A Nod To A Writer I've Never Met

I never met a 98 year-old man by the name of George Whitman before, but was rather inspired by the obituary The New York Times wrote in honor of him. That being said, as I will now not have the opportunity to shake his hands, I did have the chance of visiting his bookstore, Shakespeare & Company, that is situated right on the Left Bank in Paris. If the walls of this solitary book haven could talk, I'm sure it would be a classic novel in itself. Having been a familiar stop amongst literary mavens such as Hemingway and James Joyce, Whitman's Shakespeare & Company also offered refuge for traveling novelists and visiting poets.

Beyond all the stories of who laid footsteps in his bookstore, what fascinates me the most is his own personal story. Whitman was born in East Orange, N.J. and grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. His father's career often meant much traveling for Whitman and his family. Eventually, he went to Boston University and majored in journalism. After graduating, he continued to explore the world and write. His studies didn't stop there as he enrolled in Harvard, but had to change his plans once he enlisted in the army in 1941.

Whitman served until the end of WWII and despite that abrupt change of pace for his life, his journey exploring didn't. He finally settled in Paris and used his G.I Bill to start a small lending company in a hotel near the honorary Sorbonne. The rest is literary history.

Even as the humble beginnings of Shakespeare & Company eventually earned famed company to walk through its doors, it seems to have held onto such a quaint and placid vibe surrounding it.

My first recollection of any special association to a bookstore was my childhood replays of Belle singing through the villages in Beauty and the Beast. She loved that one book in that one bookshelf in what seemed as the only bookstore around. So when I finally lived in Paris for a month about 3 years ago, the travel books recommended a visit to Shakespeare & Company. The shelves were filled from top to bottom with racks of books that I've never heard of but could only imagine what mystery existed between their pages.

I did recall reading the walls that posted sayings such as "Be not inhospitable to strangers, lest they be angels in disguise" by Irish poet W.B. Yeats.

I enjoy that quote even though I might disagree with some of the stances Yeats held as an Irish public figure. I digress.

This is about a notable bookstore that came about by a man's quest for a journey and the ability to write about it. Who am I to point fingers at our human condition and the things we've said and done in the past. And that was rightfully expressed with the lifestyle of this 98 year-old man I've never met. They say he lived at the apartment right above the store. In a very odd recollection for my own sake, maybe he was hanging out in his Euro flat, sipping some earl green tea, thinking about the Jets or days gone by, all the while, a young writer from Queens stood in awe of his creation.

photo cred:Madamelani

Visual Appetite: Jesse Boykins III

This is why I do it.

Candid moments when an artist allows us to dive into the essence of their affair with music. But the point that seals the deal is when actual substance and talent coincide with their overall presentation.

Coming from a perspective as one who enjoys creating poetry, and more importantly the message behind it, I understand the vitality of the "craft." Words not to be spoken just because they can, but rather because there is meaning. I suppose it's a mutual understanding as artists. Which is why respect is given when due.

Meet, or for followers of his beginnings since '08, be reintroduced to Jesse Boykins III.

We could sit here and discuss his accolades and his Soul Train Music Award Nomination, but that's another post. *crossing fingers*

I recommend taking a look see at this 3 piece film Reebok covered that highlights the process behind this indie soul artist and his craft. (Didn't even know Reebok jumped on the music train like that) but hey, sure glad they did. Enjoy.

Part 1

Part Deux

Part 3

Mash It Up: "De La Soulviet" x TenDJiz

Da Vinci had The Sistine Chapel. Dostoevsky had The Brothers Karamazov. Einstein had revolutionary theory. The success of such ingenious creators of intelligent masterpieces are sometimes gauged upon that one particular piece or creation. As for producer/sound engineer, DJ Tengiz, his take on matching interesting sound bites from Russia to the masses of hip-hop and beyond are as revolutionary as Tsereteli himself.

