Why Every Baltimore Artist Should’ve Attended the Grand Opening of The In My Lifetime Mini Hip-Hop Museum

On the weekend of Jan 19, 2018, history was made in Baltimore. For the first time, there’s a Hip-Hop museum opened in Baltimore city! As a follower of the culture in Baltimore, I speak for many when I say this is a much-needed space for aspiring artists in this city.

Located in the same building as The SAND Gallery, an art museum formerly known as the Incredible Creations Art gallery geared to showcasing the talents of the visual arts of people in the DMV and Baltimore region, the In My Lifetime: Mini Hip-Hop Museum premiered with a similar mission and to also to preserve and educate about hip-hop culture. There has never been a place in the history of hip-hop to be solely dedicated to the preservation and advancement of hip-hop culture until now.

The grand opening took place the entire weekend; from Friday to Sunday. Each day had events catered to educating and informing artists about discussions in hip-hop. The weekend at the museum was filled with book signings, workshops, and discussion panels. Each day was geared toward helping people who were seriously passionate about improving their career in hip-hop.

I decided to attend the grand opening on Friday for the Put Yourself On Discussion Panel. It was a panel that every artist in Baltimore should have made their duty to not miss because it had the right information needed to be heard for any artist who wants to take their career to the next path.

Four panelists who are participants in Hip-Hop Culture shared valuable information on how knowledge gained through fully indulging themselves in hip-hop helped push their growth in their individual fields. To name a few professions that took the floor were artists managers, producers, DJs, publicists, former rap artists, media, and brand ambassadors. Each panelist came from a seasoned background within the industry and with useful input of more than what’s in the forefront of our television screens.

These curators came with tips from avenues many artists who are eager to excel in Baltimore’s art culture are quick to omit. Some advice shared were tips on how to study people who inspire an artist’s craft, how artists should measure progression through monetization and not online attraction, the importance of staying relevant and aware of current events and entertainment news, and staying genuine to what’s desired instead focusing on being ahead of the opponent.

The material picked up at the panel could be applied to anyone pursuing a career in arts, not just people invested in hip-hop. I believe that’s why the audience was so engaged in the conversation. It was more than just about rap and the Baltimore Rap Artist. There were producers, songwriters, and even visual artists present nodding their heads in agreement with what they took in. Because the information was presented generally, I make the statement every artist should have come to the museum’s grand opening. These are resources artists in this city often complain about lacking.

As mentioned before in the first installment of my blog series Quality Vs. Quantity (Part 1), Baltimore’s art culture needs more resources to help artists improve their approach to building a legacy of brands. The In My Lifetime: Mini Hip-Hop Museum is well on its way to becoming one of those sources to help artists improve their quality. The kickoff Put Yourself On Panel was an eye-opener and extremely helpful first attempt at its premiere.

It’s looking up for the “urban” art culture in Baltimore as we see more avenues readily available to help artists. Places like Impact Hub and events like the Baltimore Beat Club help provide resources for improvement and exposure. Artists need to be aware of taking sacrifices with choosing to invest in their career progression. There are more than studio sessions and basement rap.

There has to be a way to publicize the importance of improving their quality to artists. I assume the best way is to keep talking and sharing the little things we do have and spreading what the benefits are when utilized.

But what do I know? I’m just writing myself into existence….

What do you look forward to with the opening of the In My Lifetime: Mini Hip-Hop Museum in Baltimore? What do you think it can offer to the DMV? Leave your comments below.

Have you read Quality Vs. Quantity (Part 1): The Saturation of Wanna Be Artist In Baltimore’s Art Culture? Check it out on Doc’s Castle Media.

Throwback: Doc Releases Song Pushing Domestic Violence Awareness

Today, we share some unreleased content from out of the Doc’s Castle Media Vault. Are you a fan of conscious music?

