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

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

Source: Daily Beast

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

Source: Facebook

Why is women empowerment the subject again?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Alissa Feré 2015 EP “Song From Da Dugout” Artwork Finally Released

With less than two weeks away from my EP “Songs From Da Dugout” release, I am pleased to finally release the official cover artwork for my project to the public. The EP is expected to release March 21, 2015 via the Alissa Feré Bandcamp and Soundcloud music pages.

image

Like many of my other projects, Briana Ragler was given the pleasures of handling majority of my visuals. Starting from taking on the responsibility of styling my creative persona to designing my cover of my first musical project, Briana, also known as recording artist Boutzie’, utilizes all her creative abilities to make sure Alissa Feré was ready for the world to take in. She was my photographer, stylist, and graphic designer.

Ayeee!

I’ve decided to take the Rebellious Rebel approach while working on my EP because Briana’s creative style is that “clear and clean” image I was aiming for that steers away from the average look associated with sports and hip-hop. I commonly see a more “rigid and rough” images used for things associated with both hip-hop and sports. Both are hard topics dominated by men, which I am not. So my thoughts for my project already being assumed as “hard” had to be challenged to seem more “fluffier” for Feré’s sake.

By creating a more cleaner representation for this project, I hope to promote interests that’s grabs the onlooker’s eye. I want my listeners to know from the moment they see the cover that there’s meaning behind being left in the Dugout for women. This clear and concise illustration captures the beauty behind what I believe this game we call love really is. It’s a cloudy, mysterious, dangerous, and very uneasy to understand, but it continues to be alluring, mesmerizing, and worth taking. Briana captured that we’ll in this very simply put work of art.

On top of it all, it’s very professionally presented. *applauds*

Along with the help from Baltimore artist FLuX, who’s the owner of the Baltimore brand The Dugout Dojo and the engineer of “Songs From Da Dugout,” I was ensured that each song would sound superb. I had no doubt about how my EP would turn out because listening to FLuX’s previous works, I was already blown away. (Listen to The Sky Is Blue by FLuX, here.)

The EP’s track listing is also finalized with six semi- complete songs ready for me to share.

  1. José (Liquor Talkn) ft. Boutzie (prod. Doowy Lloh)
  2. Rufus Bush (prod. mjnichols)
  3. Only You Ft. Quinn Shabaz
  4. Tonight (prod. Cmbeats)
  5. When The Stars Align ft. Leon Dominick (prod. Davinci)
  6. (Bonus Track): Pleasant Nightmares (prod. André 3000)

“Songs From Da Dugout” is expected to release this month March 21, 2015. For more updates on Alissa Feré, subscribe to Doc’s Castle Media social sites.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/docscastlemedia

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/docscastlemedia

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ehhwassupdoc_

View photos from my “SongsFrom Da Dugout” shoot on Doc’s Castle Media.

Alissa Feré Takes It To The Field For The Release of 2015 Mixtape “Songs From Da Dugout”

As an insider for the release of my 2015 mixtape Songs From Da Dugout, I decided to give my readers a few snapshots to look at while they wait for my project to drop next month.

wpid-received_10153046758228680.jpeg

I decided to get a little creative for this release. I thought Why should I leave you guys with only an expected date for my project? I should give you a little more, and maybe some more background to what to look forward to. So I partnered up with my favorite photographer/blogger to give something extra as we wait for my dropping day.

Songs From Da Dugout is a representation of my emotions. Often I feel I’m left in limbo on a lot of issues when I’m dealing with guys. I think lots of women can relate. It can feel like I’m sitting in a dugout waiting to be called on for the next play. It can get restless waiting on these guys, and they should know that I don’t wait very long for my moment.

Women have so many questions that could be left unanswered while waiting on their next call in a partnership; there’s so many expectations that should be fulfilled on the behalf of the man that aren’t met in relationships. I relate to those women because when someone’s left in the dugout, how is anyone expected to win the game? How is anyone expected to conquer the battle?

These brothers got us yelling to the coach like, “Come on. Call me, coach! I’m ready to play.”

The photo shoot was conducted by Briana Ragler of Rebellious Rebel, also known as hip-hop artist Boutzie’. She did a great job. What do you think?

Look out for “Songs From Da Dugout” dropping in March 2015!

