Editorial
VigorOnline writes online stories about urban music, culture and the arts in mainly the Harrisburg area. We also cover the Philadelphia area. VigorOnline, established in January 2003, earned the 2008 best hip-hop Website award from the Central PA Hip Hop Awards.
Contributors
Owner/editor/photographer Leon Laing
Assistant editor Maurice Boyer myspace.com/296188750
Writer Ashley Carelock Haute Harrisburg
Calendar of events
The calendar below is for VigorOnline readers, not a personal calendar. It lists music and other events relevant to the urban culture in mainly the Harrisburg area. We also list some happenings on the outskirts of Central Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.
In this video, Lil' Cease pays homage to his late friend Biggie at the Conestoga Restaurant & Bar in Lancaster on March 28. Cease is a rapper/member of the Biggie-founded Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Chris Brown and a fan pose for VigorOnline backstage at the Forum, Harrisburg, on Oct. 25, 2005. Photo taken by Leon Laing. The dancing machine is Rihanna's beau and is scheduled to appear in court on March 5 for a domestic dispute with the female singer. See new blog above for more.
—Posted 2/22/09
Singer Bobby Valentino serenades to the women in the front section during his Valentine’s Day concert in Harrisburg. Valentino drops his new album, "The Rebirth," next month, which is exactly three years after his local performance. Read our latest blog for more news on Bobby V. and other events. Photo by Leon Laing.
Watch the trailer for "Notorious," which hits theaters on Jan. 16, 2009. Then read my blog about Biggie.
Like superstar Patti LaBelle, neo-soul sensation Jaguar Wright represents great Philly-based singers with her performance on May 3 at World Café Live in Philly. Wright, who performed with Jay-Z on MTV’s "Unplugged," will also perform at the Hollywood Casino in Grantville on Nov. 29. Photo by Leon Laing.
News: Events for Barack Obama, Jay-Z, Jaguar Wright & more
We’re about three weeks away from Election Day. VigorOnline endorses Barack Obama—and so should you. Visit www.barackobama.com and my blog to learn more about Obama’s vision for change. And we also updated our calendar. Please see below to get info on events for Obama, Jay-Z, KRS-One, Jaguar Wright and the final episode of BET’s "Rap City."
—Posted 10/11/08
A sign hangs outside of Da underground music store in York. Read about Da Underground in our blog section.
Blogs about Da underground store and Santogold
Hip-hop, and you don’t stop! That’s the old-school catchphrase, and it still resonates today. Our last post highlighted hip-hop purists. This post also covers people who help preserve our beautiful hip-hop culture: Harry OO and Santogold. Harry OO, an award-winning store owner, sat down with VigorOnline earlier this year for an interview. Like her homegirl M.I.A., singer Santogold represents the hipster genre to the fullest. Peep the blog section to read more about Harry OO and Santogold.
From left to right: Zulu Queen Michele, hip-hop historian/educator for the Zulu Nation, and MC Niagra show each other love at rapper Da Ritt’s album/DVD release party on April 27. Zulu Queen will host a hip-hop festival in Harrisburg on Oct. 4. Photo by Leon Laing.
News: Blog about KRS-One, PorAmor 2 and VH1’s "Hip-Hop Honors"
This update is all about hip-hop purists in October. Peep the blog about KRS-One, PorAmor 2 and VH1's "Hip-Hop Honors."
W.O.P. just dropped his "Talk of the Streets" DVD/CD. The artist, who rocks a signature beard, is a part of the Harrisburg-based record label R.E.A.L. Entertainment. Photo by Leon Laing.
News: Blogs about Tabi Bonney, W.O.P. and Seun Kuti
Attention car and urban culture enthusiasts: Wrevolution will hold a car competition/festival in Harrisburg on Aug. 9. VigorOnline is proud to be one of the sponsors. Rap artist Tabi Bonney will headline the show, so we shot the breeze with him about this area and his upcoming album. We also review W.O.P.’s new DVD and an Afrobeat concert in NYC. Click on the links above to read more about these new blogs. And VigorOnline would like to congratulate Philly-based singer Jazmine Sullivan for having her new video make the countdown on BET’s "106 & Park." VH1 also named her one of the artists "You Oughta Know." During a backstage interview last year, Sullivan, 21, told us she was asked to audition for Philly's famed Black Lily showcase when she was only 13.
