft.  I have also met some incredible people over the time of attending shows and getting down with these guys.



They have the support from one of my all-time favorite people in Hip Hop, A.C. The Program Director, the founder of HipHipPhilosophyRadio.com and former B-Boy for the world famous L.A. Breakers and current protector of the funk as a DJ and host of his powerful radio show.  Please get familiar with this crew!

Purchase this awesome EP on vinyl:
Collector's Edition 45 RPM Vinyl 7"

For booking inquiries:
The Soul Pros

Follow them on Facebook:
The Souls Pros Official FB Page

Enjoy,
M.G.

My reflection on Big Empty Things by Billy Pilgrim

  The highly anticipated debut by Billy Pilgrim is finally here!  When I first heard that he was working on a solo project about a year and a half ago while passing on him on Murray Ave. in Squirrel Hill on crutches, my first response was one that I'm sure was shared by many, it's about fucking time!  Billy Pilgrim has been a consistent source of artistic talent and expression in Pittsburgh for many years.  A talented MC, musician, writer, poet, artist, performer and DJ, still makes me think I'm leaving out some more attributes that makes him a very unique soul.  The eight track EP titled, Big Empty Things, is now available.  I was lucky enough to have this sent to me in December to really take it in.  I am very impressed with the overall sound and feel of this album.  I'm a product of an analog world that is now being pushed away further and further with each passing year, that in this new digital era, I often find so many bodies of work to resemble each other too closely.  That's not a good thing.  As all the albums that I enjoy and take the time to share and write about, they have the special ability to have their own identity; and this EP embodies that.

   The instrumentation use of percussion really brought about a tribal feel in the intro, The Road, featuring Guitar Zak, that stayed consistent throughout the EP.  This is a very original arrangement, yet more importantly, is in Billy Pilgrim's wheel house of style.  It's a very spiritual and soothing rhythm to the album that flows into my favorite jam on track 2, Pilgrimage, featuring Unsung and Shad Ali.  I loved the choice here for these two features as all three emcee's roll off the tongue in their own talented way.  The ending verse by Shad Ali, "Aesthetically I got these stripes like a referee, cause beauty and the beast fucked and gave birth to me." was something that made me smile.  Billy takes complete lyrical command on track 3, So it Goes and showcases his ability to switch up cadence and deliver with complete control.  Track 5, The Hoek is faced paced give and take with Unsung as they go back and forth feeding off each other every couple of bars.  It reminded me of an Blackalicious Alphabet Aerobics with a partner.  Billy touches base with his spoken word skills on track 6, Sucker Punch.  It is a nice transition to tmy favorite overall song, rack 7, Melancholy Milly, which is a beautiful soul song.  It took me back to The Pharcyde, Otha Fish, on this vibe that can take your mind away.  A strong finish with track 8, Selfies at the Funeral seeps into a more serious side of Billy Pilgrim showing a no non-sense flow that wraps up this really great EP.  I thoroughly loved the ride I feel like I was taken on.  It was a beautiful blend of hip hop, soul and spoken word done with high level of artistic expression I come to expect.  I would love to see these songs performed live, which is really important to me.  I feel this was done in a way that showcased the ability without being overproduced and over synced in a studio.  This is really one that I recommend you check out.  
   The official release date is actually tomorrow, February 18.  There is an official party to celebrate at Howlers in Bloomfield tomorrow night for a $10 cover which includes a copy of Big Empty Things.  I hope you enjoy this album as much as I do and enjoy the future work of this multi-talented artist.



Enjoy,
M.G.

My reflection of Detonate by Amuck

  Pittsburgh recording artist Amuck has an EP that was released at the end of November titled Detonate.  It has 4 tracks that were produced by Kiltervision at Battlemute productions with additional production done by Sikes.  I first heard Amuck perform with Sikes and Kiltervision at Diesel in 2010 as they opened up for one of my all time favorite hip hop groups, Jedi Mind Tricks.  I was really impressed with the live performance for a few reasons.  To be honest the crowd turn out that early in the evening was very poor, but the energy and music that I was seeing made me get up and get closer to the stage as I was impressed to see it being performed at a high level.  I think that tells a lot about the bands character and passion when faced with an event where there is a below average turn out, the band rocks it as if they were performing in front of 20,000 people.  That really stuck with me.  The bottom line is, no matter how much passion you have, the music has to be original and have feeling.  It has to come across as an extension of the people performing it and I really dug what I was experiencing.  That's exactly what an Amuck live show is, an experience.  Of all the shows I've seen from any level of success, from the commercially iconic names in rock and hip hop to the indie level of punk, I always thoroughly enjoyed my experience at every Amuck show I've attended.  It's something that I think is one of the highest compliments that you can give an artist is that they are able to rock a stage and pour their skills and creativity into a package that lets you into their world.  It's a special attribute a lot of people and bands just simply don't have.

