This is a MUST ATTEND event-  for many reasons!

It’s for a serious cause we all need to step up and raise more awareness and donate to. Breast Cancer.

4 powerhouse voices.  Ursula Rucker, Kelli Sae,  Maysa Leak and Karen Bernod.    United in recognition to their connection with British Jazz/Soul chart toppers Incognito.

This is a benefit.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G Koman.

Voices of Incognito is the initiative of Kelli Sae who has performed across the globe with legends such as Tina Turner, Paul Simon and Jermaine Jackson to name a few. After recently losing her mother to breast cancer, Sae felt compelled to use her talents in the fight against this deadly disease.  “I witnessed my mom go through chemotherapy, a mastectomy and be diagnosed as cancer free only to have the cancer return with a vengeance and claim her life right before my eyes.  I had to do something to help prevent others from this horrible experience,” Sae said.  Sae founded SaeCureIt.org and then used her clout to unite some of the critically acclaimed soul musicians she has collaborated with in a music career that spans over 20 years.

Please come out and support a great cause- it’s also the first time in over 3 years that Kelli has performed in NY and also since Maysa too.

Other acts featured are Supa Nova Slom, Corey Glover, Letitia Guillory. DJ Ruben Toro, DJ Bobby D’Ambrosio and DJ Dres.  Hosted by Lenny Green of WBLS’s ‘Kissing After Dark’ on Kiss FM.

Littlefield 7PM Cocktail Reception then performances.  622 DeGraw St.  Tickets available at Littlefield and at TicketFly

See you all there!

hi everybody and welcome back to another week of “Just A Girl..”! this week we chatted with FC of Fighting for Futures, an all around awesome person and fellow blogger on this here wonderful Bloom Blog.

with a degree in Audio Engineering and Music Production, as well having spent almost 10 years cutting her teethe in the New York City music scene, FC is currently out of the country with Fighting for Futures, traveling to Cambodia and all over Asia to offer free photo and music classes to children. and as the Foreign Correspondent for Initiative Radio, photography, videographer and woman, I wanted to touch base with FC to get her perspective on how she feels about the difference in technology.

me: Being in a developing country right now in your travels, how do feel technology is having an impact on the established way of life?
FC: I have a limited time to get the same amount of work done. Often videos and pictures take upwards of 1-5 hours to upload, if your lucky. Phone communication is here, however you usually have to try the call 2-3 times before it will go through, texting is also unreliable. Basically lack of technology brings my productivity to a snail like pace.

me: What are some of your fav sites either for business or social networking?
FC: I am a twitter and facebook kinda girl.

me: How much time on average do you spend online per day?
FC: 2-3 hours if I can, sometimes the internet is just down and you get no time. Its all a roll of the dice here.

me: it’s been said that technologically speaking, the world is flat so what do you envision for global networking and technology?
FC: Im not sure the computer will not matter as much as it does now, I think the future will hold instant transportation and flying. There will be no need for email when you can just beam on over.

I feel you! it bugs me out to think of where we’ll be in 5 years, 10 years or more. as recently as yesterday, some of you Facebook people may have noticed that now you can link your Facebook to different sites to share. which, ok, yeah, we’ve been able to do that for a long time but it is getting more streamlined, more efficient at being “connected”. how “connected” are you? leave us a comment and let us know!

in the meantime, keep checking back here to stay up on the travels of Fighting for Futures and Felecia Cruz, as they make their way across Asia teaching art to children.

and I’ll be back next week! stay up stay strong stay positive!
peaces
rox.

what it do everybody! so this week, we venture to the world of wax and needles, sounds fun right, juuust kidding! but actually…I’m serious because this week we have a sista that has always repped hard on those wondrous wheels of steel.

she’s been practicing her craft for over 10 years, she is the NY Source Magazine DJ Champion and the only female DJ to make it to the DMC USA Finals. she’s a member of championship DJ team 5th Platoon, Founder and DJ for the all female Hip Hop collective Anomolies and Co-Founder of the coalition R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop (Representing Education, Activism & Community through Hip Hop). she is…

DJ Kuttin Kandi.

having competed in over 20 DJ competitions and having rocked all over the world with everybody from Punk Riot Grrrl group LeTigre to Kool Herc, LL Cool J, Jay Z, Dead Prez and more, this is a sista that takes her craft and commitment seriously, and not just to her music.

