Tag: DMV

Easy Rider Reborn: TheRealSmirf and the Legacy of Kush and OJ

The Real Smirf steps in as the infamous DJ of the Kush and OJ mixtape, Easy Rider.

Like I said before, the 4Da Streetz video is a tribute to the 15 Year Anniversary of Wiz Khalifa’s Kush and OJ mixtape. It’s from an era when mixtapes were the soundtrack to nights thick with smoke, laughter, and the pulse of the city. Kush and OJ wasn’t just music; it was the heartbeat of every kickback, every smoke cipher, every gathering where stories were shared and memories made. I downloaded it from LiveMixtapes in 2010 and didn’t skip a single track. That tape played on repeat, weaving itself into the fabric of those moments, earning its place as the dope-ass soundtrack everyone knew and loved.

Inspired by Wiz Khalifa’s Easy Rider

On Skit 1, which introduces the theme of the tape, we meet an unforgettable character named Easy Rider. Easy Rider is the host of the Kush and OJ mixtape, voiced by Wiz Khalifa. I’ve always liked this character and how he introduced Wiz to listeners. I wanted to do the same for Alissa Fere, giving her a theatrical introduction similar to Wiz’s way of introducing us to everything he brought to his listeners in this exceptional album.

I’m aiming to make this mic drop video stand out by using my favorite beat from the track, “Never Been,” produced by Sledgren. I discovered the original beat isn’t on streaming services because it samples music from the 1995 video game Chrono Trigger. Despite this, the beat resonated deeply with me, much like when Logic used it for his 2012 mixtape A Tale of Two Stans. Now, 4Da Streetz also features this beat. The song is available as a free download in my book, A Voice of My Own, gifted like a mixtape—once downloadable on platforms like Datpiff and LiveMixtapes, now on my Bandcamp for Alissa Fere.

Read: Baltimore’s Shot By Swish Directs 4Da Streetz Tribute to Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & OJ

TheRealSmirf acts as Easy Rider

What can I do that’ll bring this out more and show how much I really like this tape? I want there to be a skit, and I want someone funny to do it. TheRealSmirf, whom I discovered through his TikTok series “NotMeSmirf,” where he delivers sharp, humorous takes on a variety of everyday topics with a witty and relatable style, brings that energy perfectly.

Watch TheRealSmirf on Instagram

Smirf came through for me in a bind, and I appreciate him for it. When something falls through, I love it when artists can help make up for lost creative labor by sharing their expertise. That’s why I have to give extra applause to TheRealSmirf for not only acting as Easy Rider in the video but also helping coach me on the perfect visuals for executing my first video.

Tevin Towns Interview with TheRealSmirf on Personal Perspectives

Listen to Tevin Towns interview with TheRealSmirf on Personal Perspectives on YouTube. Watch as he opens up about his ten years as a comedian, his life’s challenges, personal growth, battle rapping, content creation, and support from Baltimore.

Watch the interview on YouTube

Want to hear something funny from TheRealSmirf? Follow him for skits, future show dates, and rap battles on his Instagram at @thereal_smirf.

Kush and OJ isn’t just a mixtape; it’s the pulse of nights woven with smoke, laughter, and the rhythm of connection—a soundtrack that shaped a generation’s gatherings and dreams. With TheRealSmirf stepping into the role of Easy Rider, that spirit is reborn, laced with humor and heart, bridging the echoes of past and present. I invite you to dive deep into this homage, to watch the 4Da Streetz video, and to rediscover the magic that mixtapes like Kush and OJ breathed into our lives. This is more than music—it’s a living legacy, a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Follow TheRealSmirf’s journey on Instagram at @thereal_smirf.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

Download the free ebook A Voice of My Own.

