writing for week of 5/5/08

*Picture Courtesy of www.myspace.com/musicmentorshipprogram

I only wrote one thing last week. I had a bunch of side projects to get done, and then I go on vacation, so this will be a little lacking with only 1 or 2 articles for the next 2 or so weeks, but trust that it will pick up. I've made a goal to finally put my portfolio together with all my articles. Trying to make this a serious side hustle...Anyway, this week I wrote about a program in West Philadelphia called the Music and Mentorship Program. They fill in where the formal education system fails, as far as music education. I also went to this benefit and it was awesome...little colored girls dancing, singing, composing, playing instruments....does it get any better? Enjoy, Deesha

Philly For Philly, Philadelphia Citypaper, 5/1/08:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/05/01/soundadvice (scroll down)

writing for week of 4/21/08 - reef the lost cauze...

Last week was a little nuts. I think I only wrote one thing. It was a brief review of Reef the Lost Cauze's song "Squeeze" off of his new mixtape, that is out NOW. See www.myspace.com/reefthelostcauze to get it or learn more about him...dopeness!

Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, Reef the Lost Cauze "Squeeze", 4/21/08:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2008/04/21/reef-the-lost-cauze-squeeze/

writing for week of 4/14/08

Hello - Let me keep this quick. In the past week or so, a lot has happened. Maia and I have started to brainstorm for an event we are putting together for girls in 2009 (more later), C and I have decided to go to Amsterdam (couldn't pass up the cheap flight), I got to see Reef perform (he is phenomenal - check him out at www.myspace.com/reefthelostcauze), register for summer classes (thanks C) and I got to sit in on the CNN Compassion Forum at Messiah college with Clinton and Obama..and I met Obama and had a brief cameo on TV...REAL BRIEF! Oh, I wrote 2 things...one being about the Prader-Willi benefit fundraiser and another on the Philly Hip-Hop Awards..enjoy the write ups and my CNN cameo!

Philadelphia Citypaper, Philly Hip-Hop Awards, 4/17/08:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/04/17/second-annual-philly-hiphop-awards

215hiphop.com, Prader-Willi Dash, 4/2008:
http://215hiphop.com/news/the-2nd-annual-dash-for-prader-willi/

Me on CNN briefly at Compassion Forum. You have to sit through the commercial in the beginning and then it'll go to Obama and I am around the 1:25 second mark..look to your left in red and grey striped shirt..ha:
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/politics/2008/04/14/sot.obama.torture.cnn

writings for week of 3/31/08

I wrote 2 things. One being an interview on a film about the street musicians in Philadelphia, and then another on the I AM HUMAN march and rally. I wanted to attend actually, but didn't get a chance to. Anyway, enjoy...

Brass, Skins, and Strings - Interview with director, Kareem Lateef, GeoClan.Com

http://www.geoclan.com/music/articles/06/interviews/KarimLateefdiscussesBrassSkinsandStringswithGeoClan.com.htm

I AM HUMAN march and rally, Philadelphia Citypaper, 4/3/08:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/04/03/just-do-it

writings for 3/24/08

I have three things to share with you this week. One being the Amp Fiddler and Tortured Soul review, the Lizz Wright write up from 2 weeks ago and the little small diddy on the Philly hip-hop show, In Full Effect..oh and I'll also add a link to the pictures from my 107.9 radio debut last week. It was a good time...Happy Spring, Deesha

In Full Effect, Philadelphia Citypaper, 3/27/08:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/27/soundadvice


Amp Fiddler/Tortured Soul Show Review, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 3/25/08:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2008/03/26/amp-fiddlertortured-soul-march-24-world-cafe-live/


Lizz Wright, Philadelphia Citypaper:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/13/lizz-wright

Cover Your Lover and Life-Zone on WRNB, 107.9, 3/20/08:
http://picasaweb.google.com/deesha34/CoverYourLoverAndLifeZoneOnWRNB1079

writings for the week of 3/10/08 and 3/17/08

Big day on the radio tomorrow. Anyway, I have a little cold, so I'll get right to it. Last week I wrote about 3 things, but only 2 appeared in the paper, Danity Kane and Beats & Rhymes. This week, I wrote about the eMC show and Amp Fiddler/Tortured Soul show. I love Tortured Soul and although that is a weird way to spend Easter, I am looking forward to it. Enjoy, Deesha

