Category: Random News

Baltimore Artists Expose CM.Ball Festival Organizer as Scammer Bringing Awareness to Fraudulent Business Practices and Misogyny

The 5th Annual CM Ball Music Festival was cut short after the owner of CM.Pops Ky McCoy’s mistreatment towards Saxophonist Rachel Winder post her scheduled Saturday night performance at the culture festival. Days later, a social media protest emerges bringing awareness to allegations of fraudulent practices and misogynistic abusive behavior against female performers of the festival. Spoken word poet Maya Camille and artist Amorous Ebony support artists in a Cash App campaign to pay performers not compensated for their participation in the event.   

Just short of a week following the blow-up of the Stardust Music Festival, Baltimore women speak out about abuse in the Baltimore arts community at another music festival held during Labor Day weekend. Allegations of fraudulent business practices by McCoy emerge on social media days after artists flock to social media with feedback of the culture festival. Maya Camille, the activist, and representative for Rachel Winder published a series of tweets outing abusive and dismissive business practices with the event’s promoter.

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

The CM.Ball, as stated on the website, is “an annual celebration of Baltimore creators and entrepreneurs presented by food startup cm.pops.” It’s a complete DIY community-based art project in its 5th year taking a stance to educate on health, environmental, and social issues while stimulating the economy of small businesses and artists. A few Baltimore artists to perform at the CM.Ball in previous years is Blaqstarr, Kotic Couture, Ducky Dynamo, Baby Kahlo, Miss Kam, and many more Baltimore-based talent.

Maya calls Ky McCoy out to be a con via her Twitter. “CM Ball is a scam. Ky doesn’t pay artists. He is a disrespectful, unprofessional, who uses the iota of clout he has to scam artists,” she shares in her first tweet about business handlings with McCoy. She tweets nine days after Rachel Winder and numerous other artists were not paid for their performances. Maya also shares that McCoy blocked her and Winder as followers from the CM.Ball Instagram account when contacted about payment. She further explains on her Instagram McCoy’s belligerent behavior during the event. 

Ray Winder retweets Maya saying McCoy is “a true scammer and doesn’t know how to treat artists.” She follows up in another tweet a picture of McCoy. “This dude is a heartless and Spineless scammer. He’s blocked by several other artists. But He doesn’t know it’s not that simple.”

Maya and Winder’s disclosure of a scam artist sparked a wave of concerns from other performers that weekend. Some artists share their personal reviews via their social media accounts. Cash Liss, the founder of Tortilla Gurl, a small black Baltimore artist collective devoted to covering local artists in Baltimore’s arts scene, published a text conversation with McCoy to her Instagram Story. The conversation was a response after contacting McCoy about her payment. The conversation was later shared on singer and producer :3ION’s Twitter account. 

This public mishandling led to a “Cash App Roll Call” for artists not compensated for working the CM.Ball Music Festival. Maya led the campaign to raise money for Winder. A number of artists went to action sharing each other’s social media handles in support of the profit they lost. Cash Liss gave thanks to the artists who supported her in her hesitation to share her personal account with McCoy.

Say Her Name Coalition is a foundation that prides itself in “continuing the work of affirming, empowering, uplifting and fighting for the visibility and livelihood of Black women and femmes.” As stated on their website, “they seek to smash respectability politics, patriarchal and white supremacy systems, misogynoir.” When Amorous Ebony, activist, and founder of Say Her Name Coalition, caught wind of the debate between Cash Liss and McCoy, she expressed with us in an email, she personally reached out to Cash Liss to donate payment towards her performance “after seeing the disgusting texts.” 

We contacted McCoy for comments about the social media protest, and when or whether artists will receive payment from CM.Ball. Doc’s Castle Media is yet to receive a response.

How To Support Black Women and Femmes in Baltimore Community

We wondered if there would be future efforts to raise money for helping artists impacted in situations like this. Ebony shares with us she’s “open with connecting and organizing to support them with a separate fund.” There currently are no campaigns with the organization specifically for artists impacted by this incident. In the meantime, the Say Her Name Coalition is a great place to start if you’re looking to support Black women and femmes facing similar challenges. It is their mission is to end violence against Black women and femmes within this city!

Support the Say Her Name Coalition. 

#PrayForLove: Baltimore Women Demand You to Speak Up Against the Sexual Abuse in Baltimore Arts Community

Article Updated: September 13, 2021

Labor Day weekend Basement Rap Artist Butch Dawson celebrated the release of the album Stardust. The Stardust Music Festival took place at the YNot Lot. However, the celebration was short-lived as protesters put a halt to the event speaking out against Karlos Locke, alleged sexual abuser of 20 women within the Baltimore arts community. 

A video surfaced on Twitter and retweeted over 120 times, of performers demanding protestors leave the music festival for the disturbance. Protestors are seen in the video holding a white sign with red lettering that says “1 Man + 20 Victims.” Protestors called to bring awareness to sexual assault in the Baltimore arts community. Karlos Locke, former manager for Butch Dawson and numerous other artists under the Basement Rap label, is the alleged rapist in over 20 Baltimore women accusations. 

