*articles for week of 10/15/07*

It's time for the Citypaper bi-annual MUSIC issue! Last time around, I did an article with Jake Lefco/Happ G and DJ Skeme Richards. This year, I got to write about MC Ethel Cee, who I have been WAITING to do something on. She is fierce! I was supposed to also interview Peedi Peedi, but that just didn't work out. Oh well...I am satisfied with Ethel Cee's. She was mad cool to interview and Mike Regan really did a great job photographing her. I love that photo above that he did. He does mostly all CP photography. That should have been the damn CP cover, but all good. Also, looking at the other 10 or so people in there, I'm happy I got to squeeze hip-hop in. Anyway, I also wrote a review on the Large Professor party, which by chance - Ethel Cee hosted. I really need to get caught up on CD reviews and recommendations, mainly the new Raul Midon. I HAVE TO GET FOCUSED! Enjoy the writings. The next 2 weeks will be a bit light and if you are around Philly on Friday, come to the CARE event - see the flyer below the links for info or go to www.myspace.com/coveryourlover. xo

Ethel Cee, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/18/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/18/ethel-cee

Large Professor, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 10/13/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/13/large-professor-oct12-fluid-nightclub/

Writings for week of 10/8/07

This has been a strange week...Just strange. Anyway, the March/Black Thought pictures above were taken by Clayton (http://www.geoclan.com/) and the Ronson picture was taken by Claudia. This week, I wrote 5 things - 2 which were the same thing. Normally I wouldn't do that, but that was the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights March, which I feel should have been covered everywhere and after looking at the pics wanted to do the event and cause justice. As you see, MC Black Thought was part of the march and that is the angle I had to use to write about it. I also did a Common (I love him - - sorry C) review for GeoClan and wrote about the Mark Ronson gig in NYC, which wasn't that that great. the Wordplay that I did this week is producer N.Batez and I squeezed that in to promote an event this weekend. Anyway, enjoy...music issue of Citypaper coming up soon, so I gotta get my ass to typing in the next few days. I am pretty pleased with who I had to interview.

Until then....xoxo

Common 'Finding Forever Review', GeoClan, October 2007:

http://www.geoclan.com/music/articles/reviews/07/GeoReviewCommonFindingForever.htm

Mark Ronson in NYC, Citypaper Online, 10/09/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/09/mark-ronson-oct5-webster-hall-nyc/

Black Thought at Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign March, Citypaper Online, 10/9/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/09/black-thought-oct7-5th-to-15th-street/

Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign March, 215hiphop.com, 10/10/07 (you might have to scroll down after a few days to see this):

http://215hiphop.com/category/news/

Wordplay with N.Batez, 215hiphop.com, 10/10/07:

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wnbatez/#more-293

Week of 10/1/07 Articles

First of All - GO PHILLIES!

Okay, now that that is out of the way, guess who I met last night? Erykah Badu and Big Daddy Kane. I had a conversation with both. I'm still on cloud 9. I also told them both about GeoClan (http://www.geoclan.com/) and Cover Your Lover (www.myspace.com/coveryourlover) and gave Badu a t-shirt. It was lovely. And Big Daddy Kane was funny and so nice. Anyway, I am fooling around at work, so I gotta get to it. I wrote 4 things this week. One is a Wordplay with MC Side Effect, who has 2 shows this week, another is the MOKA album release party. I just recently discovered them and their sound is really dope. I also wrote about one of Side's shows at Liquid Charm with about 12 or so other acts and then the last one was the Sexual Freedom Day. I had to grab that one because it seemed so interesing to me. Enjoy! xo


Wordplay with Side Effect, 215hiphop.com, 10/2/07:
http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wside-effect/#more-278


Sexual Freedom Day, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/4/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/04/just-do-it-2


MOKA Album Release Party, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/4/07 (scroll down):
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/04/soundadvice


Mic Check Thorsday, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/4/07 (scroll down):
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/04/soundadvice

Writing for week of 9/24/07

I think I am back in the swing of things as far as returning from Europe is concerned. I still feel a bit behind and have lots to catch up on. There's a lot going on in my head concerning friendships and what they really mean. That sounds corny, but whatever. This week, I did a WORDPLAY with DJ Tactics, and also contributed to the new Citypaper feature, Critical Mass, which basically reviews anything and everything. I want to step my review game up, so I hope to participate in this atleast once a week or something. This week I attended 2 lunchtime type mini performances. One of Sara Bareilles and the other of Reef the Lost Cauze for the Campus Philly Kick Off. Enjoy!