___________________________________________________

Beats and Rhymes, Philadelphia Citypaper, 3/13/08:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/13/soundadvice (scroll down)

___________________________________________________

Danity Kane, Philadelphia Citypaper, 3/13/08:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/13/soundadvice (scroll down)

____________________________________________________

eMC Show, Philadelphia Citypaper, 3/20/08:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/20/emc

____________________________________________________

Amp Fiddler/Tortured Soul, Philadelphia Citypaper 3/20/08:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/20/soundadvice (scroll down)

Article for week of March 3, 2008

*Photo by Michael Regan*


Good Morning - I am exhausted, but happy to be out of town for a few days starting tomorrow. This week was major for me because it was the Citypaper music issue and I got to write about DJ Lady B, who basically brought hip-hop to Philadelphia through the airwaves in 1979. And...she made the cover, which is a first for me in my 4 year Citypaper history. I stumbled a few times writing this and I wanted to make sure I got in what she felt about the current community and current state of hip-hop, but I didn't want to make it like a biography. I am happy that I got to write about a black female in hip-hop and also happy that she is 1 of 2 hip-hop stories in the issue today. I also started my new job last week (http://www.y-hep.org/), so I was all types of overwhelmed. So, anyway...please enjoy and give feedback if you like. Thank God and a bunch of other friends for helping me through. I am exhausted because we had Clayton's surprise Bday party last night where I almost set his friend Ninah's house on fire...long story....anyway....Gotta get to work...xo

DJ Lady B, Philadelphia Citypaper Music Issue, 3/6/08:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/06/no-seriously-dont-call-it-a-comeback

Writings for week of 2/25/08

What a crazy 2 weeks this has been. I am re-launching Cover Your Lover (Music AIDS organization) and that includes a website, new product and all that stuff. In addition, I started my other job at YHEP, which I really dig (http://www.yhep.org/), I had a HUUUUUUUUUGE story due last week and I am excited about it coming out on Thursday, but nervous. Today is Clayton's Birthday (happy birthday babe) and I am going out of town this weekend. Wooo....craziness! Anyway, I had 2 articles, one on the relaunching of the weekly Candyland party, which is a party with music, dance, and board games. Genius idea if you ask me. The other write up is of the Bodyrock Anniversary, which was last Friday with King Britt...more on that later, but for now, check them out....

Photo above by DJ Statik (http://www.illvibe.net/)

____________________________________

Candyland, Philadelphia Citypaper, 2/28/08:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/02/28/soundadvice

___________________________________________

Bodyrock Anniversary with King Britt, Philadelphia Citypaper 2/28/08:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/02/28/bodyrock

writings for end of jan/feb 2008

I have been slipping on posting these up. I figure if anyone read them, they'd let me know..ha..well, anyway, I have been really into the activism stuff and my new job transition lately, so haven't been writing so much. But all that will change in 2 weeks...Stay tuned. Okay, so the three things I wrote over the past few weeks are a review of the MLK Symposium 2008, Wordplay with Random and quick right up on the Deb Callahan Band. Enjoy, enjoy..enjoy, Deesha

******************

GeoClan MLK Symposium Review, Citypaper Critical Mass, 1/28/08:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2008/02/01/mlk-symposium-carriage-house-jan26/

*****************

215hiphop.com Wordplay with Random, 2/2008:

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wrandom/#more-460

*****************

Deb Callahan Band, Philadelphia Citypaper, 2/2008:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/02/07/soundadvice

articles for week of 1/21/08

The first full week of being 30 is indeed fun. Anyway, busy at work for year end and possibly...well, nevermind. More on that later. I wrote 5 things this week. One is the Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow show which is now sold out, the Money Folders2 and OFS shows, which are both underground hip-hop, a Wordplay on Scanz, an MC in Philly - who is just adorable, and the Boys2Men/Angie Stone show. I think it is actually her show, but because they are from Philly I only wrote about them. I also got asked to be on a hip-hop journalism panel at Temple! How dope is that? Have a great weekend and stay warm, Deesha

