PBS presents the documentary about the untold story of Rob and Mabel Williams. orgotten civil rights leader who urged African Americans to arm themselves against violent racists. Read more here.
**this is just part 1 of the film, make sure you click on video to access the other parts….I promise you will not want to miss out on watching them.
PBS, Independent Lens presents a documentary that tackles issues of masculinity, sexism, violence and homophobia in today’s hip-hop culture. Read more here.
Documentary that covers the tumultous and inspiring life of DC-Native, Petey Greene, America’s first shock jock who influenced a generation of people. A motion picture film was made covering his life called Talk to Me starring Don Cheadle as Greene. The documentary gives you a more intimate glimpse into the man and what he really contributed to not only the plight of African-Americans during the 1960s but also to the broadcast and media industry. Read more here.
Check out this interesting documentary on hip/hop’s influence and growth internationally, specifically Senegal and how diasporic ties are evolving and strengthening over time.
The Gossip is a trio experimental punk rock band formed in Washington and now based out of Portland. They have traveled many many places with three, and now going on four, solid albums added to their resume. The lead vocalist is Beth Dito. She is one fierce looking woman with a whole lotta soul in her voice. They’ve managed to catch the legendary Rick Rubin’s support and landed opportunity to play during Karl Lagerfield’s private Fendi party. I love groups who aren’t afraid to try different meshing different genres and have some pretty interesting personal stories to bring to the table (make sure you check out the links so you can see what I mean). Take a listen to their music here , check out the videos below, and let me know what you think.
Each year as February commences we reflect and acknowledge all this great history and in the midst of that, we attempt to make our own, or rather, find tangible modern-day people and topics to acknowledge which have contributed in small and large ways toward modern-day black history.This year the theme is “The History of Black Economic Empowerment” which is a great theme and one that you will see covered on here; however this time I want to begin a discourse….through various mediums….about what black history month means to me…and you. As the years pass by the meaning changes for each individual, there arises not only a continental variance but also a generational and economic variance; which all contribute to how we identify ourselves as people of color and what black history means to us and how we all celebrate each February. So I want to attempt to cover those topics in different ways for the remainder of the month. There will be interviews, Art Picks, Special Edition of Third Mondays and THE LIST, social commentary pieces, events and lastly editorials. So, yes, expect that in honor of this month, I’ll definitely be posting up all things beautiful, interesting, historic and black. Also, like I noted I will be touching on few topics/ideas that I think are worth discussing and taking note of so stay tuned. Check back here frequently for there will be numerous posts and leave me your comments because I definitely want to hear what you think, what you dislike/like and also what does Black History Month mean to you.
Corinne Bailey Rae is back. I liked her when she first came out few years ago but this time I have become even more of a fan. She is trying out different sounds this time which is why I am falling in love with this album. The first time she was more folky-pop and clean with the tracks but this time you can hear there is more production and instrumentation which is good progression for her to take her music towards.The lyrics are just as sweet and genuine as her first go around but I think what differentiates this from last time is that it isn’t just her and the guitar anymore and the stories are more soulful and speak of a wistful kind of love. Make sure you check out her new album, The Sea. Also, make sure you go visit her official site here.
Who? Yes, Jim Jonsins. The man behind TI’s Whatever you like, Lil Wayne’s Lollipop and Souljah Boi’s Kiss me thru the phone. The Miami-native has been making beats for hip-hop and r&b artists for quite some time now. With the big success he has experienced as of late with just a few of the aforementioned songs, he is already got a few projects in the works, Jlo’s upcoming album to name just one. Check out more about him here. Also check out these videos to get a glimpse into his story and how he works:
I came across them when I was doing my producer hunting. They are funky, Australian, and quirky. Just look at the picture above, that should give you an idea to expect anything really. If you want to read up more on them go here. Otherwise just watch the following videos:
What started out as just a joke has turned into a growing entrepreneurial dream turned enterprise. The designer had a dream, the gift of drawing and the tenacity and will to manifest her ideas. She started off by designing high-end pieces and over time began to branch out and test her skills by actually making the jewelry herself. This resulted in the creation of a second line, in spring 2009, of custom-made jewelry pieces called ARIIEL. You may ask yourself, so what does “Ariiel” mean? It means, Light or Lion of God. The designer says she selected this name, “merely for the projects’ inconceivable intention that may position it and others ahead, by becoming the guiding light!”