  Detonate is short release but isn't short on content.  It's definitely hard and unfair to compare this music since it is very original.  It is on my hip hop blog because there is a lot of characteristics that are alive that fit a hip hop style.  Amuck, Sikes and Kiltervision all have emcee skills on the mic.  The beats are laced with some hard hitting rock, electronica, punk, hip hop feel.  If I have to lay some music that it reminds me of when I hear it, just name of a few Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Rage Against the Machine, Jedi Mind Tricks, Beastie Boys and Cage come to mind.  A lot of pure hip hop heads have a lot of interest in other genres like metal, punk and alternative rock and would find this to be refreshing.  The first track on this EP is NA (Necrophiliacs Anonymous).  It's got a real alternative electric pace to the track and is a good track placement to start off the album.  It poses some interesting points on some ways that Amuck would like to be more like a teen idol, making it rain, being more accessible finishing with you can tell him over his dead body about what he is supposed to be.  The next rack Binge is probably my favorite song of the EP.  The beat is more up my alley on things that I'm really into, making me bob my head as I walk down the street every time this blasts through my headphones.  A little more upbeat with drums that are funky.  I like the contrast with the beat and the way that Amuck sings the chorus with a really strong pitch that will make you want to jump up to the stage and sing right along with him.  Switching gears again with Magnets, this is back to a more electronic feel, slowing down with some singing that goes into a flow that would be reminiscent of El-P.  It's a challenging delivery packed with a lot of energy.  I do like the reference to "tagging his heart up" with the sound of a rattling spray paint can in the background stating that "no one gets me."  Lord knows I have only felt that way most of the time, haha.  The EP finishes strong with Dark Matter.  A louder, chaotic track that I think is a good way to end this EP stating "Fuck religion, mother fuck politics, fuck these pigeons that are dropping bombs on my car and shit.  If you're listening to me and you don't think that I'm ill, I'm going to recommend an entire bottle of sleeping pills.".  But my man is always open for constructive criticism.

  I enjoyed this EP and I think it's a strong piece of work done on his terms.  That is what I have found very refreshing.  Please check this album out for yourself here:
Amuck Bandcamp

Amuck Facebook

I strongly recommend to go see a live show as soon as you can to take part in the high energy experience. There aren't many of them out there. Enjoy,
M.G.

My reflection of Circular Signals by The Latebloomer & Moemaw Naedon

"No commercial junk, its that grown man funk." - Double K from People Under the Stairs "On and On".

   That is exactly how I feel about this album, Circular Signals by The Latebloomer & Moemaw Naedon on Surface Level Records.  It is a very cerebral listening experience that I thoroughly enjoy.  All the beats were produced by The Latebloomer and I am very impressed with his work on this, these beats were exquisite.  The strong core of jazz flowing through this album just made me smile.  It gave me a legitimately good feeling knowing that I'm listening to some genuine  hip hop music.  Moemaw Naedon is an incredible lyricist that showed me more of his writing ability on this project.  There are great features with Brother Seamus, Joey Smooth, Connect Rhymes and Frigid Giant.