PS. The MLK Symposium is tomorrow. Please come on through!!!
www.geoclan.com/mlk

PPS. The pictures from the MLK Day of Service at Fishtown Rec Center are live! We froze our butts off, but it was all good. Check pics here: http://picasaweb.google.com/deesha34/MLKDayOfService2008

_______________________________________________________

215hiphop.com Wordplay with Scanz:

http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wscanz/#more-433

****************************************

Boys2Men and Angie Stone concert, Philadephia Citypaper:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/01/24/soundadvice (scroll down)

****************************************

Money Folders 2, Philadelphia Citypaper:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/01/24/soundadvice (scroll down)

****************************************

OFS, Philadelphia Citypaper:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/01/24/soundadvice (scroll down)

***************************************

Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow, Philadelphia Citypaper:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/01/24/cut-chemist-dj-shadow

Writing for the 2008 - up to 1/16/08

Happy New Year, and what a beautiful one it has been so far. 2008 is here and I'm 30 as of yesterday! Anyway, who cares about that? I did some writing so far this year, and actually some of this might be from last year like the Ninth Wonder party, which was also DJ Ultraviolet and Reef's Bday parties and the Greyboy AllStars concert. This year, I did a Wordplay with Illit, a write up on MLK Day coming up (which was edited pretty heavy...not complaining, just saying) and also a very choppy write up on the townhall meeting with the new police commissioner. I was supposed to have a write up for Hip-Hop Lives , but I don't know what happened to that! I have a lot to do for next week and Although I just came back from vacation, I have a travel bug too..ugh!

Enjoy, Deesha

*The only picture taken by me is the 9th Wonder pic*

*************************

215 Wordplay with Illit, 215hiphop.com, last week sometime...:

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-willit/#more-401

*************************

Ninth Wonder/DJ Ultraviolet/Reef the Lost Cauze Party, Critical Mass (Citypaper), 12/28/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2008/01/02/9th-wonder-dec28-fluid/

*************************

Greyboy AllStars, Critical Mass (Citypaper), 12/27/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2008/01/02/the-greyboy-allstars-dec27-world-cafe-live/

************************

Commissioner Ramsey Townhall Meeting, Critical Mass (Citypaper), 1/15/08:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2008/01/15/commissioner-ramsey-townhall-meeting-jan14-south-philly-high-school/

************************

MLK Day Events, Philadelphia Citypaper, 1/17/08:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/01/17/dream-works

my last writing of 2007 - amy, amy, amy

It's almost 2008! This has been a great year really. I mean...a lot of non-great things have happened, but I really can't judge my year by those, right? Anyway, I only wrote one thing this week and that is a brief review of Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black" album. It made the top 21 2007 releases for Citypaper, and it was my number 4, so I got to write it up. Because Amy is a hot mess right now, I feel the need to profess how much I love her music, so you will also find a concert review I did in May and also a longer review of "Back to Black" I did for Giant Step in April. I'll put my top 10 for 2007 below too. Enjoy and have a wonderful New Year! xo

PS. If you haven't checked out the Elizabeth Shepherd Trio, you need to do so now...I love her!

www.myspace.com/elizabethshepherd

**********************************************

Citypaper Top 21 for 2007, Amy Winehouse - Back to Black, #7, 12/27/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/music/top10/2007/

While Amy Winehouse is a hot, troubled mess — as I type this, the drugged-out bag of bones is chillin' in a London jail — the brilliance of her U.S. debut can't be denied. Her formula, mixing retro sounds with emotionally accessible lyrics, is infectious. Out of that mangled beehive came commercial hits like overplayed "Rehab" and the Ghostface-laced "You Know I'm No Good," which balanced out lesser-known gems like hip-swaying "Tears Dry on Their Own" and ballad "Love is a Losing Game." Hate on her publicly if you want, but be for real — you know Back to Black is a dope (no pun, no pun) ass album. - Deesha Dyer

