Supporting Baltimore Archives - Page 7 of 7

Fashion Forward: Doc’s Spontaneous Vintage Hairdo

First, let me not be rude and wish you all a very Happy Holidays! I hope you all are able to enjoy this lovely season, day by day, with joy as it’s the time of the year that we spend with our families.

Lately, I’ve caught on to a terrible trend developing where people are drifting further away from their families, spending more of their holiday’s on their “solo dolo” tip. For Thanksgiving, I didn’t find too many of my friends with their families this year, and half of my family who would normally be joining me for dinner, had to report to work. Blah! It’s was so off-putting, especially since I had to work, too. I’d like to be with the people I love on the holidays, but whatever. That’s another topic I don’t want to focus on in this blog.

Earlier this week, I did something rather spontaneous. I got my hair done by someone who isn’t my normal hair dresser. *gasp* I’m pretty loyal when going to a specific person to get my hair done. I’ve gone to the same hair dresser since my elementary years.

But the Monday before Thanksgiving, I woke up upset and started scrolling my Facebook timeline with a mission to find something to uplift my spirits. I can’t remember why I was upset. Obviously it wasn’t that important. Haha.

I had nothing to do for the day; I was absolutely free when I stumbled across a status from a girl I went to high school with. She was asking for a model to help her with a photo shoot for the day.

“What the heck! I might as well.” Thanksgiving was only 3 days away. I thought it was cool to be someone’s model and have my hair done for the holidays. So I replied to her request.

We scheduled a time to meet up at 11 am. She hooked me up by working those talented hands of hers. Then, BOOM! My sexy level turned up by the time it hit 2:30 pm on a Monday afternoon.

Shanae Thomas did my hair in a total of 2 and a half hours! It turned out looking awesome. I had to take some vintage selfies to match my stylish curly bush.

“Ain’t I cute?!”

Shanea specializes in styling natural hair as she works at natural hair shop Natural Locs Salon, in northwest Baltimore, off of the Baltimore National Pike. She’s been doing hair for a total of nine years, starting in 2006 when her mother no longer could do her hair because of carpal tunnel. Since then, it’s been all about hair; teaching herself how to plait, braid, maintain locs, and furthering her knowledge in hair care by attending cosmetology school.

Shanae’s love for hair has influenced her journey with natural hair.

For three and a half years, Shanae has been perm free and strutting her fiery red, orange and blonde locs with tremendous pride. She hopes to spread her talents along to others so they may transform their natural manes into something that flares with personality, screams out distinction, and transform into ways they could’ve never imagine.

For Shanae to take on doing my hair without knowing the true amount of thickness on top of this head, I say “AMEN” to her because it’s one hell of a task! Ask anyone who has touched my head. It’s thicker than the corn fields in 1984 horror film “Children of the Corn.” But I’ve been told it’s a playground for a hair stylist. It definitely is not for me.

Shanae explained to me her reasoning for posting her status that Monday morning. She’s focused on building her hair portfolio and needed a model. She’s currently building a portfolio to show off what she can do, and to give her that edge she needs to qualify for hair competitions across the nation, one being the 23rd Annual Official Golden Scissor Awards, home for where the 2014 BOBBI BOSS America’s Next Top Stylist will be announced. The awards will be held this December 7th at the Washington Convention Center in DC.

Shanea added me as one of her hair clients in her renowned hair portfolio. I’m absolutely honored after seeing her extensive lists of clientele on her Instagram page (ShaysNaturalStyles).

My experience visiting another hair stylist was rewarding. My phone is full of lots of new selfies and I have a protective style that’ll last me awhile. I am pleased! I guess, I should add and scratch off being someone’s hair model on my bucket list, too. What do you think?

Do you like how my hair turned out for the Thanksgiving Holiday? Leave your comments below. Would you like to schedule an appointment, send all inquires to shanae623@gmail.com.

Did you check out my recap of the Boulevard of Chic’s fashion show? Read Lights, Camera, Fashion! Recap of Boulevard of Chic Fashion Show on Doc’s Castle Media.