Wordplay with DJ Tactics, 215hiphop.com, 9/26/07:
http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wdj-tactics/#respond

Reef the Lost Cauze at Campus Philly Kick Off, LOVE Park, 9/26/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/09/26/reef-the-lost-cauze-sept26-love-park/

Sara Bareilles, Borders Bookstore, 9/24/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/09/25/sara-bareilles-sept24-borders/

if you live in philly, this is where you should be this weekend - 9/21

No articles to post this week because I was away. No Sweet Tooth because I was away. I do have some Raul, Van Hunt and Angie Stone stuff to give out over the weekend, but in the meantime, if you are in my city of brotherly and sisterly love, check out these events...check the Saturday line up...I'll be there with my freshly done hair..hope to see you there also!

Freshout Media and Goodie Goodie present FLAVA FEST:

www.myspace.com/flavafest

8/10/07 Articles including...the big one!

Hi -


I am still in Germany, so this will be short! The big feature I was working on for Citypaper is out today. This feature was so important to me and I am so thankful to those that made it happen, especially my editors, the people I interviewed and my friends here in Germany who let me work while I was at their house. I stayed up all night last week and finished it on a German keyboard....not so easy..hahaha...The article is about the divisions and animosity between the different sub-scenes in Philadelphia. I feel good about how it turned out and would have loved more space, but such is life. Maybe there will be a part 2. The picture above is of Cosmo Baker (second picture) , who I interviewed. I also may put the full interviews online. Not sure yet. The other piece is an animal symposium that I got assigned last minute (third picture of person appearing at event). It is not only for animal rights, but also social justice in general. It also includes a Veggie Cabaret. I have an image of people dressed as carrots dancing around! The last one I did is of Josh Valocci (first picture) - who is a music writer over at the Philadelphia Weekly, which is a rival of Citypaper. I did a Wordplay on him for 215. He is a nice guy. Okay, gotta go...enjoy! xoxoxo


PS. In my sleep last night, I had dreams of an art project I am going to start when I return!

The Lost Cause, Philadelphia Citypaper, 9-13-07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/09/13/the-lost-cause

Animal Rights Symposium, Philadelphia Ciypaper, 9-13-07

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/09/13/just-do-it

WORDPLAY with Josh Valocci, 215hiphop.com, 9-11-07

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wjoshua-valocchi/#more-245

Lemme borrow your ears for a second...

Hi everyone - I am seriously stressed out and overwhelmed. I leave for Germany tomorrow at 6pm and there is so much to do. I am tired and buried under deadlines. Getting on that plane will be like heaven to me. So, sorry that Sunday Sweet Tooth is on hiatus. I have some goodies for you when I return. Anyway, I need your feedback on this track - it is from Shala of the Universal Motown recording group QUALO.

Shala "The Great Chicago Winter"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/344589456e9769/

No need to be fake with me - I don't know these people and this is the first time I've heard of them. I'm just helping someone gather some feedback...You don't have to download it to fully listen. You can just click on the link and it'll play..or it should. I won't tell you what type of music to call it, because I really don't know! You can leave the feedback here or just email me.

Thanks, Dee

8/27/07 Writing

Hello - Gotta be quick. I wrote 2 things this week. One being a WORDPLAY with KMass. He's such a nice guy, focus and driven - I just haven't been able to get into his music and the other piece is a FRINGE Festival pick "Debbie Does Dallas" musical. It came hard to me for some reason to write. I don't know why. Anyway, enjoy...

____

WORDPLAY with KMASS, 215hiphop.com, 8/28/07:

http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wkenneth-masters/#more-221

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Debbie Does Dallas Musical, Philadelphia Citypaper, 8/30/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/30/fest-guesses (scroll down)

Peace, Deesh

week of 8/20/07 writing - enjoy :)

I haven't been doing the Sunday Sweet Tooth and for that I apologize. It's just been an overwhelming 2 weeks, and I leave for Europe in 2 weeks. Anyway, wrote about 4 event this week - not much to say about them. Puppini Sisters looks like it is going to be a good show. The other one (Copywrite) I'm going to just to see friends perform, the other is a 'celebration of life' community event, and the other is Taragirl and Burndown at World Cafe Live. Until next time, check the links! Much love, DD

Copywrite, Viro the Virus, etc - Philadelphia Citypaper 8/23/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/23/copywrite-viro-the-virus