    It starts out strong with The Minute, it perked me up in my seat and Naedon jumps out the gate setting the tone over a melodic beat, "I spend my days waiting for the night, that's when I sit and sort signals and reflect them like a satellite." Parallel Perceptions is a great gear downshift to smooth things out and ride with a transient horn.  Track three, The Line really grabbed me and was really impressed with Naedon opening up a lot more on this song with this very striking verse of, "I heard the hi-hat whisper on the snare yell, the kick drum said something but I can't tell, try to decipher what they speak but I can't spell it out quite yet let it fester in the brain cells."  There is a gentle guitar pluck that really allows the words to stand on the images they are creating and this made me open up my notebook and write this down the first time I heard it.  The Latebloomer came in next keeping the story going really strong with, "And I almost blew a gasket, surly on the train, headphones couldn't mask it, thoughts up in my brain about how full could the flask get, left with a bunch of questions no heart to ask it."  The chorus just keeps everything glued together, "What happened to them good times?  You know, the time when everything was properly aligned. Never knew it, but you stood knee deep inside.  A moment when you look back and watch yourself collide.  A scope inside your heart can poke into the darkest eye and intercept the vibes clouded by the sound of lies.  I heard the voice and the beat is telling me to rhyme, we aint gonna waste your time, let's run it down the line." That is poetry my friends!  Track six really picks things up a bit and just got my head bobbing with The Lighthouse feat. Frigid Giant.  The speed and flow that just comes off the tongue so easy, Frigid Giant makes me interested to hear more from him.  Track seven, A Passing Face gave me a nice dish that was reminiscent of a masterpiece from John Dankworth.  There is a very subtle part, that really bit me, "...and that's my only way home, I don't even know where the fuck that is, where the fuck is that? lost my way."  I am currently bouncing around in a new city without a home and I was walking around downtown on a Saturday playing this for the first time and I just laughed to myself and said, Yeah! I know how you feel! haha.  Track nine, Trife Magic feat. Brother Seamus is one of my favorite beats on the album.  I found myself going back to that one over and over to hear that horn with those delicious drums.  It's one of my favorite overall flows for sure.


   Track eleven, Styles Unbelievable took me back to the days in the 80's into the 90's when crews were really strong and kicking music together.  It reminded me of something from the Native Tongues just getting down and feeding off each other.  That shit is just not happening anymore for whatever reason and this was super refreshing.  Joey Smooth came in after Nadeon and fed off his middle name given in the verse and I loved it!  Too many albums, even great albums over the years, are just too sectioned off, probably recorded in different locations and different times and don't even really go together.  "I came to save the planet, kick ass like Power Rangers....this is some Samuel L. Jackson with a light sabre ish."  Joey Smooth for the win! Then Connect comes up and feeds off Joey's middle name, and it was a really chill song where they came together to keep it fun.  That's the thing that was really refreshing about this whole body of work was that, it was very introspective but you know these guys genuinely love music and were having fun.  That's huge.
 
   Track fourteen, Straight to the N.O.  by Brother Seamus is the perfect finish.  This was Brother Seamus at his best.  There was a sense of urgency on this, it was almost like someone sat him down and gave him an ultimatum that this was his last chance and he stepped up the fuck up.  There was regular season Jordan, then there was playoffs Jordan.  And this was playoffs Seamus. I would be curious to hear from him where his writing process and motivation came from on this song, because he owned this from start to finish.  This was great track order to place this last, really strong finish.  I definitely took a step back and said damn, what woke up the monster.  You have all loved an emcee, and know when something comes out that you just say damn, he was really feeling this one.  And this was that moment in the career for Brother Seamus.

   Circular Signals is definitely M.G. approved!  This is the kind of hip-hop I want to see live as well, and recommend to do what you can to go see them when they come to your city!  The only thing I can really say is that I hope these guys stay hungry and keep challenging themselves with new beats, styles and growing in their writing.  This album needs to get out there and reach as many people as possible and it's times like this where it makes me happy to have the platform to communicate and share great music and have the trust from artists who send me music and allow me to do this.  Please go purchase this album on iTunes at this link below:
Circular Signals on iTunes

Circular Signals Website
Surface Level Records

Hope you enjoyed,
M.G.

Conversation with artist Paige Babin

Paige Babin is a very talented artist that I had first come across at the last Raw Artist show in the Strip District. Her work really grabbed me from a distance and I was able to speak with her briefly while observing her paintings. I felt this would be a great opportunity to showcase this rising talent and learn more about her. Sit back and enjoy...  

What was your earliest memory of art in your life?

 I remember always trying to draw people; they were so fascinating and had so many layers and elements that I wanted to learn how to capture them. I wasn’t very good when I started and I think I ended up with the same person each time I drew (just with a different hair cut). However, one day I sat down and drew a rose and it actually looked like what I wanted it to, and for being how old I was, it was pretty good. I remember thinking, “Okay, that’s a step” and I wanted to keep creating from there. 2. Was art a part of your family growing up? My mom and sister have always been very creative and artistic, so I looked/look up to them. My mom was always making us dresses, and made these dolls for the Amish farmers market in Lancaster, PA. My sister would paint and draw and I remember it was always a lot of fun and always opened us up to look at things differently.  

Did you receive any influence while in any level of school from classmates or teachers? 
 
