Photo by Susan Safford
Timing is everything and perfect timing just flows when you're "stylish, hip and sophisticated," as BET cable-TV describes Centric, its newest channel.
Headliner Erykah Badu. Photos by Susan Safford Last Thursday, just days before the Obama family's Vineyard visit, BET (Black Entertainment Television), in a glittery evening at Mediterranean Restaurant in Oak Bluffs, launched Centric.
BET executive Scott Mills recently called the Obamas as "a perfect example" of Centric's targeted African American and multi-cultural demographic. Debra Lee, the chairman and chief executive officer of BET who has been summering here for 10 years, said, "I can't think of a better place to launch Centric." Neither could Viacom, BET's parent company.
BET has cultivated an audience of 89 million viewers over its 29-year history. Its new channel is aimed at a sophisticated, hip, trend-setting audience between 24 and 59 years old, according to Centric general manager Paxton Baker. Mr. Paxton said Centric will deliver 40 million of them on September 28. Centric programming will be a mix of fresh music, lifestyle programming and some retro viewing, including airing of Soul Train, a classic TV music show that ran for 35 years, making it the longest running show in TV history.
Debra Lee, BET Network's chairman and CEO and Centric general manager Paxton Baker welcome guests to the launch party for Centric, BET's newest channel. With worldwide press and the A-List of Island and national African-Americans in place, the BET event was a hot ticket. Callers to BET event planners requesting tickets on Thursday morning were told not to bother leaving messages.
The event, sponsored in part by Comcast, was packed. Guests came and they stayed. From Spike Lee to the Vernon Jordan, to folks like Wendy Taucher, The Yard's artistic director, Islanders and visitors came to the bash orchestrated in part by high-octane public relations executive Vickee Jordan Adams (daughter of Vernon Jordan).
BET did it right, checking guests in and then past a well-dressed phalanx of security, across the obligatory red carpet and into a very bright, very hot TV interview tent. They were then directed to a garden party before entering the restaurant that was transformed into a chic club, complete with big-screen live coverage of the event.
Guests included filmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tanya Lewis Lee.The party easily held its edge through a 90-minute wait for hip-hop soulstress Erykah Badu, who made her entrance wearing a top hat, and posing for 'pix 'n flix' in the interview tent before facing a mob of several hundred fans inside.
Asked if he was working with Centric, filmmaker Spike Lee smiled and murmured, "No, but I wish I were," as he made his way into the party.
Jack Shea/The Martha Vinyards Times.
Friday, August 28, 2009
N'dambi "Pink Elephant" Music NEWS!
The BUZZ has begun on this highly anticipated release. After Ledisi & Eric Roberson killed the R&B iTunes charts I can only help my Dallas homegirl do the same. I took this info off the Concord website so please read on & share with other music lovers.
N'dambi "Pink Elephant" In Stores Oct. 6
Every so often, a musical soul emerges from the underground with the inescapable talent; artistry and charisma that marks the arrival a gathering storm. Pink Elephant is the Stax Records debut from N'dambi, a songwriter with emotional purpose and rare honesty. The striking vocalist, pianist and composer from Dallas, Texas, known for her signature afro and fiery style, possesses the intuitive perception and powerful creativity that ensures an essential contribution to modern R&B and soul.
N'dambi's storytelling skills are in peak form on Pink Elephant with tunes like the Rod Temperton influenced, ‘80s hip-hop flavored "Nobody Jones," the story of a girl with big dreams who won't let her humble beginnings stop her, and the delicious saga "L.I.E.," a tale of a man living a double life along New York's Long Island Expressway. Delusions of love spring up in the old school love-gone-wrong melodic funk of "Daisy Chain"; "Ooo Baby" is the smooth-grooving tale of reconnection with a former lover; while the blues-inflected "Imitator" finds a young woman suffering over the collapse of her lover's promises. "You're not the man I used to know, you're an imitator," she sings on this mid-tempo urban gem. The hope of true love cries out in "The One," a disarming, jazz-tinged ballad kissed with a touch of classic Stax. The album's lead single, "Can't Hardly Wait," is a biting chunk of scorching sarcasm delivered in the commanding singer's rich tone. Her opening complaint, "I don't know why I keep f***in' wit you," perfectly expresses the inability to turn a listless love loose.
