meanwhile in America

Crosstown Rebels X Day Zero X Deniz Kurtel

while surfing the internets, I stumbled across a fantastico themed party coming at the end of our mayan calendar. On December 20-21st in Playa Del Carmen Mexico, Crosstown Rebels will be having a 24 hour party on a pyramid. I really wish I could be there, if you're reading this and you happen to go, please have a wonderful time for me and party until your pants fall off. I also wanted to share some info on Crosstown Rebels, I think they have an amazing group of talented artists in their camp. Their story on how they became a label is truly insprational. Probably one of the few independent labels that I know of that have a consistent catalog of good artists. please be on the look for them to come to the US soon.

One artist from the crosstown rebels group that has tickled my fancy is Turkish dj Deniz Kurtel. Eventhough she's only been at the tables for just a little while, her craft in turntable-ism is quite noticeable. If you enjoy deep house with soulful vocals, this is the dj for you. Her style is real smooth, she also in a dj group called Lamb + Wolf.



                

understanding hitler

Beth Ditto "Do you need someone"

This will probably be my anthem of 2012 (although made in 2011), I haven't heard anything this nostalgic and powerful in the music scene in a long time. Sure there are plenty of songs in the millenum that have alot of references to 80's music, but this one screams dance, glam and it's very unique in its sound. I really enjoy this song, and the artist. Beth Ditto, who is also a member of the band Gossip has created a self titled EP that will have you feeling like a dancing queen in no time.

Toro Y Moi Mix

this whole mix makes my life right now. Toro Y Moi need to do a show in Houston.  So I can toro y moi that ass.

Lee Fields & The Expressions

Summer is heating up, and it's all because of Lee Fields & The Expressions. If I could describe my 4th of July holiday with one song, it would definitely be with this one. "You're The Kind of Girl" is a true r&b song with awesome instrumentation that reminds me of that Green, Gaye and Brown remedy that my old soul loves sooooo much. Here's to romance and meeting someone for the very first time.

Expressions of Vagga

  

Chet Faker is the man

There are times where I feel like the music scene is over saturated, but then again it doesn't really matter if you truly make good music. People will find you if you are really good at what you do. A prime example of a good musician that I discovered who has me wanting more is Chet Faker. An aussie from down under at 22 years of age has a soft soulful voice with R&B, electronica and some folk mixed in it. I dig it alot, sometimes you can even hear his voice crack a little too, and that works for him in his deep and ambient songs. He just recently perfomed not too long ago at sxsw 2012, I'm sure he will be a on the rise in no time.

Metronomy - "The Look"

My spring anthem.

Variety Country Musical Weekend

I had the pleasure of watching my very first country musical this past weekend. It was a wonderful experience, lots of laughs and amazement. Patti Rabaza and Julia Laskowski (say it 3 times really fast) were the performers of Country Gravy and Other Obsessions, a relationship seminar dedicated to fixin all your problems with your significant other. These are experts that cover all types of situational issues you may endure while married or dating. If you're single, they have some advice for you too! From opera to showtunes these women really know how to entertain and make sure you leave them forgetting all your problems.

Held at TheaterLab, located in the first ward district of Houston, Texas.

Something that reminded me of this production was one of my favorite sketches from female comedian Carol Burnett. She is a legend, not exactly of my generation but she is definitely a pioneer in television sitcoms, writing, comedy and broadway.

Lemme Buy you a Drink.

Inspirational Videos of 2012 so far.

yazza and the world of hip-hop and rap music

everyone loves a good lyricist with a nice flow and melody. A catchy hook, especially with some bass knocking. I know I do, and that was the remedy I grew up on to know and love southern hip-hop music. Mind you that was years ago, and like seasons, my taste in music evolved into different sounds and genres. I'll be honest, I do miss the old rap/hip-hop days only because I feel like it meant more to be a rapper back then, the things they talked about were of substance (most of the time), people who were successful rappers/hip-hop artists in the entertainment industry in the early millenium and even in the early nineties could maintain a decent career, they were able to put forth albums with their own creativity (i think) and even keep their private lives from spilling over.

In today's world of hip-hop the rules are still the same, but the game has changed tremendously. I haven't taken the time to really dissect what I believe is the cause of this epidemic of the non-substance semi quasi hipster/hoodlum drug enthused half sing half put words together that aren't in the same iambic pentameter rap, but I do want to express my interests in some of the more hopeful artists and some of my woes with the not-so-hopeful artists. This may seem cruel or even a little ridiculous but please note, you can always get on someone else's blogging dick.

As a disclaimer, I have given an ear to other artists that have reached stardom such as A$AP Rocky, Kreayshawn, Kendrick Lamar, and all these other people who seem to be making their way in the rap industry. It's not that i am not interested, just that I'm not impressed.

I would first like to give props to big krit, for he has risen above most average southern rappers into a lane of his own. He's spoken some truths on life, religion and living in the south as a black guy. His beats are definitely a reminiscent of UGK and Outkast as well as local Houston native rappers.


Another hopeful rapper I would like to see advance is Action Bronson. Chances are you've probably never heard of this guy but he's definitely on the come up in a real interesting way. See, Mr. Bronson is of Albanian decent (ohhh) and he also was a gourmet chef (la-la) in New York City. Probably one of the more GINUWINELY sophisticated rappers that I've ever heard or seen on the internet. Peep him and his photography set with genius and skinny sexy man Terry Richardson.

Action Bronson and The Volcano from Terry Richardson on Vimeo.

Chuck English is another prominent one who I believe is also making some solo-artist head way. Chuck is someone who has been in the game for a minute, I would say he's easily one of the most underrated producers in the hip-hop genre. He has the productivity skills to reach an iconic status of a dilla. please if you haven't already, get his latest mixtape "WRKING". It's a very cohesive instrumental piece.



A local Houston native, and ultimate party starter Fat Tony comes to mind as a prospective hip-hop/rap artist on the move. This guy has charisma to no end. Along with his latest album Rabdargab, Fat Tony keeps the trunks rattling as well as heads thinking with his intricate words and beats. You can really hear his influences on his music and see them public in his clothing appeareance. He's punk-rap-pop-soul and r&b all into one.

This will conclude my list for now, there are plenty others that I will post on. Not to mention I have yet to indulge on the female scene. I will definitely address my queens soon, so keep your panties on.