On the surface, De La Soulviet itself can come across as just another remix refreshing the hits of the hip-hop pioneer group De La Soul by some self-proclaimed producer who sits at home with their digital audio workstation. But what you might not know is that DJ Tengiz brings to the plate an opportunity to hear how incorporating Soviet jazz and soul music to a hip-hop sound sees no borders . The M Report got to know more about the mastermind and his latest release De La Soulviet. Watch out Neptunes and Swizzy, Russia’s got a brand new bag.

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I sort of have this Wizard of Oz -type perception about you. Like the mind behind the magic of the production that goes on at Tengiz Recordz is this mysterious force without a trace: not many personal pictures or blasting of information on Twitter, etc. So tell us about yourself.

Thank you! Originally I'm from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. In the '90s I produced a huge hip-hop hit for the artist Mister Maloy. It was something like the "Nuthin' but a G Thang" joint for Russia. The project sold over 1 million copies. It was the first Russian rap song which got airtime on TV and FM stations. After that, I worked as a producer and sound engineer for hip-hop artists that have won top awards at Russian MTV Music Awards. Altogether I've produced hundreds of beats and mixed several thousand songs. In the beginning of 2010, I moved to Miami and launched my own record company.

How does your studio impact Miami’s music scene?

When it comes to music from Miami, the big names are Rick Ross, Pitbull and Flo Rida. But there is much more to the South Florida scene than the trap-rap bangers or dance hip-hop. These days, there have been a lot of new artists that represent "The New Miami movement". The sound those musicians provide to the people is different from Miami mainstream hip-hop. They are known for their smooth stylings and soulful beats.

During the last year, I recorded and mixed about 10 albums for the artists who represent the New Miami movement such as Vurn, YNG, Streets Buchanon, Shanetane to name a few.

Let’s talk about your roster of clientele. You have artists who have done shows with mainstream artists like Wiz Khalifa to artists who are more on an international platform. They seem to make waves in their own respected industries. Is there a pre-requisite in order to get your attention or studio time?

I have a great deal of experience with many music genres. I've made music for video games, TV commercials, etc. I'm happy to work with new artists because everyone is unique and I learn something new every time. Also I've been looking for that artist with whom I can build a full project with. I've been searching through Miami music blogs and twitters for interesting MCs and groups.

Your first produced album was entitled “Soulviet Beats.” What was the inspiration behind this mix and was it after your first production that you decided “De La Soulviet” would be born?

De La Soul is the group that inspired me to become a hip-hop producer. I used to listen to "3 Feet High and Rising" and "De La Soul is Dead" and dug through soviet vinyl for the similar grooves. Since then I've been collecting USSR music soul/jazz/funk samples. When I moved to Miami, I got an idea to combine American hip-hop and Soviet soul. I began to work on the project about half a year ago. During this process I've created around 30 beats. I've chosen only 12 for the De La Soulviet mashup. So I decided to drop an instrumental album called Soulviet Beats."

Once I heard the album, my neck muscles were probably strained from how much I was nodding my head in appreciation for the sound. It was def in tune with the essence of hip-hop. Tell folks out there why Soviet Union soul and jazz was incorporated into this production.

Thanks! I’m happy you like the album. Actually, I love to create music that people have never heard before. I have a large collection of soviet vinyl and rare tunes from USSR movies. Most of my beats are composed from samples that many people are not familiar with.

With all the feedback you’re getting from this release, what do you want listeners to take from it?

Well, the main stereotypes of the Soviet Union are snow and cold. Not many people know that musicians from the USSR could play warm jazz and soul music. So I want to share those good vibrations with listeners.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

On 10/20/2011 I'm going to drop TenDJiz 2010GIZ (New Miami Mixtape). It will be 20 tracks I recorded and mixed at TenDJiz Miami Studio during 2010-2011. Tracklisting consists of the artists who represent the New Miami Movement. Also I’m planning on starting a few new projects in the near future and look forward to sharing it with you shortly.