her commitment to humanity as an Activist/ Community Organizer is beyond question. She’s been the Chair-Elect of the national women’s organization GABRIELA Network and supports various organizations such as Ugnayan, Damayan, FAHSI, CAAAV, ANSWER, United for Peace & Justice and so much more…

finding time to devote herself to teaching and mentoring the youth, for 3 years she taught a Hip Hop/DJ Activism class and Poetry Classes at El Puente’s Leadership Center in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. she understands that the power of Hip Hop can be utilized to educate, build solidarity, create awareness and fight for social justice in the world.

in the role of a motivational speaker she’s spoken on the college lecture circuit at universities such as NYU, Yale, Princeton, Harvard, UCSD, Stanford and has taught DJ courses at Jam Master Jay’s The DJ Scratch Academy.

basically I could go on and on with this sista’s list of accomplishments and her level of dedication to art and life, but on top of all that she does, she took the time out to answer my questions:::

me: you’ve done so much! but what was the motivation, in the very beginning that made you want explore DJing?
Kuttin Kandi: My motivation was my love for music that was instilled with my by my late father. He had his own collection of records everything from the Beatles to Aretha to Miles Davis to Jackson 5. It was like it was meant to be when I started meeting other DJ’s during my teenage years. And it was definitely meant to happen the minute I put my hands on the turntables. I definitely had been inspired by my fellow crew the
5th Platoon as well as the legendary X-Men (X-Ecutioners) with whom I’ve had the honor to work alongside with in my battle years.

Click here to view the embedded video.

me: what are some of the changes you’ve witnessed in Hip Hop, specifically the art of DJing since you started?
Kuttin Kandi: There’s been a lot of changes in Hip Hop — politically, musically, technologically. Hip Hop is not linear, it is defined differently to so many different people. However, for me, I believe in the roots of Hip Hop culture and have learned so much from the legends who have started the culture. So, I try to follow on that path. And I notice a lot of routes that Hip Hop has taken, straying from that original path that Hip Hop was once on. The art of DJing itself has evolved over the years to very intricate turntablist skills that are very
technical, and very lucrative modern ways of spinnin mp3′s via Serato. However there’s nothin like the original beat juggling sounds of the battle dj on vinyl. That static from vinyl and that funky beat juggle
are sounds you can’t deny… that’s what makes hip hop.

me: if you could say ANYTHING to young women AND men that are in their bedrooms right now practicing, what would you say to them?
Kuttin Kandi: Study the foundations first… learn the history of Hip Hop. Support Independent artists… and check your privileges (skin privilege, class privilege, race privilege, straight privilege etc..), at that! Realize your access to resources that others may not have…Understand the opportunities you might be given that others may not because of your privileges. Understand what cultural appropriation is… and always give back to Hip Hop culture.

Kuttin Kandi has been interviewed in numerous magazines and newspapers such as Source, Vibe, Vogue, YM, Rolling Stones, the New York Times, the Daily News and the Vibe Hip-Hop Diva’s book. she’s received the 2008 FPAC DJ Tribute Award alongside DJ Babu, DJ Rhettmatic and Nasty Nes and in 2009, Kuttin Kandi received the Womanhood Passage Tribute by the Hip Hop-Association. and with all her many projects in the works, well…she’s FRESH. period.

so def keep checking for this amazing spirit that’s so blesses the art of turntablism! you can follow her on twitter or find her on facebook and support support support Women in Hip Hop!

so til next week, y’all! quick reminder: “She’s So Fresh” Showcase is on 11/5!

Click here to view the embedded video.

what’s good good people! and I’m back! this week is personal for me. I recently had the privilege of being included in a project that was spearheaded by Lin Que called We Are the Girl. it is historical. consisting of 9, that’s right 9 Woman MC’s and 1 singer, it is a throwback to the “posse cut”. but all new, up to date, hot
and…
wait for it…
FRESH!

so some months back, I featured Lin Que for “She’s So Fresh” Fridayz, and in the process of our conversation we realized our shared frustration and disappointment about the state of women in Hip Hop and with what has become our place in this art. and she said something that stayed with me, she said “we went from holding mics to holding poles.” whoa. werd. and she would know, she was there when sistas held mics, crushed mics, and were respected as equals in Hip Hop.
WARNING, classic Hip Hop below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

and from that conversation, We Are the Girl was born into a reality. after suggesting some Woman MC’s I know: Knewdles, Mala Reignz, Toni Blackman, Lin made some calls to some sistas she knew, Rachel Walker, J-Boo and Paula Perry. Tiye Phoenix was a no brainer because she’s so dope, and Alana came to We Are the Girl via Shareef Islam of Aztechnique Studios, and it was on and poppin!

