Music's New Artist- Skip Tha Problem

Every artist has a story and the story of Skip Tha Problem is one worth listening too. New York's own, is looking to follow in the fotsteps of some of the greatest MC's to step out of his beloved city.

Skip was given the nickname at birth. He was born and raised in St. Croix U.S.V.I where he left to pursue rapping and now resides in the Bronx, NYC.
Skip started rapping in 2002, but he always been a big fan of rap music. He describes his music as a cross between East Coast rhymes with a southern twist. Some of his influences include Tupac, Master P, Biggie, and KRS One. Skip is the first rapper and is without a doubt the hottest rapper hailing from the beautiful island of St. Croix.

Backed by Carnegee Kingz, an independent union lead by former Interscope recording artist Brasco. Skip is expected to take the industry by storm with his highly anticipated first solo album, which is set to be released summer 2008. He says if he was not rapping he would be a salesman because he can talk fire out of hell and water from a whale!

We had the chance to chat it up with chance about his CD and what people can expect in the future.

Tell us about your CD.
A zillion bars of painis the name of my new mix tape! It is made for true hip hop heads. On this mixed tape i took back to essence when it was about what you say not who you are.

Do you surprise yourself with what comes out in your music?

Very much! Sometimes I shock myself when I write. I'm like, "yo, you heard what I said?" because that bar is sick! Also the feedback I get from my music from the crowds is awesome. For instance, I was at the club last week and the dj played my record, "Make it Thunder" and the crowd went bonkers I was real surprised they took to it like that when they never heard the song before.

How did your music career begin?
Growing up in the islands, we mostly listened to reggae and soca music, but I was always a big fan of hip hop music. So when I moved to New York, I would bug out with my friends freestyling on the block, but due to my lyrical content all my friends wanted me to start battling. So, we would go to other people blocks and I would battle the nicest rappers winning 90 percent of the time. That's when I decided to make music a career and I took it to the next level.

What was the reason for putting this CD together? Did you see a need?
At the time, I started recording tracks for "A Zillion Bars of Pain". I felt like hip hop needed a breath of fresh air, they needed a new face and that was me. Plus, the fans kept asking for something to listen to. There is also a need for good, real music.

What did you think when you completed your CD?
I thought that all my hard work payed off because I put together a mixtape that I was comfortable with and that people would like it.

How do you keep your music fresh?
I listen to everything from rock n roll to Gospel. I watch movies and most important I read a lot of books which infulence my music, also my everyday life experiences.

Which of your songs is your favorite?
I got a couple of favorites on this mixtape. But I would have to say "Fitted to Da Left" because I wrote and co-produce this record.

What is your goal for 2008-09?
Well, I have a new album coming in the Summer in 2009 and were planning a college tour for Spring 2009 to promote the album! I'm looking to do more performances so I will be in a city near you!! Hopefully I will have a major deal real soon too and of course I'm going to keep hitting ya'll with good music.

Peace Infinite Magazine and check me out on myspace.com/thaproblem26

2nd Annual Black Lily Film & Music Festival

The 2nd Annual Black Lily Film & Music Festival took place this year May 1-4, 2008 in Philly, PA. This year was not just about the films and music but there were also workshops that related to the favorable art industries that included fashion, film, editing, and Djing.

The opening day reception was featuring the movie, New Year Baby (http://www.newyearbaby.net/). Other movies that were on the top list were: Africa, Unite (www.palmpictures.com/film/africa-unite) a documentary on the family of Bob Marley; African-American Women on the Bandstand which focuses on women and their contribution to Jazz through dance; Hair Stories featuring Yvette Smalls is about the history and culture behind the hairstyles of African- American women; Silent Choices was a documentary that spoke on the impact that is created by the decisions to have an abortion. Other great features were Trouble the Water (http://www.troublewaterfilm.com/) which is about a young couple that is trapped in New Orleans while trying to begin a new life; and This is the Life (http://www.goodlifelove.com/) is a documentary about a small health food store that is frequented by young people that are looking to find their place in Hip Hop only to travel different paths.

One of the most anticipated events of this four day long explosion --of art by women only-- is the concerts that are filled with independent and commercial artists that bless the stage with their remarkable talents. Although last year there were more well known names like Jill Scott, Ursula Rucker and a guest appearance by Amy Winehouse, this year put the Indie artists on blast and most did not disappoint making them artist to watch.

The first act was Waheed formerly known as Gov’t Cheaz (glad they changed the name) tried their very best to rock out but the mic system was shot to hell. What we were able to make out of the crews energetic stage performance was their rendition of “Scenario” by Tribe Called Quest and Leaders of the News School. Credit is due to them for trying to make the best out of a weird situation as the technicians never did seem to make the microphone technicalities any better.