YES! My drawing teacher Maggie Aston (http://www.maggyaston.com/) was the first teacher that had me be able to draw a person and have it look EXCATLY like who I was drawing. I am forever grateful to her! Then there was Laura DeFazio who was my sculpture teacher and mentor who had me push my limits and taught me, don’t focus too hard on the outcome focus on the moment and it will come together more quickly. Todd Pinkham who taught me about color and how to move it around the paper to draw the eye to all areas that you’re working with (at that point I only worked in black and white). Then there was everyone who I’ve worked with Natiq Jalil who taught me more about color and how to work it and rework it, and how to not just use all bold colors and how sometimes less in more. All of my class makes like Joe Murk who is one of the best in my opinion taught me a lot! It was so great to be in such a creative environment and to learn from each other. It never felt like class or work, it felt like a group of people who shared the same dream just helping each other reach their goals.  

When was the moment that you found yourself wanting to pursue being an artist?

I think the moment I was honest with myself that I didn’t want to do anything else. I work, and I enjoy it and I love the people that I work with, however it’s just not the same passion I have when I put my brush to paper. I love what I do and I wouldn’t want to change that. I think work though gives me that balance to allow me to have that same fire that I have. I get stuck on projects just like every one else does. Sometimes I get stuck for longer than I’d like to admit, but I have such a great support system it’s hard to not continue making art. I love it, and I love to see all the reactions people have to it. I still have a long way to go though.  

How did you find yourself doing portrait work?

People are beyond interesting! While there are probably a few people who look a like, besides the obvious twins, we’re all different. Everyone has a few corks about them, and how light and shadow play with someone’s face, it just it stunning to me. When I see people it’s almost like a story is written on their face. You can tell when someone has led and interesting life, and has a story to tell. I want to capture that and retell in through my eyes and how I see them.  

Who are your biggest influences and inspirations? 
 
Loaded question! Tugboat Print Shop, their use of colors, is just amazing and come on wood carved prints?! Ruben Ireland and Amy Hamilton, Jenny Liz Rome, Nicole Cioffe. I like all of their styles a lot, and then the classics Rembrandt, Van Gogh.  

What are your favorite experiences to this point of your career? 
 
I’d say my first show and Joz Arts in California, PA I showed as a print artist, and building the show with Natiq Jalil called Unfinished Business, which has now become a yearly event, and of course RAW. Those three stand out for me the most so far, and I’m excited to see what the years bring me.

What are your goals for your work? 
I have some pretty simple goals, continue to learn and continue to improve my work. And to have as many people as possible from all over the world experience it.  
What is up next for Paige Babin?

August 1st I have my second annual Unfinished Business show at Garfield artworks with Natiq Jalil. We are also in the process of building a business of studios, lessons, and a gallery. That one is going to take some time, but the best things always do.

Is there anyone you would like to thank and recognize? 
 
I would love to thank my family for supporting me and helping me grow. They’ve taught and still teach me how to be the best person I can be and have always been there for me. I’d like to thank my boyfriend Morales Bates for supporting me and pushing me to keep working, he’s my rock and without him I wouldn’t stay on track like I should. I’d also like to thank Natiq Jalil for being a great partner, teacher, and co-founder of Unfinished Business. You can find her at:
 Paige Babin Facebook
 Paige Babin Instagram

Hope you enjoyed,
 M.G.

Every Image is Intentional...An interview with artist Karla Lamb by: Michael B. George

photo credit: Joshua Tarquinio


I'm very excited to bring you a very special interview to you all today.  I caught up with a very talented artist and writer Karla Lamb.  You're going to hear from a woman who balances work, family, art, and life-- who knows, you might learn a thing or two about what it means to be an emerging artist in Pittsburgh and what it took to get there.  So without any further ado...enjoy!

  What were your earliest memories of art growing up? 

One of the earliest memories of art I have is an oil painting of snakes, cacti, and the Aztec god of water Tlaloc that my mom was working on for several years. She never finished the painting but I liked it that way. She was a tour guide for the Zócalo in Mexico City where the main temple ruins are, and would tell me the Aztec legends as bed time stories.

  Did you grow up in a family that were into the arts? 

Yes, both my parents are literary and creative. They both wrote poetry and fiction in their early years. And now my dad is into home brewing, baking, and carpentry. My mom has a great eye for interior decorating, jewelry making, and fashion. My siblings are both into performance arts, hip-hop, and acting.

  Were you inspired by any teachers or classmates in any time during school? 