Numerous other videos surfaced on social media displaying disorderly conduct and commotion amongst the crowd. In one video, Butch Dawson is seen provoking violence towards demonstrators saying “I ain’t got nothing to do with no motherfucking rape….Y’all doing all this performative stupid ass bullshit…. If y’all don’t want to support me, don’t support me. Anybody say something negative, pop one of these motherfucker, yo.” A supporter of the protests yells “stop gaslighting,” as a response. Another video raised concerns of safety as one individual on the stage was seen flashing a weapon towards the crowd. The event ended early due to the disruption. 

http://www.instagram.com/p/CTdPFWeLG4w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Later, Basement Rap states the artist flashing the gun to the crowd as a non-affiliate to the label in a photo published to their IG Story.

Butch Dawson’s Apology

Two days following the Stardust Music Festival, the Basement Rap brand released a public announcement addressing actions that took place that evening. 

Butch Dawson also released a statement further apologizing for how he handled events that occurred that evening, disassociating his affiliation with Karlos Locke and the CMND Group, and apologizing to all the women in his life. He, later in the week, deleted the video along with remaining photos on his Instagram page.

Source: Butch Dawson’s Instagram

DMV Artists affiliated with the free festival apologize for the position they played during the protest. Miss Kam and Detranada published video apologies to their social media channels while artist Kelow Latesha and numerous other performers personally reached out to supporters of the event regarding how they responded to the protest during the show. Journalist and creator of A Ride Down 95 Kosso is spotted in a video shoving one of the protestors on stage. He also released an apology video. Later in the week, he deleted the video from his Instagram profile.

Source: comment under a supporter’s Instagram post.

Baltimore Curators Speaking Against Sexual Assault in Baltimore

Following the commotion, at the Ynot Lot Saturday evening, event curators and small businesses in Baltimore Station North Arts District postponed shows and made public stances on their social media accounts to stand in solidarity with those silenced and to find solutions that’ll resolve conflicts inflicted upon underrepresented communities.

Mia is the co-founder of Invisible Majority, a “Baltimore-based creative community incubator providing space, services, and support to Baltimore’s independent creative business community.” She often shares her opinions via her social media channels. In her video shared on her business Instagram profile, she shares her support with those who were silenced at the Stardust event. Mia talks about supporting the women in the movement brave enough to stand against sexual abuse, the importance of holding people accountable when wrong is being done, and why this is such a vital time to ensure that we stop injustices brewing in the art scene.

http://www.instagram.com/tv/CTgQuXpDmeh/?utm_medium=copy_link

City Beach, a group of artists and event curators known for the Pretty Beach and Heathen Beach Drag Shows, postponed the Strange Family Variety Show to use as a time of reflection. Curators will use the time to send surveys to supporters in the Baltimore Arts community for feedback in order “to hold themselves accountable as event curators, space holders, and humans in this city to ensure that moving forward [they] can be a safe and secure space for everyone to feel heard and welcomed.”

http://www.instagram.com/p/CTlCxH5MPjK/?utm_medium=copy_link

Previous Doc’s Thumbs Up feature Kotic Couture publicly announced their break, as well, deciding to pause performances and withdraw from the majority of their upcoming bookings. 

Sexual Abuse is Unacceptable

How unfortunate it is to write about a #MeToo moment in my very own neck of the woods. It’s unfortunate, but not surprising because the majority of women face sexual assault, especially in the professional environment. There’s no exception to the Baltimore arts community. There is no right or wrong way, or time, for exploiting intolerable and inappropriate behavior such as sexual abuse. Silencing someone’s choice to speak out against it does more detriment to an individual’s mental health than finding a resolution. Seeing the protestors brutally treated as if their words are falling on deaf ears is an outrage! 

As a woman myself, I can speak as a victim of sexual abuse throughout my working career. I stand with the women silenced during the Stardust Music Festival. I understand that I have a platform I can bring awareness to this injustice that these 20 victims and many other women face. This is why I chose to document the demonstration using Doc’s Castle Media. It’s important that women, AND MEN, speak up and use available resources to spread the word about sexual assault to stop biases and corruption within the arts community.

I am not associated with the protest that took place during Stardust, but I am a listening ear to those ignored. Sexual assault is unacceptable. It is intolerable. All in all, abusers must be held accountable.

What do you think? How can we make sure that the Baltimore Arts Community has the resources for victims of sexual abuse? Leave your thoughts 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.

American Idol Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon Lead Aspiring Songwriters in Baltimore Workshop

Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon is an awesome talent to watch from Baltimore who once graced our television screen on season 17 of ABC’s American Idol in 2019. Now he’s back in town with the help of the Baltimore County Arts Guild to teach aspiring songwriters how to compose their very own successful ballads.

Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon
Photo Sources: Jeremiah Lloyd’s Instagram

Jeremiah’s story touches my heart because of the personal connection I have with him growing up being once a part of the congregation his dad preaches. I’ve followed and supported Jeremiah for as long as I could remember. Way past the point of our grade school days as we both grew up in the same church community attending the same Sunday school, Awana Club Meetings, and Vacation Bible School services in Baltimore, MD since our wee single-digit years. I never knew what Jeremiah was experiencing dealing with the pressures of being the son of the pastor until his appearance on American Idol where he briefly shares his tribulations, and later in a documentary “The Mirror Will Take Us Home” that focuses on his life growing up as a pastor’s kid.

Despite whatever Jeremiah has been through, I remember him being the talented singer whose voice always shined radiantly Sunday mornings whenever he sang his solos before each sermon. Such a beautiful voice that has sparked an interest in my heart to keep up with his journey well into our later years, even in our bump in collaborations with Today’s 101.9. I’m here to lend my support as another artist in Baltimore proud of the odds that he still chooses to rise above. This is why Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon gets a shout out on Doc’s Castle Media.

