Taylor "doc" Walker Archives - Page 9 of 10

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?

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?

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.

Help a Homeless Brother or Sister Out

It’s been a cold and brutal winter for me. It’s like that for many of us with record-breaking temperatures dropping around the country like crazy. It makes you think it’s another ice age coming. Sheesh.

Temperatures in Baltimore are surprising alone during this week with it expecting to reach 0 degrees Thursday night, February 19, 2015.

I have to travel home from work in that BS!

In times like these, there lacks warm shelter for thousands of people living in poverty. The Mayor’s Office Human Resources states “It is estimated that there are 2,638 men, women, and children who are homeless in Baltimore on any given night.” That’s a lot of people and to think some of these people are literally out here sleeping in the streets! It’s very saddening.

There are people and organizations willing to do anything to somehow make a difference in our homeless brothers and sisters’ lives. One person I’ve notice who’s making his imprint in Baltimore is Chonan Bell.

ChonanBell — from Chonan Bell Facebook profile

Bell has picked up a buzz this week as his mission has spread tremendously through word of mouth on social media. He and his friends have taken the initiative in helping put homeless people, who he sees living on the streets, in a shelter, even if that shelter needs be in a tent.

I contacted Bell about the 411 on what he’s doing around our city. He says:

“I don’t know honestly. Lol. I mean…I drive pass people everyday on my way home and it’s cold as h*** outside. I know everyone can’t get into a shelter, nor do they want to go to a shelter, so a tent could provide some type of shelter from the elements even if it’s just rain or the wind.”

You don’t need to know Chonan! You’re doing an awesome act of kindness! We need more people like you around.

Bell leaves room for others who’d like to get involved in what he’s doing, too. He’s picking up and delivering tent orders from people unable to make those frigid runs themselves. Here’s how you can get involved…

Order a $20 tent online from Walmart.com
Select ship to store for the Arbutus location on Washington Blvd.
Designate Chonan Bell as the pickup person.
Email Bell at Chonanb@yahoo.com to let him know you’ve ordered your tent
You’ve helped someone out!

Also, Ms. Kia Sample, female Baltimore hip-hop artist and 2014 Baltimore Music Awards Nominee, posted two numbers for contact on her Instagram account this week. If you see anyone in Baltimore City or County on these streets during these harsh cold nights, make sure to pick up your phone and dial these numbers. Someone will transport that person somewhere safe and warm out of these inclement weather.

Baltimore Homeless Pickup Number — from Kia Sample Instagram

Do you know of any other people assisting the homeless around Baltimore? Let us know in the comments below.

Check out some dope Kia Sample music below.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/users/4621161″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

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.

Alissa Feré Releases Title & Promo Art For Spring 2015 Project

Something new had to be brewing in the Doc’s Castle Media kitchen for there to be such a long and lasting silence. It’s been almost a month since my last blog post….sorry, guys.

My silence is partially justified with the new goals I’ve acquired throughout the last two quarters of 2014. While I’ve aspired to become a master resumé and songwriter, I’ve neglected my original hobby for writing blogs. But as you can see, I always come back of course.

Since May 2014, I took on a mission to complete my bucket list, which I thought would be easy to do. I was sadly mistaken, and since then, I’ve even added more tasks to my bucket list. I can’t help the feeling I get from accomplishing a new goal. Though sooner or later, I’ll have to set limitations on these goals because I don’t know how much of my list I’m willing to take on now. Haha.

One of the tasks I’ve added to my lengthy list is the release of my 2015 mixtape. It began another duty on my list the moment after I released “José (Liquor Talkn).” Eight months later, I give you the promotional art for my project!

Songs From Da Dugout is as general as it sounds. It’s a project compromised of multiple tracks about my life, or emotions I’ve experienced, between the time period of May, when I released José (Liquor Talkn), and January. All the songs were recorded in Baltimore city studio The Dugout Dojo with head producer and artist FLuX.