*All photography, except for my selfies, were taken by George Robinson of GRobinsonPhotography*

Pharaoh Slumzyniah Produces Fire With Release of 2nd Underground Album “No Role Models, No Rules”

This week, Baltimore native Pharaoh Slumzyniah released his second underground album No Roles Models, No Rules and reveals that embracing your dark side can be quite cultivating, too. He further introduces to the world a new type of hip-hop, which he calls menace rap, a new style of music that has no regards to what society expects. It’s an album geared entirely to “not giving any f*%@s.”

No Role Models, No Rules was set to release Saturday, November 15, 2014. Unfortunately, the anticipated underground album was delayed an additional 3 days building more anticipation for Slumzy fans. But despite the contrary, the album still exceeded fans’ expectations, and has proven a bigger and better composition than his previous discography .

The album is composed of 18 somber, but still upbeat, tracks that, though may get you pondering whether you should be nodding your head or seeking to drown in your sorrows, will have you dancing nonetheless.

To name a few artists who have been featured on the Pharaoh’s new mixtape are War Drumz Audio artists FLuX, Leon Dominick, Quinn Shabaz and Based rap artists Lor Bluntz and Hazmat Caz.

Experimental sounds of dubstep, old school, westcoast, and hardcore hip-hop influenced and blended together on No Role Models No Rules to create an exquisitely composed masterpiece. Majority of the album’s producer credits comes from Pharaoh Slumzyniah, himself, as Slumzy along with Exclusive Orchestra, Def Starz, The Marvel, Clyde Strokes, Xeno Carr and other talented producers, including Baltimore and War Drumz Audio Art artist Tony Bonez Sinatra.

“Thumbs Up” Tracks

My favorite tracks on No Role Models, No Rules are “Fall of Pete” featuring Hazmat Caz and “Cypress Hill” featuring Lor Bluntz & FLuX.

“Fall of Pete” is a song that’ll place you in nostalgia of west coast rap. Do you remember Snoop Dogg’s “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” The instrumental will have you thinking the music video should be set in a neighborhood similar to East Compton. I wonder if that’s something to look forward to from Mr. Slumzyniah, hmm?

“Cypress Hill” is a pothead’s anthem and we just don’t get enough of those, right? Depicted from three perspectives, the listener gets the inside to how the infamous Mary Jane comforts and provides remedy while they all float their way to solace on cloud nine.

No Role Models, No Rules is now available for download on Datpiff.com. Be sure to get your copy today! (CLICK THIS LINK FOR DOWNLOAD) Don’t forget to follow Pharaoh Slumzyniah’s social media at Pharaoh Slumzyniah on Facebook, Slum_Money on Instagram, and SKSlumzy on Twitter.

Do you expect to hear more from Pharaoh Slumzyniah in 2015? Leave your comments below.

Have you read our last WDAA Alert? Read Music Highlight: Quinn Shabaz ft. Jimmy Apoet & Leon Dominick on Doc’s Castle Media.

Vote for Doc’s Castle Media in 2014 Mobbies Maryland Blog Competition

What an honor! I have been nominated under three categories in the 2014 Mobbies Blog and Social Media Competition. Yay! Thank you everyone!

I have never been nominated in any competition as such, especially for my writings, and I’m extremely thankful for all of you who were active in deciding to nominate me under the following three categories: Best Label Defying Blog, Best Music Blog, and Best Personal Blog.

This competition is sponsored by the Baltimore Sun and the Creative Alliance, LLC.

I love to write, though I didn’t always know that. Doc’s Castle Media opened my eyes to my talents. I always knew I had a knack for ideas because I always owned a composition notebook or sketchbook full of thoughts since the age of 10. But to really take an active role in blogging or any kind of journalism, my mind wasn’t with it until it was made one of my duties to complete while working for an internship. I strongly opposed the idea of being a journalist my entire 4 years attending high school. I guess now, I’ve made myself out to be a liar because look at my site! It’s 3 years going strong with over 300 blog posts. I write like a journalist and I do it a lot!