I quote:
“The ‘We Are the Girl Movement’ makes history with its first release, “Suga-Coated.” For the first time since the inception of Hip Hop, nine female emcees assault the microphone without any help from their male counterparts. “Suga-Coated” features True School Veterans who have been in the game for quite some time, Underground Royalty as well as Up-and-Coming Talent who are eager to claim their spot in this male-dominated industry. One has no choice but to succumb to the incredible skill and energy exuding from this track. Whoever said, “Female Emcee’s can’t hold their own” obviously hasn’t had the pleasure of sampling the skills portrayed on this banger. In addition to the genuine talent of Mala Reignz, Knewdles, Bless Roxwell, Lin Que, Alana, Paula Perry, Toni Blackman, J-Boo & Tiye Phoenix, is the sultry voice of newcomer Rachel Walker. “Suga-Coated” displays the undeniable talent of women of many ethnicities and cultures.
‘We Are the Girl’ aka WAG was formed to give women in Hip Hop a platform to ‘Follow their Dreams’ and make careers out of what they love doing most. It seems as though women have not been given a fair share within the Hip Hop community. It’s time. We must claim our voice. We must claim our seat at the throne and be the ‘True Queens’ that we were born to be.
‘We Are the Girl’ believes in giving back to the community. All the proceeds from the download of “Suga-Coated” are going to one of the most highly visible and recognized breast cancer charities in America, NBCF. “Suga-Coated” was officially released on October 1st, 2009… just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although October is designated for Breast Cancer Awareness, we all know that it is a day-to-day issue that needs our support. Support Women… Save the Hip Hop Culture… Heal the World.”

the song is a single, available for only $.99, via the We Are the Girl website! this is a project I am so proud to be apart of, and I am so proud my sista, Lin Que, for taking the initiative to make this happen. from creating and designing www.wearethegirl.com (y’all ain’t know right?) to ensuring that this effort supports an issue so important to ALL women, breast cancer research and awareness, this is a project I believe in and it will continue to have all of my support, and I hope yours also.

now, I know the answers to all the questions below but I wanted to make sure Lin Que had the opportunity to tell you about it in her own voice:

me: what was your motivation in doing We Are the Girl?
Lin Que: Being that I have been in the business for a while now and have witnessed firsthand the fall of the Female Emcee, I have always wanted to create something that would help unify the sisterhood in Hip Hop. It seems as though we are all scattered all over the place and if we would join forces, we could really make something positive happen. One night I was being interviewed by Bless Roxwell and we started talking about ‘female emcees.’ I expressed to her an idea I had regarding creating a track with a lot of female emcees on it and having all the proceeds from the download go to a women’s charity like for breast cancer. Bless showed her interest and also decided to help. The rest is history.

me: what is your vision for We Are the Girl?
Lin Que: It’s a platform to help support women on the ‘professional stage’ as well as the ‘world stage.’ It is a unified force for women that will hopefully join forces with other like organizations so that we can take this “Women’s Movement” worldwide and to the next level. This needs to be global.

me: folks always want to say that sistas can’t get along. did you encounter any sort issue with the women on this project? egos, etc..
Lin Que: I think that this project has already created for me a sense sisterhood and unity. We all have to learn how to get along with each other whether we are male or female, young or old, catholic, muslim, or jewish… it doesn’t matter. This project for the most part ran very smoothly… and that’s saying a lot because there are 10 different artist on this track. So as far as “Sistas don’t get along”… I think that’s just to keep us separate from each other. One woman alone is powerful… ten women might just change the world… lol.

me: what can people expect from We Are the Girl in the future?
Lin Que: Strong Women, Good Music, Peace, Love, & Healing… We are paving a path for ourselves. We are no longer waiting for someone to do it for us. We are taking control of our own destiny.

so there you have it folks! support We Are the Girl, and by default you will be supporting Women in Hip Hop and women in general! and we thank you.

on another note: the next “She’s So Fresh” Showcase will be on 11/5, and the line up is SO FRESH!

doors open: 9p
showtime: 10p
damage: $7
I hope to see you all there!

what’s good all! so this week I wanna give some shine to an organization that is promoting Hip Hop and healthy living, self esteem and self respect. I love it! can I tell you how much how I love it? I love it PERIOD.