In 2014, I recorded a track that speaks on the life of a girl who’s a victim of domestic violence. It’s not your average Eve’s “Love is Blind” type of track. It’s my version of a story of a girl who was my best friend. Our relationship changed when I saw her transform before my eyes into a woman who believed in lies from a man full of broken promises to never hurt her.

I thought I’d share this song after I posted about Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, a GBMC’s SAFE Domestic Violence program 5K walk geared to help raise money and spread awareness about abuse because domestic violence is a subject that shouldn’t be glossed over. A victim of domestic violence doesn’t deserve to feel like they’re being looked over. It’s a serious matter that sometimes ends in unfortunate death for many men and women around the world.

Passion Peace is a narrative of what I saw my friend becoming after dating a guy who isolated her from everything she already knew and loved. It was my stern affection of love for her and my eagerness to tell her that she was and still is beautiful while her boyfriend profusely abused her.

It was recorded at the Dugout Dojo in Fall 2014 by engineer and Baltimore recording artist Flu_x. The Dugout Dojo is where I also recorded my hip-hop mixtape Songs From Da Dugout.

I made Passion Peace while we were no longer friends but used it as a message to tell her I still loved her more than the person who placed her in dangerous situations. I sent it to her in hopes that she would one day realize what she is worth.

If I knew any better, I would have contacted the many different domestic violence programs that could help her escape an unsafe situation. Programs like the SAFE program or My Sister’s Place Women’s Center both located in Baltimore City, could have helped stir my friend away from what was keeping her bound in her relationship.

Today, her and my relationship are far from what it used to be. What she went through torn between our bond. I don’t know how someone can change everything a person stands for and still claim to love them. But I saw it happen. I watched her change. She’s no longer with the guy who was abusing her and she’s no longer the same.

Do you have a domestic violence story to tell? Leave us a snippet in the comments below.

Have you read about GBMC’s Walk A Mile In Her Shoes 5K Event? Read GBMC Working to End Domestic Violence Through Gender Role Reversal on Doc’s Castle Media.

Whiskey’s Birthday Hip-hop Showcase at DC’s Art Gallery The Fridge (DCM Gallery and Recap)

People pour into a one room warehouse full of astounding art on a beautiful Saturday evening. The Fridge, a place where artists from DC gather to spread their inner creative abilities, whether it be through painting, poetry, singing, dancing, and any other art form a person can think of. It’s on this particular day, we all gathered to listen to spoken-word and a group of talented local hip-hop artists performs in celebration of DC blogger Whiskey Girl, owner of the Whiskey and Poetry Brand and also the host of the Embrace The Crazy Podcast, birthday celebration.

I don’t know what to make of the start of the event on whether it was good luck or bad luck. Outside of the venue, there was a fire that occurred at Capital Hill Tandoor & Grill, directly across the street from The Fridge. People crowded the streets to sneak a peak of the damage inside the restaurant. It’s uncertain whether there were any injuries during the time.

I have tunnel vision for the arts, I guess. Haha.

Otherwise, the evening was nothing but love once I entered the showcase. The host Rich Rocket opened the night telling peers to “give an energy that can be reflected by the audience.” So whenever an artist performed, they needed to give an energy that the audience could mirror. If the performance was worth a standing ovation, it’s what the artist got. That was what made the evening lit. Everyone was respectful to everyone’s art. Artist worked with what they deserved.

A few artists to name that were in attendance were Donnie Breeze, Rello, Starve Marv, Mike Evann, Young Mally, and DC Kash. Each artist came with their own individual swag representing where they come from. Some of these artists even came long distances to share their unique flair; Starve Marv from Florida, and Donnie Breeze and Rello from Baltimore city.

I was so proud to see Baltimore recording artists Donnie Breeze and Rello perform at the Fridge. I put on my proud parent smile as I watched them perform. Whenever I see people from Baltimore out of their element, I get super hyped to support them. It’s the idea that they don’t get that type of love in Baltimore. The love was abundantly overwhelming from DC event goers because, like the Rich Rocket told them to do, they came with an energy that demanded an equal response.