Songs From Da Dugout is an EP formulated to speak on the thoughts and emotions of a woman in heartache. Feel the agony and scornful words of Alissa Feré as I speak upon situations every girl can relate to, and every man probably heard of before. Listen to a new rhythmic style only sure to be found in underground Baltimore hip-hop.

Are any of your favorite indie artist releasing any projects that you’re anticipating? Let us know about it in the comments below.

Have you seen my Bucket List? Read “Bucket Listing It Up” on Doc’s Castle Media.

WDAA Update: FLuX Releases Two Singles From 2015 Project

For a moment, I thought we were being faked out because it’s been a while since we heard from WDAA artist FLuX. But two weeks ago, while I went stalking the War Drumz Audio Art Soundcloud page, I found a repost from the soulful rapper’s personal Soundcloud. ‘Why not check to see what else there is?’ was what I thought, and then as I clicked on FluX’s link to his page, I found another little goodie.

Two songs, “Rear view Mirror” and “The Sun is Blue,” were released on December 28, 2014 with the original cover art for FluX’s prospected project initially set to be released last month December 3rd. The project has been delayed until further notice. But it’s starting to slowly make its way to our ears as time surpasses.

Hallelujah *in my gospel choir voice*

Each song gives me what y’all Beyonce fans call “life” because each sounds like they deserve radio play. It’s refreshing to hear something new and worthy. But of course, isn’t that how all good independent music feels?

YASSSSS!!

“The Sun is Blue” sounds like an old school hip-hop song from your late 90s and early 2000s, mostly because of the sample used in this track. It’s a song about frustrations and stress. I definitely could tell FLuX used this song to let off some steam. It’s relatable for people who feel a little overwhelmed with life’s many frustrations.

Now, ladies, if you take a listen to “Rear View Mirror,” you might think of the usual male coming to you using his best picking up line as he seeks to sweep you off your feet, ready to forget about all your responsibilities. This song definitely paints that picture for me. It also features Baltimore artist MikeCool. It’s sure to be a 2015 summer hit.

Did you catch the last WDAA Update? Read “Smoked Out” On “Pleasant Grove” on Doc’s Castle Media.

What Happened To Being All About Your Family On The Holidays?

Now that the holidays are over, I can finally ask this question? Is it just me or does the holidays suck now?! Haha

Christmas feels a little odd since I’ve gotten older. I don’t know if it’s because as a child I wasn’t consciously aware of everything going on around me or if it’s really changing. I no longer get that merry feeling I once did as a child when the season approaches. This Christmas eve, I literally asked myself, “Am I suppose to feel odd about Christmas, especially the day before on Christmas Eve?”

Everything I do is different from when I use to feel the Christmas spirit. Everything I see is the same, but the feeling behind what I know as “christmassy” is different. Even as I speak to my friends, it feels like another average day. Only thing that’s different is the fact everyone’s giving people stuff, and it doesn’t feel like people want to do it. Christmas feels like a season people must participate in because we’ve been doing it for years. That’s not cool.

The way I remember this holiday growing up is with pure tenderness, happiness, and love. My family spent every Christmas together. I woke up way before dawn Christmas day, excited to open presents from all the people I loved, with the people I loved, and every evening I saw more people I loved during our traditional Christmas dinner.

This Christmas was weird. I mean, I asked my mom and sister would we be having Christmas dinner this year, and nobody knew. I asked two days ahead of time, too. They couldn’t tell me. That’s was odd and unusual because we usually know at least that. So I assumed I wasn’t the only person feeling odd.

I even had to work Christmas day. That’s nothing new but it puts the icing on the cake when you realize your family’s doing things differently this year.

I came across an article while searching the web from blog site, On Being.org titled “Why I Don’t Do Christmas” by Krista Tippett. I found it while looking for people who might have similar thoughts about the holidays as I. Krista hits it right on the nose with her explanation for why she doesn’t like Christmas anymore.

Krista isn’t participating in the Christmas as we know it for many of reasons this year. To her, the holiday has become senseless. It’s all about money and reward. People are more selfish with thoughts of what they think they deserves during the season and not seeking solely to make someone happy. Days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday represents corporate businesses way of turning Christmas into an economic relief. The ole mighty dollar has become the country’s savior.

