Category: Doc’s Thumbs Up

Doc’s Thumb’s Up: Miss Kam FCTU featuring Ddm & Kotic Couture

Baltimore Artist Miss Kam is a force to be reckoned with creating buzz for herself straight out of BMore. She releases our most recent Doc’s Thumbs Up feature this month. The official video for FTCU featuring Ddm and Kotic Couture dropped in early June, and what can I say? What better song to pick from the Tew Faced album to be this LP’s first visual piece of art, than FTCU?

Miss Kam has been on the Doc’s Castle Media radar for quite some time now. The first time I saw her in action was in a cipher for Beet Trip Episode 60 summer of 2020. A year later, she creates buzz traveling for her musical performances and collaborating with other talented underground artists. Her efforts aren’t going unnoticed. Miss Kam is bursting out from the shadows so much so she mentioned in an interview with The Working Title Podcast that she’s even gained attention from the legendary hip-hop artist Missy Elliott following the debut of her We Are The World featuring Zadia official music video. So this lady is certainly a big deal.

Miss Kam released her LP Tew Faced last December 2020 via Bandcamp. It’s definitely worth blasting in your car, or even maybe in some headphones during your work shift since that’s how I listened. The LP is composed of 14 original tracks and features five other local Baltimore music artists. Awesome is she that the previously featured Doc’s Thumb Up artist for Faded, T.Ali is one of the honor guests.  Mentioned in her Bandcamp biography, Miss Kam “sets the tone with her rich, yet gritty contralto voice; all while being paralleled with angelic harmonies and unique production.” While she creates this audio art, she makes it “clear on delivering the audible conceptualization of what it truly means to be a Gemini.”

Miss Kam is definitely a “make it happen” queen. She understands the power of social media and uses it to promote original content. Simply check her numbers. She always keeps her social media booming running up retweets and likes while posting weekly freestyles and supporting other artists in Baltimore. My favorite campaign to watch is Freestyle Fridays when she posts new weekly freestyles for social media followers. She’s also a huge supporter of Bandcamp Fridays, a day when listeners can purchase music and an average of 93% of their money reaches the artist/label (after payment processor fees).

http://www.instagram.com/p/CQZeivjpIp8/?utm_medium=copy_link

Miss Kam often creates campaigns to promote her music and encourage the support of her peers. She collaborates with local business entrepreneurs promoting natural skincare and haircare products. Last summer she launched a campaign selling self-made beanies to raise money for her Tew Faced campaign. Doc’s Castle Media supported by purchasing and we received such a thoughtful note from the queen.

All this greatness said about this goddess, we want to give her her props where it’s due and grant FTCU with a Doc’s Thumbs Up for the hard work she’s putting in. 

FTCU features two other Baltimore’s hip-hop artists Ddm and Kotic Couture, both artists and representatives of the LBGTQ community, and also advocates in Baltimore’s Club music culture. They both made appearances in the club culture documentary Dark City Beneath the Beat directed by TT the Artist. Miss Kam couldn’t have chosen a better duo to shut it down for the video. Stylish, poised, and polished, yet still giving us a jab of fierce savagery through their lyrics, they definitely band together to show us how they come to “fuck the check up.” The track truly is giving us Gemini vibes. I’m a Gemini, myself. So I approve this message.

Watch full Video to FTCU featuring Ddm and Kotic Couture 

Listen to Miss Kam’s Tew Faced by visiting her Bandcamp.

What do you think about FTCU? Let’s start a conversation. Leave your comments below.

Baltimore Club Music Documentary Produced By Issa Rae and Directed by TT The Artist Now Streaming on Netflix

You could feel the spirit of K-Swift in the production in this one. Issa Rae, TT the Artist, and Nexflix come together to showcase Baltimore city’s club culture in Dark City Beneath The Beat documentary. 

Dark City Beneath The Beat initially premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music and American Black Film Festivals prior to the 2020 pandemic. The documentary premiered mid-April 2021 with a bang on Netflix while artists in Baltimore share in pride and excitement across their social media timelines opening weekend.