I write because I believe that my voice matters. I believe that my thoughts and feelings about things carry value. My whole purpose for creating a blog was to use my words to influence others to do something meaningful in their lives. Each day, I ponder the possibilities of that actually happening. Seeing that people took the time to nominate me has shown me that my purpose might be working. Apparently, I offer something you all like.

I often talk to people while I’m out in the streets of Baltimore or while on Facebook, and people compliment me on my commitment and dedication to continue writing about what’s happening around the city from a unique and entertaining perspective. I appreciate that plenty of you take notice. I’m even more grateful to hear that many of you read on a consistent basis. It’s still weird getting this type of attention from writing freely. But I love you all more each day as you continue to support me and share my thoughts with the world! It drives me more…like really, I’m so motivated to keep doing this.

As I’m busting my tail to provide something unique and special for you all, please do me the favor in voting for me, just as you all nominated me, in this year’s annual Mobbies Blog and Social Media Competition. It’d mean a lot to me if I could actually win in any of the categories I’m nominated for.

Below is the link to the directions for voting for the nominees in the 2014 Mobbies. Please register with one of your social media accounts and vote for Doc’s Castle Media!

As 2015 slowly approaches, Doc’s Castle Media looks to include a few new additions to the website. I’m counting on my readers to offer me some new suggestions for what you all think can make Doc’s Castle Media a little better. Please leave your feedback and concerns in the comments below as I’ll review all of them carefully. Hopefully I’ll get some very good suggestions that’ll spice the site up.

Have you read Doc’s Castle Media submission for the Editor’s Pick in the 2014 Mobbies Competition? Read Hopping on that Train Back to 1990s on Doc’s Castle Media.

Shoutout to Baltimore Punk Rock Band Ballyhoo for Setting Off Halloween The Right Way

This Halloween, I did something I’ve never done before. I attended an 80s/Halloween Dance Party, also reggae/rock concert, at Baltimore Soundstage hosted by Baltimore’s own punk rock group Ballyhoo.

Courtesy of HFS 104.9 Alternative Rock and CBS Radio, I experienced my first rock concert and 80s Dance Party, all in one night. How great was it that the stars of the evening are from Harford County, Maryland, just a jump, hop, and a skip from Baltimore city.

My natural high from the evening’s festivities started when I heard about Chipotle Mexican Grill’s yearly Halloween special, three dollar meals for anyone dressed in costume. Of course, since I was working for HFS 104.9, I wasn’t dressed to walk in Chipotle to get some grub. But please believe, I worked out some magic and found an Annabelle (view preview for film) mask in the CBS company vehicle to take up on the offer. I was hungry and determined. I was not going to wait until next year to get some $3 Chipotle.

I knew I was going to have a good night. Halloween’s so weird. People are so happy to impersonate others. They find anything to dress up as. At the party I’ve seen all types of costumes. From 80s hipsters to zombie princesses, people were creative in creating their costume for this annual bash. It was HFS 104.9’s duty to grant prizes to those party goers who were best dressed while they signed up to win tickets in our station’s contest for a future concert.

See more pictures of people’s Halloween costumes on HFS 104.9 Website

It definitely was different from what I’m use to. I’m always attending hip-hop showcases and shows. It was like breath of fresh air to be taken out of what I’m use to and see how another audience, or group of music lovers, listen to what they enjoy.

I haven’t listened to punk rock, or basically any music genre other that hip-hop, pop & R&B, in a while. When growing up, I had a rock music phase in the 10th grade, simply jamming to a range of rock music from indie rock, alternative, and heavy metal. It was a period when Sony MP3 players were popular, and I had the classics from Fallout Boy, Bullet From My Valentine, Paramore, and Killswitch Engage on a playlist. I don’t know whatever happened to me keeping up with my collection of music. But that breath of fresh air was amazing.

Tribal Seeds was the opening act for Ballyhoo. They’re a reggae band from San Diego, California. The lead singer of the group sounds similar to the Marleys. So it was cool to hear the sounds he contributed for my ears that night. I’m not use to listening to too much reggae. But it was enough for everyone to get their hips swaying and head bobbing for the night. All I needed was some rum punch to set it off. Too bad I was working.