Photo Source: Today’s 101.9 Entercom Baltimore

Jeremiah, as a contestant on American Idol, performed while his family rejected him in his desire to pursue a musical career. His story touched the hearts of millions, even pop star Katy Perry when she shared her experiences growing up as a pastor’s kid. His passion for music leads us now with a great opportunity to possibly have his musical genius rub off on us with the rare opportunity to participate in his songwriting workshop in Catonsville. 

This isn’t the first time Jeremiah has gotten involved and shown his support for the Arts and performance district in Catonsville, MD. Jeremiah has contributed to donating to two arts and entertainment organizations, The Listening, Inc. and The Catonsville Clubhouse. He also teaches online using The JLH Songwriting and Vocal Scholarship Fund to help aspiring musicians “afford an opportunity at expanding their artistic abilities in his online community through songwriting workshops and one-on-one voice coaching.” During the mid pandemic, Jeremiah hosted the 1st series of virtual songwriters workshop with the Baltimore County Arts Guild in the Summer and Fall months of 2020. Wrapping up his first workshop, participants performed in a virtual recital during the holiday season sharing what they came up with while enrolled in the course. Now he’s back with another 8-week session that will conclude with another live recital of new music.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CKE2iMVp01W/?igshid=19e6ocr60clw8

Jeremiah’s dedication to pursuing his passions motivates me to share with my readers as a #PrayforLove message. I’m big on believing that God does things in people’s lives to show us how to define the true meaning of “love.” Jeremiah’s story is no exception. He should continue striving to share the talent that God gave him through any adversity. His story is inspiring and it’s important for other people to see. It speaks deeply to someone in ways unimaginable. Though his life may have some turn of events, God still provided him with what he needed, which is a positive and much larger community accepting of his gifts. But now also a gift along with a story of acceptance and encouragement for many others seeking inspiration. We actually need more #PrayForLove moments like this.

Listen to the new single “Mama, I Don’t Wanna Go to Nashville ” by Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon via all streaming services or at www.jeremiahlloydharmon.com. 

http://www.instagram.com/p/CJ6dww2Bak5/?igshid=n5bxmmy73t5t

What do you think? Do you know any more Catonsville art natives? Share in the comments below.

Busting Out of The Crab Barrel: How to Support Baltimore Artists

I want to put this message in better terms… 

Okay, Player published an article “11 Baltimore Rappers You Need To Know” highlighting a few Baltimore artists creating a buzz on social media amongst some creatives in town. I like and agree with the article for the most part. I don’t know what it is. I think whenever artists get credit for working hard, the spirit of jealousy penetrates the souls of crabs in this city. Then there’s a mob of individuals proclaiming entitlement for attention. It’s a never-ending cycle that brings my attention to sharing Baltimore Artist LA’Matic’s tweet addressing Baltimore artists gaining support.

Clubhouse, the popular audio broadcasting social media app, is home to a number of networking groups, and apparently, the place to be if you want to be anything in life. The app’s popularity has users from every nook of the world flocking to rooms for insight on topics ranging from all sorts. Users find this app beneficial for self-development by participating in networks merged into chat rooms that’ll enhance their personal productivity. One of those topics more recently was about the support for Baltimore Creatives which sparked the video rant in LA’Matic’s tweet.

[How Buzzy App Clubhouse Could Grow Beyond Its Exclusive Beta. Read on c|net]

In the feisty clip from the independent rapper, LA’Matic is his sentiments towards the now decades-old phenomenon. Baltimore is a city of crabs and “Baltimore Creatives should stop worrying about how to support and just do it.” His video was met with over 600 retweets at the time of writing this post. So there are plenty of other people who share the same thoughts about the support of this city. The video even influenced a number of conversations amongst artists about their frustration with the topic on Twitter.

It is a specific group of individuals being addressed who attend these Clubhouse meetings. Folks who genuinely do not know how to gain the support they desire or give the support that they wish to see! The creatives who receive encouragement should be better examples showing these folks how to gain the endorsements. There’s nothing wrong with anyone asking how to change the perspective of support in Baltimore. The only way to change it is to actively talk about it and implement an effective strategy on a consistent basis. 

Watch LA’Matics Video:

The way to change your environment is to be the change you desire.

Something I heard on a podcast this week.

This is free game to anyone who is genuine to this cause and wouldn’t be ashamed to pass along valuable information. How to show support for independent artists and entrepreneurs is not divine knowledge or an unobtainable holy grail. Often the support we desire is simple things people don’t know they already do to show they’re helping. Instead of leaving someone in their ignorance, it could be more beneficial to just share what’s already free. It’s constructive information that can be found anywhere online.

Doc’s Castle Media has navigated the Baltimore Art Scene and shared opinions about Baltimore’s Crabs in a Barrel mentality since 2014 with blog posts Baltimore is Too “Cliqued” Up to Have Supporters and the Quality vs. Quantity Series, a Baltimore blog series dissecting the reason for the city’s lack of support. I’m always watching and studying the changes in Baltimore’s art culture. So I want to drop a few gems of worthwhile knowledge I’ve gained over the years being a supporter of the arts culture.