Pink Elephant was recorded in Santa Monica, California, with producer Leon Sylvers III, whose credits include Shalamar, Gladys Night, The Whispers, Blackstreet, Lakeside and many more. N'dambi insisted the record have a modern sheen yet adhere to the sturdy influence of classic R&B and soul artists like Slave, Heatwave, Michael Jackson, Betty Davis, Isaac Hayes, Smokey Robinson, and The Sylvers. That led her to The Sylvers' famous producer, big brother, Leon.
Blessed with a deep contralto, she became especially enamored with male singers from the ‘70s and ‘80s. The funky soul of the Bar-Kays' Larry Dodson, the sophisticated syncopation of Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White and the notorious abandon of the Ohio Players' Sugafoot influenced her heavily. Later, the mysterious, uninhibited imagination of Nina Simone and Mahalia Jackson also became musical and cultural touchstones. N'dambi sang back-up and collaborated with fellow soul seeker Erykah Badu, all the while honing her artistry and slowly building a fiercely loyal fan base that resonates with the organic, authentic approach to her life and music.
On Pink Elephant, N'dambi ingeniously distills soul-deep inspiration into a sensual style of elegance and power, making her a fundamental new addition to the Stax legacy.
Take a listen: www.concordmusicgroup.com/audio/asx/N'Dambi_Cant_Hardly_Wait_radio_edit.asx
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
RICH MIND RECORDS INC.(RMR) “D-TOUR” THE COMPILATION ALBUM RELEASE!
RICH MIND RECORDS INC.(RMR) “D-TOUR” THE COMPILATION ALBUM RELEASE & PARTY WILL BE HELD TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8,2009, BEGINNING AT 9 P.M. AT THE BANK, 1301 MAIN ST,DOWNTOWN DALLAS,TX
RICH MIND RECORDS INC.(RMR) “D-TOUR” THE COMPILATION ALBUM RELEASE & PARTY WILL BE HELD TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8,2009
For_Immediate_Release:
August 26, 2009 -- The secret is out!!! On Tuesday, September 8, 2009, Rich Mind Records will release their new CD “D-Tour” The Compilation with a release party at The Bank in downtown Dallas, TX. Regarded as one of Dallas' most consistent upcoming urban indi labels, this highly anticipated release is a well awaited followup to their 2009 Club smash “Big Boy Stuntin”. Which is performed and produced by label artist Young Black “Gutta Child”, who is also well know for Producing the hit single "Franky".
D-Tour is a Southern Hip Hop compilation CD that ministers to the soul of the streets. One song in particular, “Drank Me A Beer” was highly regarded by veteran DJ/Radio Personality Nate Quick, as a “true street hit”. Quick also stated that "the overall CD is destined for success and has definite street credibility". Along with Young Black, the CD features Rich Mind label mates Que P “The Prodigy” and Bigg Bucc “Solo Johnson”
"Who's Who" listed to attend this event are 2x Grammy Award winners Play N Skillz, who will also be guest DJs , Jive Records Recording artists Trai D, renowned Hip Hop video Director & Producer Mr. Boom Town of BoomTown Productions, the Midwest "street king" Pimpin Ken, and many more.
The scheduled host for the evening will be Dallas' K104's (KKDA) radio personality Hey Bey Bey.
Attendees will be entertained with new songs from the CD, to showcase its artist roster. The performance will display the diversity and range of the CD through such songs as the energetic..."I Think I'm Ready", "Drank Me A Beer","N*s Aint Ready" and "Menace 2 Society".
Rich Mind Records Inc(RMR) was established in 2005 and is spear headed by Turo Sanchez/CEO and operated by Mickel Cain/Pres. Rich Mind Records focus is to create good music that will withstand time.