Recording 4Da Streetz at The Lineup Room: Where Baltimore’s Sound Comes Alive

The Lineup Room is a Baltimore Hip Hop and Rap Recording Studio with mixes that are featured on Netflix, Billboard, and HBO. It’s the stomping grounds for many of the city’s creatives—Eze Jackson, TT The Artist, DDm, Mighty Mark, SU The Clique, Jay Ivy—who’ve all tapped into its production and engineering magic. The resume and notoriety of the studio alone is immaculate, and a big motivator for why I chose it as the location to record the official 4Da Streetz music video.

A Hub for Baltimore Creatives

The Lineup Room isn’t just a studio, it’s a cornerstone of Baltimore’s hip-hop ecosystem. Known for its professionalism and artist-first approach, it consistently rises above the noise of other city studios by nurturing talent and respecting the creative process. Whether it’s helping songwriters refine their sound or supporting recording artists in shaping their vision, The Lineup Room delivers with intention and care.

Beyond the booth, the studio plays a vital role in community uplift as a proud contributor to The Dream Bigger Community Institute’s flagship initiative, Beats Not Bullets, a transformative program that empowers at-risk youth through hands-on education in music production, sound engineering, and the business behind the art.

The Lineup Room Instagram. Sept 2025

I Chose the Lineup Room

I’ve recorded at The Lineup Room multiple times, working closely with engineers who provided exceptional customer service. The sounds were crisp—even before mixing and mastering. While being serviced at the studio, I worked with individuals who not only recorded my songs but also gave vital feedback and encouraged the development of a sound for Alissa Fere, my music persona and alter ego.

Now, let’s be real. While working on 4Da Streetz, I hit a few bumps. Some engineers were a bit shaky to work with. But what business doesn’t have a few bad apples trying to get a come-up? When I ran into issues, I knew my guy Brandon Lackey would make sure my project was handled with care. One quick call to an old friend, and he ensured I was satisfied with how everything turned out.

Read: The Music Highlight: Jose (Liquor Talkin) by Alissa Fere on Doc’s Castle Media

A Voice of My Own, a standalone chapter from 4Da Streetz The Book, traces Alissa Fere’s journey through Baltimore’s Underground Dojo, a space where raw experience meets lyrical truth. While her breakout track “Jose (Liquor Talkn)” wasn’t recorded at The Lineup Room, it’s the studio where the visual heartbeat of 4Da Streetz came alive. Filming there wasn’t just about location. It was about intention. The Lineup Room became a vessel for Alissa’s reclamation—a sonic sanctuary where she sparked a continuation of her story, embodying her voice, her truth, and her power.

Daniel Hess Interview with Brandon Lackey of The Lineup Room Studio

To learn more about Brandon Lackey and his journey with The Lineup Room, check out the interview with Daniel Hess of To Tony Productions.

This interview was awesome, mainly because they did it while coloring with Crayola crayons. Shout-out to the crayon plug. I love to color! Beyond that, it gave me deeper insight into Brandon, the owner of The Lineup Room, where he discussed the history and mission of a studio that’s been serving Baltimore artists since the early 2010s.

If you’re looking to book a session, hit up The Lineup Room on their official site. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, this studio knows how to honor your sound and your story.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

The Essay I Never Wrote—Until Now

I didn’t just write a chapter. I archived a moment. A Voice of My Own is live.

It’s been a long, awaited decade of trying to figure out my life as an artist while imagining how to showcase my view of the world. I am a writer, and those who support me know this well. Since 2013, I have published articles highlighting local Baltimore artists, appreciating various art forms from music to visual arts. I’ve always loved the environment of an artist’s space and enjoyed documenting my experiences within them.

As I mentioned earlier this year, I’m spending 2025 defining who Taylor, Doc, and Alissa Fere are to my supporters. I want to give everyone a clearer picture of what I envision.

Read: What’s Up Doc: Returning from Hiatus: A Personal Update revised from 2014

Artists are incredibly emotional. They experience life and tell stories in ways others are too afraid to share. One thing I know for sure is that I’ve never been someone to shy away from expressing myself. But there’s one part of my life that’s always been a secret—within my artistry.