Ballyhoo rocked out something simply awesome. They played out the rest of the night quite well. The crowd suddenly gotten fuller and became ALIVE. I’m sure by this point, majority of the audience might have been drunk after going to Baltimore Soundstage’s bar multiple times.There were 2 extra bars created to serve the growing crowd. So it was “TURNT,” for real!

See more pictures from the event at HFS 104.9 Website

Ballyhoo turned up during mid-party as a reminder that Halloween night was just beginning. There will be plenty of time to spare once the concert was over for many people who’d participate in the Fells Point and Federal Hill Halloween tradition. But for that moment, Ballyhoo had everyone’s attention. The venue’s ora completely changed, and I was enjoying feeling like I was partying during the wee hours of the morning when in actuality, they hopped on stage at 10:30 pm. My favorite memory of the night was when the bass player started playing the bass and my butt was jiggling on my seat. It was so loud and funny. My coworker and I were laughing so hysterically about that. Of course, I’m simple for getting enjoyment from that. Haha.

The crowd was really into their performance; waving lighters, singing along to the music, and dancing. I could tell people really were enjoying themselves. For Ballyhoo, this was another successful Halloween showdown and a night well spent in their hometown.

I’d love to have the chance to work at another rock concert. Better yet, I would love to be invited to an indie rock concert outside of CBS. I’m very active in the hip-hop scene but I wouldn’t mind dabbling in the festivities of other genres of music. I’m not aware of many venues that host these concerts or many of the Baltimore indie bands. (If you know of any, please be sure to list them in the comments below so I may invest some of my time getting to know some of the Baltimore indie bands.)

I also met a friendly hip-hop artist while working at Ballyhoo’s concert. We talked for 15 minutes exchanging music and I made sure to get his contact information because the songs he let me hear were awesome! Anything that sounds better than a rapper on a trap beat is going to catch my attention and his sound is far from trap music, maybe a little dubstep is what I’ll call it. Below, is a song from Duck Meyer’s Soundcloud. Please take the moment to listen to his track and leave some feedback in the comments below.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/158314849″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Would you like to see more indie bands on Doc’s Castle Media? Send me links, submit some of indie bands from the DMV that you like. Doc’s Castle Media welcomes all!

Are you a frequent visitor of local clubs and restaurants in Baltimore? Make sure to read Doc’s Venue Review for Club 347 on Doc’s Castle Media.

Does Club 347 Even Have A $10 Spending Minimum? (Venue Review)

Last night, I attended the 2nd Recrd Breakrs event hosted at jazz club, restaurant and bar Club 347 for a networking event created specifically for local artists to meet with Baltimore bloggers and other media. I attended with my artist and we mingled with people at this event for a total of 25 minutes.

The night started off smooth with nice soothing jazz music. I jammed to lovely rhythms and live music from Lia Songbird & Fmajor and DJ Trelly Trell. The networking event was beautiful itself. But I wasn’t too pleased with the service from the waitresses or owner of the venue, that’s if he can be labeled as the owner because I’m not sure.

I sat down and started speaking with my artist about a possibility of using Club 347 as a spot for future performances, when it wasn’t even 2 minutes later that one of the waitresses walks up to our table and asks us, “Could she get us something?” We told her “no, thank you,” and that’s when the commotion began.

“There’s a $10 minimum because tonight the club is open for free,” said the waitress who looked to be only 5 feet tall, a little on the thick side, and had long blonde tracks of weave.

We replied saying that we weren’t told about the minimum and the flyer didn’t specify it. We knew that the event was meant for networking, and that’s what we were there for. We were there to participate in the cause of supporting local talent.

The waitress walked away from our table on a mission. A mission that would start a chain of events that was completely unnecessary and could have been avoided if things were communicated slightly different. Little did we know the waitress after leaving our table went to her supervisor on a snitching spree.