I can speak for many in Baltimore when I say we were a little skeptical of the documentary. It’s been years since I celebrated club music. I reminisce of my peak in embracing Baltimore’s club culture when I joined dance battles amongst my middle school classmates. I miss making up dance routines with my neighborhood friends. Those fun moments in my past that I associate with club music and viewed as a distant memory, aren’t as extinct to many artists like TT the Artist, DJ Mighty Mark, and DJ Blaqstarr.

It was in the early 2000s when the city lost its club music queen K-Swift. There are small glimpses of a rise of Baltimore’s club culture – back when K-Swift traveled and advocated nationally for house music prior to her passing. Without K-Swift, the aura is not the same. It’s like the people of Baltimore secretly get jealous of acclamations that other house music listeners from states like, for example, New Jersey claims “to being the land of the greatest club music, ever.” & Such claims are absolutely absurd, of course.

TT The Artist is a Baltimore city arts advocate and director of Dark City Beneath the Beat. She speaks about the hate she receives considered an outsider of Baltimore. Originally from south Florida, TT moved to Baltimore city and fell in love with Baltimore’s club culture while attending the Maryland Institute College of Art. When she left to pursue dreams in Los Angeles, she exited carrying with her the precious sounds of the Baltimore club mix to push an evolution. TT saw something magical. She felt that club music and dance were too good to keep confined to the streets and people of Baltimore city. She sees a culture that uplifts a community that also needs to be uplifted in return. So she created this documentary.

About the Film

The artists featured in the film have the charisma to share with the world what Baltimore’s club culture is about. What I and many other people lack is the knowledge of how they do this. The film sheds light on groups and organizations working to keep the Baltimore club music culture alive. Viewers learn a brief history of club music, the names of staple icons, such as dancers, singers, and producers, in the current Baltimore’s club music scene, and soak up the essence of feeling Baltimore’s original beat. The documentary isn’t so caught up on historical breakthroughs in club music by highlighting influencers that we so often hear of like the well-known Frank Ski, Rod Lee, and Ms. Tony. Rather we learn about influencers in the culture today. A new list of artists comprised of dancers and community leaders like Uneek and Tsu Terry.

I gave the documentary a shot the morning it premiered on Netflix and wasn’t disappointed. I had faith in it doing well so I support it. It stands as a good representation of what Baltimore club music does for those who live here. It’s not so prevalent in my lifestyle as it once was for me as a child, but the beat still speaks to me whenever I do hear Baltimore club mix. It’s near impossible to watch the film without doing the crazy legs or sexy walk in my chair. It should be the same for anyone who’ll stream the film on Netflix. I encourage others to give it a shot, too.

Overall the film gets a Doc’s Thumbs Up because TT The Artist served her purpose well. She paid homage to Baltimore and forged a visual representation for a famous Baltimore art subculture. She works her ass off helping to pave a lane for this art. The film is beautifully done. I commend her and everyone involved in the production of Dark City Beneath the Beat. It deserves to be celebrated.

Watch Hey Baltimore! Produced by Kariz Marcel and written by Rufus Roundtree and Eze Jackson.

This song was featured and can be streamed via the Dark CityBeneath the Beat soundtrack.

Do you have a favorite Baltimore club song? Leave your answers in the comments below.

Anticipated Dexter Baby Tee Collection Introduced to Fans in Short Film Dexy

The anticipation. The wait. As a matter of fact, when will it be? Who knows? But I’m with the chicks who appear in the short film produced and directed by Sofia Vidal along with Khamaree D. Owens. This comes as the second production shared by the two; their first being of the March 2021 promotion for Tre Stallion by Currency Studio. Their new collaboration for the 2021 release for Dexter Baby Tees premiered April 6th on @Dexter.us IGTV. Now after review, I can’t wait for these colorful tees to drop.

Photo Cred: Sofia Vidal

I’m not the one to follow fashion trends. I have a style about myself that most people can pick up if they truly pay attention to my wardrobe…if I’m ever spotted. Either way, I’m not a person someone would look to for influence on what to wear. I’m attracted to pretty patterns and bright colors. So initially the video drew me to the bright colors and pretty make-up done to the actors and models in Dexy.