Founded in 2003 by Tamekia Flowers-Holland, Hip Hop 4 Life is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to serve young people ages 12-18 with a special emphasis on those residing in at-risk environments by offering young people life skills training, while infusing the education of important health-related issues.

their mission is to build confidence and sound judgment in young people so they can not only achieve their utmost potential but also become proactive members and leaders within their communities. With year-round mentoring, social and educational activities and interactive life skills training/health-risk prevention workshops they are truly laying foundations for the future.

R&B Artist Chrisette Michelle performs at Hip Hop 4 Life & BET Rap-It-Up Youth Empowerment Event

Soulja Boy, Sammie & Mike Jones represent at Man UP! program, sponsored by BET Rap-It-Up and Hot 97

by incorporating the presence and support of celebrities, as well as health, corporate and entertainment professionals these young people are exposed to options. options for themselves, their future, and their communities that prove to be alternatives to what they are presented with everyday via mass media, their neighborhoods and other influences that may not be the most positive.

and Tamekia does not do it alone! there are so many incredible people involved in making Hip Hop 4 Life‘s mission and dream a reality:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman
Nicole Tucker, Darkreign
Vice-Chair
Natasha Aarons, Promotions Executive
Secretary
Melissa Pressley, Deutsche Bank
Treasurer
Edwin Warren, Bank of America
Members at Large
Dr. Nafeesah Antwine, Associate Psychotherapist
Tamika Blockett, Nickelodeon

chatting with Tamekia Flowers-Holland, she explained a bit more to me about the organization..
me: what was the catalyst for Hip Hop 4 Life?
Tamekia Flowers-Holland: Prior to starting Hip Hop 4 Life, I volunteered with several community-based organizations and saw that young people were really struggling with low self-esteem, obstacles within their communities, peer-pressure, and inadequate information about health issues. Many young people go through their teen years and enter adulthood without learning the basic life skills or developing the confidence that can propel them to success. As a result, young people are dropping out of high school at alarming rates. They are falling victim to homicide, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, suicide, crime, dating violence and negative perceptions about themselves and others. It is for this reason that Hip Hop 4 Life is deeply committed to providing programming which consistently exposes young people to opportunities that take them beyond their neighborhoods and foster education, self-confidence, growth and a profound desire to achieve. Thus Hip Hop 4 Life was born!

me: what are some of the programs that Hip Hop 4 Life offers to the youth?
Tamekia Flowers-Holland: Hip Hop 4 Life offers our Empowerment Team members (young people who sign up directly to Hip Hop 4 Life) year-round mentoring, social and educational activities and interactive life skills and health-risk prevention workshops that integrate health professionals, entertainment executives, sports executives and notable celebrity involvement. We serve young people ages 12-18, with a special emphasis on those residing in at-risk environments. Some of our topics addressed are self-esteem, dining etiquette, sexual health, grooming, hygiene, defining your image and style, peer-pressure, college/career planning, financial health and how to conduct yourself on the internet and social networking sites, to name a few. We provide the platform for expression, discussion and enlightenment on the issues they are experiencing in a non-judgmental setting. Our programs are also offered to schools and community-based organizations as one-day sessions.

me: if you could let the world know one thing about Hip Hop 4 Life, what would it be?
Tamekia Flowers-Holland: Hip Hop 4 Life’s core team consists of successful professionals within the Hip Hop entertainment and youth culture markets. Therefore, we possess a highly knowledgeable understanding of formats and experiences to which young people will be receptive. This knowledge, along with significant input from our teen Youth Advisors, allows for us to create programs and events that are engaging and educational. I am really proud about the fact that Hip Hop 4 Life’s ability to immediately engage youth is one of our unique attributes.

me: where can people send donations or correspondence?
Tamekia Flowers-Holland: Please visit our “Make A Difference” or “Contact Us” pages on our website HipHop4Lifeonline.com

there you have it folks! for those who say the Hip Hop Community doesn’t care and all we do is talk about guns, drugs and cars..you direct them to Hip Hop 4 Life! these peoples are dedicating their time and efforts to make the world a better place, so let’s show them that we care too! stop by the website, volunteer your time, tell a friend or just ask yourself, what can I do? what can I contribute to Hip Hop, to the world, to life?

this week’s feature made me feel good, inside. these sistas are FRESH because they are doing something FRESH and in the process creating FRESH perspectives for tomorrow!

so til next week, y’all! more details coming soon for the next “She’s So Fresh” Showcase on NOVEMBER 5th! we’re still accepting sponsorships, so if you’re interested in being a sponsor, hit a sista on twitter and I will send you the info! so save the date because if you wanna see FRESH Women MC’s then you’ll wanna be there!
peaceandblessings
rox