Puppini Sisters, Philadelphia Citypaper 8/23/07 (scroll down):

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/23/soundadvice

taragirl, Burndown Allstars, Philadelphia Citypaper 8/23/07 (scroll down):

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/23/soundadvice

Celebration of Life, Philadelphia Citypaper 8/23/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/23/just-do-it-3

Articles for week of 8/12/07

Hi - I am working on some deadlines right now, so I gotsta make this quick. You are treated to the reading pleasure of a Wordplay with MC, Ethel Cee. She gave good answers and people seem to really dig this one, so that's dope. The other write up is a fundraiser and awareness event for BEBASHI (blacks educating blacks about sexual health issues). It is a comedy showcase. I love BEBASHI and want to be more involved with them, but for some reason haven't gotten around to it, so this is the next best thing, I guess. Have a good Friday!

Wordplay with Ethel Cee, 215hiphop.com, 8/13/07:
http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wethel-cee/#more-216

BEBASHI Laugh for Life, Philadelphia Citypaper, 8/16/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/16/just-do-it

A week absence

My bad...I didn't write anything last week, because I have about 6 assignments due this week, and I didn't do the Sunday Sweet Tooth because it was a big family weekend and I'm just getting caught up. It all will be back beginning this Thursday, the 16th...
2 great things to note - taught a back to back gym class last night without dying and I got my plane and train ticket for Europe, which is 22 days away!
yeaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh.
See you Thursday, Deesha

Sunday Sweet Tooth - August 5, 2007

My computer is mad slow..so I hope to get through this okay without having issues. I am going to do a live blog next week. Have been to three concerts in the last week that are worth one blog...anyway...check this music out. Got a little hip-hop, dance, and just a jumbo of style. Hope you dig and find something new that you will enjoy...

Album: Finding Forever, Common, Genre: Rap

I love this man. Well, not really. I just love how cute he is, but all that aside - I hate the cover of this album, but not the content that is inside. My first hearing it fully was on the way to Canada last weekend. I found myself calling out like four different songs as my favorite, but I decided on "Break My Heart". It has an infectious groove and the chorus is catchy, romantic and all that jazz. It is easily a song that most women would love. I also love how they twisted the Nina Simone song, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" on the song appropriately titled, "Misunderstood". D'Angelo turns up also. Another song to note is "Black Maybe". The Kayne guest collaboration on "Southside" is surprisingly nice. I can't stand his voice usually. I just dig the message. Common isn't the strongest lyricist out there, it is just that with everything combined, it sounds so damn good. Check out tracks here: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1522/

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Artist: W. Ellington Felton, Genre: Ummm – let’s say hip-hop

But truthfully, it’s a little bit of everything. I know everyone says that when describing music, but in this case, it is true. I was introduced to this artist about 2 – 3 years ago, when his song “Beautifully Absurd” showed up on a Prince Paul album I was reviewing. I fell in love with the song, but didn’t hear much about the singer. Fast forward to this past weekend where this skinny, light skinned man came on stage to open for Fertile Ground …I still didn’t put 2 and 2 together until I got home and realized after looking online that it was the same dude. Entertaining, he is..and a bit different. He is very honest in his lyrics and his band is pretty tight. I suggest heading over and checking him out. Try the Kayne song, which is a bit of a call out on Mr.West’s hypocrisy. I thought it was dope. FYI - that picture is from the concert on Saturday: www.myspace.com/wellingtonfelton

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Song: O.Y.S. (Nite Train Mix) by Atlantic Conveyer, Genre: Downtempo

This is a song acquired through the GS trading group. I think it is just amazing, relaxing and calming, which I need right now. It is basically an instrumental with vocals thrown in here and there. The singing vocals are nice, the talking vocals I can do without, but I can overlook that because the song is so nice. It has a break in the middle with trumpet solo and when the beat comes back in, it’s chilling…and the groove never stops. The soundbites are a nice addition and I just overall dig it. I haven’t heard anything else by this group, so who knows how their other stuff is, maybe I’ll check it out. You can hear the song on their myspace..it’s the last one: www.myspace.com/atlanticconveyer

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Album: Introducing Tortured Soul by Tortured Soul, Genre: Dance