If the Dexter Baby Tees aren’t for babies, then who would they be for? Welp, if you aren’t familiar with the brand, ‘it was the video for me’ that provided that insight. The production is quite intriguing and I want to know more about Dexter. So I did my research. Dexter is a clothing brand with over 2.6k followers to its Instagram account. A clothing brand with a simple, sexy, chic, and slightly grungy style. Designer and owner Dexter Williams promises to push the boundaries of fashion and innovation with the release of each of her collections. The Baby Tee collection, like the previous Dexter Summer 2019 and 2020 Ying Yang collections, should meet those expectations when it is released sometime in 2021.

Photo cred: Dexter.us Instagram

The accent, bright colors, and playful excitement of the 8 characters the director Sofia Vidal originates in the film evokes a warm fun flirty feel that equates to what I am truly anticipating…SUMMER. Will it be this summer that the Dexter Baby Tees will drop? We can’t be certain that this is what is to be expected. I want to be “dexy,” too. We’ll get to know what Dexter plans whenever she chooses.

Watch the Dexy via IGTV:

http://www.instagram.com/tv/CNVZ2Y5J9Tv/?igshid=ny2flmrm8jgv

The short film is an all-female production, features a few of Maryland’s Beauties, and credited to these awesome artists and brands: 

HMU @formulated.miracle @movakcollections

Talent: @calx33 @sweet.mlk @emmacheshire @j.heavy_ @trehanamary @ellikacross @hadiyadoll @effenanastasia @internationalscoots

Shout out to all the great talent!

What do you think about the drop of these new Dexter Baby Tees? More fashion short films? Leave comments below.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Ashley Sierra’s Dummy Official Music Video

Lately, it’s been all about supporting and watching out for Baltimore Artist here on Doc’s Castle Media. In keeping up the momentum by sharing yet another local artist, the Doc’s Thumb’s Up for this week is Ashley Sierra’s Official Music Video for Dummy.

[Read Busting Out of the Barrel: How to Support Baltimore Artists]

Ashley Sierra was put on my radar in 2015 at the 2nd Annual Baltimore Beat Club event hosted by recording studio Line Up Room. She was one of the many freestyle artists to grace the beat club stage and leave a lasting impression. I have followed her on social media since, and look how she’s a feature on Doc’s Castle Media. 

Ashley Sierra’s Dummy is a song glorifying the Baltimore slang term. The word Dummy is of authentic Baltimorean culture. It’s defined in the Urban Dictionary as a word to address someone no matter the situation. “What’s Up Dummy” is a common greeting amongst Baltimoreans. Ashley also gives plenty of examples of how the word is used in the track. 

[Read How Baltimore Talks via Baltimore Sun.]

When asked where Ashley got the inspiration to create the song, she says from simply being a Baltimore native. “Dummy is a part of our slang. We say it to refer to a friend or comrade. I just wanted to introduce the world to some Baltimore culture, as well as make a visual statement about the current division in America to encourage reconciliation between America and D.O.C (descendants of slaves)” she shares with Doc’s Castle Media.

Ashley’s use of the word Dummy is catchy and captivating. Similar to her branding and artistic persona, the song gives off a “homegirl” vibe. That’s why it doesn’t come off as a surprise that Ashley’s song gives me thoughts of a friend who’s there to the end no matter what the situation or cause. A “dummy” is just that. The matter is that she’s lyrically painting her visual of comradery but also being first hand that representation, is awesome in itself.

The song Dummy, for me, is reminiscent of moments from my childhood. It makes me want to sit on my front porch similar to how I used to do in the 90s with the radio blasting and a bunch of my neighborhood friends, or shall we say “dummies,” vibing right along with me.

Dummy is from Ashley Sierra’s latest EP Noir Cycle which is available to stream and download on all major streaming services. Click here to visit her Link Tree.