Again I found myself asking why can’t it always be like this?! Every time I leave Baltimore City hip-hop scene to experience another city’s hip-hop atmosphere I ponder what could it be that my city is doing wrong which is preventing artists from getting the recognition they deserve? First, it happened as I went to Rockview Entertainment’s hip-hop showcase in Queens, NY while I was in attendance for support of DMV artist Jae Ducketts. Now I’m in DC, and the love that their peers showed was phenomenal.

I want to bring the attention back to the promoter of the event, always. The power of support is always in the event thrower. In this case, it was Whiskey who’s birthday may have been the cause of such a great turn out. But such a turnout was worthy of being mentioned when comparing to the turnouts of open mic and showcases in my hometown.

What I notice about attending both the events in Washington, DC and Queens, NY is the hosts for each event reminded their audience the importance of showing others respect when they have the floor. It’s appalling that the majority of the audience were old enough to understand modest mannerisms. But maybe that’s what it is needed in Baltimore. Promoters in Baltimore should often push more participation from the audience at the start of their events? It’s something worth pondering.

Here are some moments captured during the show by Doc’s Castle Media.

What are some ways to show support for independent artists? Leave your feedback in the comments below.

Ever heard the difference between the #NewBaltimore and #OldBaltimore music beaf back in 2014? Read “#NewBaltimore vs. #OldBaltimore. We’re All Crabs” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Rockview Entertainment Presents the Inauguration Concert in Queens, NY (What Indie Support Should Look Like)

Doc’s Castle Media had the opportunity to leave our regularly scheduled program to experience something we’re very familiar with outside of our comfort zone last weekend. Doc attended a hip-hop showcase in New York City, and there’s so much to be mentioned about why my experience out of town is worthy of being shared with Baltimore city hip-hop heads.

The Inauguration Concert was hosted my Rockview Entertainment, an independent entertainment group in NYC that specializes in the branding of New York City music artists. Taina and Jus Write are two New York artist of the brand’s roster that came to the showcase that evening. A majority of the Rockview Entertainment events feature local talent from all over NYC. But some artists travel from farther distances to perform.

As a part of the entourage for Baltimore recording artist Jae Duckett, I came to work my talent covering the event by taking photos and experiencing the essence of the show. We came with a total of 9 people. All of us bearing cameras and media equipment in support of Jae. We did this to show the people of the big apple how we roll. We go hard for Baltimore. But do we really?

I wasn’t the only media present at the Inauguration Concert. There were three internet radio shows present; Lyve Lyfe Radio, WVMR, and Baltimore’s own Strong Way Radio. But what took the icing on the cake was Shani Kulture from Hot 97 dropping by in full support of the showcase, as well.

Shani Kulture delivered a message of positivity that was well needed. He encouraged each and every artist’s’ passion for what they do. Coming from someone currently working in mainstream media with large notoriety, encouragement felt like it had come spewing from the fountain of youth. There’s no doubt admiration was projected at it’s finest from prospective talent in the audience that night.

The evening was full of energy and driven individuals. Simply off the atmosphere alone, you’d feel good about what you’re apart of, which is why I needed to write about this particular showcase for Doc’s Castle Media.

Where are these kinds of shows in Baltimore that have this energy?

Not to knock Baltimore too much, there are plenty of notable showcases and shows that receive a good amount of support from locals; like TheMixx Festival hosted by DTLR and The 2nd Anniversary of Baltimore Beat Club hosted by The Lineup Room. We even have shows like Baltimore Crown Awards that celebrate the successes of artists striving to share their passions in the city. But there are many shows that are “ghost,” without even a handful of spectators insight. Baltimore lacks the artist at the shows showing brotherly genuine support. I always ask why is it this way?

If Baltimore could take just a pinch of energy felt that night at the Inauguration Concert, I’d know it’d be another proud moment and a step forward towards the #NewBaltimore that we idolize in 2014 when there was buzz in the atmosphere of a new generation of artists changing how we celebrate indie artists in Baltimore. If we gained the energy felt during the Rockview Ent. show, we might actually have a chance to climb out of the barrels this city seems to be too familiar with.