—Posted 7/26/08
Ladybug Mecca (former member of 1990s rap collective Digable Planets) is cool like dat on stage at the 2008 Black Lily Film & Music Festival. Photo by Leon Laing. Click here to see more photos.
News: 2008 Black Lily, Michelle G and Zulu Queen Michele
For this update, VigorOnline gives props to the ladies. And Michelle G did it again y’all by bringing tha heat with her art show/poetry showcase last night at the 20/20 Club in Harrisburg. More coverage to come on Michelle G’s show. Another Michele (spelled differently) of Harrisburg will bring more culture to the area this Saturday with the Harrisburg City Breakers Breakin’ 4 Peace event. See calendar below for details. Last but not least, we just posted a blog about the 2008 Black Lily Film & Festival. By showing the depth of Black film and music, the founders of Black Lily Inc. are truly visionaries.
—Posted 7/13/08
Rappers from the other ’Burg: Gettysburg-based The Nothing entertains the crown at The Midtown Tavern in Harrisburg on June 5. Photo by Leon Laing. Click here to see more photos from Mid Tempo Thursdays at Midtown Tavern.
News: The Nothing, Michelle G and more
Gettysburg has more attractions to offer besides the battlefield. On June 5, Gettysburg-based The Nothing gave a worthy performance at the Mid Tempo Thursdays showcase in Harrisburg. The trio consists of Solomen Pade, Wally Peanuts and Ted Holmes. Influenced by Soulquarians, such as Common, J Dilla and Mos Def, the group delivers lighthearted and thought-provoking lyrics. And with his Caesar hairstyle and fitted cap, Solomen slightly resembles Pharrell Williams, the mega producer/rap-rock artist. To experience The Nothing, visit their MySpace page , and watch the group perform on July 4. See calendar below for details. Click here to read more news.
Local rap artist Apollo’s Sun moves the crowd at a music showcase called Mid Tempo Thursdays. See calendar below for more details. Photo by Leon Laing.
News: calendar of events
Believe it or not—mega hip-hop star Lil Wayne will finally drop his highly anticipated album, "Tha Carter III," this Tuesday. Recently, Weezy F. Baby ranked 3rd on MTV’s 2008 list of the "Hottest MCs in the Game." Atlantic City-based Boardwalk Hall will hold a concert for Weezy (featuring Birdman) tonight. Click here for more info.
On October 29, 2005, two upcoming artists—Young Jeezy and Chris Brown— performed at The Forum in Harrisburg. The audience only filled about half of the auditorium during that show. If those chart-topping artists gave a concert at The Forum today, tickets would surely sell out. Jeezy will return to Pennsylvania on June 20. Held at Solo Night Club in Philadelphia, Philly artists, such as Oschino, E-Ness and Gillie da Kid, will open up for Jeezy. Jeezy also made the cut for MTV’s 2008 list of the "Hottest MCs in the Game" by placing 8th. Doors for the show open at 10 p.m. For more info, visit power99.com or call 267.549.522.
Posted 6/8/08
Harrisburg-based MC Niagra flows like water on the mic at Da Ritt’s album/DVD release party on April 27. Photo by Leon Laing. Click here to see other pics from the party.
News: Bone Thugs, Da Ritt and Niagra
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was a no-show at Lancaster's Chameleon Club on May 10, according to local rap artist Apollo's Sun. When asked if low ticket sales caused Bone Thugs' cancellation, Apollo's Sun said no. "Between [opening acts Artists Over Industry] and myself, we pushed over 100 presales," he explained. A total of 800 people was expected, Apollo's Sun added, "but Bone claims their 'flight was cancelled,' and that's about all I know." Click here to read our entire blog.
Chelsea Clinton campaigns for her mother, Hillary Clinton, at Central Pennsylvania College in the Harrisburg area. With more blogs and networking Websites covering the presidential election, younger voters are monitoring campaign races with heightened interest. Photo by Leon Laing. Click here to see Laing's other pics from Chelsea's visit.
Hey young world
Sen. Hillary Clinton, 60, prevailed in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary thanks to campaign help from husband/former president Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton.