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Get your own free "De La Soulviet" mashup album here:

"De La Soulviet" by Dj Tengiz

Twitter: @delasoulviet

ER: Event Recap with Gentleman Jack

Greetings everyone,

Pardon me, this event's pics have been way overdue! I was live tweeting from the event though, so there goes my lackluster excuse as to why the accompanying pictures are just being posted now. I figure eye candy is eye candy -- rather expose the goodies than keep them to myself.

I've also been steadily brainstorming on the kinks for the new project in the making in accordance to this blog and have since teamed up with a great photog to get the ball rolling. So ya'll understand and still love me right? Thx :)

Event Recap

This is a national event that tours different metropolitan urban cities to expose its self-proclaimed title, art beats and lyrics. Different artists from various cities provide the arts, but the beats and the lyrics are mostly local talent.

I'm pretty sure local artists might have contributed pieces to the art exhibit that was in their city. I found the Houston stop to be very New York City influenced ie. the subway piece. But historically fitting, the Bronx bore the child that is hip-hop. Therefore, I should say the art exposition fancied exactly what was previously mentioned, the art beats and lyrics of hip-hop;

the art form that existed since tagging came into fruition. The heart beat, the boom boom bap, resonated in city emcees and breakers alike. And lastly the lyrics, the words that flew from the mouths of those who came to accept and obsess with the music that is and was hip-hop.

May I present to you Gentleman Jack's Art Beats + Lyrics event.

Dj Flash Gordon Parks from H.I.S.D on the ones and twos

H.I.S.D Space Rocking the Night

Vibes

Dilla

What's unique about this piece is that, if you zoom into her right hand's forefingers as well as her left hand's middle and index finger, it spells out "hear me" and I'd like to come to the conclusion that she is a musician, a bassist or cello player as in her profile picture."youth" says his grill

The Legend

and of course, here's me doing what I do best: being silly!

you thirsty, honey?

gotta catch that daggone F train!

Well, that is all for now folks, more updates I promise.

Peace & much love to ya,
The M Report

AR: Album Review x Bey's "4"

Greetings Fam!

So I was able to sit down with Beyoncé's latest album entitled "4" and here's my brief review.

Agree or agree to disagree, whatever's clever!

I'd like to think many artists use their music to portray their current state of mind or what they're going through or what they've been through. Kind of like a journal made through music.

If that were the case with Queen B, she's all the colors on a mood ring. Except the dark gray color, know what I'm talking about? That's because the dark grey color usually represented anger or gloom. And that's not what this album's necessarily about.

It's about falling in love, dealing through love, knowing that you're a ROCKSTAR LADY and having fun! She's head over heels in love with her man (throws up the Roc sign) and she's not afraid to share it with the world this time. I must admit that compared to her last LP, " I Am...Sasha Fierce" it seems that she might have put more time and effort into this album. Bey's said to have made her previous LP under a quick turn-around time.

"4" has great production work with Bey going through her usual vocal ranges. There's the uptempo pop songs that bring a new light to all those nights you had to dance to "Single Ladies" with "Party" featuring Andre 3000 and Yeezy. "Countdown" is up there as well as "Run The World (Girls)" with one unifying common thread. And that is she makes sure everybody knows she will continue to rep her block when she shouts out to Houston, Texas as the city that raised her.

Upon first going through the songs, it took some time to build momentum. Nonetheless, there are some standout songs to choose from such as "Love on Top" and "Rather Die Young." "Love on Top" gives off a 90's throwback hit because the production and style of this song remind me of a song that would contend for the top when superstars like Tamia were still making hits.

The prevalent theme of girl power wasn't dismissed with this album and I don't think it ever will. You can't be mad at that because Beyoncé Knowles will always know how to unite the ladies (and the gentlemen) who know how to dance like there's no tomorrow.

Only three words remain: You Go Girl.