Five minutes later, a guy who looked as if he’s of another nationality, probably of somewhere of Eastern culture, like Middle East or Asia, walks up to my artist and signals with his fingers to follow him out the door. My artist follows him out of the club, where he is told there is $10 minimum and if he doesn’t have it, he’ll have to leave. Now heated, my artist walks back into the club to tell me we have to leave. I refused to budge because that night was not about the negativity. There was something positive happening around me, and I wasn’t for letting that guy ruining my night if the event was advertised as free. I wanted to be apart of the positive things happening. So we stayed inside.

We continued to mingle with a few folks. I met other artists who shared flyers for their event, which is below…

…and the same waitress approaches us, a second time, reminding us of the club’s $10 minimum charge. My artists look to me with an expression on his face that told it all. He was too through, ready to turn on his “niggerdom” trait, a characteristic I refer to as pure ignorance and disregard when someone feels they’ve been disrespected. So I told him we weren’t staying there long. Then I proceeded to continue enjoying the music of the band.

I moved around the club and started talking to some people, who I’ve spent time speaking to online but never officially met in person, as my artist mingled with the group of artists who were sharing their flyers with others. While I’m on the opposite side of the club, my artist witnesses those who were passing out flyers be told they couldn’t give them out at the event by the same Asian looking guy.

What?! This is a networking event, sir! This is how these artist are choosing to share what they do. How could they be forbidden of this right if the event was specifically for that?! Did this guy not know what was going on? Did he not get the memo that there was a live meet and greet event happening in front of him?

As the night continues, I sit back down at my original table. The waitress comes to me again to tell me, “My boss wants me to remind you of the $10 spending minimum.”

WTH! Am I the only one not buying anything?! This minimum wasn’t specified. How many times is this going to happen? To my surprise, this happened 4 times throughout the night. Look, I may be free loading from the experience happening in your club, sir and ma’am. But isn’t that what I’m there for, to experience a night of great music and meet some awesome people within the Baltimore hip-hop scene, (cough, cough) and for no charge?

The fourth time was our last time. My artist stormed out and went to the car before I caught on to his whereabouts. I had to call his cell to get the idea that we just weren’t welcomed by the owner. We had no money. We couldn’t be there. So I met up with him at the car 3 minutes behind him.

Even as I get home to share my experience on Facebook with my friends because some of them were still enjoying the atmosphere, they tell me that the event was absolutely free. They were lost, also, at the reason for why I was treated like that. It was twenty-five minutes; 25 minutes of a man showing me his pure greed.

Why were we singled out? Why were we followed around the bar continuously reminded about a nonexistent mandatory fee? Were we truly the only two who didn’t buy a drink? If so, well damn!

I’m upset because I felt like I was singled out for not having money. It was embarrassing. It made me more mad as I thought about why I couldn’t pay $10, even coming to the event straight from work. I guess, that damn 9-5 of mine can’t support me attending even the FREE events and that’s truly some genuine bs!

I’m on a come up, seriously. I budget the events I attend under Doc’s Castle Media often. The ten dollars in my pocket that night was actually to go towards my attendance to Baltimore Crown Awards this Saturday. I’ll still be in attendance since I didn’t break down to give into a greedy old man.

Instead of creating a scene, which I absolutely felt like doing after being treated that way, I chose to avoid any further embarrassment to myself and my artist by writing why I’m not going there again. I don’t want to be that one customer who the owner feels is okay to single out. I don’t want to feel ostracized. I damn sure don’t want to spend the same amount of time spent driving there inside of the club, again. So there you have it. My artist won’t have the venue for future shows, and I won’t be writing about this club in future post for other artists, either. So greedy guy, thanks for my first experience in Club 347 and bringing me out of my writer’s block.

Doc Talks About Supporting Artists In Baltimore With @BaltimoreFlavaRadio

Last Friday, I was on Baltimore Flava Radio’s as a guest speakers to talk about the infamous topic that’s been stirring up quite a controversy; what’s wrong with these Baltimore artist’s that have this crabs-in-a-barrel mentality and why is it a lack for support for other artists here?

What did you do this past Friday? Did you tune into Baltimore Flava Radio, syndicated on Baltimore Internet radio station WPB Radio?