Definitely. I usually associated with the “art” kids in high school and we would hang out in the art hall (sounds cliché but its true). We took pride in being marginalized and didn't mind being called punks, or freaks. Looking back, we were all producing great art back then too. Not to boast, but my crew was pretty talented. A lot of us ended up in the creative field as adults. I remember I was working on this 3D collage of Adam & Eve and someone stole it right out of the art room during lunch. It was pretty messed up. I was also in the art honor society, and all the advanced art classes. I can’t answer this question without mentioning Mr. Slachta. I’m pretty sure he still teaches visual art and graphic design. He was a great teacher because he was always so encouraging and supportive in all our endeavors. He gave great feedback and let us listen to cool music during class.

photo credit: Joshua Tarquinio

  What did you find yourself interested in first, writing or painting? 

I can’t really say one or the other definitively. I've always done both. It wasn't until I was really coming into my own that I realized that words existed that described what I was doing. Like, I was always sketching and journaling but didn't know that that was what it was called—if that makes sense. I always personalized every book, article of clothing, and bedroom wall I ever had. I knew early on that I needed to surround myself with images that inspired me. My earliest collages were of my own drawings all over my bedroom and I have about five years’ worth of journals where I wrote down everything because I was afraid of forgetting it.

  When did you decide you really wanted to pursue art as more than just a hobby or recreation? 

I think it is every artist’s dream to make it on some level. What I aspire to do is just to share my work, to inspire, to provoke, to have people see themselves in it, for it to resonate and be memorable. I want it to be able to speak for itself. All I ask is for it not to end up in storage or in someone’s basement. Art is more of a passion really, it’s an addiction and the profound love to create and communicate emotional expression with others never fades no matter the circumstance. Honestly, I've always had some romantic notion of decorating my place with my own work, just for me. I get lost in my own palette, the images, shapes, and colors hypnotize me. That’s how I know it’s good. If it gets me to stare and get lost in it, to be enamored and subsumed. Art is a compulsion, not a choice. It’s called a discipline because that’s what it takes to be prolific. You have to earn that identity, it takes effort, energy, and commitment. But to answer the question, the desire to get my work out into the world has always been there unconsciously, incubating, scheming, and getting ready to make big moves. What better time than now?

  What have you learned while giving yourself to the process of writing and painting?

I've learned I am a very messy artists, but it is that organized chaos that helps my process to bloom. I believe a collage should be spontaneous and carefree, so I don’t make sketches or thumbnails. The layers evolve organically because I am impatient and glob on paint instead of waiting for it to dry. It was interesting to learn that I am most creative in the evening and in the middle of the night. I've learned to go deep into the dark places of my psyche and churn the turmoil into something beautiful. It is very gratifying to see a finished work after killing my darlings, going in an opposite direction, and doubting where the piece is actually going. I tend to apply the same creative process to both mediums actually. I've learned that a piece is never fished, just abandoned. When I re-purpose my old paintings and recycle lines from unfinished poems, I see how I am a different person with a different story from one day to the next. Lots of editing but no over thinking-- that is key.

photo credit: Joshua Tarquinio

Who are the artists and writers that inspire you?

I’ve been following the work of Larry Carlson lately. His psychedelic prints and surreal collage inspire me to not only fill the canvas but to think outside of it. I recently got to see an unfinished Egon Schiele piece at the Philadelphia Museum of Art called Danaë, it is stunning. I've always like his style, along with Gustav Klimt’s sensual portraiture and color layering. I use contrasting patterns, swirls and gold-leaf because of them. I've also always loved Matisse’s composition and line work, “Large Red Interior” is my favorite of his. Of course, Frida Kahlo and Jose Guadalupe Posada are huge influences from my Mexican heritage. A lot of the motifs I use allude to their work. As for writers it is a long list stretching across several genres. The writers I will always go back to include Sandra Cisneros, Anais Nin, Allan Ginsberg, Don DeLillo, Mary Karr, and Milan Kundera just to name a few.

 Please tell us what is up next for Karla Lamb? 