With more blogs and networking Websites covering the presidential election, younger voters are monitoring campaign races with heightened interest. Chelsea, 28, visited Central Pennsylvania College in Summerdale (an area five miles west of Harrisburg) on April 16 and was accompanied by some celebrities. Click here to read the entire story.
Sen. Barack Obama highlights issues, including the war in Iraq, at The Forum in Harrisburg on March 30. Photo taken by Leon Laing. Click here to see Laing's other pics from the town hall meeting. Visit www.votespa.com for more info about voting.
Prime time
With the Pennsylvania Democratic primary being two days away, Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) have been scouring for votes in key areas. Harrisburg was no exception.
On March 29, Obama supporters lined Second and State streets and waited hours in the brisk morning for free tickets to a town hall meeting. Harrisburg resident Shauntay Jackson, 20, was one of the devotees who waited. This will be Jackson’s first time voting in the presidential election. "My family and I began waiting in line around 7:30 a.m.," Jackson explained. "Originally, we were supposed to get two tickets per person, but the turnout was greater than expected, so we were given one ticket each…" "I finally got my ticket around 10 a.m., so all together I waited about three hours in the freezing cold." Click here to read the entire story.
Dana Dane (top photo), J. Bair (middle photo) and Da Underground Dancers (bottom photo). Click here to see other photos from the 2008 Central PA Hip Hop Awards.
Surprise guest, new hosts at 2008 awards
It snowed again on the day of the Central PA Hip Hop Awards, but the dusting of snow that melted by the evening did not match the blizzard from the 2007 awards.
On March 22, 360 Entertainment of Pittsburgh held the second annual awards at The Forum in Harrisburg. Famous hip-hop vet Dana Dane gave a surprise performance this year. Dana, who was once part of the group Kangol Crew, changed the fashion game in the late 1980s (rap's golden era) when he and former group member Slick Rick rocked suits and Kangol hats instead of jeans and kicks (the usual hip-hop getup). Dana also worked with producer Herby "Luv Bug" Azor. Aside from Dana, Azor produced songs for the following artists who performed at The Forum about 20 years ago: Kid 'n Play, Sweet Tee and Kwamé.
Before Dana got on the mic, rapper J. Bair of Harrisburg paid homage to old-school hip-hop by performing the song "Hip Hop Back to Basics" and wearing a Run-DMC T-shirt with retro Jordan sneakers. Dana gave J. Bair a shoutout for that performance. "I like what J. Bair was doin' with the real hip-hop," Dana said.
Philadelphia-based comedian Denny Live and Harrisburg-based radio personality Shaashawn Dial hosted the 2008 awards. Denny is not a stranger to hip-hop. Right before the awards, the funnyman told VigorOnline he was handling some business with some artists who are collaborating with Gillie Da Kid, a renowned MC from Philly. The award for best radio personality went to Dial for the second year in a row. DJ Smitty of Harrisburg, another second-time winner, earned the best club DJ award (see below for a complete list of the 2008 winners). Smitty and 2008 awards nominee DJ Tec-1 of New York DJed for the awards.
Even Abdullah Salaam participated at the ’08 awards. Salaam, known for helping to hold the Pennsylvania Urban Music Conference in Harrisburg in February 2005, coordinated the performances at this year’s awards.
Like Salaam, Harry OO plays a pivotal role in Central Pa. hip-hop, so he earned the mover and shaker award again. Harry OO owns the Da Underground Clothing & Music store in York. winchILL, one of the first-time winners, won best album for "I Have Arrived." 360 Entertainment added barbershop of the year and hair salon of the year to the list of categories. World A Cuts took home the barbershop award, and Shear Insanity received the hair salon award. Last but not least, VigorOnline would to thank everyone for voting to make us the best hip hop Website. Peep the complete list of the 2008 winners:
Mover and shaker: Harry OO
Best duo/group: Sykkline Entertainment
Best male artist: Phene
Best male singer: Grump
Best female artist: Niagra
Best female singer: Champagne
Best clothing line: Keep It Movin Enterprises
Best music store: Music Man
Best video/DVD: Da Ritt for "Get Ur Hustle On"
Best studio: Skollaz Entertainment
Best mixtape: R.E.A.L. Entertainment for "In Case You Ain't Heard"
Best mixtape DJ: DJ Odini
Best concert/party promoter: Zunny
Best label: ABU Entertainment
Best producer: Aganee
Best club DJ: DJ Smitty
Best radio personality: Shaashawn Dial
Best B-boy: Deadly Venom
Best graphic artist: Tank
Best album: windcILL for "I Have Arrived"
Best poet: Soul Cry
Best lyricist: Mr. Blackston
Best model: Sexee Jazz
Best inspirational/gospel hip hop artist: Vision
Best hip hop website/MySpace page: www.myspace.com/vigorline
Best barber shop: World A Cuts
Best hair salon: Shear Insanity
Best latin artist: Doomz
Best MySpace artist: Doomz
—Proofread by Todd Paradine. Posted 4/7/08.