I talk to myself and reflect often on why I chose to silence my own talents. I journal and sketch in my free time. Since the age of 10, I’ve created sanctuaries where I do my work. Yet, I still felt like I wasn’t truly being authentic to who I’m meant to be because my story doesn’t get told for others to see. But I can write a pretty good essay about someone else.

Now, it’s time for me to face my fears of letting people into the story of my alter ego’s origins. This is the beginning of Alissa Fere. 

4Da Streetz: A Voice of My Own (Ebook)

It started with a bottle of Jose, a college crush, and a verse that refused to stay quiet.

Voice of My Own is a standalone chapter from Taylor’s memoir-in-progress 4Da Streetz, capturing the night she stepped into Baltimore’s Underground Dojo and claimed her voice. Fueled by flirtation, frustration, and a half-written verse, she entered the booth not as a manager or stylist, but as an artist. The track was “Jose.” The moment was transformative.

This chapter unfolds in real time: from plotting on a friend’s couch to performing in a packed studio, surrounded by artists, smoke, and sound. It’s a lyrical portrait of authorship born in the middle of chaos. Taylor didn’t just record a song—she ruptured a silence. She stopped curating other people’s stories and started telling her own.

Set against the backdrop of Baltimore’s underground music scene, Voice of My Own explores persona, power, and the moment a woman decides she’s no longer just surviving—she’s narrating.

About the Author: Taylor is a writer, publisher, and founder of Doc’s Castle LLC, a creative house and publishing imprint amplifying memoir, music, and visual art. Her work explores matriarchal legacy, creative equity, and the power of personal storytelling. She is currently building a living archive through essays, music, and visual media that center resilience, authorship, and resistance.

Download Voice of My Own and hear the track that started it all. This isn’t just a chapter—it’s a timestamp in the archive.

Download A Voice of My Own for Free at any of the bookstores below.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

Code and Canvas: Redefining Art Through Digital and Physical Fusion

Code and Canvas, a groundbreaking art exhibition, opened its doors this weekend at The Black Genius Art Show in Baltimore. As an avid art enthusiast, I was eager to explore the vibrant collection that bridges digital and physical art forms.

Sym curated the Code and Canvas Exhibition to connect with older art enthusiasts. When asked about her inspiration for creating this experience at The Black Genius Art Show, she explained, “to give a highlight to digital artists. There are a lot of elderly people who believe art online is not art because they don’t understand new styles of art unless it’s painting.” She further elaborated, “(The exhibit) gives off trickery because it confuses people when they find out it’s done digitally.”

This exhibit challenges common misconceptions, including the belief that younger generations lack appreciation for the arts. It showcases the diversity of artistic expression, emphasizing that art is constantly evolving, reaching new spaces, and adopting new mediums. Code and Canvas reminds us that as art transforms from physical to digital forms, we must adapt to and embrace these changes, especially as the Internet becomes a central platform for creativity.

Code and Canvas Experience

Code and Canvas fulfilled its purpose for me, and it has the potential to do the same for its intended audience. I visited the gallery to experience art that I frequently admire online but rarely encounter in traditional art galleries or exhibitions. This exhibit resonated deeply with me due to my love of hip-hop, as well as my appreciation for abstract art, vibrant colors, and comic book characters—all of which adorned the gallery walls. These styles are seldom showcased in larger, modern museums, making each design a captivating sight that left me in awe. For an older audience less engaged with the digital world and accustomed to viewing art solely in galleries, this exhibit bridges the gap by bringing the online art experience into a tangible, present-day form.

Pop-up exhibitions across Baltimore have seamlessly blended various artistic mediums, creating a vibrant mosaic that reflects the city’s evolving art culture. Code and Canvas exemplifies this trend, serving as a platform for dynamic collaborations. Local hip-hop artist Shon Ski found her creative home within this space, working alongside visual artists to bring her unique online presence into a tangible, physical form. Her debut performance, featuring her latest single, captivated the crowd and underscored the fusion of music and visual artistry at the heart of the exhibition. 