Watch the official video for Dummy:

Dummy is one slang word Baltimore uses often. Can you name other popular Baltimore slang terms used as lyrics in songs? List them in the comments below.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Rewind by HazmatCaz Official Music Video

I love the Hazmat Chicks; Caz and Remy! We go way back to kicking it in former recording studio The Dugout Dojo in Baltimore, MD. Whenever I see my girlies making things happen, definitely will share what pride I have in their work. This week’s Doc’s Thumbs Up is Rewind by HazmatCaz Official video.

[Watch Doc’s Thumbs Up: Hazmat Remi “Evolve X” Official Music Video on Doc’s Castle Media]

hazmatcaz
Photo from Hazmatcaz Instagram

Hazmatcaz, since having gone viral in early 2019 for her “Hood Siri” interpretation, has been featured by multiple news outlets such as Yahoo News, Fader, ViceTV,  and even snagged an interview with Kings of Comedy mogul and talk show host Steve Harvey. Caz’s blow up even caused her to start her own web series on YouTube to keep up with the hype of her newly found fame as Hood Siri.

But…Caz is a rapper first and has expressed plenty of times that she’d rather be recognized for her music. So I want to bring it back to highlighting the official video for Rewind because it’s dope like her.

Rewind is visually vibrant! Like the rainbow in Caz’s hair, every color of the rainbow appears in this video. Life looks great. It’s a life anyone who’d enjoy having a good time would want. Caz personally directed the video and did well creating that very visual of being young and fun. She talks about rewinding back to a time she’d love to relive “over and over.” Take her back to a time where she’d bask in the idea of doing these things “again and again.”

Rewind is an exclusive video from Hazmatcaz that can be found on her SoundCloud and YouTube channels. Watch the full video.

Hazmatcaz also released a new music video over the Christmas holiday for her new single Me. Watch the video via Hazmatcaz YouTube Channel.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CJRuNDIjjmN/?igshid=7z1p6bp48ier

So what do you think about the song? Is Hazmatcaz someone you want in your playlist?

Doc’s Thumbs Up: The Mighty Herd Studios Premieres “Liquor for Water” starring Damian Byrd Jr and Micaiah Jones

I’m branching off from sharing any music artist this week. I’ll give you a little break from the “Baltimore Rapper” and the singer’s scene.

The Doc’s Thumb’s Up is The Mighty Herd Productions Liquor for Water short film which was just released to the public Monday, December 1st at 8 pm ET.

The film is directed and executive produced by media producer and photographer David Wavey. I first caught wind of who Mr. Wavey was in 2015. He was my coworker at my 9 to 5 job at the time. But something about him screamed he’s different from the rest of these folk. Wavey, to me, was destined to be more than his surroundings and that’s why I chose to follow his artistic journey throughout the years. I love that I literally watched his photography and creativity grow.

Photo by schaunchampion

Liquor For Water follows protagonist Damian Byrd Jr’s conquest towards his living purpose. Uncertain whether he is destined to be better following God’s graces, he finds himself in a church airing his grievances to what the audience believes to be a priest played by Micaiah Jones. We later find out he should be more careful about what he asks for. The film is a play on the Christian parable of turning water to Wine. We see this at the end of the video when the protagonist finds that his spirit bottle was turned into water. Dun, dun, dun!

Other familiar names involved in this project are co-writer and filmmaker Raquel LM, producer LaTonya Joyce-Palmer, director of photography Michael J. Johnson Jr., working as assistant camera, director of the Lost Kings Series brand Terrence Smalls and numerous other Baltimore creatives.

Liquor for Water is now available to view on YouTube. Watch the Full Film below.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Faded by T.ali Official Music Video (Halloween Release)

Yes! Yes! Yes! I’m still sharing Halloween treats well into November. That’s what you’ll get, and should expect from me anyway when I share in the spirit annually participating in the holiday each year. For Halloween 2020, I chose dressing as a Covid Germ. But the Halloween treat featured as Doc’s Thumbs Up this week is hip-hop artist T.ali’s official music video for Faded. 