Christmas doesn’t seem so sweet and I believe it’s because the meaning is withering away from us. Krista isn’t far from figuring it out for her family.

When I think of Christmas, I think of happiness, togetherness, genuine generosity, and love. These are all things I rarely see on a daily basis. That’s why Christmas means more to me than any other holiday. But if the day is suddenly losing its meaning, what’s the point?! Our point should be to celebrate the birth of the world’s savior, but without these principles it becomes really hard to create a better world to live in and its purpose slowly disappears.

As a record for myself and to the many of you who care about Christmas too, I wanted to remind everyone what each principle stands for during this season and why they’re important.

Happiness means contentment and joy. It’s contagious. Someone who is always happy can spark curiosity in someone who’s seeking to be happy. A happy person has to ability to uplift any atmosphere. In the world today, we’re lacking that high-spirited person who’ll promote hope, wonder, and change. Instead, the world rather enforce the harsh truth plainly. Hopefulness should embark in our children’s future but with all this “reality” going on, I fear that if I ask a child about what they’d picture life to be in five years, they’d take what they’d picture on television as a depiction of what will happen for them.

Ask a child what they’re looking forward to for Christmas, and they’ll probably tell you a new cell phone or tablet. They’re not seeking to spent it with the people they love. The first thing they’re thinking about is their gifts. It’s more common to hear their mom or dad has to work Christmas day, too. Forget about togetherness. They need to chase the olé mighty dollars because they spent their last trying to show their love through buying materialistic things to keep their kids happy.

Togetherness induces warm affection and tenderness. It makes a person feel needed and wanted. Without togetherness on Christmas, the holiday seems much colder and lonely. That also is depressing.

As far as genuine generosity goes, I rarely see it at all. Holidays have turned into a person’s duty. People don’t seem like they’re doing things because they truly want to anymore. It’s like they partake in the festivities because it’s a habit or reward. It’s instinct to do something because someone else will be doing it, too. People buy gifts because others are buying gifts for them. People seek for self first and the holidays are far from being about yourself.

All these notions are connected and each sparks off the other. They all are connected to the final principle, love. The more people become selfish, the less we feel loved. Love is sacrifice. Love is patience. Love is kindness. Love is generous. Love is tenderness and happiness. It’s putting someone before yourself. It’s showing what your soul looks like. So without all these principles we lack a soul, compassion, and all things that are important in making Christmas really feel like the Jesus’ Birthday.

How can we bring love back?

We have to step away from our selfish needs first and choose to think about others. It can be as small as having a 15 minute conversation with someone we love. Those 15 minutes can be the beginning of sharing togetherness, which could possible spark of working to improve other principles. It starts small then gradually expands into something greater and better. We can work on it together and turn any holiday into a day that’s meant to show pure, genuine love.

Who’s down to do that?

How do you feel about the holidays? Do you think people care enough about the holidays to try to change it for the better? Leave your comments below.

Do you want to change people’s outlook on Baltimore’s Hip-Hop Scene? Make sure you read “#NewBaltimore or #OldBaltimore. We’re All Crabs” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Hazmat Remi “Evolve X” Official Music Video

For Hazmat Remi to be labeled as a “based” artist, “Evolve X” makes me ponder what the heck is based music?! If you’ve ever listened to any of the original basedgod Lil B’s songs, you’ll understand what I mean. In an interview with MTV’s The Vice Guide To Everything, Lil B explains based music as a genre where the artist expresses him/herself positively. Some based music can be negative, but if it is, it must also have a positive message embedded in it, as well. So to sum that up, based music is really too broad for me to redefine for my readers. Haha

There really is no easy way to explain what it is, you just experience it. A good based artist has the ability to capture you, regardless, with their unique approach to sharing their “positiveness.” I’ve met my share few based artist in Baltimore with that ability, one being Hazmat Remi with her song “Evolve X.”