Here’s How to Support Independent Artist in Baltimore 

Find artists to support and follow them on social media

It begins with having the intention to support Baltimore Creatives. I find new artists in groups I take interest in on social media sites and online art directories. I saturate my social timelines with everything I enjoy from the food I eat to, clothes I wear, and entertainment I watch. I show my support through engagement on the profiles. I invest time in getting involved with what’s being shared, and I only consume what I think is providing me food to my soul and valuable content that makes me feel good. I do not compromise it. It so happens that I do all of this with Baltimore on the brain. A lot of what I see is Baltimore City’s culture. What’s the culture that you see in your social media timelines?

I try my best to not allow social media to control what I see. The powers that be in the algorithm is a major reason why we see what we see. I’m opposed to just being fed information, I’d rather be social with it. I’d rather be social with other creatives like me. Use the tool in your hand to mold your digital environment to take in what you’ll enjoy sponsoring.

The easiest way to find out which Baltimore artist you like is to search for them. Hashtags like #BaltimoreCreatives on Instagram and Twitter are filled with content creations by artists in Baltimore City. #BaltimoreBlogger or #BaltimoreWriters are directories of social influencers from Baltimore sharing content. You can easily pinpoint these hashtags as your starting point for finding new artists. But it begins with taking the initiative to find them and follow them if they pique your interest.

Talk to people about what you love about Baltimore art

Not talking about the art that we love from Baltimore artists might be why so many people claim Baltimore city is the city for crabs. There is a perception that we’re not loud or proud of the artists in the city. But I disagree because I am a walking representation debunking the claim. I attend artists’ exhibitions and listen to local artists’ albums or mixtapes. I’ve used Baltimore photographers, makeup artists, and was even dressed by a local stylist. Guess what, I also write about local artists, too. While I’ve shown my support, I definitely introduced people to excitingly new things they can experience locally. All it takes is forwarding a post or liking a picture when sharing what I love about Baltimore Creatives. Buying a product or service is another way to show and endorse what creatives have to offer. Talking about art from Baltimore opens up new possibilities for Baltimore.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CGU6YeIpRLu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

To gain support, you must also give support

This age-old debate about crabs in Baltimore often feels like it’s shouted over a megaphone by Baltimore artists, only. I want to say to those creatives “crabs are found everywhere.” First, these individuals should break out of the thought it’s because of where they are that people don’t want to endorse them. Creatives who think like this feel entitled just because they live in Baltimore. No. No one knows them. No one knows about their art. But their hand is out. 

I am an artist in Baltimore with experience in following and supporting numerous other artists in Baltimore. In return, I gained the same support and love from them. This works the same vise versa. If someone shows support for you, you at least give them the day and time, as well.

Eleven new podcasts reached out to me after reading 8 Baltimore Media to Watch for Baltimore Art News. These podcasts took the time to read, share, and provide feedback. In return, I listened, shared, and gave shoutouts to my readers about their content. I’m sure all of us choosing to circulate and speak about each other’s work brought new attention to the content being shared. But it is because we all took the time to show support for each other that we gained exactly what we were looking for.

Don’t feel pressured into showing support

This might be an unpopular opinion but no one should take you on a guilt trip when showing your support for whatever they do. Whether they are from the same city, younger than the average, blacker than the average, or the underdog shooting their shot at their most difficult venture, if you genuinely do not feel that a creative or entrepreneur succeeded in capturing your attention, it’s not necessary to share what they offer. You do not resonate with it. It doesn’t feel good to give support to something you truly are unsure about. When something goes wrong, the consumer is the one who gets burned. Be genuine about what you like.

If you are a creative who struggles with gaining support, maybe think of the things you are doing or not doing to surround yourself with a better support system. Encouragement from the outside takes time the person giving it must be persuaded with the right amount of potential and drive. The right Baltimore Creatives will have these qualities. But if we start with the initiative to change our environment, we must be the change we also desire. 


As a supporter of Baltimore arts are you persuaded to help? Drop your favorite Baltimore Artists in the comments below.

8 Baltimore Independent Media to Watch for Artist News in 2021

Where do you find information about artists and entrepreneurs in Baltimore, MD? A question I get from my friends who aren’t truly into the things that I’m into. I have groups of friends that differ in taking many interests such as the medical field, the military, and even family life. I get questions often about where I find out news for local entertainment. It doesn’t cross my mind how it can be hard for people to find exhibitions and performances from local talent if they aren’t frequently visiting areas creatives roam. 

I must keep track of where I get my art news just like how I get a high from keeping abreast of regular news updates. Every so often I refresh my feed for who to look out for information because social media algorithms can be a pain. But as an artist myself, I’m submerged in all things artistically that interests me in this city. So it comes naturally when finding what’s good art I enjoy.

[Read Today’s Issue and Subscribe to the Doc’s Castle Digital News Paper]

In addition to following artists directly on their social media, these are the platforms that keep me tuned to everything that is Art in Baltimore and DMV. This is a list of 8 Baltimore Independent Media where anyone who doesn’t know about art from Baltimore and DMV could find out about local talent.

BmoreArt

Platform: Website

BmoreArt is the only outlet on this list that may give the most variety of the kinds of art highlighting mediums from photography, paintings, music, and more. They’re diverse. But if an artist were to be considered reaching “mainstream” status, I’d say we’d find them being highlighted on BmoreArt because they don’t play around about who they feature. I’ve discovered some very dexterous creators and designers simply being subscribed to the BmoreArt newsletter. Out of the box originator of all sorts, exhibitions are promoted through their events calendar.