[Read: Baltimore Artist Contracts Coronavirus on Halloween and Infects 2 Seniors at Owings Mill Red Run Stream Valley Trail (Halloween Recap)]

T.ali, formally known as Kaseo, released visuals for his single Faded from his April album Since We’re Being Honest this Halloween. Finally! Listeners anticipated the video dropping as early as mid-September when casting calls for extras were first mentioned. A month and a half later, we can now feast our eyes on what’s been cooking. I just couldn’t wait to write about it because I already knew T.ali would push some greatness.

I was tuned into the hype posted every couple of days promoted on T.ali’s Instagram and other social media feeds. Mini clips of the mini horror film that advertised to us, the audience, as the official music video was finally pieced together into a full masterpiece. 

The video is relatable and reminiscent of growing up watching short, but somewhat lengthy-for-a-music-video, films. Music videos like Thriller and Bad created by the King of Pop Michael Jackson always come to mind as the greatest short musicals ever made. So when fresher artists take on the challenges to carefully create references that skew inspiration within their work to reach heights many other talents have previously succeeded in completing, pure greatness is bound to shine through. That’s what’s seen in T.ali’s performance; an artist who’s challenging himself to own and exploring those heights a plethora of talented people blueprinted. And he’s doing it while collaborating with many other dope artists, bringing them along for the ride too.

The video was produced by filmmaker Juba Productions, styled by Al Rogers, and makeup by Yeah Shae the MUA and Kay L.A.. The team of artists putting this project together is phenomenal. It’s right to assume that Faded would be a hit amongst the listeners because of the magnitude of dopeness. It’s not many times a group like this can come together and not produce great art. Some other Baltimore artists, just to name a few, featured in the video were Forty the Plug, Doowy Lloh, Da’Rious, Brandon Woody, Teddy Alexander, Miss Kam, J Lovey, and various others amazing dancers, actors, and singers. These guys really put on a show.

There’s a second release for the album Since We’re Being Honest this week Friday, November 6 for the deluxe edition. Listeners can get an even deeper listen to other tracks from T.ali and hear a few features from some of the artists spotted in the video.

Watch the full video to Faded:

Would you say this video is creepy? Would you bump this in your car? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Eze Jackson “Goals” Official Music Video

Baltimore rapper Eze Jackson released the visuals for his single to Goals mid-August, and I’ve finally gotten around to seeing it! Eze gets in our face about taking ownership of his crafts and surpassing all those people who “bluff” about what they do. Baltimore rapper and president of arts and entertainment brand Epic Fam tells us what he means when he envisions goals.

Watch the official video for Goals.

The first time I caught wind of Eze was in 2014 attending open mics around Baltimore City. But it was after I volunteered at Baltimore’s 2018 Artscape festival when I saw him perform Unapologetically Black, that I knew I was a fan of Eze’s music. His content has the ability for movement in people that not many artists can’t capture in their art. It’s also a rare commodity in “Baltimore Rappers,” and more generally, the crab artists of Baltimore City, as mentioned before in my blog series Quality vs. Quantity (Part 1): The Saturation of Wanna Be Artists In Baltimore’s Art Culture.

I wanted to share this video because it’s a humbling message to inspire moving in silence when working towards your goals.

The visuals in Goals look chaotic which brings my attention forward and alert. Words swarm across the screen. Silhouettes and images pop up in weird places. The video is everywhere. But as you listen to the lyrics and watch the video, all the same, you start comprehending Eze’s message. Everything is blah blah blah (means nothing) unless you’re really out here making things happen. This dude has tunnel vision for the chaos and “work” that other artists broadcast. He’s a veteran in his field with receipts to back up his accomplishments. The message is to hold what’s important to you, like your goals, at close range so that people who prey on your downfall won’t bring ill-will.

We all know that person who’s always blasting to the masses their next move. Or we know someone who gets way ahead of themselves blasting what they plan to do but never gets around to it. These people leave no room for mystery when it comes to what they have coming next, then ponder thoughts of why bad things happen or don’t happen at all. They leave room for their competition to plot and enemies to prey on their demise. It’s a rookie mistake. Honestly, do you see rap and hip-hop moguls like Diddy and Jay-z blasting their next business venture? Eze is making it known that that type of person isn’t allowed in his circle.