"You gotta have a rich mind...to be on your grind"
Dallas Urban Fashion Week partners with CoverGirl
DALLAS URBAN FASHION WEEK HAS PARTNERED WITH COVERGIRL, MILLENIUM JAGUAR, G STAR RAW AND TOP DESIGNERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY
TO BRING A WEEK OF BEAUTY, STYLE, CELEBRITIES AND ART TO THE DALLAS METROPLEX
DALLAS, TEXAS - AUG. 24, 2009 -Urban Fashion Week is coming to Dallas following 10 years of paramount success in Paris, New York, Miami and many other major metropolitan areas. The five-day event, September 16-20, 2009 will serve as a platform for the style savvy elite of the city including designers, models, artist, performers and more to present their talent and creativity. Events will be held at various locations throughout the city showcasing the diversity of Dallas. Dallas Urban Fashion Week will be featuring Troop Clothing and Footwear by Nelly, Fumi Designs from New York D Boy Solider from Harlem and partnering with the FAME Festival sponsored by the City of Dallas and Eva Pigford of America's Next Top Model, making Dallas Urban Fashion Week an event you will not want to miss.
The week of events will kickoff with Flashing Lights at Millennium Jaguar on Wednesday, Sept. 16th at 6pm. This industry only event will be open to media, designers, hair and makeup artists and other fashion forward professionals.
The ultimate look good, feel good event, The Vanity Beauty Expo will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17th at The Power Station benefitting the Speak Life Foundation. An abundance of beauty experts and professionals will be on hand for Makeup & Martinis, Miracle Makeovers, a live taping of "Girls Do Talk", live photo shoots as well as a Hair & Makeup show. Prepare to be primped, pampered, tapered and polished by the top makeup artists, barbers, and hair stylists in the city. Guest are invited to flaunt their new look at our follow-up event that evening, Lights, Camera, Fashion at Buddha 9 presented by Goree Entertainment.
The Art of Fashion on Friday Sept. 18 will present a creative collaboration of art and fashion. Sponsored by G Star Raw and Nostic Apparel, this evening of fine art and fabulous fashion will benefit the FYIA Foundation
The City of Dallas, Dallas Urban Fashion Week and The Paragon Group will collaborate on Sat. Sept, 19th to present the FAME Festival at the Superpages.com Center The FAME Festival will serve as Dallas's own Fashion, Art, Entertainment and Music Festival focused on total economic development. This green carpet event will be co-hosted by Eva Pigford of America's Next Top Model and include opportunities for members of the community to partake in a job fair, blood drive and more while enjoying fashion and live music. Following the FAME Festival a VIP reception with Eva Pigford and after party will be held at Chaucer's of Dallas hosted by The Foundation.
The FAME Festival will continue on Sunday, Sept. 20th at Rochester Park from 12pm-8pm with sponsorships including Krave Magazine, The Fashion Lounge and Brooklyn's Jazz Café. The entire week of events will be conclude with an appreciation party presented by Goree Entertainment at Fuse.
For more information Urban Fashion Week, visit www.ufwglobalnetwork.com. All-access passes and tickets will be available August 24th.
FOR TICKETS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING:
Erica Hoff of B.Love Productions; ericahoff@yahoo.com, 817-403-1297.
Sabeina Williams of Unik Marketing, unik.marketing@yahoo.com, 214-507-2010.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Bavu Blakes new single "On The Cool"
Featured on Suite903 Soul:
According to his press kit, Erykah Badu baby-daddy #2 The D.O.C. once called Bavu, “one of Texas’ brightest stars.” Texas is enormous. It also has a lot of stars. To his credit, Bavu is a far cry from any of the ones on 106 & Park, but his “On The Cool” is just as danceable, and maybe more importantly, specifically about “taking off your cool” to dance. Bavu’s Too Selfish is available in stores now.
From V's Vibe Spot:
If I'm not mistaken Bavu collaborated with Dallas' up & coming producer Picnic and songtress S'ence. Bavu debuted this single in Dallas a few weeks ago at the Prophet Bar's MJ Tribute backed by RC and The Gritz with Picnic and S'ence on stage to give us the full effect. Great song and direction for Bavu for his next album "Too Selfish".
Click here to listen to "On The Cool
Monday, August 10, 2009
M. Knight - KnightVision Vol. 1: The Cool
One of Dallas' hottest DJ/VJ's hits us off with a video mix that is out of control. Here's what he has to say about what inspired him:
I’ve been doing the VJ thing for a while now in the clubs but have always wanted to play more than just Old School joints and Top 40/Radio music. My mixtapes always consist of mostly progressive soul and hip-hop artists.