The Orange Pop Show

Platform: YouTube- Visual interviews

Countdown to their 50th episode is one of The Orange Pop Show’s most recent campaigns published on their Instagram. A very eye-opening campaign, at that, because The Orange Pop Show definitely introduced some new faces on my radar. They conduct visual interviews via their YouTube channel. Interviews of artists from across Baltimore and DMV. A few Baltimore artists that have blessed The Orange Pop Show’s mic is Shwaze Collins, Elle Cook, and Jasmin Manning.

The Demo Tape 

Platform: YouTube – Visual interviews

The Demo Tape interviews of hip-hop group The Creek Boyz and MC Detranada were brought to my attention and place this Baltimore underground media on the map. Both interviews grew a combined viewership of over 7k views. The Demo Tape has the most reach out of all podcasts included in this media list, and why they are someone to watch for more content in 2021.

Liquor with Friends Podcast

Platform: YouTube – Visual interviews 

Baltimore Hip-Hop artist Rickie Jacobs uses his camera, charisma, and care to give us a put merely podcast Liquor with Friends. Authentic conversations with artists sipping spirits in his car. His style of podcasting is pretty “chill.” I often picture myself pulling out my bottle of spirits to relax alongside him and the guests each time I listen to the car conversations. (I’ll settle for making Tipsy Decor.) Rickie also brings us Carcerts, a short series of concerts in his car featuring live performances straight from Baltimore artists. Watch Carcerts featuring Al Rogers Jr., Zadia, and Mike C via the Liquor with Friends channel.

The Working Title Podcast

Platform- Apple Podcast | Spotify 

What I like most about The Working Title Podcast is that it is always expected to be sweet and straight to the point with their conversations and consistency. The hosts bring consistent content since 2018, episodes are always expected to be between 30 minutes to an hour and a half show. Podcasts are published almost 2 to 3 times a week and maybe the most binge-worthy on this list because of the amount of content archived. Episodes have topics from society, culture, and music. They are THE talk radio of this 2021 Baltimore media to watch on this list.

Breaking Through Glass Ceilings by Brian H.

Platform – Apple Podcast | Spotify

Breaking Through Glass Ceilings gives us a broader range of topics from medical advances in science, highlights of influential entrepreneurs, and sports talk radio. Brian’s gives us Sunday Morning show vibes for the yearning professional’s ear. His podcast is my more newsy channel to gain content other than arts and entertainment. So I seek his podcast when I need to level myself out. My favorite interview on Breaking Through Glass Ceilings is Baltimore’s own news journalist Ashlee Banks, who is also featured as our most recent YouTube Video Alert on Doc’s Castle Media. Read Protect Your Mental Health During Covid with Ashlee Banks and Brandon Johnson.

True Laurels

Platform – Magazine | Website

Shout out to True Laurels for their magazine and website highlighting artists in Baltimore and DMV. But I suck at keeping up with music like I used to. Lawrence got me, no doubt. Other than the very rare occasion that I get to see platforms sharing playlists, I just knew I could count on getting an update of the 2020 Tracklist from True Laurels. If you know nothing about Baltimore Hip-hop artists, finding them featured in True Laurels’ playlists A Decade in Baltimore Music is a good place to start. See True Laurels’ 2020 Tracklist below.

Source: True Laurels Instagram

Untitled Interviews by Ryan Chance

Platform – Apple Podcast | Spotify

Chance, the man with the roses. I love Ryan Chance’s latest promo for DreamsFindYou delivering roses to a bunch of deserving ladies at the beginning of the pandemic, and the massive DreamsFindYou hat and hoodie wave promoting DreamsFindYou Radio, another talk radio podcast hosted on the ZenoFM App. But his podcast Untitled Interviews, though matured and sophisticated, brings me back to vibes of what was formerly Vivid Vision, a blog Ryan hosted highlighting local talent in 2014. Untitled Interview features interviews with artists in Baltimore, naming two; Zadia and John Wells.

There are numerous other podcasts, websites, and media platforms emerging in Baltimore and DMV that deserve recognition on this list. But these are who I subscribe to that I enjoyed in the year 2020. I look forward to following these platforms for more about local talent.


Let’s work better to support local and follow these platforms. Have you heard about Doc’s Castle Media’s Best of 2020? Read now!

#YTubeVidAlert: WAP…Is it even art? (Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Video Premiere)

Cardi B and Megan the Stallion team up to make another banging single titled WAP, referring to a sexual preference for a women’s vaginae. & I like to just say…Of course, it’s art! But Black Twitter, Facebook, and even daily news site like the Daily Beast would like its part in providing commentary as millions of tweets were published since it’s early August release with pro and con opinions.

Source: Daily Beast

After Megan making headlines for being involved in domestic assault with hip-hop artist Tory Lanez, I assume most people had expectations for other topics for the female rap artist. Even hip-hop artist and producer Cee-Lo Greene chimed in with opinions about the video’s impact amongst younger generations. Maybe people were waiting for her to rap about domestic abuse? But honestly, what did people really expect from Megan or Cardi? With any prior songs that are released from both these rap queens, it seems like WAP is exactly what I was expecting from them. When I’m searching for a song from either of their discography, I’m looking for something that’s going to make me feel like the shit. There’s even an entire playlist on Spotify named “Feeling Myself” dedicated to the genre of hip-hop both Megan and Cardi represents. 

Source: Facebook

Why is women empowerment the subject again?