After a small sit-down with the designer, I asked her few questions about ARIIEL’s story, her inspiration and where her love for jewelry came from. Here’s what she said:
What sparked your initial desire to make art with metals and semi-precious gems?
Growing up, art was my favorite subject and still is to date; Iremember cutting flowers and holding them in-between my fingers or against my earlobes and treating them like my jewelries or drawing, painting and creating things whether it was to create a piano out of cardboard box or sitting in a garden and painting a portrait of the scenery; I did it all!! These were the hours that I retreated from reality and simultaneously these were the days that I began to cultivate and strengthen my GOD given talent and began to weave it with my favorite fashion accessory, Jewelry!!
How do your designs begin?
For ARIIEL: I shape them! And everything is based on my instinct. It’s important that each piece has its own identity and not meet the status quo, for the most part with respect to the classic signature-look of pearl necklaces. Only in the case of pearl necklaces, I bend the rule because; it allows me to relate to some of my favorite actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly who covered the front pages of countless magazines. Overall, my inspiration comes from a combination of things including nature, music and my surroundings together, gives birth to a vision and the jewelry evolves!
Which is more powerful in your work: materials effect imagination or vice versa?
I must say, the materials effect on my imagination have more power; just seeing it come to life itself brings joy to my heart and possesses power on its own not to mention, the jewelry’s color and degree of shimmer.
Who are the different types of women you envision wearing your pieces?
I would envision a woman, who is mysterious yet free spirited who embraces her own identity and style with a passion and confidence. To me, no one should be alike and everyone should have identity because each is special in her own ways!
What or who is your muse?
My imagination allows me to envision the piece before it’s made, and as such in my head is where the muse is located…because at times there have been items that I withdrew from a collection simply because, it didn’t stand out enough or whatever the reason might be in my mental picture.
What sets you apart?
ARIIEL’s identity/brand combined with my dream.
Lastly, is there something that feeds your creativity?
It would definitely be nature combined with my artistic visions which in turn feed my creativity.
The following images below are just a few of the great pieces ARIIEL has to offer. At the bottom you will find the contact information you need should you want to inquire further!
All the pieces within this line are pretty affordable and are definitely unique in design and finish. Each jewelry is a perfect complementary piece for any look of the day or evening. For more information, contact: ariiel.jewels@gmail.com
The Lunchbox theory girls are changing few things up this year. Not only have they revamped their site but they have revamped their signature Afrobeat parties. NEW NIGHT and NEW LOCATION!! They have taken over Bossa Lounge in heart of Adams Morgan, both floors! Live band playing on the first floor, this time with legendary Cheick Hamala, and DJ Underdog spinning nothing but records upstairs. You definitely don’t want to miss out. If you remember my previous post on these parties, they definitely are a nice escape from the stress and pretentiousness that comes with attending these other parties in the DMV, PLUS, you get free face paint and pretty cheap drinks and without fail sweated out from dancing to some great music! You really can’t beat that especially with such a low, low cover of $5.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THEIR NEW PROMO VIDEO
So don’t miss out and make sure you come this THURSDAY, JAN 28th.
Starts @ 9PM|$5 cover
BOSSA LOUNGE
2463 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009-2003
**Portion of door will be going to Yele Haiti Foundation
Got an Event and/or music/art/information that you would like to have showcased on the site? Got topic/issue ideas? Do you want to join the SHADE team?
CONTACT: editor.shademagazine@gmail.com