If you like the title track Goals, there is definitely more to come. Early October is the awaited release of the EP Goals; a masterful production brought to you by some of Baltimore’s great audio enhancers, one of the many who brought us the Baltimore Open Mic series event Baltimore Beat Club, Line-Up Room Production, Station North Sound and Mobtown Studios.

Do you have your calendars marked? Do you like this song? Leave if you’ll bump or pass this in the comments below.


Have you watched the video for the last Doc’s Thumb’s Up? Watch Doc’s Thumbs Up: Jai Ivy “I Know” ft. Luki Music Video Premiere on Doc’s Castle Media.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Jai Ivy “I Know” ft. Luki Music Video Premiere

Last time I did a Doc’s Thumbs Up was for 4tae’s “Right Where I Wanna Be” Official Music video in 2015. I definitely need to catch up because there is so much content I’ve seen over the years. I’ve watched so many artists flourish in their crafts. I’m just long overdue to share what dope work I come across. It’s when someone really makes me feel they put in the effort to make a creative piece, it deserves its praises from me. That’s why Jai Ivy’s “I Know” ft. Luki makes Doc’s Thumbs Up. 

Ivy dropped her music video for “I know” August 11th via her YouTube Channel. It’s a simple music video that tells a story of heartbreak, something almost every girl can relate to. Honestly, during the generations full of entanglements, hook-ups, and situationships, Jai Ivy’s style is a hammer to nail when it comes to the many woes in the emotional roller coaster we call a toxic love.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CB36gglJM5u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The video follows Ivy as she deals with some doubt about the guy she’s dating. They get into an argument, and we watch and get frustrated along with her in the many inaudible cut scenes of her in a debate with the male actor of the video. This scene isn’t unfamiliar. In fact I think this is how Ivy pays homage to many R&B divas before her.

Source: Beyonce -Irreplaceable

“I Know” Official Video has an old school 90’s throwback vibe, taking me back to the days of pretending to be Brandy “sitting up in my room” writing in my diary about my many teenage woes. Not sure if the video release was in correlation to the recent Netflix premiere of popular Black Sitcom Moesha. The thought definitely came up as I watched this video. And to top it all off this month, we also got the news that our 90s R&B goddesses Brandy and Monica will be battling each other in the highly anticipated 90s throwback Verzuz battle this coming week! AND it’s on Jai Ivy’s Birthday; August 31st! Woo!

Check Out Jai Ivy’s “I Know” Official Music Video Below:

Jai Ivy is a Baltimore Native artist who is often spotted attending local shows throughout the city. Her album Bleu can be found on all music streaming services. Take a listen to Bleu on Spotify. Follow her on Instagram at @lovee.ivy. 

What do you think about this song? Leave your comments below.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: 4TAE’s “Right Where I Wanna Be”

Today’s musician I’d like to highlight is Baltimore’s own R&B/ Soul artist 4TAE.

4TAE launched his professional career in 2005 playing with the Eubie Blake legacy jazz band and Marcell and the Truth. He has opened up for various artists, such as Anthony David, Anthony Hamilton, Algebra Blessett, and Lupe Fiasco.

http://www.instagram.com/p/BIDoGx-DgCM/?igshid=dd3xgfg7hoht

He also played alongside artists, such as jazz violinist Regina Carter and Raheem Devaughn. Along with the Trombone, 4TAE plays piano, bass guitar, and is a producer. He is currently working on his debut EP “Blue hart”.

Stated via 4TAE’s press kit:

“His music is described as a smooth explosion of hip-hop and R&B. Music lovers will enjoy listening to the sexy smooth sounds of this new artist.”

Well, I’ve had the chance to be the judge of that as I was tagged in a recent music video of him on Facebook. Check out, “Right Where I Wanna Be” below.

The video and song were quite cool. It very well did pass off a smooth kind of vibe. I think the video complimented the theme of the song very well, too.

What did you like about the song? Leave your comments below.

Listen to Duck Myers “Like Stars” Feat Sha-D  on Doc’s Castle Media.