The entertaining Amanda Diva was not only the gracious MC for the evening but she also performed from her latest CD, Life Experience. A favorite from her CD is “Supa-Woman” which definitely caught the attention of the crowd full of women as they sang along to the hook, “Outstanding, Extraordinary, Supa-Woman.” This multi-talented young lady is definitely and artists on the verge of making a difference in the overly dominated hip-hop industry.

J*Davey are also artists that definitely capture the interests of the audiences in which they perform. The young duo put it down with a very unique sound that is quite hard to label. As the modelesque sister with the Mohawk glided across the stage delivering her best voice which is reminiscent of the legendary Eartha Kitt, she sang Lazy Daze in which she asked audience members to join her on stage and give their best impression of the Carlton Dance (Fresh Prince of Bel Air). One of the favorite songs was “Dollar or More” which had the whole place rocking out.

Philly’s own Bahamadia did the damn thing when she rapped one of the crowd’s favorites “Cheap Chic’s”. She proved that she still had what it takes when she delivered us an acapella freestyle that made the crowd hype. There will never be another like Bahamadia.

Jaguar Wright is a singer that is way underrated. She is truly a singer that takes you back to the idea of a smoky speakeasy filled with singers like Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, and Lena Horne. She can sing! Her personality on stage is like that of Millie Jackson which is not to everyone’s liking but that is just who she is— love her or hate her. As she slowly made her way to the stage with drink in hand, pocket book under her arm, and a scarf tied around her hair, she begin to belt out the lyrics to “What If” which sent the crowd into a frenzy. “What sound are we singing actually? I mean I didn’t have a sound check or nothing,” Jaguar joked. How disappointing that could have been from many other artists that could have been on the agenda but Jaguar made up for the “oops” when she belted out “So High”.

Ladybug Mecca of Digable Planets was there and although she is a favorite within the hip-hop world, her stage appearance and performance was very lackluster compared to what it was in the nineties. She performed her memorable parts in songs “A Nickel Bag of Funk” and “Cool Like That” and she also performed from her solo debut CD, “Trip the Light Fantastic”. Overall, it was great to see one of the best underrated female emcees from the nineties and I wish her much success.

A jazz vocalist to watch and absolutely worth listening to is Lizz Wright. With a voice that flows like water and as loud and calming as rapid waterfalls, Lizz performed a very thought provoking melodies with Toshi Reagon who is also known to funk out folk music. As Lizz performed, the spectators were in a serene trance that lasted until her final note.

Slick & Rose were very entertaining and unquestionably on the radar of people to watch in the music industry. Slick who commands attention with her wild and crazy faces makes her engaging and fun to watch, while Rose is the sexy and sassy chick that is attracts the eye with her come hither stares and movements. As a duo they are absolutely perfect. “Breakdown” and “Chemical” were very upbeat tempos that made you bob your head. They were awesome.

Awards were handed out to recipients who are making a difference in arts and they were very well deserved. Those honorees are: Bernice Reagon (Living Legend Music), Pearl Bowser (Living Legend, Film), Martha Diaz (Emerging Leader, Music), Jeri Lynne Johnson (Social Change) Stephanie Black (Smirnoff Social Change), Tia Lessin (Artistic Change, Film), and Bahamadia (Artistic Change, Music).

Other performers that were there were, Zaki Ibrahim (sorry Hun, but your mics were not audible), Muhsinah (her performance was very artistic meaning, but it was hard to get) and Emoni Fela. Some can charge it to the technicians while other... well, they did their best.
Overall, the Black Lily had yet another successful year that was extended with great workshops for our young women and women who are in the mist of learning the male dominated industry. It was pleasing to see films with meaning and purpose that relate to women on an everyday basis and music that is fun and memorable. In addition, the awards that were distributed were well earned. Black Lily Film and Music Festival is an event that is worth waiting for because you never know what you are going to get and those that miss it, miss a whole lot.

Visit http://www.blacklilyfilm.org/ for information on next year.

Book Review- Rap-Up

Title: Rap- Up: the Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B
Author: Cameron & Devin Lazerine
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date: 2/28/08
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-0-446-17820-4

Rap has taken the world by storm no doubt. Since its debut in the late 70's (early 80's) it has captured the imagination of children and adults alike. Many adults today in their middle ages are children of the first generation of rap. In Philadelphia, PA African American mayor Michael Nutter was once known as “DJ Mixmaster Mike” during his mixing and scratching days. Therefore, hip hop has long before come out of boom boxes and dance clubs in the hood; it is now in the world of politics.