I can’t imagine how I’ve been doing this for a few weeks and haven’t mentioned this group. Maybe I have and don’t remember. I love this group. They are made up of 3 men, and I saw them open up for Los Amigos Invisibles and have been hooked ever since. What is mesmerizing about them is that they play all of their instruments, which is rare in dance music because usually the beats are generated via computer. The drummer is also the lead vocalist, and he is intense. I mean…it was frightening. I went up to a guy at the concert and asked him about TS and he said, “You will be hooked. I am”. I didn’t pay any attention and 8 months later, I agree. It is a bit soulful and although the beats can get redundant, the entire package is wrapped so nicely. They just came out with a remix with DJ Spinna called “Why”, but I suggest you checking out “Epic” (tempo changes are crazy), “How’s Your Life”, and my personal favorite, “I might do something wrong”. The high pitch voice might get to you at first, but give it a chance. www.myspace.com/torturedsoul

xo

Articles for week of 7/30/07

This week was grand and that is mainly because I was in Niagara Falls and Toronto. I loved them both. The magnitude of Niagara was overwhelming and the culture of Toronto was beautiful, seeped into my skin and made me want to go back. It was also great because I was stressed right before I went writing these pieces. Reason is because it was hard to sum up group Fertile Ground in 50 - 75 words. I love them and can't wait to see them this weekend. One of the other pieces was for GeoClan and I was happy to do that because they are an organization that stands for something, but it was hard because some of them are dear friends and I wanted to try and make it stand out from other art/music events, which I think I did. The other event is the 4th annual African Independence Day. The issue with that was not putting people off by making the organization sound extreme and also the hypocrisy of the organizers pushing positivity through the performers, yet having Gillie Da Kid slated to perform. And I just read the final and it is a bit different from the second draft I handed in, but that is all good. But ahhhh, they are here and done. I feel wonderful about writing up 2 community events also, since that is my core. I have to give love to my editors Monica, Tami and Pat. They listened to me this week and for that I'm grateful. Enjoy, Deesha

Fertile Ground, Philadelphia Citypaper, 8/2/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/02/soundadvice

GeoClan's Art Fix, Philadelphia Citypaper, 8/2/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/02/on-the-dl

African Independence Day, Philadelphia Citypaper, 8/2/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/08/02/just-do-it

WritingSchmiting for 7/22/07

That handsome fella above would be Philly MC Equinox. That picture is really just a hardcore persona, because he's nice as hell..well, to me he is. Equinox was the 215 Wordplay I did this week. I am going to try and branch out from people I know and the DJ/MC type. We'll see how that works. My other 2 assignments were for Citypaper I got and had to turn around in about 15 hours, but I got it done. One is the iStandard producer showcase and other is Maze and Frankie Beverly. Anyway...I am outta Philly for a few days. Can't wait. Anyway, enjoy. xoxo

215hiphop Wordplay with Equinox, 7/25/07:http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wequinox/#more-198

Maze and Frankie Beverly, Philadelphia Citypaper, 7/26/07 (scroll down in link):http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/26/soundadvice

iStandard Producer Showcase, Philadelphia Citypaper, 7/26/07 (scroll down in link):http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/26/soundadvice

Sunday Sweet Tooth - July 22, 2007

This week is something not so new and then 3 things that are new. It's a beautiful day outside, but I have so much little stuff to do that I'll probably just go for a run later and that's it...Anyway, check out these artists and enjoy...LEAVE COMMENTS and feel free to give me suggestions..I love discovering new music! xo

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For Lovers, Dreamers and Me by Alice Smith, Genre: pop/soul

Fantastic. This album came out awhile ago, and I did a review on it, which I can't find right now, but anyway...I saw her live for the third time this past Wednesday. Her voice is indeed a hate or love. I don't think it is anything that you can grow to love. Instantly upon hearing 'Love Endeavor', I knew I'd be a permanent fan. Her voice is very powerful. Her lyrics are standard, but when she sings the emotion comes out. Nice woman too. Check out 'Woodstock', 'Fake Is the New Real', and 'Secrets'. It's just something different, but I hope you dig it: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/794/ and www.myspace.com/alicesmith

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*NEW* Disrespectful by Chaka Khan featuring Mary J. Blige, Genre: R&B

Chaka, Chaka, Chaka - woooooooooooooahhhh. This song is from her upcoming album due out in September. I heard the entire song with Mary J, but on Chaka's MySpace you can only hear a snippet, but it's a good snippet. If you do get to hear the entire song, don't be put off by the typical and boring beginning, it gets better. This is definitely a dance song..it is stank type funky with Chaka hitting that high volume note. It can be mistaken for a little screaming, but all I want to do is get down to it. I can't wait to get this on MP3. I went to download it and it was gone...dang! Chaka still has it...for real. The song is here: www.myspace.com/officialchakakhan