Shon Ski

Shon Ski is a hip-hop artist and audio engineer hailing from East Baltimore, MD. Her career began in 2016 as a media personality on Crown Media’s online talk show, Strong Way Radio, in Baltimore. In 2017, she expanded her platform by launching her own talk show, Run N Wild Radio, which aired on the 1500 Radio Network and showcased creatives from various mediums across the DMV area. Shortly after, Shon Ski emerged as a recording artist, debuting her first single, “Double Water,” produced by Madi. Her debut album, Somewhere Out There, produced by Bari Lutalo, was released on March 29, 2022, under Tenable Music. Shon Ski’s music is available on all digital streaming platforms and media outlets.

Would you like to see more of your favorite digital pieces in a local art gallery? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Exploring Last Call: The Trivia Show That Unites Friends

Well, well, well. We meet again, Mr. Karlito Freeze. This time, in a thrilling challenge thrown down by another Baltimore artist, Symone Hardy of Graphite Pulse.

In 2017, Doc’s Castle Media featured Karlito Freeze because we collaborated on a podcast when he was a former “intimate.” Whiskey Girl hosted the podcast back then, and things were a bit different with Mr. Freeze and me.

Listen to #LoveandHipHop Baltimore Featuring #StrongWayRadio and #DocsCastleMedia on Embrace the Crazy Podcast by Whiskey Girl (Gallery)

After years of silence over obvious things (our breakup), I reconnected with songwriter and aspiring multimedia mogul Karlito Freeze on a few art projects this year, with Last Call being one of our standout collaborations.

The chemistry between Freeze and me is unmatched and worthy of celebration. It’s why we return for Last Call Season 1 to showcase the same fire we exhibit on Ex Factor. It’s an exceptional example of building bonds beyond emotionally impactful differences we may have faced in the past. As a story may appear to end one way, it doesn’t mean it has to be the end all be all.

Sym’s, the host of Last Call, work is already so inspirational in Baltimore City. She captivates me because she’s a Baltimore Creative, just like me. You know, I love our people. I heard of Last Call from Freeze when he told me Sym was creating an experience bringing people together that I haven’t seen many people in Baltimore do before. I’m walking into the experience blind, not knowing what to expect, and only being told my opponent is my ex in a Trivia game. All that’s next came a gesture of the birdman hand rub and a declaration to Freeze that it was now, “Game on!”

Who knew I’d be such a trivia beast? Not me! It’s all thanks to the countless hours of Wheel of Fortune playing in the background at my grandparents’ house growing up. Trivia knowledge whispers to me even in my sleep. Freeze didn’t have a chance. The Graphite Pulse Last Call experience brings people together for a good time and plenty of laughter. I had a blast and would do it again if invited.

Who is Graphite Pulse?

Graphite Pulse is an art platform run by multimedia artist Sym, showcasing her art practices and the events she attends due to her incredible talents.

Follow Sym’s Instagram!

Last Call

Last Call is a lively trivia game show that brings people together for a night of fun, laughter, and mystery! With three exciting rounds, each featuring five random and entertaining trivia questions, players are tested on their knowledge across a wide variety of topics. But there’s a twist—the contestant with the lowest score at the end of each round must drink a mystery shot, adding an element of surprise and humor to the game. Perfect for families, friends, and communities, Last Call is all about creating connections, sparking friendly competition, and building camaraderie.

Watch Last Call: Ex Factor

How do you feel about couples collaborating on projects for their brands? Do you think it can be done? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

TJDaDJ Reviews Creole Soul Restaurant Review at R. House with Doc

It’s a year later, and I’m a guest feature on someone else’s “blog,” again. This time around I blessed the screens of TJDaDJ’s Quick Bites Food Review.