Hip Hop has become the music that fuels the nations as of recent years. It is used in every aspect of the media and it has far reached outside of the hood. It has crossed the seas and touched others across the world. Hip hop has become a movement!

The style of music that was once considered a passing fad has been going more than 20 years strong, diving into the world of business. For most, Rap music has been positive in the lives of the youth with more than just dance moves. B-boys and B-girls have become entrepreneurs creating brand names bringing in millions of dollars. From food to fashion, major corporations have been more than pleased with the revenue that they have received from advertising with hip-hop.

Hip hop has also been a reason to stop and think about society as it grows and changes every day. Many think that crime of the inner cities is connected to hip hop, but it no longer resides in this heavy populated area. Loud beats, baggy jeans, and gun crimes are now reaching the suburbs causing specialists to dig deep into the understanding of the music and how it affects people’s way of thinking because the rebellious lyrics just may be a cause for alarm.

Rap-Up, written by the Cameron & Devin Lazerine who are also the creators of Rap-Up Magazine endeavors to give us an overview of the hip-hop movement. It is an informative book that gives you the history behind your favorite artists yesterday and today. Learn how:

L.L. Cool J got his start
Run DMC connects with Def Jam
Salt-N-Pepa became female icons
And much more

The Lazerine brothers gradually bring us from yesterday into the future with the scoop on Jay-Z, Beenie Seigel, Eve and 50 cent.
Although this book keeps you very informed of the artists and their contributions to hip-hop, it fell short in giving us the culture of hip-hop which is the very essence that makes it the phenomenon that has taken over the music industry.

For those of you who are looking to learn some of the methods of the big players in the game there is plenty of information on how each artists brought something unique to the table and changed certain ways of doing things for the better. Learn from the pros and build your own plan to succeed in the Rap Game.

related articles Who is the Grandfather of Hip Hop?

Aalim Elitou- Reviewer

Women Who Jam!!!

What do you get when you have a room filled with amazing female talent and a group of female commissioners that offer advice to help enhance the awareness of the artists’ performance by making them aware of their showmanship? You get a rocking house of Women Who Jam. A session created by the NABFEME (National Association Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment).

The mission of NABFEME is to raise the profile and increase the awareness of Black women in the music and entertainment industry and they accomplish this mission through activities that foster empowerment, education, mentoring, career development and networking opportunities. One of their creative geniuses is Women Who Jam Sessions.

Let’s face it... it is never easy to hear people tell you that what you think has been done to make yourself hot can stand to be hotter. Being under the eye of other industry professionals can be very unnerving, but what you take from it can make you not only stronger but place you at the top of your game.

The Philly network had its 1st Women Who Jam Session at one of Philly’s finest restaurants North by Northwest and it was off the hook! This female driven movement by women for women was a chance to see how even seasoned women handle the pressure of being critiqued in order to enhance they stage presence, their style and/or their performance.

Hosted by the True Soul (Neo-Soul) activist and Power 99 radio personality Tiffany Bacon, she set the stage for Ghetto Songbird (Rock), Lyrispect (Spoken Word), Mia Harvey (R&B), Rhapsode (Spoken Word/ Neo-Soul), Alaina Nelson (R&B), Andrea Pinkett (Gospel), Desi (Gospel- Spoken Word) as they shared their seasoned talents under the watchful eyes of industry professionals: Cheryl Wadlington, Evoluer celebrity stylist and fashion consultant; Patricia Coates, entertainment lawyer; Stephanie Renee, radio host and spoken word artist; and Heather Elitou, Senior Editor representing Infinite MagaZine.

Although the performances were great, it was Desi, the Gospel/Spoken Word artists that won the opportunity to visit New York and perform for the NABFEME Women Who Jam!

What made this event a night to remember besides the awesome performances that were given by each of the artists, but the networking that took place afterwards. Networking is a very important part in the growth of artistic development because everyone needs someone that can help them advance further in their careers. When people work together to make a change for the better, whether it is personal or as a community it reflects in the person and the world around us.
Introducing yourself, handing out business cards, following up and staying connected is what makes you and your business remembered and prosperous. Without it you are merely a goldfish in a fishbowl wishing you were in a pond.

If you are an artists that is seasoned or amateur and you are looking for the exposure and the honest help that you need to place your foot in the industry’s door, then sign up for this event— it is something that you have to be a part of. If you are truly a fan of the arts, love to hear good performances, and looking to support women with a cause, then be sure to check it out.

Please visit www.myspace.com/NABFEME for information on the next event in Philly and New York.

v The Mom Drum Circle- FEAT. Marcy Francis was the opening performance that made everyone ready to jam!!! They KILLED IT with their fantastic energy!!! Be sure to check out their performance on the YouTube.

Heather Elitou-Reviewer