Baltimore artist Archives - Page 3 of 3

Behind The Music: Jose (Liquor Talkn)

Jose (Liquor Talkn) is my first recorded song, which addresses what many may call a “situationship.” It’s a personal excerpt from my life that I changed into a personification about my favorite alcoholic beverage, Jose Cuervo. The song was produced by a good friend of mine who goes by the name of Doowy Lloh.

The idea for writing Jose came from being surrounded by a bunch of people who are constantly submitting to me their music. I have an interest in independent works. It’s great content being sent to me on a regular basis and I’m not going to front, I believe I can compete alongside quite a few people who send me music. I’m humble, though. Ha-ha.

I’m a frequent visitor of local recording studio DugOut Dojo Studios in Baltimore. The art that comes out of there is absolutely amazing! If you’re a recording artist, I recommend you stop by to record and check out other artists’ work while you’re there.

Back to talking about my song…During the week of writing this song, I basically drank Jose every night before bed. It’s my go to drink if anyone who wants to know what I prefer. I don’t know why I was drinking so much. It might be because I’m young and young folks do stuff like that sometimes. Haha.

I woke up one day and thought to myself, Hey, I haven’t written a poem in a while. I usually write poems when something heavy is on my mind and I want to express my thoughts creatively. Jose (Liquor Talkn) appeared to be the product this go around because I thought if I made a song about what was going on in my life to conclude all the feelings that I had for a guy I absolutely knew didn’t feel the same for me, it would wipe away every unwanted emotion I had about him. Did it work? It damn sure feels like it.

A new form of creativity entered my realm and now I can say I feel like making music is the cure to what’s been buried inside of me for years. It’s only for fun that I’m choosing to make music. I don’t want to take the fun out of doing it. It’ll drown away every innocent speckles left in it if I made it into a job. But music always brought me joy. For some reason, I knew there had to be a reason why I’m so fond of being involved with it. I’m not saying that composing a song is my calling. But for some reason, I’m drawn to anything that deals with music. I’ve always loved it.

What’s it like to have a career writing music? What’s it like to be a music publisher? What’s fulfilling to me when I learn how to make beats? The possibilities are endless for me because it’s what I’m looking into doing while I’m bored out of my mind because I’m not enrolled in school. Ha-ha. I just want to learn more about anything within the musical culture.

When I made the song, I was lost out of my mind, trying to figure out what would sound right. I still believe my song needs some work done to it. But it’s my first song, whoever likes their first song? There isn’t too many people. So I consider it decent.

Brianna Ragler from RebelliousRebel backed me on the vocals. FluX, producer at the DugOut Dojo, “whipped my sound into shape.” The track became something of good potential. Others have told me they like it. (Hear José on Doc’s Castle Media.) It’s cool. You know, the artist is always their worst critic.

Music is love. A person can join it’s marvelous culture if they’d dedicated their time to it. If you enjoy the arts, you’ll know that music more than what people hear. It’s a lifestyle for many and I encourage more people to learn more about it before they judge it.

YTube Vid of the Week: Footprints of a Mother by Solution

Finally! I have a new YTube Vid of the Week! It’s been a minute.

This week’s video was done by local hip-hop artist Solution. He’s come with some good ole spoken word.

Hip-hop artist Solution, reappears from his music hiatus with the release of his new spoken word “Footprints of a Mother.” This new release is a dedication to all mothers who have left lasting impressions on the lives of their children. Solution is currently working on a separate project expected to release later this year.

He’sssss Baaaacccckkkk! (Check out more on his YouTube Channel.)

Honestly, this video should have been posted on Doc’s Castle Media around Mother’s Day. But would it have caught your attention today if I posted this video around the time that everyone published something about their mother? Uhh, no! SO…I had to be different, of course, and post a month and some days afterwards. Ha-ha. Are you still thinking about mom? You should be.

Never forget about mom! Do you love your mom? Comment with something nice you’d like to say to your mom in the comments below.

How would you react if you saw a woman harass her boyfriend in public with no remorse? Watch the last YTube Vid of the Week: Violence is Violence on Doc’s Castle Media.

The Music Highlight: Jose (Liquor Talkin) by Alissa Fere

Parental Advisory Apply!