Neo-soul queen Jill Scott of Philadelphia rocks the house in a concert in her hometown last May. Photo by Leon Laing. You can nominate Scott and other Philly artists for the Philly Hip-Hop Awards. See news below for more info. And check out these other pics of Commonwealth Connection 2, a hip-hop showcase. Hungry Entertainment and Next in Line Entertainment held the showcase in York on Feb. 29.
News: Additional finalist info, MC battle, Soulja Boy and more
Hope you dig the new layout. Shoutouts to Rage and Amtrak of the Harrisburg City Breakers. I used the local dance group as the theme because break dancing represents the birth of hip-hop, and the young dancers symbolize the future. The Breakers took home the Best B-Boy award last year for the Central PA Hip-Hop Awards, and the group is a finalist in the same category for this year’s awards.
According to awards show promoter Dwayne Muhammad, all finalists get one general admission ticket for the awards this year. Finalists that are groups or record labels receive two tickets for the company owner or representative. All other members must buy a ticket for the awards. Finalists must arrive before 7:30 p.m. on March 22 to get free admission. Call Muhammad at 412.401.3919 for more info. Remember: The last time to vote for the Central PA Hip-Hop Awards is noon on March 21. Please vote for www.myspace.com/vigoronline as Best Hip-Hop MySpace Page/Website by clicking here . You Central Pa. urban music buffs can also nominate your neighbors in Philly for the Philly Hip-Hop Awards , which is held on April 19.
Wise Records , Harrisburg, received nominations for the Central PA Hip-Hop Awards in the Best Label category. The label’s co-founder, Dustin Wise, told VigorOnline that his company is currently completing a mixtape that will be available soon for a free download. A Harrisburg native, Wise is studying recording arts and music business at a Florida-based media production school called Full Sail. Shawn "Rtist" Witmer also helped to establish Wise Records in 2004.
The group Beyond Comprehension also reps Harrisburg and just signed with Godsendant Music from Virginia. Beyond Comprehension plans to add some collaborations to its upcoming CD "Different Number, Different Hood," so it pushed back the release date from May to August.
York-based lyricist Phene earned the Best Lyricist and Mixtape of the Year awards last year and has four nominations this year. Phene will hold a release party for his new CD called "The Spokesman." The party kicks off at 11 p.m. in York on March 21. Before attending Phene’s jawn, local MCs can vie for first place at Fight Club, an MC battle held at 6:30 p.m. in York on March 21. The winner will receive a trophy and be featured on a song with either Oschino of the renowned group State Property or Joey Jihad of indie label G-Squad Records. And Soulja Boy will be performing in Oschino’s hometown of Philadelphia. Soulja Boy, the ’90s baby who used the Internet wisely to help catapult him to stardom, will crank that at The Electric Factory on April 17. See calendar below for more details about Soulja Boy and other events.
—Posted 3/16/08
Dres from the 1990s group Black Sheep raps on stage at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster. The Chameleon owners recently renovated and expanded its venue. The club will reopen on March 7 and host a concert for Stainless Steele & DJ Image on March 29. Photo by Leon Laing.
News: Hip-Hop Awards finalists, Roc Boys and more
The nominations for the 2nd Annual Hip-Hop Awards are in! Thanks to everyone who nominated
www.myspace.com/vigoronline as a finalist for the Best Hip-Hop MySpace Page/Website. Now please vote for VigorOnline in the same category by clicking here . See below for important dates regarding the Hip-Hop Awards.