Have you heard “Pleasant Nightmares,” single from 2015 tape Songs From Da Dugout? Check out “Alissa Feré Releases Title & Promo Art For Spring 2015 Project” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Watch behind the scenes of my photo shoot via Briana’s Blog, Rebellious Rebel.

http://youtu.be/1uU6n3zTuko

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Boutzie “Intoxico” ft. Jimmy Apoet & FLuX

Baltimore artist Boutzie arrives on the indie music scene with her new single “Intoxico,” a track meant to show the woes of partaking in the various choices of recreational activity.

Indeed, this isn’t your ordinary turn up “let’s pop a molly” type of hip-hop song. Many tracks I come across usually praises the “glorious” life of drugs and living in the fast lane. But this submission doesn’t quite get you hopping out your seat ready to twerk or even imagine yourself in a room full of “Thots” ready to “pop-off,” like an average 2 Chainz song. Instead, it inflicts a self-conscious feeling. Thoughts like ‘why do I even do this drug or condone this behavior’ pops in your head while listening to it.

With lines like ‘Oh it’s murder, the conceivable thoughts that’s unheard of…,’ I’m unsure if I’m suppose to feel a little dark inside for wanting to take that shot of Jose I commonly do.

Sheeeeeesh. Should I chill or what? *Pours shot down kitchen sink drain*

Intoxico features Baltimore artist Jimmy Apoet and Baltimore artist and producer FLuX, both very talented emcees and previously highlighted on Doc’s Castle Media. With a talented group like this coming together to spread common awareness in this very unique way, a person could already tell this may even spark a movement.

So…Where does Boutzie come from?

image

This isn’t the first time Miss Boutzie has graced Doc’s Castle Media presence. Last February, she was featured as a Baltimore Blogger in my 2014 Blogger’s Rundown Series as the inspiring Briana Ragler, and what a surprise to see she has another hidden talent. Girl can sing?!?! Who knew?

image

Thumbs Up:

I love the eery feeling that comes from hearing “Intoxico.” Though it makes me question my lifestyle, its “read between the lines” call to action is rewarding not only to me, but also in generation that prides itself in doing illegal and very questionable recreational activities. With depicting the dark truths of how being intoxicated can overtake your body in mesmerizing, without a care, sense, maybe there is a chance to push these unconscious motives that I have for the song in others; subconsciously just suck the “turn up” out of their little unruly bodies.

I sound like I’m 75 years old. Believe, I do turn up. *cough cough*

Let’s be for real here. If more artists can take part in pushing songs like this, people would walk around second guessing what they do for fun. It might not be a guarantee to resist but it leave space to ponder. I like when people are made to think.

This new sound from Boutzie makes me anticipate what the visuals, if there should be any, may look like for this eerie track. I see darkness, lots of slow motion shots, and maybe a creepy church bell? I guess, we’ll have to wait and see.

What do you think about this song? Leave your comments below.

Have you seen the last Doc’s Thumbs Up post? Watch Hazmat Remi’s “Evolve” Official Music Video on Doc’s Castle Media.

YTube Vid of The Week: Little Girl From Missy Elliott Videos Makes A Tribute

It was a shock to see Missy Elliott resurface during this year’s Super Bowl with Katy Perry. That was really something unexpected. I believe we should have more pop cultural surprises like it in the future. As I’ve kept up with the news about this neat act of wonder, we can all agree that there was someone missing from performance that we’d sure to see in any of Missy Elliott’s performances.

Where’s the little girl who dances in all her music videos?

Well, that little girl’s name is Alyson Stoner, and she was handling some business of her own, which is why she missed out on the performance. Stoner is pursuing her very own music career. Who knew?

I’ve always known Stoner for her many Disney appearances in films like Cheaper By The Dozen, and as Mike’s little sister Sally in Disney Channel Original Mini Series Mike Super Short Show. So it’s funny and kind of weird to see the hip-hop community discrediting and simply labeling her for her part in being that awesome dancing kid from Missy’s music videos.

Come on, guys! She’s so much more than that.

Here’s a list of Things I’ve known her to deserve credit for:

  • Cheaper By the Dozen (1 and 2)
  • Isabella from Phinese and Ferb
  • Sally from Mike’s Super Short Show
  • Wendy from Drake and Josh
  • Barbara Gordon from Young Justice
  • Connie from The Batman
  • Caitlyn from Camp Rock
  • Camille from Step Up (1, 3. and 4)
  • Kairi from Kingdom Hearts video game series
  • Background Dancer for Eminem, Outkast and Will Smith

She’s definitely more than just that dancing little girl. No wonder she missed the performance. Haha.