Thumbs Up:

There’s lots of positivity in this music video, and I love the message Hazmat Remi leaves in her lyrics for this song. Though I’m not very fond of much based music, Remi makes it a lot easier on my ears to take in.

I might have beginner ears for this genre. Who knows?

Become someone. Be something. Love.

“Evolve X” makes me feel like running to random stranger to bombard them with my friendly hugs for the simple reason they’re living the best way they can. Life’s is going to be okay. Everything will be fine. It’s a song that makes a person embrace the approval of oneself during hard times; during a time where people see more evil than good. We as a people must become an acceptable society as a whole for future generations. Indeed, Doc’s Castle Media is all for that!

*cough cough* “It’s Your Talent…Own That Shhh!” isn’t my slogan just for the hell of it.

Even the Hazmats seem to be comfortable walking the streets carelessly, worry free, and ready to evolve. They want you to hop on board the evolving train. Do something that’ll awaken the brighter you for a better us.

What do you think? Do you like Hazmat Remi’s “Evolve?” Leave comments below.

Are you a supporter of Baltimore hip-hop? Read Doc Talks About Supporting Artists In Baltimore With @BaltimoreFlavaRadio on Doc’s Castle Media.

Fashion Forward: Doc’s Spontaneous Vintage Hairdo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ain’t I cute?!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YTube Vid of The Week: PRINCESS RAP BATTLE- SNOW WHITE VS. ELSA Whitney

Hip-hop is indeed a culture that captivates every soul at least once in a lifetime. But man, can it get to be so damn corny.

This week’s YTube Vid of the Week comes from a random stumble upon while scrolling my Facebook timeline, and not browsing YouTube as I normally do. I was reading an article about Disney princesses on Buzzfeed (don’t ask haha) when I suddenly see a headline that caught my eye regarding two generations of Disney goddesses battle rap for the win. What win? I don’t know. See the ridiculous video below.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcrQvoCzs80]

The Internet is interesting isn’t it? Can you believe there are more princess rap battles on YouTube? All I can say is the mind is amazing because I never know what motivates people to make some videos. Haha.

Who do you think won this battle? Obviously, it was Elsa, but leave your comments below.

Have you watch our last YTube Vid of the Week? See Lil Mama The Lyrical Purge 0 to 100 Freestyle on Doc’s Castle Media.

Sign Petition For Baltimore’s Running Man To Be Endorsed By Sports Apparel Company Under Armour

Our hearts weighed heavy with reports of Baltimore legendary figure being subjected to gang violence this past week.

A Baltimore police report confirmed that Keith Boissiere was attacked on Thursday in Southwest Baltimore on the 2700 block of Wilkens Ave. When someone attacked him, punching him several times in his left eye, Boissiere was still able to flag down a police officer for assistance. He refused medical treatment when police suggested.

Social media flooded with statuses of anger and disgust as a man, many people grew up watching run through their neighborhoods, was harmed by a group of heedless thugs.

Stated online at Go Petition:

Please help Keith THE RUNNING MAN Boissiere, get an Under Armour contract. Who would be a better spokesperson for running gear than him? Also the running man is a Baltimore Icon who needs a Kidney transplant.

The reason the Running Man is such an icon in this city is because he represents a sense of freedom and peace, among other things including keeping in tip-top shape as we all should strive to do as human beings.

Mr. Boissiere as served as an beacon of inspiration among many of Baltimore’s residents and he has done this quietly never seeking accolades. I strongly feel that it is time he be recognized and given his just do. My only fear is that The Running Man’s modesty will keep him from accepting.

So please sign this petition because if he does not get a kidney it will end his running days and probably his life. Therefore the citizens of Baltimore need to come together and show how much we care for an Icon that represents the best of our city.

Will you take the time to sign the petition, today? Help a Baltimore Legend THE RUNNING MAN by clicking this link.

Did you sign the petition against WERQ-FM’s local airplay time slots? Read Sign The Petition Against WERQ-FM’s Local Artist Airplay Time Slots on Doc’s Castle Media.