To me, women’s empowerment is simply people uplifting and helping women live the best versions of their lives. That could be women speaking influence into other women. It could be someone providing support for women financially,  physically,  or spiritually. In the simplest way I can put it, it’s making women feel good about themselves. 

Whether the message presented in this video is worthy of being shared with other women is based on the person receiving the message. Why are people expecting these women to be a spokesman for issues dealt amongst women? I don’t know anyone who turns Cardi B’s music on to hear about social injustices or domestic abuse. 

Megan and Cardi are playing “make-believe” and throwing emphasis on tiny truths about their life. It’s like applying for a job and sprinkling a little extra in during your interview to make yourself look good. In this case, it’s not an interview. But it’s appealing to someone mature enough to understand its content. 

This video doesn’t “inspire” me to do anything but shake my ass. But as a woman, it does make me feel proud of my lady parts. I don’t see anything wrong with having a good lady part. Haha. The language in the song may be quite vulgar but nonetheless, it is a form of expression and art. Good art challenges thought and provoke reflection. This video has everyone on Black Twitter at an uproar. It’s good art because it did what it was supposed.

Doctors are even firing back in the two rapper’s defense arguing it is completely fine to have lubricated genitalia. But I say it’s gone too far when medical professionals feel the need to step in to verify such things. Come on, who cares other than the person we’re getting in bed with? In the words of Megan, “Talk yo shit!” & let’s move on shall we?

The responsibility of who a child chooses to be a role model is ultimately in the hands of the kid. We aren’t aware of who someone chooses as their inspiration. Kids don’t realize it. But it is their parent’s responsibility to guide them. Censorship is a biggie that we struggle within the age of the Internet. But these women didn’t ask to be speakers on serious issues. From the beginning of their careers, they came with a vulgar bang. So either listen to it or just turn it off.

Did you like the song? Bump or Pass? Leave your answers in the comments below.

WFH: It’s Your Essential Right. 100 Work From Home Jobs During #Covid19

Everyday the statistics of unemployment reach astronomical levels with billions of people laid off globally while we await for the reopening of a global shutdown. People are getting antsy to leave their homes for survival. As people label even the minuscule of tasks as essential in order to escape their homes, they’re ignoring precautions to keep everyone safe. Ain’t nobody got time for that! So we need to push the alternatives.

I have friends and relatives fortunate in finding quick fixes in hard times. Like turning on a switch to active “hustler mode,” they are fast at coming up with plans to tackle the changes that could come up physically, mentally, spiritually, and even financially. It’s a talent that I can admire when people put in the hustle during times of adversity and tragedy.

The benefits of living in the digital age and smacked in the middle of year 2020 is the ability to remain connected in so many different ways while remaining so far apart. Distance isn’t a factor anymore if we need to get things done. So when trials appear, if there should be any during this pandemic, financial stability is everyone’s essential right. 

It’s recorded that over 30 million Americans have filed for unemployment within a six-week rolling period according to an article on CNBC. To measure this pandemic’s impact on a more local level, Maryland received over 37,000 unemployment claims within the last week! New approaches are necessary since we cannot determine when the country will go back to normal.

I saw a solution on my Facebook timeline. One of my friends shared a post of 100 companies that are currently hiring for work from home positions. I think this is useful for anyone. Take a look.

I pray anyone that is in need will find something in the list below. 

“Laid off during #Covid19, or looking for a 2nd stream of income? Do you have stable internet access? Here’s a list of employers who are hiring for remote positions.

NOTE: You will need to copy and paste the entire post (not share it), otherwise you will only see the DOI link. 😉 I hope this helps those in need. 