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Bob Marley and the Wailers: Roots, Rocked, Remixed, Genre: Reggae/Dance

I don't know...I must admit that I'm not a big fan of reggae really, but I do dig Marley and company for their ability to crossover and still be true. However, I don't think that these remixes really sound smooth. It's a mesh between dance and reggae that I still am out to see about. While I appreciate the effort, it is going to take me some time to digest and listen to the whole thing completly, but because I respect Marley and some of the remixers, Imma give it a chance. Listen here: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1490/

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Billie Holiday Remixed and Reimagined, Genre:Jazz/Dance

I love Billie Holiday. Her voice is just timeless, her mood, emotion and the way she can relate to so many situations through her music. I really dug the Nina Simone Remixed and Reimagined, so I was looking forward to this. While some of the tracks should have been left alone, I think that this release of updated remixes opens up a brand new audience to Ms.Holiday. Listen to three of these remixes here: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1477

Writing articles week of 7/16/07

This week has been a bit subdued. A dear friend at work asked me what was wrong because I don't seem balanced. I am all good. Just chillin...but good! Tonight is the Alice Smith show. I am excited for that. This week, I wrote 4 things for the Philadelphia Citypaper. I decided not to write a review on the Mark Ronson show for a few reasons. Great show though. Anyway, looking forward to seeing Raul and Chrisette tomorrow! There is an article on that (Musiq headlines, but have seen him a few times and just not into him anymore). Wrote something on George Clinton (that man is still going), Noveau Riche (great band) and the Indie Rock Bingo event. Enjoy and I swear..some streaming is coming soon (Billie Holiday remixes!!!). xo

Indie Rock Bingo, Philadelphia Citypaper, 7/19/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/19/just-do-it-2

Musiq,Chrisette Michelle, Raul Midon, Philadelphia Citypaper, 7/19/07: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/19/musiq-soulchild-chrisette-michele-raul-midon

George Clinton, Philadelphia Citypaper, 7/19/07: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/19/soundadvice (Scroll down)

Noveau Riche, Philadelphia Citypaper, 7/19/07: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/19/soundadvice (Scroll down)

Writing for week of July 9, 2007

My bad for this being a few days late. Blame the Mark Ronson concert in New York and the four Citypaper articles, which are appearing this week. But anyway, I have the Sweet Tooth to do also, and to make up for the tardiness, I have some treats that I'll put up tomorrow. First of all, TV on Sunday nights suck! Anyway, the only thing I wrote for last week is the Wordplay with Philly based producer, Cimer Amor. He is a friend and such a kind soul, so I enjoyed giving him some love. Hope you enjoy it too. Oh, saw Donnie in concert this week also - amazing!

xo

Wordplay with Cimer Amor, 215hiphop.com, July 11:

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wcimer-amor/#more-194

Sunday Sweet Tooth....on Monday :0









This is a day late because I was on my laziness yesterday. I was emailing contacts all day for Cover Your Lover stuff for World AIDS day and before I knew it I was boring myself watching The Good Sheppard. Atleast it had Matt Damon in it and a few other cute pale boys.

Anyway, I have four recommendations that are all slightly different - hope you find one that sticks to you.

DJ Shurikan, Genre: House, Electronic

Okay, let me keep it real. I put this in here because he is fine as hell (white boy with blue eyes above). I mean..damn..I mean...wow! Could you imagine if I heard his accent? *faint* Okay, so off to his music. My favorite that I've heard was his tribute to J-Dilla, which is on his myspace page. What I dig about it is the groove and the mellow vibe about it. If you don't find yourself nodding your head just a bit, then you might want to check your pulse. Some producers and beat makers may not think it's all that..but I'm not either, so I do. Go add him as your friend and listen here: www.myspace.com/shurikan



Album: In My Element, Robert Glasper, Genre: Jazz

I picked this one immediately after Shurikan because this album also has a tribute to JDilla, that is really, really nice. It's called "JDillalude". It starts off with phone conversation, but then moves into a nice piano number overtop of a freshly laced beat. Other tracks to check out on there are "Y' outta Praise Him" and "F.T.B.". The entire album just feels good. I can throw it on while cooking, cleaning or entertaining. It's very chilled, but not boring and puts the instrumentation back in jazz...that piano..that piano..you must hear: www.myspace.com/therealrobertglasper