Alright, everyone is a rapper. I know, I know. I guess you’ll throw me into the mix after you finish hearing my track that was released Friday evening May 30, 2014 (My Birthday).

When it comes to expressing myself, I sometimes need to find new ways of releasing how I feel about something. I have to let things be known creatively. I’ve always experimented with different techniques. While growing up, it can be said that I could be caught journaling, drawing, dancing, writing poetry, writing songs, creating clubs, or joining clubs. I’ve always had to stay active. As you know now, I’ve made a bucket list of tasks to complete.

These past two weeks, I’ve been dabbling in writing a song because it was a task on my bucket list. I’ve always wanted to write my own song, as if I was making a soundtrack for my life. I watch music videos on television sometimes and think that I have the skills to create something like it. So I made a song so that I could make a music video, too. Yay!

Jose (Liquor Talkin) is a page out of the diary of Taylor Walker, a song about an event in my life that I wanted to creatively express my thoughts about. There was no biting my tongue when it came to writing it. It was exactly how I felt about something I believed to be inhuman. It was my first time recording a song and I discovered talents about myself I didn’t know I had.

I have bars! That was surprising.

I may be writing more songs. I have a lot of things that I want to get off my chest that blogging won’t be able to fulfill. So, I guess, I’m making music until I find something new to experiment with. It’s fun.

One thing off of my bucket list is complete. Time to move on to the next!

Check out the last Music Highlight. Read the interview with The Mighty Third Eye on Doc’s Castle Media.

The Music Highlight: Interview with The Mighty Third Eye

The Baltimore city’s music scene is getting bigger and bigger by the day. I’m not saying this because everyone seems to want to be a rapper these days, but because if you really indulge in the hip-hop scene, you’ll learn that there are some really gifted individuals taking apart in something worth sharing about. Two of those very gifted individuals are this week’s Music Highlight.

The Mighty Third Eye are two sibling rappers, who are freshly new to the Baltimore hip-hop scene. They caught my attention sometime last month when I attended an open mic night and was granted a T-Shirt from one of the members, Divine King, during their performance. He definitely gave his shirt to the right person because it wasn’t too far after I approached The Mighty Third Eye about being today’s feature.

I met with the two at Terra Cafe, which was also my first time dining in the local restaurant. (I’ll talk about my dining experience another day because the food was good y’all.) But once I met up with them, we kicked it and I learned a lot about these Milwaukee natives. We chatted about their start as a duo rap group, the type of music they consider themselves to make, Love Truth’s view on women in the industry, and much, much more.

I started my interview by asking the two how they began. It came to be that the both of them already were writers growing up. But Divine King, while inspired by NWA, began rapping in high school with his friends. He often made beats as a hobby, as well. It wasn’t until 3 years ago; he would faithfully send beats he made to his sister Love Truth for review. At the time, Love Truth was into writing poetry rather than the art of rap. But she expressed that from life’s obstacles and tribulations, she was inspired to begin writing over beats her brother orchestrated. After a while, it became a thing they loved to do, or as they say “it kind of happened organically,” it wasn’t planned at all.

If you were to hear a Mighty Third Eye track, you’d be reminded of “soul-hop,” hip-hop music with a hint of conscious meaning that reaches the inner soul. Artists whom I would consider in this category of music would be Lauren Hill, Mos Def, or the Roots. They have a sound of which I believe has run scarce in the industry, today. As I’ve mentioned to them that their music reminds me of music from the 90s, they’ve expressed that many others have placed them in the same genre. Divine King wouldn’t want to say they focus on a specific era of music though many compare their music to artist from the 90s. Their aim is to deliver a certain message and to add value to the culture. Both aren’t too fond of the “turn up” music that’s so often promoted in the music industry, so they see the 90s comments from others as compliments because it’s an era of music they enjoy, and an era of music they take pride in listening to.

Female MCs are hard to come by in the Baltimore Hip-Hop Scene? Males dominate the culture but women still find ways to form a presence. As I went on expressing how I rarely see female rappers at open mics in Baltimore, the conversation led into a discussion about females and how they carry themselves in the industry. I asked Love Truth if there was reason for why she chooses to represent herself the way she does; in a conservative-simple manner. She went on to say “I don’t feel compelled to sell sex through my music. I feel like I’m going to shine no matter what. I don’t feel I have to use my body to get somebody’s attention because my intelligence and other things are going to be able to carry that.” She’s aware that she’s entering into a male dominated industry and believes there are choices people make to represent themselves the way they do. Every choice has a consequence. She chooses the path that won’t exploit herself in ways that will make her feel uncomfortable living with those consequences. I believe that’s always the way to go!