WORK FROM HOME POSITIONS

LIST OF REMOTE/WORK FROM HOME EMPLOYERS

1. Live Ops- http://www.liveops.com

2. TeleTech- http://www.localjobster.com/company5?company=teletech

3. Amazon- http://www.amazon.jobs/en

4.Teleperformance- http://www.teleperformance.com/en-us/work-with-us/

5. UnitedHealth Group- http://careers.unitedhealthgroup.com/

6. Dell-http://jobs.dell.com/north-America-jobs

7. IBM- http://www.ibm.com/employment

8. U.S Department of Agriculture – http://www.usda.gov

9. Working Solutions- http://workingsolutions.com

10. Humana- http://www.humana.com

11. Aetna- http://www.aetna.com/about-us/aetna-careers.html

12. Intuit- http://careers.intuit.com/

13. Kaplan- http://kaplan.com/work-with-us/our-culture

14. Kelly Services- http://careers.kellyservices.com/

15. Cactus Communications- http://www.flexjobs.com/jobs/telecommuting-jobs-at-cactus

16. Westat- http://www.westat.com/careers

17. Salesforce- http://www.salesforce.com/company/careers

18. PAREXEL- http://jobs.parexel.com

19. CyberCoders- http://www.cybercoders.com/?logo=1

20. American Express- http://jobs.americanexpress.com

21. Vmware- http://careers.vmware.com/main/

22. SAP- http://www.sap.com/career

23. Xerox- http://www.xerox.com/en-us/jobs/work-from-home

24. First Data- http://www.firstdata.com/en_us/about-first-data/careers

25. US-Report- http://www.us-reports.com/jobs

26. Oracle- Oracle-http://Work.Jobsgalore.com/Jobs

27. CACI International- http://careers.caci.com/key/work-from-home-jobs.html

28. A Place for Mom- http://www.aplaceformom.com/jobs

29. Anthem,Inc- http://careers.antheminc.com

30. DellSecureWorks- http://www.secureworks.com/careers

31. World Travel Holdings- http://www.worldtravelholdings.com/careers,work-home

32. ADP- http://www.adp.com/careers.aspx

33. Aon- http://jobs.aon.com

34. University of Maryland University College- http://www.umuc.edu/visitors/careers

35. Allergan Inc.- http://www.allergan.com/careers

36. K12- http://www.k12.com/careers

37. U.S. Department of Transportation- http://www.transportation.gov/careers

38. CSI companies- http://thecsicompanies.com/candidates

39. Robert Half- http://www.roberthalf.com

40. Nielsen- http://sites.nielsen.com/careers

41. Red Hat- http://www.redhat.com/en/jobs

42. Adobe Systems- http://www.adobe.com/careers

43. Overland Solutions, Inc.- http://overlandsolutionsinc.com

44. BCD travel- http://www.bcdtravel.com/get-to-know-us/careers

45. Connections Education- http://www.connectionsacademy.com/careers

46. Deloitte- http://www.deloitte.com/careers

47. Apple- http://jobs.apple.com

48. Mckesson Corporation- http://careers.mckesson.com

49. Thermo Fisher Scientific- http://corporate.thermofisher.com/en/home.html

50. Precyse- http://careers.precyse.com

51. Haynes & Company- http://www.haynesandcompany.com

52. Pharmaceutical Product Development Inc- http://www.ppdi.com/careers

53. IT Pro Philadelphia- http://www.phillymag.com/property/2013/10/22/live-work-homes

54. Cigna- http://www.cigna.com/career

55. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt- http://careers.hmhco.com

56. Sungard Availability – http://jobs.sungardas.com/

Services- http://sungardas.com

57. Infor- http://www.infor.com/company/careers

58. Sodexo- http://www.sodexousa.com/home/careers-usa.html

59. About.com- http://www.dotdash.com/careers/

60. Altegra Health- http://altegrahealth.com/careers

61. GE- http://jobs.gecareers.com/

62. Western Governors University-http://www.wgu.edu/about_WGU/employment/work_remote

63. Grand Canyon University- http://jobs.gcu.edu/admissions-enrollment-jobs

64. Walden University- http://www.waldenu.edu

65. Vivint- http://www.vivint.com/company/careers

66. BroadSpire- http://www.choosebroadspire.com

67. Covance- http://careers.covance.com

68. Ellucian- http://www.ellucian.com

69. HD Supply- http://hdsupply.jobs

70. Perficient Inc.- http://www.perficient.com

71. Teradata- http://www.teradata.com

72. Wells Fargo- http://www.wellsfargo.com/about/careers

73. Symantec Corporation- http://www.Symantec.com

74. Real Staffing-http://www.realstaffing.com/en

75. Science Applications International- http://www.saic.com

76. AmerisourceBergen Company- http://www.amerisourcebergen.com

77. Appen- http://www.jobs.net/jobs/appen/en-us

78. Hartford Financial Services Group- http://www.thehartfordatwork.com

79. RetailDatat- http://retaildatallc.com

80. SYKES- http://www.sykes.com/Careers

81. CARA- http://www.jobbankusa.com

82. Citizens Financial Group- http://citizensbank.jobs/work-at-home

83. CVS Health- http://cvshealth.com

84. Healthfirst- http://healthfirst.taleo.net/careersec…/hf_ext_cs/jobsearch

85. American Heart Association- http://careers.heart.org

86. BMC software- http://www.bmc.com/careers

87. Hibu- http://hibu.com

88. inVentive Health- http://www.inventivhealth.com/careers

89. Rosetta Stone- http://jobs.jobvite.com/rosettastone

90. Erie Insurance Group- http://www.erieinsurance.com/careers

91. Deluxe- http://ww.deluxe.com

92. Clevertech- http://weworkremotely.com/jobs

93. Achieve Test Prep- http://www.achievetestprep.com

94. Worldpay- http://www.worldpay.com

95. DataStax- http://www.datastax.com/

96. CDK Global- www.cdkglobal.com

97. Teleflex- http://www.teleflex.com/en/careers/workingAtTeleflex

98. Aquent- http://aquent.com/find-work

99. Parallon- http://www.parallon.com/careers

100. U.S Department of the Interior- http://www.doi.gov/careers

The Lost Kings Series Premiers at Baltimore’s Charles Theater July 24th

Has Baltimore found it’s new Wire series? It’s possible to say after viewing the premiere of the Lost Kings Series this week at the Charles Theater July 24th.

Terrence Smalls, director at 89 Crowns and writer of the independent film, may be onto something with his new series because it’s been a long time coming since Baltimore had such rich production embedded with its culture. In Lost Kings, Smalls shares his perspective of the city trenches, finally giving a glimpse of the inside from an insider of Baltimore City.

Any Baltimorean can tell the world is ready for more insight into how we live our lives whenever our radar flashes anytime tourists compare the lifestyle of the residents in Baltimore City to actors in the phenomenal HBO Series The Wire. Watching the Lost Kings at its premier made me realize it could have the same potential. From people’s accents to the infamous dirt bike riding in Baltimore streets, this fictional story portrays our city life artistically instead of, in recent years, the common factual documentary.