March 15, 9 p.m.: Sykkline Entertainment Inc's Central PA Hip-Hop Awards party at Cameron St. Cafe, Harrisburg
March 21, noon: Deadline for voting for finalists
March 22, 7 p.m.: Red carpet for 2008 Central PA Hip-Hop Awards at The Forum, Harrisburg
March 22, 8 p.m.: Showtime for 2008 Central PA Hip-Hop Awards at The Forum, Harrisburg
Like the Hip-Hop Awards, the newly formed 83 Entertainment and Commonwealth Connection give local artists more exposure. On Feb. 29, Pennsylvania and Virginia MCs showed mad respect for each other while spittin’ bars at Commonwealth Connection, an
artist showcase held at York’s NV Nightclub. In other local music news, Niagra , who was named Best Female rap artist at the 2007 Central PA Hip Hop Awards, says she will be releasing a CD in the near future. Also peep this new throwback
blog about DJ Smitty, another 2007 Central PA Hip Hop Awards recipient.
For you sports fans, support Chris "Handles" Franklin when he plays for the Harlem Globetrotters on March 14 at the Giant Center in Hershey. Franklin, a local basketball great, was also contracted with Nike.
In Philly music news, Roc Boys Jay-Z and Kanye West will be in the building this spring. See calendar below for details.
—Posted 3/2/08
Avery Cloud, owner of the Jayme PA clothing store in Harrisburg, performs at the 2007 Central PA Hip Hop Awards. Photo by Leon Laing.
News: 2008 Central PA Hip Hop Awards, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige
There's going to be March Madness in Pa.—and I’m not just talking about college hoops. On March 22, Pittsburgh-based 360 Entertainment will hold its 2nd annual Central PA Hip Hop Awards . Then on March 30, Jay-Z (along with Mary J. Blige) will revisit Philly. Dwayne Muhammad of 360 Entertainment tells VigorOnline that this year’s award show will encompass more areas including Reading and Allentown. Voters can also nominate people in Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, and Lebanon (see below for the 2008 categories).
2008 Central PA Hip Hop Awards categories:
Model of the Year, Record Label of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Latin/Reggaeton Artist or Group, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male R&B Singer of the Year, Female R&B Singer of the Year, Best Duo/Group (Hip Hop or R&B), Producer of the Year, Mover and Shaker Award, Mixtape of the Year, Best Hip Hop Clothing Line, Best Hip Hop Music Store, Best Hip Hop Video/DVD Documentary, Best B-Boy/Dance Crew, Graphic Artist of the Year, Best Inspirational/Gospel Hip Hop Artist, Best Recording Studio, Best Club DJ, Radio Personality of the Year, Best Hip Hop Website/MySpace Page (vote for www.myspace.com/vigoronline), Poet of the Year, Concert/Party Promoter of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, Barbershop of the Year, Hair Salon of the Year, and Most Popular MySpace Artist.
Deadline for nominations is noon on March 1. The award show jumps off at 7 p.m. at The Forum in Harrisburg. Click here to get the 411 on 2007 Central PA Hip Hop Awards .
About a week after the Central PA Hip Hop Awards, Hova will return to the City of Brotherly Love. Jay-Z rocked the mic previously at TLA on Nov. 12, 2007. Mary J. Blige, who has collaborated with Jigga in the past, will also perform during this A-list concert at the Wachovia Center. Showtime begins at 7:30 p.m.
—Posted 2/11/08
News: DENM Inc., hip-hop class, Millennium Music Conference
DENM Inc. is back at it again. The Harrisburg-based promotion, marketing and multimedia company held another party on Feb. 1 called First Fridays. Replete with a hip-hop DJ and dress code, this classy event took place at Carmella’s Trattoria, 17 N. Second St. in Harrisburg. Carmella’s was a temporary location for First Fridays, according to DENM Inc. The event will resume at Haydn’s on Pine (215 Pine St. in Harrisburg) on Feb. 17 and March 3. DENM’s comedy series continues on Feb. 21 with Soul Comedy Cafe: The Ultimate Dinner Comedy Show and After Party. Celebrity comedian Turae (who has hosted previous comedy shows for DENM) will host the event at St. Moritz Supper Club, 714 N. Third St. in Harrisburg.
Attention hip-hop heads or anyone interested in doing something festive for Black History Month : A Harrisburg-based company called Unifying Through the Hip Hop Culture Inc. is teaching a hip-hop class at Lincoln School, 1601 State Street in Harrisburg. The ongoing class runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. Students under age 12 attend for free, and adults pay $5. In the immortal words of hip-hop purist KRS-One, "you must learn."