So….
I decided to mix the two.
I’ve been asking (begging..) for artists to send me their videos. Some have responded… Others did not…
But that’s not gonna stop me…
Today I am launching a video mixtape series. “KnightVision”
Its a mix of mostly non-televised soul/hip-hop videos mixed in with some viral videos from the net, some commercial joints too.
If you like it let people know. If you are an artist watching this, send me your videos. Im looking for good content. Peace.
Hopefully I’ll get better at this video editing thing…LOL.
Right Click Here To Download KnightVision Vol 1: The Cool (iPod Ready 486MB)
Tracklist/credits listed below the video….
M. Knight - KnightVision Vol. 1: The Cool
Posted on 27. Jul, 2009 by mknight.
4
I’ve been doing the VJ thing for a while now in the clubs but have always wanted to play more than just Old School joints and Top 40/Radio music. My mixtapes always consist of mostly progressive soul and hip-hop artists.
So….
I decided to mix the two.
I’ve been asking (begging..) for artists to send me their videos. Some have responded… Others did not…
But that’s not gonna stop me…
Today I am launching a video mixtape series. “KnightVision”
Its a mix of mostly non-televised soul/hip-hop videos mixed in with some viral videos from the net, some commercial joints too.
If you like it let people know. If you are an artist watching this, send me your videos. Im looking for good content. Peace.
Hopefully I’ll get better at this video editing thing…LOL.
Right Click Here To Download KnightVision Vol 1: The Cool (iPod Ready 486MB)
KnightVision Vol 1: The Cool from M Knight on Vimeo.
Tracklist/credits listed below:
*Tracklist
1. This Time Around - Roddy Rod ft. Carlitta Durrand and Phonte
2. Workin’ On It - Dwele
3. Real Appeal - Buff1 ft. AB (prod by 14KT)
4. Summer So Good - H.I.S.D.
5. I Don’t Like To - Shad
6. Lose Your Mind - Jet Audio ft. The Kid Daytona
7. Take Off The Blues - Foreign Exchange
8. Higher - Theophilus London
9. Lindsey Lohan - Diabolical Fancy
10. Stay Up! (Viagra) - 88 Keys ft. Kanye West
11. Go All Out - Buckshot and 9th Wonder
12. Eat To Live - Talib Kweli
13. Talking Bout You (Ladies) - Statik Selektah ft Skyzoo, Joell Ortiz and Talib Kweli
14. Renaissance Rap - Q-Tip
15. Believe - Ayah
16. Construction - Muhsinah
17. Alright With Me - Keelay and Zaire ft. Dminor
18. Play It Cool - D. Rose
19. We Here - Illa J
20. Bed Stuy - Spec Boogie
21. So Damn Down - Tanya Morgan
22. Casa Bey - Mos Def
23. For Real - Skillz
*Credits
1. Video by Humble Monarch - humblemonarch.com
2. Another Dwele Bootleg Production - www.dwele.net
3. Video directed by Jackson Perry
4. Directed by Damien Randle, courtesy of Ethos Music Group - thekoshow.com
5. Directed by HotDogGarbage
6. Directed by Lazlo - dapmag.com
7. Video courtesy of Koning Baviaan - baboonblog.nl
8. Video by The ICU - theiculab.com
9. Video by Headcrack - www.krackblog.com
10. Directed by Jason Goldwatch
11. Directed by Rik Cordero - www.three21media.com
12. Video by The ICU - theiculab.com
13. Video by dallaspenn - dallaspenn.com
14. Directed by Rik Cordero - www.three21media.com
15. Directed by Slakah the Beatchild
16. Video by Humble Monarch - humblemonarch.com
17. Video courtesy of MYX Music Label - www.myxmusiclabel.com
18. Directed by: Damien Randle, Co-Directed by: C.J. The GRANDfathercloc - damienrandle.com.com
19. Directed by Mr. Complex - frolab.com
20. Unofficial video made by Spec Boogie - specboogie.blogspot.com
21. Directed by Roy Miles for Antidivision - www.antidivision.com
22. Video courtesy of Downtown Music - downtownmusic.com
23. Directed by Rik Cordero - www.three21media.com
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