I first featured TJDaDJ last year during what Black Restaurant Challenge month when I shared the top 3 Baltimore black owned restaurants he reviewed on his YouTube Channel. This year we together reviewed a black owned restaurant in Baltimore named Creole Soul Restaurant while he also interviewed me about Doc’s Castle Media. 

Creole Soul Restaurant is located in an industrial food hall and community space in Baltimore called R. House. Owner and chef Shunquita “Chef Que” Neal brings her Atlanta roots and ventures in the Bayous of New Orleans straight to the city of Baltimore to create the perfect fusion between the deep south and rich creole authentic dishes. 

I really enjoyed the meal with TJ. I ordered the Oyster Po Boy while he ordered the Shrimp and Grits special. The food was phenomenally tasty and reminded me of the New Orleans vibes I experienced not too long ago on my 30th birthday.

TJDaDJ not only took me on a trip on reviewing this black owned southern goldmine of a restaurant, but he also introduced me to his subscribers with an interview with Doc’s Castle Media. We talked #Thirsty30Body, my latest art collection Tipsy Decor, and a little history of the Doc’s Castle Media brand. I had a good time with TJDaDJ and hope that we can collaborate more in future because I also enjoy trying new cuisine.

Watch TJDaDJ Interview with Doc:

What are your favorite Black owned restaurants in Baltimore that you like to eat? Share them 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!

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.

Listen to #LoveandHipHop Baltimore Featuring #StrongWayRadio and #DocsCastleMedia on Embrace the Crazy Podcast by Whiskey Girl (Gallery)

Doc did something out of her element over the weekend. Dun, Dun, Dun. Doc’s Castle Media was a special guest alongside the owner of the Strong Way Radio brand on DC’s favorite Whiskey Girl podcast, Embrace the Crazy, to discuss the topic “Love and Hip-hop.” It was an interesting show, indeed, and I’m sure many of my readers will know why.

Most people who know me, know that I’m not very open with my love life. I’m far from the mushy type. Many may recall me being more of a goofball than a love bug. Until more recently, I’ve even gone as far as YEARS since posting a single photograph online of myself with a fling. But apparently, times have changed for Doc because exclusively for the DC Whiskey Queen, I’ve opened up my love life as an open romance novel for her podcast and it wasn’t bad at all.

As stated on WG’s Whiskey and Poetry Blog,

WG is a blogger, self-published author, spoken word artist and single mother with a full-time professional career in the nonprofit mental health arena. She lends her unique voice and perspective to her own WG’s Embrace the Crazy blog as well as MyTrendingStories.com. In addition to writing, her true passions include public work and serving as a mouthpiece to address mental health issues within the black community.

Embrace the Crazy podcast is a series of audio shows hosted by Whiskey Girl on her website WhiskeyandPoetry.com and Soundcloud. The series focuses on a plethora of topics ranging from hip-hop and poetry to mental health and “staying woke.” The sky’s the limit on her show.

While Karlito and I interviewed on the Embrace the Crazy podcast with Whiskey Girl, we covered topics on hip-hop and love, such as the Karlito and Doc love affair, couples collaborating with their brands, Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma beef, how local artists should prepare for hip-hop showcases, and much more. Listen to the full podcast below by visiting Whiskey Girl Souncloud.

After the podcast, the three of us did a raw photoshoot. Because I had so much fun, I thought it would only be right to share the photos on Doc’s Castle Media with the hashtags #BlackLove and #RelationshipGoals to fit the mood. View the gallery for Love and Hip Hop Episode of Embrace the Crazy Podcast below.

http://soundcloud.com/user-167368140/love-and-hip-hop-baltimore

How do you feel about couples collaborating on projects for their brands? Do you think it can be done? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you heard Doc’s interview with MDMA Cobain on CutThaCheck Podcast? Listen to Episode Four on Doc’s Castle Media.