I asked the Mighty Third Eye’s about the idea behind their logo. Love Truth explained it represents their name. I didn’t realize how obvious it was until they elaborated on the design. The logo is composed of three gold letter “I’s” and a black crescent moon. The colors represent the gods and the earth. The logo is both simple and thought-provoking, which I believe is the best way to go about having a logo because a person who’s viewing the design doesn’t have to dig any deeper into figuring it out; as if it’s a puzzle. Divine King and Love Truth just thought it was cool to have a something to represent them because Wu-Tang Clan did it. Why not?

The Mighty Third Eye set the pedestal as one of the most unique groups I’ve found to be active in the local hip-hop scene. How often is it that you see a rap duo who are twins? They deserve a lot of the support that’s given, if not more. I encourage anyone who’s looking for some new soul-hop to speak into their inner conscious, or rather anything worth listening to as they go about their day, to consider downloading The Mighty Third Eye’s album Let Em See. Add it to your hip-hop collection. Also, if you’d like to see them perform live, attend one of their shows held every Tuesday at St. Mary’s Restaurant’s for Love and Hip-hop Open Mic Night.

In the meantime, visit themightythirdeye.com for more goodies from the two.

Have you read the last Music Highlight? Read about TonyBonez Sinatra “Mask Writter” Music Video on Doc’s Castle Media.

Vote for Animated Film: Amulet

Here’s a submission from Baltimore native Tavvon Reynolds. He’s looking for people to vote for his animation to win a chance to air this Saturday on WNET New York Public Media Network. Let’s support this young artist reach his goal to have his featured on television.

To vote for Amulet, you must visit PBS Reel 13 at thirteen.org. You have until 5 pm est. time Wednesday, May 21, 2014 to get your votes in. So spend the rest of you day pushing that vote button on Reel 13! I will be.

Live Forever with Modelz of Distinction’s Immortal Fashion Show

I’m on the roll with these fashion gigs. I have another to share with the viewers of Doc’s Castle Media. Did you hear about Towson University’s sponsored model troupe Modelz of Distinction? Well, they’re currently on fire. This weekend, they’ll be hosting another fashion event titled Immortal.

I’ve labeled this organization as “on fire” because word of mouth as reached me numerous of times regarding MOD. It’s about time that Doc’s Castle Media hop in on the excitement. I mean, just read the words from MOD’s very own secretary Kara Achilihu:

Our shows have grown with each year, reaching full capacity each time. Our shows not only include models ripping the runway, but feature an array of talent such as musicians, dance teams, poetry slams, raffles, prizes and more. MOD also participates in community outreach, performing community service and social events such as car washes, talent shows, cookouts, etc. We were most recently featured on WPB Radio twice, as well as a feature in The Towerlight, Towson University’s student newspaper.

They’ve been doing the damn thing. Lets give credit when it’s due.

Kara submitted a little snippet of last years show. I wish I attended. There’s so many beautiful people, both men and woman. Doesn’t it make you want to walk the stage, too?

So what are you doing this Saturday, May 10 at 7:15pm? If you’re doing the usual, stop right now and switch your plans. Indulge into something different by supporting this local event. Even if you’re going for the buffet, show your support by attending Modelz of Distintion’s Immortal fashion show. I bet you’ll feel fancy once it’s over.

Read about my experience at Baltimore’s 1st Fashion Truck Rally, Boulevard of Chic on Doc’s Castle Media.

Artist Update: Champ The General “All I Know Video”

Previously featured artist Champ The General released his music video to mixtape single “All I Know” 2 weeks ago on his YouTube channel for the world to see. The update was submitted to us to promote his show on March 24 at Monumental Mondays at The Depot located in Baltimore’s Art district, Station North. Check him out.

What do you think? You like the song?

Read about Champ The General on Doc’s Castle Media.