***********************************************

My Citypaper Top 10 for 2007:
Amy Winehouse Frank (Universal Island)
Common Finding Forever (Geffen)
4Hero Play With The Changes (Raw Canvas)
Amy Winehouse Back To Black (Universal Island) [CP Top 21]
Elizabeth Shepherd Trio Besides (Do Right Music)
The Brand New Heavies Elephantitis: The Funk and Soul House Remixes (Delicious Vinyl)
DJ Jazzy Jeff The Return of the Magnificent (Rapster)
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings 100 Days, 100 Nights (Daptone)
DJ Junior Excursions (recordbreakin.com)
Ben Westbeech Welcome to the Best Years of Your Life (Brownswood)

**********************************************

Giant Step, Amy Winehouse, Back to Black Review, 4/2007:

http://www.giantstep.net/features/172/

**********************************************

Giant Step, Amy Winehouse Concert Review, 5/2007:

http://www.giantstep.net/features/177/

Writings for week of 12/17/07

Happy Holidays. I didn't get around to posting this last week, so here goes. An article on the Homeless Memorial Day and the last of the 215hiphop.com Wordplay Rap Up. I also took some pictures at the 2 year Zodiac party that was last week, so I'll include that link too. Enjoy, Deesha

****

Zodiac Pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/deesha34/Zodiac2YearAnniversaryDec2007

****

Homeless Memorial Day Service, Philadelphia Citypaper, 12/20/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/12/20/just-do-it

****

Wordplay Rap Up, 215hiphop.com, 12/24/07:

http://215hiphop.com/features/deeshas-2007-rap-up-wordplay-part-iv/#more-403

Articles for week of 12/10/07

Hello everyone - I am still home recovering, but doing okay. Last week, I wrote up 5 things...Two were previews for 2 shows, Bilal and the 215hiphop Toy Fundraiser, another was a new feature for 215hiphop, which basically just asks the favorite album, song, and concert for 2007 of different people in the Philly community, and the last is an interview with Jamiroquai percussionist Sola Akingbola as he discusses his latest solo effort. Enjoy, Deesha

Bilal preview, Philadelphia Citypaper, 12/13/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/12/13/soundadvice

215hiphop toy fundraiser, Philadelphia Citypaper, 12/13/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/12/13/soundadvice

Sola Akingbola Interview, GeoClan, 12/13/07:

http://www.geoclan.com/music/articles/06/interviews/AnInterviewwithSolaAkingbola.htm

Wordplay Year End, 215hiphop.com, Parts 1 and 2:

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

Writing for Week of 12/3/07

It is snowing. Winter isn't even officially here yet! Anyway...this week I wrote 2 reviews. One of the Redman show. I wasn't going to go, but last minute I did. It is also Clayton's favorite rapper, so it was good to enjoy that with him. Redman was crazy, and so good. One of the best hip-hop shows I"ve been to in awhile. Next was the Philly's Men Are Cookin' event, which is an event to raise money for a scholarship for lower income students. It was a lot of men cooking a lot of dishes. I had a wonderful time there too. I also did a WORDPLAY on MC Tone Trump from West Philly. Last piece is a preview of the Babyface concert that is this week. Oh snap - I don't think I ever posted up the WORDPLAY with Digs Darklighter, MC and graf artist. Damn...okay, that one is here too. Enjoy!

Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Philadelphia Citypaper, 12/6/07 (scroll down):

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/12/06/soundadvice

Philly's Men Are Cookin', Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 12/3/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/12/03/phillys-men-are-cookin-nov-24-national-constitution-center/

Redman, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 12/4/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/12/04/redman-nov-30-trocadero/

Digs Darlighter, 215hiphop.com, 11/2007:

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wdigs-darklighter/#more-345

Tone Trump, 215hiphop.com, 12/5/07:
http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wtone-trump/#more-376

articles for week of 11/26/07

Hello - I recently joined Facebook. I'm finding so many college people on there, as MySpace I find more high school people. Anyway, I am feeling a bit lumpy, so I gotta hit the gym, but before I do..check these out. I wrote about the Redman show that is coming up on Friday. If you are reading this and want to go, see me on how you can get half off tickets. I also wrote about Bodyrock, which returned last week with DJ Skeme Richards. Enjoy both!xo