Antwon, one of the show’s hosts, came across my article, “#NewBaltimore or #OldBaltimore, We’re All Crabs,” while surfing the web, one day, and apparently loved it. I’m flattered, haha. But really, I’m glad he enjoyed reading it and offered the opportunity to come talk about it on his show.

I thought about all of you and made sure to have it recorded so I could share it with some of my readers who were out partying Friday night, instead of doing what my article says. It’s okay and I forgive you for missing it, haha. You may still have a listen, here.

Thanks for watching. I can’t tell you how much it means to have such a wonderful group of supporters supporting me talk about supporting one another.

This is a start to changing this city’s reputation. You choosing to do this is showing that you’re defying my theories of being crabs. This is exactly what I want you to do, show the rest of the world that we aren’t crabs. We care about our city’s talent reaching new levels of success. We want to see them do better. We want to show the rest of the world what we’re capable of. Let’s keep it up!

Let’s start by supporting Baltimore Flava Radio! Follow them on Twitter at @BatimoreFlavaRadio and Instagram at @BaltimoreFlavaRadio. Join their group on Facebook and get active. Share the love!

What resources do you think Baltimore needs to help artist here progress to the next level of success? Leave your comments below.

Do you think this city’s hip-hop scene is too worried about supporting who they know and not the art itself? Read Baltimore is Too “Cliqued” Up To Have Supporters on Doc’s Castle Media.

Lights, Camera, Fashion! Recap of the Boulevard of Chic’s Fashion Show

What a great feeling it is when I can say that I’ve completed another task from my Bucket List. Last weekend, I participated in my first fashion show. Boulevard of Chic asked me if I was interested in participating in their 2nd fashion truck rally, which took place on the Rash Field in the Baltimore Inner Harbor.

It was an honor to be apart of a fashion show that seemed better suited for the people and by the people. In a professional runway show, it’s apparent that the show isn’t for the people. The average person can’t be spotted at show like it. But at the Boulevard of Chic’s show, anyone can be seen there. The people spotted at last Saturday’s event most likely supported venues there by purchasing something from their tents. So to be wearing something that someone probably bought by the end of the day, I felt honored and pleased to know that the show was of good use to onlookers.

I worked my stuff in what I was provided. My make up for the fashion show was done by Candace Tingen of Metamorphose Industries LLC. She did a wonderful job. She also does professional makeup artistry for bridal, film, print, and any other special occasion a girl should look spazzy for. So if you’re seeking someone with professional work experience, check out Candace. The outfit I modeled, which is shown on the picture above, is from Hannah Mone’t, which is Maryland based fashion retailer that caters to women of all shapes and sizes, from small and petite to curvy and chic. So if you’re into that funky type of style, Hannah Mone’t is the place for you.

There were a lot of other nice clothing lines and small businesses that participated in Saturday’s show, check some of them out in the video below.

Did you see all the goodies from the 1st Boulevard of Chic Fashion Truck Rally? Read Fun at Baltimore’s 1st Fashion Truck Rally on Doc’s Castle Media.

When Did Endangering Ourselves for Facebook Likes Become Popular?

Petroleum jelly challenge, Pass out challenge, Fire challenge, cinnamon challenge, and any other challenge that requires people to endanger themselves to get likes and views are swarming everyone’s social media timelines causing a huge uproar of disgust and disappointment. It’s even reaching major media channels.

People are dying from such incidents but these kids continue to participate in these dangerous challenges for attention. It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

Who’s going to accept the challenge to stand against the crowd and not do what’s popular? What’s going on is obviously a new form of peer pressure I’ve never seen before. These teenagers want to do what they think is cool, but forget to realize they’re not invincible. If there’s no one telling them the errors of their ways or pointing out how dangerous some of these challenges they choose to take on are, it’ll be a generation full of DUMB ASS PEOPLE.

There’s one person who’s taking on the fire challenge differently. No one takes on this challenge better than my friend Brian Sessions as he performs a spoken word about what he thinks of these fire challenges.

What will it take for these kids to stop doing these things? Do you think these challenges will let up soon? Leave your comments below.

Have you heard about Pizza King? Read Whole Time, The Pizza King Live in Baltimore on Doc’s Castle Media.