AI: Artist Interview x 2-Twenty Music

As if the music industry isn’t competitive enough, enter underground hip-hop. Where one artist under a major record label is granted the means to make their music buzz-worthy, underground artists have to do just as much legwork, if not more, in their own capacity. Therefore in an environment not necessarily understood nor easily exposed, where hustle is the name of the game, how can camaraderie exist when everyone is out for their own shine? 2-Twenty, a local group of college students who are vouching to take the new wave of underground hip-hop to the next level, one college kid at a time, seem to have some answers.

“When we first started, we were “the other guys in the room,” says Gene. “But now, it’s like we’re starting to get love because everyone sees how hard we work. If we’re in the building, we’re going to shake everybody’s hand and we’re going to introduce ourselves to everybody and we are going to let you know that we are 2-Twenty. It’s good though. Underground’s great, I love it.”

Gene, EscalatorUp, Haize, and DJ Auditory compromise 2-Twenty. Three emcees hailing from three different states and one hometown DJ are set to take Houston’s college music scene by storm. Having been one of the opening acts for this year’s University of Houston Frontier Fiesta featuring Wale, the group’s initial beginnings were actually a touch of undergraduate fate.

In spring semester of 2010, Calvin Green, better known as Gene, was living in the dorms at University of Houston when a new roommate was displaced. Marc Haize, also known as Haize, was living there as well as an out-of-state by way of Detroit- student. Gene introduced Haize to his recorded music he once plugged while living in Japan during his military assignment with the Navy. Together they shared the connection of both living out of the country, specifically Japan, while their talents meshed to form MH and Gene.

Less than a month later, the two met Lonnie or EscalatorUp, who had to be somewhat persuaded to join them after hearing that he could rap. He agreed and since then, the name of their game consisted of a path filled with trial and error. Trial had taken place at a handful of venues etched in their memory.

“913 Prairie, as many times as we promoted it, 913 Prairie,” recalls Haize. “It’s like a little hole in the wall.”

Haize could pinpoint the exact location of venues they took up, such as Escape Lounge on 913 Prairie. Or 511 Main, which is Club Heat, and Zula Lounge, where they performed on a tiny wooden box. That event resulted in EscalatorUp literally falling off due to the mishap stage’s incapacity to handle all the hype. During that time, they incorporated DJ Auditory into the scene. This Houston native was to add a special touch to all their shows and help play their music.

The group also figured the next moves required transitioning from the club atmosphere into doing actual shows that garnered a larger crowd. That led to acquiring one of the independent stages at the 28th annual Los Magnificos Car Show. All good except for when they were about to take stage, Chris Brown simultaneously went on to perform his set. With all attention fleeting before their eyes, the setback was still a long way from their club days. Not to mention, this group has a unique optimistic outlook on the struggles they face, be it school, music life or their personal life.

Take it from their single entitled “Sail On” that came out this year. Their sampled Commodores track is a subtle and smooth backdrop to bars that discuss their current reality filled with frustrations.

“I’m kind of like sail on,” says Gene. “No matter what happens to you or what you go through, you just gotta keep it moving, you can’t just dwell on it.”

The group has since released 5 singles from their two mixtapes entitled “School Daze” and the following “Extra Credit.” Other songs include “All That” which is their take on Biggie’s hit “Juicy” with all its similar lyrical themed packaging of envisioning dreams before making it. You’ll be sure to hear some songs heavily influenced by the opposite sex. “Hear Me Out” and “Under-Rated” spit game to the ladies and include the vocal talents that Gene perfected while in high school. Another rapper/singer cliché you say? Just take a minute to appreciate the mixtapes before jumping on the bandwagon, and then one might feel indifferent.

2-Twenty’s come up story is, well, still coming up. They’ve outgrown their days of flipping their pants around like Kriss Kross and memorizing unheard Eminem lines. But they’ve yet to perfect their craft. Still, after a successful experience during their latest shows at Frontier Fiesta, which they’re actually set to perform again next year, to Miller Outdoor Theatre’s “A Night To Remember”, 2-Twenty describes what onlookers might not expect.

“Progression, it’s only going to get better.”

AI: Artist Interview: 2-Twenty Music

Coming soon!