Elizabeth Shepherd Trio, Genre: Jazz

I was on a jazz kick this week really, and I'm so happy my dear friend in Germany (Hi Karen) put me on to Elizabeth Shepherd. She is out of Canada and I think her voice is unique, sweet and rare for a female jazz singer. I mean, not like extraordinary, but something about her manipulating notes and words makes me a fan. I currently am really diggin' the "Just Gettin' By" remix (I love how the progression of the beat sound gives it a dance feel), and "Midnight Sun" (very light, innocent and when the chorus picks up - stellar), and "Four", but that is because of the dancing. I'd love to see her live and I will. By chance, I'll be in Canada the weekend she is performing...lovely. I can't wait. Check her here: www.myspace.com/elizabethshepherd
and the video for "Four" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZYpNi9nTW4



Song: Steppin', Reel People, Genre: Soul/Hip-Hop

As I typed that I thought to myself what classifies soul as soul and not R&B and when did soul become a genre? Anyway...I got this passed on through an Italian friend (Costa Grande) - so Gratzi..wait, is that how you say thank you in Italian? I am so off course. I really love this song. It gripped me immediately, with the exception of the rap which sounds kind of out of place and I can't place who the MC is, but anyway...Vanessa Freeman chill relaxed singing on this track combined with the subtle breaks does it for me. Plus the positive message came at a time where I needed it. I think that this song serves as a motivation and the end of the track has a very smooth ending. I just really dig it, and hopefully you will too: www.myspace.com/reelpeople



Now off to that heat. Please leave comments and stuff!



Much love, DD

Articles for week of July 2, 2007

Hello and happy 4th of July to my fellow USA residents. It's beautiful in Philadelphia right now. Festivities everywhere and weather perfect. I am off for a run, but wanted to post these up first. This was a tough week of writing. I took up the challenge of interviewing Michael Eric Dyson who is a hip-hop noteworthy. I don't want to run down his resume, but this man is pretty fierce and opionated. He's challenged Bill Cosby and the ladies of the View (on air). He's written about Tupac and Marvin Gaye (just google him). First of all, I've never interviewed an author (it is usually musicians), never did a Q and A type interview for Citypaper and also hadn't read this particular book. It didn't get to me in time. Next, he talks and I mean a lot...so at the end of the interview I had 1200 words, which I had to somehow squeeze to 500! Editing someone like him isn't easy because everything is connected, and so if you pull one sentence, the ones around it don't make sense. And this isn't some indie musician I was messing with, so I really couldn't be lazy with it. And, we had to do the interview on the phone, so I was working off of a recorded phone conversation! I worked on it hard for days and turned it in a day late (sorry Monica), but ahhh...it's here and I am so happy with how it turned out. I will go see him on Tuesday also. Not that this man is so uber elite that I was scared. I was more worried about represented him correctly. Interviewing him was a huge step for for me...*wipes off forehead and breathes*

Philadelphia Citypaper, Michael Eric Dyson, 7/4/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/05/hiphops-hero


My next challenge was the people who are doing this DJ Aktive party. Aktive is an ill ass DJ and that is why I wanted to write it up. Never have I asked my editor to pull a write up, but after dealing with the promoter, I asked him to. Information was missing and attitude was flying and I really don't play that especially on a deadline. But, my editor didn't listen and ran it...atleast it is small and I didn't spend a lot of time on it...headache!

Philadelphia Citypaper, Welcome to Hollywood party, 7/4/07 (scroll down):
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/05/soundadvice

Next was MC Lightborn. He was a pleasure to talk to about his album. This write up is for his album release party which is this weekend. I won't be able to make it, but I wish him luck! Mad chill dude. Oh, this says that Elisa Ludwig wrote it...but I did! Not a big deal!

Philadelphia Citypaper, MC Lightborn album release party, 7/4/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/05/lightborn



I also got to write up a review for Mark Ronson's Version album. It's actually pretty good. Then I read somewhere that he believed Eminem was the Bob Dylan of rap and Tupac was basically repetitive or something. Ummmm...Ronson, Ronson, Ronson...my dear boy - someone told you wrong. I'm also going to see him (along with Stuart Zender) in New York next week. Yay for concert, ick for being broke..ha!

Giant Step, Mark Ronson Review, 7/7/07:
http://www.giantstep.net/features/184

That's it!

xo