If I were to suggest some things that happened in New York that Baltimore artists should invest in doing, there wouldn’t be much I’d need to share. Simply showing up and show out for your friends is all that’s needed to be done.

Each artist in the building that night came with an entourage of supportive friends. Similar to attending a high energy sporting event, all friends cheered on their artist like no other. The night started off with each group of friends showing love solely for who they came for. But by the end of the night, the love shown spread into a huge circle of love. Everyone became one, with the help of the evening’s special guest Shani Kulture encouraging everyone to support all of their peers. He reminded the audience that performing in front of strangers isn’t easy. These artists had the courage to entertain the room. Shani basically told us to show our respect and listen to them.

Maybe artists in Baltimore don’t understand that concept of support at all. We ask our friends to come to our shows and end up partying with strangers. Every time we get to a point when we feel like we’re crawling away from the barrel of constant hate, we get pulled back in by those who are the closest to us. Trying to gain support in Baltimore is a never ending battle familiar to anyone who wants to pursue a dream.

“We are better off moving to another state to get ahead,” says a majority of dreamers spotted in the Baltimore arts scene. They say it as if other cities, like Atlanta, GA, and Los Angeles, are the chosen “mecca” lands, getaway places for serenity and peace, for their passions and talents.

This is not so if we’d just support everyone where we are.

Otherwise, my surroundings in NYC made me hopeful to see a concert like the Inauguration Concert replicated in my hometown. There were enough Baltimore natives there to experience the night’s vibes. Hopefully, those people can spread its essence somehow, or maybe I could be reaching.

Why do you think Baltimore artist struggle to gain support from their peers? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Did you catch the visuals for Boutzie’s Intoxico? Watch the music video for Intoxico feature Flu_x and Jimmy Apoet on Doc’s Castle Media.

Finally! We Have Visuals for Boutzie’s Intoxico feat. Flu_x and Jimmy Apoet

Submitted a few months later than expected, Boutzie finally sends us the visual to her single “Intoxico” featuring Baltimore artist Flu_X and Jimmy Apoet.

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We know her best for her interview in our Doc’s Castle Media Blogger’s Rundown, where she lets us in on the journeys of her blog. Now the owner of Rebellious Rebel goes even further with showing us another one of her talents. Could Ms. Brianna Ragler have the potential of being an entertainer, too?

Located on the Dugout Dojo YouTube channel, the Boutzie single can be spotted. “Intoxico” was recorded at the Dugout Dojo Studios in 2014, and later was featured on Doc’s Castle Media as a Doc’s Thumbs Up Music Highlight. In more recent months the video was published under War Drumz Audio Art social media channels, which reminded us that we didn’t get to see the video in its original release. But there are no worries because we have it here, today.

Intoxico lets viewers in on the minds of people who use outside substances to cope with life’s blips and blunders. When life takes you on a ride down its crazed highway, intoxication is what keeps us from going under and drowning in its misery. Intoxico is where the intoxicated float on life’s edge.

Boutzie dances sensually to sounds produced by Jimmy Apoet. The video was directed and edited by videographer and recording artist Flu_x. This single is a work of art pieced together by each of these artists.

The visuals for Intoxico gives us a little of the reality of life when we’re afraid of choices. It shows how we naturally want to choose the easier choice out of life’s woes. Whether it be drugs, partying, or promiscuity, we subject ourselves to intoxication to decompress from the harshness of life.

What do you think? In a life so Intoxico, how do you cope with life woes? Tell us in the comments below.

Did you know Taylor “Doc” Walker released a mixtape in 2015 produced at the Dugout Dojo Studios? Listen to Songs From Da Dugout on Doc’s Castle Media.