1st Annual Social Media Conference #WhenThePressLinkUp Held In Nation’s Capital (A #DocsCastle Recap)

Self-starter journalists from around the Baltimore and DC Metropolitan area came together for a 3-day weekend conference to share knowledge and resources at the first annual When The Press Link Up event at the University of District of Columbia in Washington, DC. The event was held as a networking gathering for underground media to come together and share tips for how they create content, share stories, and build a brand following.

The event was hosted and organized by journalist and owner of PRWiz, LLC, Mindy Jo. According to the event’s website:

“The purpose for When the Press Link Up is for aspiring and current social media enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to gather, network, and engage in dialogue. An opportunity to learn new techniques through educational workshops, awhile enhancing current creative content productions. The goal of When the Press Link Up is to establish a scholarship fund to aid Media Arts students in the United States, along with assisting Teach for Madagascar nonprofit education program.”

At this year’s conference held the weekend of August 5-7, 2016, When the Press Link Up established a $500 book scholarship for a Media Arts student attending the University of the District of Columbia. Currently, donors can contribute to the event’s GoFundMe account. Students who are interested will be required to submit an essay no later than September 9, 2016. (Contact PRWiz, LLC or email whenthepresslinkup@gmail.com for more information about opportunity.)

The conference was a very resourceful opportunity that Doc’s Castle Media took part in. I was the welcomer for Saturday’s festivities. So I opened the event greeting everyone and sharing my thoughts on the current climate in Baltimore since the death of Freddie Gray, and since charges been dropped in his case in late July. I also shared a few words about Baltimore’s new addition to police brutality victimization, Korryn Gaines.   

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=docscastlemedia&set=a.1143502759022324

Attending When The Press Link Up was an eye-opening experience. It brought me to the realization that though we all come from different places, there are similar problems occurring in our neighborhoods. We must work together to try to report a truth that will bring positive change. Most journalists in attendance were chasing stories off pure passion and weren’t getting compensated for any of it. That tells me most journalists that attended are like me. It’s good to know that I’m not the lone wolf working to make a change simply through writing about it. There are more people willing to go above and beyond to share all sides of a story, rather than the side that’ll gain profit.

Events like When The Press Link Up brings us together to brainstorm ways of resolving community issues. Days prior to the conference, a victim of police brutality Korryn Gaines was killed in Baltimore County, Maryland. During When The Press Link Up, underground media discussed meetup spots in Baltimore where they could get involved with what was happening to help her family and friends protect her story. Most importantly, the journalist discussed how to listen out for clues to tackle stories by large media outlets who provide us with information. We learned to determine the difference between having information fed through mass media to represent “fact” versus being shared to form an opinion within the community. We networked and congregated on our perceptions of what we believed to be true journalism. The event seemed to have met its mission purpose.

I was a little disappointed in the turnout. There weren’t enough people there that registered for the conference who wasn’t already a creator or entrepreneur of their own brand. Everyone I met already knew the basics of building a social media brand. Similar to my early years of blogging when I saw nothing but the performers in venues with a small audience, the conference room that housed When The Press Link Up was as deserted as open mic night at local Baltimore arts venue on Charles Street The Depot. Yet again, I was at another event where there’s a lack of support from the community? It did nothing but bring my frustrations towards a society that does not support what’s going on around them because of their lack of community awareness. It’s always the events that have the potential to bring societal change that gets overlooked.

[Read Baltimore’s Too “Cliqued Up” to Have Supporters on Doc’s Castle Media.]

According to PRWiz, LLC, this will not be the only time When The Press Link Up will happen. The event will be held again in the future for more media entrepreneurs to share their experience in media. I hope that I’ll be invited to the next one, and there’ll be a larger audience yearning to gain new knowledge of what it takes to be an underground social media journalist.

Do you follow any social media journalist on your social media sites? List a few that you know in the comments below.