So, I’m really excited about being featured in the next RAW artist showcase on June 26. It will be the biggest exhibit I've participated in so far and I am extremely psyched. I got scouted by the regional directors when they saw some of my work in the first ever DOUBLE MIRЯOR Exhibit back in May. I produced about six completely new collages in a month’s time for this show, which is a bit of a record for me. I got amazing prints made of the originals for people to buy at the event, and I only have a handful of tickets left to sell. These are all milestones in my artistic career so I’m feeling pretty elated and humbled just to know that I have so much support. I also have another multi-artist show coming up called Deutschtown Music Festival on July 12^th that I just got invited to be in. And there is always my ongoing project DOUBLE MIRЯOR, which is an exhibit I help curate on the South Side every other month. The next one is actually this Friday night so you should definitely come out. All of these shows have such an amazing amount of talent in them that it is overwhelming to realize that I am part of such a cool effort to keep art alive in this city.

  What are your current goals?       

My first goal is to sell as much art as possible at these exhibits I have coming up. Next, I want to utilize the momentum I have going and keep on producing. I would like to get more involved with other galleries around town and network with different artists because in the art world it is definitely a matter of who you know-- and I want to be on both sides of that coin. I mean, I like organizing events, marketing, coordinating and persuading people and I think my passion and skill set can get me as far as I want to go either behind the scenes or on the canvas.  I’m not afraid to stir up some ripples in the universe that’s for sure.

  Is there anyone you would like to recognize and thank for their input and support?

First and foremost, my partner in crime Dave. He inspires me to do my best, and to be a boss in everything I do. He gives me thoughtful and objective feedback on both art and writing, his critiques are enlightening, and I appreciate his perspective. He’s a mural collagist and an excellent writer. Our styles are completely different, but we encourage each other, share ideas, concepts, and images. The inspiration is reciprocal, and we joke about one-upping each other but the friendly competition just drives us to be better. We want to see each other succeed. I get a lot of my images from his vintage Playboys and he’s stolen of a few of my poetry lines, so it works out.  My family and friends have always been there for me in every way, and I wouldn't be where I am without them having my back. I've been meeting a lot of new people too, now that I’m more involved in the art scene. The creativity in this city is palpable and everyone seems to be working together, so that’s always reassuring. I would also like to give a shout out to my old roommate Rhys who introduced me to decoupage. That’s how this whole obsession with collage started, she probably has no idea.  Lastly, thank you Michael George for taking the time to interview me and letting me share a bit of my story. This is just the beginning.

  Where can we follow your progress, updates and work? 

I hate to hype up social media, but it’s such a great tool to reach a wide range of people. I usually blow up everyone’s feed on Instagram and post pictures of my creative process, sketches, and finished work.  My RAW artist profile features a lot of my new collages and there will be a video interview uploaded as soon as it’s done being edited. Obviously FB and Google+ for upcoming features and events, and I’m working on a digital portfolio. I’m also in the process of making a zine of my collage journal. I tend to be pretty shameless when it comes to self-promotion so if you already follow me you’ll probably hear about it.

www.rawartists.org/lambka

e: lambka@mail.gvsu.edu

@vinylowl  

 

photo credit: Joshua Tarquinio


Thank you so much Karla I'm so excited to see the upcoming shows and wish you all the best in the world! :-)
And thank you to Joshua Tarquinio for great photography please check him out at:
Tarquinio Media LLC
Tarquinio Photo
Tarquinio Photo Facebook Page


Glad you all enjoyed, M.G.

The work of artist Eric Dean

Follow him on Instagram:
@itschulo_thestarved

Enjoy,

M.G.

My reflection of Galactic Brethren The Fall of Zidor

   This is not a new release and it's taken me the necessary time to really digest this masterpiece.  I'm still not even close to be doing done processing this beautiful funk mind trip but I gotta sit down and write about this before I never do.  (Still doing the same with listening to Krs-One speak, that is coming once I put his fucking book down for 2 seconds.) There are albums that have just grown on me, challenging thought process, picking up something new, vibing to a beat in a different way just an evolving self regulating organism that you can't bottle or contain.  Some of those albums include Gza Liquid Swords, Deltron 3030, Cage Movies for the Blind, People Under the Stairs O.S.T. just to name a few.  This album is being placed in that group for those reasons I mentioned above.  There is just a refreshing nature about the finished product of this album.  Brother Seamus and Moemaw Naedon make up this eclectic duo that go by Galactic Brethren.  Connect Rhymes mixed and mastered all tracks with Naedon.  And the amazing artwork for the album cover was done by Ronnie Hicks.  That within itself is just a must have piece of art.  This is one of those rare releases that was made by real hip hoppas for real hip hoppas.  This is real, solid, well done, well executed, well polished hip hop music.  Period.  It doesn't need a major label distribution deal to be given praise for selling units or making mad money.  That can be used by people who exploit the art for gain, this is for the art by the sweat and the pain.  A wonderful concept album that leaves you with a little something you just can't touch or define.  It's not so direct and predictable like so many things out there anymore. 