Through Smalls’ enactment of Max, played by Baltimore’s dirt bike Wheelie Queen, we watch her journey to avenge her brother’s death and thrive in an arena full of corrupt men. According to the premiere’s Facebook e-vite, Lost Kings’ purpose is to “bring Baltimore Culture to the forefront, while also highlighting and examining factors that contribute to psychological trauma.”

The film did great in portraying its purpose. Many artists throughout Baltimore’s art scene had a part in the production of the film. So it was easy to pick up on the city’s culture naturally as we watch the native actors. The film also highlighted characters having Post Traumatic Stress in situations highly aggravating and aggressive.

The series premiere is broken into 3 chapters in a total length of 30 minutes. It didn’t feel like 30 minutes at all with its many break in-between scenes acting as identifiers for the audience to refresh their attention on a new direction the story will take lead. We can see Smalls create a signature of his artistry while implementing this playwright style into the first episode. It also sets the series apart from independent “hood films” of its time, labeling a little more cinematic than that of what I can find “googling” indie hood films or come across on YouTube. So let’s say in three chapters Baltimore’s rawness is indeed depicted authentically and successfully in a swift 30 minutes.

I also did my part as I was a production assistant for the film, which is always great. Woo! I enjoyed having met many of the cast a crew since last year in 2017 at the start of shooting. Other participants in the production took to social media to share that they felt the same.

Terrence Smalls shares his appreciation for the turnout of the Lost Kings Premiere:

Justin Moten posts a picture with other cast members.

 

Hell of a time last night with my cast mates @bmore_lucky_lilman @justcallme_smoove

A post shared by jmo1305 (@jmo1305) on


Ramona Rideout shares a scene of her character at the premiere:

 

OMG 😯…..seeing myself on the screen in the #movie #theater for the VERY FIRST TIME!… Was thee #BEST feeling in this whole world !!!! Lol I can’t even type the words on this screen to explain … there’s only one way from here to go…👆🏽UP ….I pray I work and I don’t give up 🙌🏽 #thankgod #alwaysbegrateful This project involves so many AMAZING people but @tonyasays you are the real #MVP and @4th.eye.diaries there’s no other like you… you guys are the epitome of #friends turned #family #lostkings #2018 Annnnd @smallroomzsuck @36seagulls this project is so freaking dope Annnnnnnd I couldn’t have done it without @bmore_lucky_lilman guidance and greatness! And I had awesome scene partners @jmo1305 ! Lol this was just so great !

A post shared by Ramona Rideout (@rideout365_) on

Does the Lost Kings series look like a series that you’d tune into? Leave your comments below.

If you missed out on the Lost Kings Series first premier, you have the opportunity to check it out really soon. The producers are expecting for the Lost Kings Series second premier to be held this August 2018.

FOOD: Kora Lee’s Gourmet Desserts in Baltimore #BusyDoingNothing Interview & Review (Watch Episode 27 of BDN Podcast)

On September 6, 2017, not even a full 3 months away, was the birth of another successful small black business in Baltimore, MD. Hellooooo Kora Lee’s Gourmet Desserts and Brunch! It’s about time I got around to sharing some new black excellence on Doc’s Castle Media.

Kora Lee’s Gourmet Dessert and Brunch is located in downtown Baltimore, directly off light rail stop of N Howard Street and W Monument Street. The neighborhood looked sketchy but what can anyone expect dinning on Howard Street, where more than half of the strip is out of business and filled with vacant buildings. But I digress because that’s a topic for another blog.

I visited this Gourmet shop while accompanying my fellow co-hosts of the Busy Doing Nothing Podcast to interview the owner of the newly open spot on Howard Street. Our faces were greeted with friendly faces as soon as we walked in. It felt like walking into your aunt’s or granny’s house on a Sunday afternoon.

The atmosphere was great. As soon as I walked in the door, I felt like I was visiting a close aunt as I caught onto the music vibes. Classic MJ played on the radio as we waited to order some southern style brunch. I had to remind myself where I was when Thriller came through the speakers because I was ready to get in-formation to perform the infamous Thriller dance. I was ready to dance for my food.

Chris, Jill and I placed our orders. I ordered The Lanrane, a southern styled cheddar biscuit smothered in creamy gravy, itsy-bitsy bites of sausages, and a side of sliced tomatoes sprinkled with parsley leaves. I’m drooling as I’m writing about it while recalling the exact taste my taste buds experienced that afternoon. Such creamy goodness surpassed all cheddary biscuits I’ve ever tasted including Red Lobster’s famous cheddar biscuits.

Jill and Chris enjoyed their dishes too. So much so they didn’t dare to demolish them on camera. They savored them for once the interview with Kora Lee was done. But as for me, it became RIP to my plate. I was “hangry” and couldn’t wait.

During our interview with Ms. Kora Lee, we discussed many topics. Just to touch on a few, we discussed her motivation to open her restaurant in Baltimore, whether she gains a lot of support from other Black people and businesses, and what’s new to expect from this young but thriving small business.

View the full interview with owner Kora Lee of Kora Lee’s Gourmet Dessert and Brunch via the Busy Doing Nothing Podcast, below.

What’s your favorite small business to support in Baltimore? Share with our readers in the comments. Let’s start a movement to build non-traditional business customs.

Be sure to like Kora Lee’s Gourmet Desserts and Brunch on Facebook, and other social media, to keep up with events happening at the restaurant.

Have you heard of the Busy Doing Nothing Podcast? Read Doc Finally Joins A Podcast Series as a Regular on Doc’s Castle Media and learn all about it!