To make up for her absence, Stoner released a tribute video for the well-respected Missy Elliott via YouTube and that is why it’s Doc’s Castle Media’s YTube Vid of the Week.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEOo311_yts]

She also has a music video out of her own. Check out her official music video for “Dragon.”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvYjAZ04xDI]

Did you see any of Alyson Stoner’s cameos throughout the years? Leave you comments below.

Are you a fan of the new Drone craze happening across the world? You’ll like the last YTube Vid of the Week then. Watch “Saving the Drone” on Doc’s Castle Media.

 

WDAA Update: Smoked Out On Pleasant Grove

Well, there’s more of something new from WDAA this week since the release of new works from artists 2 weeks ago. Thank you, thank you.

First release this week came from WDAA’s trendy rapper Quinn Shabaz as he released some new artwork for us to gaze upon.

image

I don’t know what this photo is of but I’m well aware of the date! Haha.

Pleasant Grove is Quinn Shabaz’s new project. We haven’t heard from him since his debut to Doc’s Castle Media in September with his visuals for “Day One” featuring Jimmy Apoet and Leon Dominick. I’m glad to have finally seen he’s doing something new. Let us mark our calendars for March 24, 2015.

Mr. Tony Bonez Sinatra gave us something to hold us over, too. He did promise to release something this New Years Eve. But seeing as though it’s now New Years Eve and there hasn’t been any hint to anything new coming from him, I can assume his music video release to the War Drumz Twitter account is what we should be focusing on for the moment.

“Smoked Out” was put out to the public from the War Drumz Audio Art YouTube channel the day after Christmas. Since then, I’ve watched it once a day. The video makes me like the song that much more.

Do you like this video or song? Leave your comments below.

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?

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?

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.

#NewBaltimore Or #OldBaltimore? We’re All Crabs!

It’s official. I’m convinced that the entire Baltimore hip-hop scene is confused about what creating a “New Baltimore” should be about.

This post was originally meant to be a recap of #NewBaltimore2, an artist showcase event that took place last Saturday in Baltimore. But that obviously changed as the event, itself, changed unexpectedly. The event was scheduled to be from 7:30 pm to 3:00 am, but ended up shutting down approximately around 12:15 am, leaving some music fans disappointed that they didn’t see who they were anticipating to watch perform that evening. BUT that’s not what I want to highlight in this blog. I want to talk about the event’s mission and if it was truly met this weekend.

Baltimore_Skyline

This was the second #NewBaltimore event. The first event was held around the same time last year and sponsored by the same people, DaCornerStore. I attended both events and have stated my opinion for both via social media. I will NOT be discussing how I’ve been scolded for my opinion on both events. I will say that people’s decision to attack me further pushes me to write why I believe we’re all still crabs looking for an exit from the rusted old barrel.

But as this topic of New Baltimore vs. Old Baltimore starts buzzing in the ears of people here, I want to emphasize my stance on the topic as a supporter of all art that comes from my fellow Baltimoreans. I attend all art events big or small; exclusive to the public or open to the public. I do not look to discriminate. I’m simply there to practice my art like many others who go to these artsy shows. I support everyone because I’m tired of this city’s talent being continuously overlooked. We deserve some recognition!

First, I want to say how proud I am of the turnout for #NewBaltimore2. There had to be around 200 people who showed up to support good music. I was even more proud to hear people in the crowd singing the lyrics to some of these artists music. It was all love and there was a lot of it. That’s something different from what I usually see while attending shows. I applaud the promoters for that.

So what’s circulating about this “New Baltimore,” (& I’m going off of what I’ve heard from talking to other artists on Twitter and Facebook) #NewBaltimore is here to provide a platform for the new, younger generation of artists, in Baltimore, as opposed to the older generations or vets in the city’s scene, who are said to have more chances and opportunities for their music be heard.

All of Sunday, I watched a few of the younger artists in Baltimore expressed their concerns, openly over Facebook, about how they’re not having the opportunity to “shine” alongside veteran artists due to a lack of support from those who throw, plan, and promote hip-hop events. Some say promoters are bias when choosing who to include in showcases and its unfair that they aren’t getting support similar to the veterans. But I say, this shouldn’t be a thought in anyone’s mind, at this point, because we all aren’t shit. (Excuse my French) But I believe it’s this state of thinking that’s causing a huge ruckus about what’s happening today. It’s when people dislike seeing other’s doing better than them that they make this artsy thing become a competition when in reality no one’s even signed to a major record label.