   Biological Energy just made me smile and perk up because I love how the beats and vocals were layered over each other to just set the tone.  I've always been intrigued by that style and I don't have the production experience to probably give it the technical description it deserves, but it's fucking sweet.  Brighter Day just just makes you wiggle in your seat and starts you bobbing your head like you may have a neurological condition.  I couldn't sit still from the intro and I wanted to just stand up and bob my head and I'm not even past track two yet.  Then the gear shifts, The Galactic Brethren is just a super smooth jam that I love to let it hit me like a strong gust of wind that you just get moved into the direction of the words and flow and that transition that has that kind of dark, classic steady sound Moemaw and Connect will have to explain that for you, haha.  Now this is where I'm going to have to probably stop doing track by track because I feel like I could simply just write a book on this.  Not even joking about that at all.  Because track 5, Rediscovery is one of my favorite songs I've heard in a long time.  So I'm going to just share with you this verse as it struck me and I love singing this and thinking of the exploration of records and the process of going through all of them with the unexpected joy that you get from finding that beat, that break, that sample, that snare, that hi-hat.  So for everyone who's been record digging and loves music, you're welcome...

Slide a record out the stack carefully selected
Time and money burned learning tricks and methods
Digging in the box for days I'm in your basement
Dusty finger tips eyes gaze in amazement
At these stacks of wax from back when cats were trying to get paid
I'm a catch the kick back
They put down back then, I pick it up now
Decades go by still circular in sound
Close my eyes, try to visualize
The drummer in the session steady keeping it live
Hey yo, they was on some shit back then
For real man, understand this will never end
Antique shops, moms and pops
I'm in these spots spending all I got
Looking for them rhythms and them breaks to knock
A space long forgot to me they still hot
Resurrect the methods of perception vested
Each piece of vinyl from a studio session
Diggin' for days, thrift store bouncin'
Lost in a maze tryin' to build me a mountain
An archive with live vibes as time goes by
It gets bigger I'm a dig till I die
Records for fun I might sample every one
M-P-C working overtime stay plugged
Into the wall, next to the platter
I get to choppin' problems so the world don't matter
It's rediscovery, see my journey be archaelogy to the third degree!
-Moemaw Naedon

  Then there are sleigh bells added to the beat like a 90's Buckwild beat :-). I mean, I just want to stop typing after that.  That is just, beautiful.  Can't beat that.  That's incredible poetry.  A real feeling that was pouring out that people who love music that much can really appreciate every word of that sentiment.  And I so appreciated that on so many levels.  This is not a review of this album and in no way can I finish this.  I say that because there is just so much here and this album was not maid to be defined but in my interpretation enjoyed and cherished.  It would be a disservice to this album to box it in.  This is just my honest feelings of my real appreciation of this effort, competence and stimulating context of this fun, vibing piece of art.  I am not going to be able to really have a way to really organize this or really end it properly, it's just the way the album is to me.  I was riding home from the bus tonight and track 13 the Sick Ghosts came on and i was like rapping with my hands and I'm sure I got some stares but it was impossible to ever sit still and not either want to move or want to think every time I go through this album.  And that's when you know you're making a connection with something when it provokes thoughts and emotions.  Some of the skits are ridiculous and hilarious as well which is a great way to mix it up.  I think I could probably publish a book on the first word to the last word on this album but would gain a different more complex view of it each year that passed.

   I want to just say thank you for making this and it's just my shit.  Simple as that.  My goal is to purchase a few cd's and mail them to friends in other countries, like Iran, the UK and Columbia.  I would just know my friends who live in these places now would love it but also be curious as to just see where the album could possibly end up.  I mean, the feeling of some good friends smoking some weed chillin' in Columbia to these sounds, someone on a train in Tehran blasting this through their headphones, a house party blasting Rediscovery in London.  That would just be epic!  And that is exactly what this album has to do, is share that feeling with everyone.  I thank you very much for making this and giving me something to really invest my ears and neurological pathways to.  Can't say enough about it. 

   Please go buy the album at:
Galactic Brethren The Fall of Zidor

   Show some love to Naedon on his FB page and get a hard copy of the album:
Moemaw Naedon Facebook

Enjoy,
M.G.