Artist Update: MDMA Cobain (aka Raw Skinny) #CutThaCheck Podcast Launch Over Weekend

MDMA Cobain is back from hibernating under a rock and ready to give us his best and very long overdue radio voice with his new podcast #CutThaCheck. His show is bigger, better and brighter this time as MDMA Cobain provides us with new talent from artists in the DMV and more music by the most talented of Baltimore’s barrel.

MDMA Cobain, better known as Frank the host of this quite swanky show, gives us the jewels with his first podcast from his new series with co-host RonRoc, music producer of the MDMA Lifestyle Brand. In this interview, we become familiar with Baltimore Blogger Shae McCoy, hip-hop duo HollidayShellz, and MDMA Lifestyle artist Relloe1489.

Listen to Episode 1 of #CutThaCheck Podcast:

MDMA Cobain was one of the first to do an audio interview of me on the 2014 podcast The Raw Skinny Show on StaffRadio410. As I recall, it was unlike any conducted prior to it’s time, and what drew me to following him as an online personality.

What keeps me so intrigued with MDMA Cobain’s branding techniques is his unique parodies that come along with the show. During #CutThaCheck, we hear a parody about a woman who is “Clique Bait,”which is a female who’s been around town if you catch my drift. Usually the music shared on Frank’s podcasts are artist’s originals, but you’ll hear the occasional Juicy J, Project Pat or rapidly emerging Flatbush Zombies via the podcast, as well.

So what do you think about this new local show? We surely hope to hear and see more from the MDMA Lifestyle brand. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

For you to keep up with the MDMA Lifestyle music follow their soundcloud, here.

BmoreBeatClub was lit for their second anniversity. Read #BmoreBeatClub Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Outdoors In Front of Hundreds at Annual Festival on Doc’s Castle Media.

#BmoreBeatClub Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Outdoors In Front of Hundreds at Annual Festival (A #DocsCastle Recap)

The Bmore Beat Club lit the corner of Charles Street and North Avenue over the weekend with their 2nd Annual Celebration at The Ynot Lot. Hundreds gathered at the lot participating in festival activities by watching producers, rappers, and MC’s collaborate in a hip-hop experience unique to Baltimore’s Art Scene.

Bmore Beat Club is an open mic organized by The Lineup Room with a purpose of bridging relationships between MCs and producers. It’s not your commonly found Open Mic in Baltimore, either. At BBC, producers bring their best compositions to the forefront while rappers reveal their true lyricism in collaboration with producer’s beats. Everything is done on stage in front hip-hop fans. This unique experience takes you back to a time when hip-hop was first birthed in New York City, but BBC delivers with its own Bmore twist.

Over the weekend, locals made cameo appearances in celebration of BBC’s second year running. Baltimore artists such as DDM, Icon Tha God, Chase Ultra, Doowy Lloh, Donnie Breeze, and many more graced Ynot’s corner with a fiery presence and lots of thriving energy. The night’s turnout was beyond what was expected, and the crowd welcomed the raw talent with love and respect.

It was just a tiny hump during the show, but The Lineup Room continued to prevail. There were miniature electrical malfunctions that may have stolen 10 minutes of the festival’s time. But evening’s innovators turned downtime into time travel, as rappers quickly formed a circle center of the crowd sparking an old school cypher. It was a spectacular save, and the night was at hip-hop’s original state, once again.

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At that moment, the turn-up became real and electrifying performances of talent from different corners of the city showed everyone what they had to offer. In seeing all the positivity, there was no doubt the open mic was a success.

The Lineup Room awarded the winner of the open mic with an EP record deal, 100 CDs, music video, and public relations services. A great package for the determined and goal-driven recording artist.

The open mic ended promptly at 11 PM, but the celebration was far from over. Bmore Beat Club after party was held at The Crown, just 3 doors down from The Ynot Lot. So event-goers could mingle some more and not make huge commutes outside of the Station North art grounds.

Bmore Beat Club is an ongoing open mic held every second Thursday of the month. If you’d like to feel what an original hip-hop experience in Baltimore is like, be sure to stop by Maryland Art Place in downtown Baltimore for Episode 25 on September 8th. Stay updated with other opportunities by The Lineup Room by following their Facebook and Instagram page at @lineuproomstudio.