The controversy that comes with #NewBaltimore starts with its title as it points to the attention of something new happening within Baltimore. But what’s really new? I didn’t know that #NewBaltimore was meant to be a door for the newcomers to break into Baltimore’s hip-hop scene, rather than being about the attitude of people in this city, which is what we should be focusing on.

lifemusic

Everyone’s attitude is the same. We’ve proven this Saturday that we’re crabs, still, because why is it that we show up to this showcase and not the other numerous showcases in Baltimore that has new talent each day. Did we really come to hear some good new music or was it the names on the flyer that drew us in? Were we, as artists, really there to check out the competition because these performers have reserved spots in a show while some of us in the audience aren’t? Some of us only get to perform one song at Love and Hip-hop Open Mic Night held at St. Mary’s Restaurant.

The attitude of local artists has to change if we’re seeking to be recognized. ALL artists need to reframe from placing themselves on pedestals and for once, in this hard knock city, and learn to truly support. Aren’t you tired of lagging behind other cities’ reputations as society portrays them to be places of progression when we have an abundance of fresh new sounds right in our backyard and the potential to be as great as the people who come out of Atlanta, LA and New York?

Come on, now. Majority of the people at #NewBaltimore have made some dent in the hip hop scene here. So I asked myself this question when I left. “Taylor, when’s the last time you’ve seen any of these people at an open mic? If they claim they love hip hop so much, why is it so hard to support someone else’s event? Why are they showing up because they know who’s throwing this event instead of celebrating the art?” I have not seen one person that I saw at #NewBaltimore at any other open mic in Baltimore. Eargasim, Monumental Mondays, Be Free Fridays, Love and Hip-Hop, the list goes on and these venues are ghost towns each week. Answer that! We’re not encouraging the artist at these events. We’re not pushing for something new.

I guess #NewBaltimore really opened my eyes to how many crabs we’re dealing with, even with the entire city knowing we’re stuck in a barrel. It’s not people who aren’t artist we should worry about getting to these show. First, we need to worry about living the lifestyles we glorify and speak of. We need to be changing our attitudes and supporting talented people regardless of their names. We need to come together, then encourage others to come out to support.

But I’m just a blogger and my words have no value because I’m not an artists myself. At least that’s what some of these new artist say. I’m just tired of writing about the same thing. Seven months later, I’m still saying Baltimore Is Too “Cliqued” Up to Have Supporters. I shouldn’t be scolded for what I’m observing. My observations aren’t far-fetched. There isn’t a new Baltimore, not yet. We still have time to create it.

But what do you think? Am I wasting my breath? Will we ever escape this barrel? Will the newcomers and the vets come together? Will artist support these other showcases around the city? Let me know in the comments below.

Have you read my last music highlight? Read Music Highlight: Quinn Shabaz’s Day One ft. Jimmy Apoet & Leon Dominick on Doc’s Castle Media.

Nominees for 2014 Maryland Music Awards Are In

So the nominees for Maryland Music Awards have been revealed!

Were you aware of the Maryland Music Awards? I know I wasn’t. There has to be a better way to be informed about such things. I found out about the awards through reading another blog. But I didn’t hear any more reports about this newly found music celebration until I started doing an extensive Google search. I wonder why they didn’t include the people who commonly write about independent Maryland artists for this selections process, or why they didn’t send word out about it to the local magazines and bloggers.

Nominations are already in! Here’s the video announcing this year’s nominees.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2khxYdJwQiY]

I don’t know any of these artists. Do you? Haha. I guess, the show will meet it’s purpose by promoting awareness of each of these artists. But come on, I know hip-hop artist in Baltimore with more buzz than any of those who were mentioned.

I look forward to more of these award shows. But for the next go round, lets add some more artists that I can actually vote for in the next show. I wish all the current nominees the best of luck in their journey to being the first to win a Maryland Music Award.

To read more about the Maryland Music Award, check out their site here.

How do you feel about the Maryland Music Awards? Will you be tuning in to watch it? Leave your comments below.

Did you see the last Music Highlight? Read Quinn Shabaz Day One ft. Jimmy Apoet and Leon Dominick on Doc’s Castle Media.