___

Redman, Philadelphia Citypaper, 11/29/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/29/redman

___

Bodyrock w/DJ Skeme Richards, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/28/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/28/bodyrock-w-dj-skeme-richards-nov23-m-room/

article for week of 11/19/07

Happy Thanksgiving! I can't wait to eat tomorrow. This week saw me doing a review on the new Amp Fiddler album (see post below this) and a write up on the Low Budget Crew show, which includes Kev Brown, Oddisee, Ken Starr and State Store. That's it! Be sure to also check me out over at www.myspace.com/coveryourlover

xo

Low Budget Crew, Philadelphia Citypaper, 11/21/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/22/low-budget-crew

Amp Fiddler - Afro Strut Review

Amp Fiddler

Afro Strut

Released: Sept.2007

More info including where to buy: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1654

The latest slice of music by the multi-talented Amp Fiddler contains a healthy dose of funk, soul and dance. Aptly titled, Afro Strut, Fiddler mixes up styles, tempos and vibes to provide an overly satisfying listening experience.

The groove starts with opening track, 'Faith', and it never lets up. The song’s serious bass line lays the undertone for a solid offering. Saadiq’s contribution is definitely heard. The vibe then transitions when Fiddler teams up with breakout star Corinne Bailey Rae on up-tempo vintage track, 'If I Don’t.' The sections where they are singing in unison, like the second part of the chorus give the song an innocent and school crush feel. Some other standouts worth mentioning are 'Right Where You Are' (the beat that comes in around the 35 second mark fits perfectly), 'Ridin', which has both house and disco elements, and 'Come See Me', a track that has Fiddler showing off his falsetto over a laid-back beat - very slick and smooth.

Before getting to my favorite track, I gotta give props for the Jimi Hendrix cover of 'Hey Joe'. This is a dangerous move, afterall…it is Hendrix. Fiddler embodies the original with the vocals and even the rock sound. There are a bit of new millennium generated sounds thrown in, but they aren’t that bothersome truthfully.

I mentioned that I had a favorite and that would be, 'Heaven', featuring soulstress Stephanie McKay. The way the song opens gives me chills…it is haunting and uplifting. McKay and Fiddler make a beautiful combination. The song is soft and speaks of finding solace in tough times – something everyone can definitely relate to.

Afro Strut was released at the right time. Fiddler’s experience and talent with various instruments and with different bands show through the crisp clean sound and production. There are parts within songs where I am just surprised and touch by the adlibs, a hit of a key or stroke of a guitar.

The CD just feels good and I actually play it the entire way through. Can’t think of when the last time I said that about a male funk or soul release.

articles for week of 11/12/07

2 reviews this week. 1 that was easy - Spinderella at Fluid and one that was hard - Stevie Wonder at the Wachovia. Reviewing a DJ is as easy as saying how they did and a few songs they played, but reviewing a LEGEND was a bit harder because I am just afraid of missing or messing something up, but it is my opinion and my review, right? Hope you enjoy them both. The Stevie one has 2 You Tube clips so check it fo' real...xo

Stevie Wonder Concert Review, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/14/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/14/stevie-wonder-nov8-wachovia-center/

DJ Spinderella Review, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/12/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/13/dj-spinderella-nov9-fluid/

writing for week of 11/5/07

Last week was so crazy that I didn't get to put these up until today. I have so much writing to do...the Stevie Wonder concert review being one of them..WOW..he was AMAZING, and I don't use that word lightly. Anyway, time is short...I wrote about this party Clayton and I went to with a bunch of DJ's, but we only got there in time for ?uestlove! Also gave a little preview to the Spinderella DJ party, which was dope...gotta do that review too, and the last one I did was a write up for the hip-hop band, Philly Slick, who had their album release party over the weekend.

Enjoy, Deesha

__

DJ Spinderella, Philadelphia Citypaper, 11/8/07 (scroll down):

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/08/soundadvice

__

DJ ?uestlove, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/5/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/05/dj-uestlove-nov-3-silk-city/

___

Philadelphia Slick, Philadelphia Citypaper, 11/8/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/08/philadelphia-slick