Did you know Bmore Beat Club Open Mic was not the first of event of its kind? Read about my experience attending Beat Trip on Doc’s Castle Media.

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.

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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.

YTube Vid of the Week: Young Moose “No Sunshine” Feat. Martina Lynch

Baltimore’s turmoil due to riots and protests for Freddie Gray have blossomed a hefty amount of creative masterpieces from independent artist of all sort. The Internet is buzzing of colorful opinions, many pale and others vibrant, depicting artists’ perception of peace and violence; justice and injustice; and moral or immoral.

I even had the opportunity to vent: Read “#OpinionEssay: The “Real Revolution Will Not Be Televised”

This week’s YTube Vid of the Week Is from Baltimore Rapper Young Moose.

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Many of Baltimore’s youth look up to local independent rappers Young Moose and Lor Scoota, who recently reconciled musical differences in February over disputes of competition at a local rap summit.

Encouraging words from these rappers are expected since so many young people support these artist. We need them to inspire our kids to do better; to seek success and progression instead of lawlessness and turbulence, as the world watched Baltimore Youth as they rioted and looted as a result of police brutality towards Freddie Gray.

“Dumb Dumb” artist scratched the surface of reaching the you by releasing “No SunShine” in honor of Freddie Gray. Unfortunately, I do not believe he took this opportunity by storm. So much more could be done. So much more could be said.

“No SunShine” doesn’t get much praise from me because there’s more to be said than what these children who live in these neighborhoods already know. There are ways to get a message across without stating the obvious of what’s happening in our city’s black communities. We know of what our state’s governmental policies enable and forbid us from doing. We know about the “slums” that blacks have systematically become accustomed to. My concern was for artists like Young Moose to do a bit more, maybe lead more as an example.

I guess, I’m expecting too much in such a short amount of time. Huh?

Where are the programs they’re continuously supporting. As I look at each artists background and choice of brand for their music, I’m a little concerned about outsiders not understanding what’s needed to be said for our city. It could easily be misinterpreted if someone would listen to more of Young Mouse’s discography as his music is majority about drugs and trap life.

We need more “substance.” We need more positive messages young people will enjoy and support.

What do you think? Did you like Young Moose’s “No Sunshine?” Leave your comments below.

Do you think that some children’s toys are too inappropriate for kids to be playing with? Watch “YTube Vid of the Week: Tree Change Dolls” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Duck Myer’s “Like Stars” feat. Sha-D

Today’s Doc’s Thumbs Up goes to a boy I’ve met while at work. Haha.

Meet Duck Myers

First introduced in my post “Shoutout to Baltimore Punk Rock Band Ballyhoo for Setting Off Halloween the Right Way,” Duck Myers caught my attention when he walked to my booth while working an event for CBS Radio. We-vibe for a little while about Baltimore’s lack of support for local talent. Then I let him listen to a track I recorded. He took an interest in my music and I couldn’t wait to hear what he had.

When it came time Mr. Duck Myers would finally send me something to hear, I was amazed because not many people who walk up to me at an event for CBS follows through and actually are talented. Haha. “Like Stars” is his second song submitted.

Thumbs up:

Like their name (Rage)aholics, the song gives me that feeling of wanting to lose control. It’s one of those get-up and party hard like you were born to live a Project X type of lifestyle.

I suddenly want to make a documentary of my life’s desire to want party. Hmm…

I’m uncertain if this song has visuals, like a music video or lyric video. But I can picture this video being very colorful and full of alluring activity similar to what goes on in the film Project X. The director might have to “eff” around with these effects to create their own sequel for the movie.

What do you think about Like Stars? Does this sound like a song worthy of radio play? Leave your comments below.

Have you seen the last Thumbs Up? Watch Doc’s Thumbs Up: Hazmat Remi’s “Evolve X” on Doc’s Castle Media.