Mixtape Review: Kaseo’s MoBettaHipHop

Today, I’m posting a Music Highlight. I haven’t done so in a while. But I want to remind people my blog is not solely a music blog. Doc’s Castle Media is a commentary blog, which means I write based off of my opinions for different events and scenarios that happen throughout everyday life. I enjoy writing about Baltimore because it’s the city in which I dwell. But Doc’s Castle Media is meant to promote productivity within my city through me writing about how I feel about what’s going on around me. I talk about music but I’m not limited to it. My blog shows for it, hence why I don’t post everyday a new song or mixtape that’s being dropped by a local musician. There are other artist, like poets, graphic designers, dancers and etc.; I’d like to write about. I’d love to give recognition to talent while also writing about my thoughts and ideas with what’s going on in the world. I hope that I’ve cleared it up for some of you.

Onward to The Music Highlight…

Kaseo is today’s star! If you didn’t already know about this guy, he recently dropped a mixtape early February that I would say has a unique sound from what I commonly hear in the streets of Baltimore. I loved it. But let’s leave the best for last here. First I’ll get you familiar with who he is.

Kaseo is a Baltimore native who has embedded within him multiple talents that helps him enhance his music career to further heights. Not only is he a musical lyricist, but he’s also a producer making hip-hop beats. But of course, it didn’t all start out as rainbows and butterflies. Kaseo started his music career when he was 12 years old playing the Casio keyboard that was a gift from his father. He started with making beats and freestyling to his creations. Once he learned he had a passion for rapping, he formed a group with his friends in high school name Music Man. Later the group’s name changed to Skyebourne Music Group.

Kaseo’s motivation to make music is to receive a feeling of liberation. In the past, he battled issues with anger and music became his outlet. He believes music is peaceful and serene. So he often writes for his release and “high.” He also creates because people are fond of what he offers. I guess, I would say I’m one of those people, now, because I can vouch that his latest creation is awesome.

MoBettaHipHop, a mixtape that has a sort of A Tribe Called Quest feel, is an awesome tape that anyone who enjoys a jazzy, but yet still rhythmic type of sound, would love to have in their iTunes collection. I downloaded it the first day it dropped and burned it to a CD so that I could have something new to drive to. One of my favorite tracks on MoBettaHipHop is Black Widow, a song of resentment for a woman who unforgivably broke a man’s heart. Kaseo gives a cruel stab back at a woman who, if anyone would hear how she treated him, deserves to reap what she sows. I thought the CD was beautifully crafted, and I definitely recommend it to my readers to take a thorough listen.

To check out Kaseo’s MoBettaHipHop mixtape, be sure to download it from Bandcamp.com, or you could just CLICK THIS LINK. Also, follow him on Twitter at @Kaseus_Clay and Instagram at @Kaseo92 for announcements of shows, albums, and mixtapes from Kaseo in the future.

Read my last Mixtape Review: Young, Wild & Reckless The Movement on Doc’s Castle Media.

Listen to the Raw Skinny Show at 11-11:30 pm Every Wednesday Night

Sunday, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Raw Skinny, host of The Raw Skinny Show, an also a former featured Music Highlight on Doc’s Castle Media.

It was fun going into StaffRadio to be interviewed. It was my first interview on the radio but not my first time being on air. Two years ago when I use to intern for Blyden Multimedia & Consulting, LLC, I co-produced and seldomly spoke on a show called the Tiona B. Show. It aired on Baltimore Internet Radio network WPBRadio.com every Sunday morning from 8 am to 11 am EST. Being on the Raw Skinny Show brought back some memories of experiences on the Tiona B. Show. It felt great.

I’d say I did fine for it to be my first interview on air. There were questions that I thought about answering differently. But I assume that’s how everyone feels after they’ve been interviewed, a little self-conscious about what they say. They’ll be plenty more interviews to make up for any mistake I made.

I want all my readers to tune into the Raw Skinny Show this evening, February 12, 2014, at 11-11:30 pm EST to support my “grind,” along with Raw Skinny’s evening broadcast. He’s been such a great supporter and deserves every bit of your support for being such a great person who’s aspiring to be successful like the many of us. Raw Skinny is seeking to have his show syndicated on satellite radio. If we all take moment out of our Wednesday nights to listen to his show for a length of a popular sitcom, like Family Guy, we could push his goal further. So lets make it happen! Support local businesses. Listen to StaffRadio410 on BlogTalkRadio or on Stitcher Radio.