In other music news, the 12th Annual Millennium Music Conference is slated for Feb. 14 to 17 at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass in Camp Hill. This event doesn’t cater much to urban music, but local artists can still benefit from it.
—Posted 2/3/08
windchILL/photo by Leon Laing
News: Da Ritt, local music events and hip-hop culture
Da Ritt , born Warren Ritter, has been out of the rap game for a minute—8 years to be exact. The Harrisburg-based rapper/businessman recently returned with his new album, "Chronicalz: Da Untold Story." As a 35-year-old artist now, Ritt delivers a straightforward rap flow over songs such as "Diz iz Hip Hop" "Family Tree" and "Grown Folks Do." He also maintains his tie with his hood and homies with joints like "Dirty Dozen," a hot track featuring some of Burg City’s finest.
Hungry Entertainment , Harrisburg, and Next in Line Entertainment, Virginia, will hold the next Commonwealth Connection event in our backyard. On Feb. 29, hip-hop artists from Pa. and. Va. will perform at Commonwealth Connection 2, held at NV Night Club, 615 E. Market St., York. Hungry and Next in Line threw the first event in September 2007 in Fairfax, Va. The Pa. artists include DJ O-Dini, IllaSquad, Young Cream, S-Monz, and Seis Fifth.
Music enthusiasts in the 717 can also peep artists at a new music showcase called Mid Tempo Thursdays . The STLP record label (responsible for the careers of Artists Over Industry (AOI) and Apollo Sun) promotes the weekly event. Beginning Feb. 7 at 9 p.m., independent artists will perform at the Midtown Tavern, 1101 N. Second St., Harrisburg. The promoters are scouting hip-hop acts, DJs, acoustic guitarists/singers and spoken word poets. Two of AOI’s members will participate in the event: Big Gard will DJ and windchILL will host.
In national news, the owner of 1520 Sedgwick Ave in Bronx, New York City, plans to remove the apartment building from an affordable housing program by February. Constructed in 1969 under a state program, this location has become a landmark. On Aug. 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc and his sister threw the first hip-hop house party at 1520 Sedgwick. Historians named Herc the founder of hip-hop for holding this milestone event. Help preserve hip-hop’s culture by donating . Speaking of ethnicity, share your views on Nas’ new album title.
—Posted 1/26/08
Ja Rule/photo by Leon Laing
Ja rules at Dragonfly
Although Ja Rule has a large male following, most of the audience members in the front row at his Dec. 23 concert were screaming women. Ja, 31, spent most of performance at Dragonfly Nightclub, Harrisburg, dressed in a black graphic T-shirt with gold letters. A black pair of jeans and some charcoal gray and blue Nikes completed his outfit.
The females up front became more aroused when the New York-based rapper took off his shirt to display his tatted up and well-sculpted torso. The rapper, born Jeffrey Atkins, also shared his bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin champagne with the audience, while his DJ gave out plastic cups of Patron Silver tequila.
Music critics have given Ja lukewarm reviews for his new CD, "The Mirror," but his concert was blazing. The highlight of the night took place when Ja was spittin' verses from his anthem "New York" and Jay-Z's classic single "Can I Get A…" Other songs he performed included "I'm Real" and "Wonderful." Ja is a top-selling artist and co-owner of The Inc. Records. The husky-voiced rapper has also appeared on VH1’s "Gotti’s Way," a reality show based on Irv Gotti, CEO and co-owner of The Inc.
(Click here to check out more pics of Ja at the Dragonfly.)
—Proofread by Todd Paradine and posted 12/8/07
Chantz Kacey: Life after "Making the Band 4"
Courtney "Chantz Kacey" Kinard , 23, didn’t make the band, but he’s making videos.
A former contestant of MTV’s "Making the Band 4" reality show, Kinard performed in New York City on Nov. 3 to promote his first video . The York native said he made the video for the song "What Do You Want" so he can reach the smaller masses, such as DVD magazines. Kinard plans to shoot another video for a song on his upcoming album. That second video, the singer and songwriter explains, will target a broader audience, including MTV and BET. Aside from "Making the Band 4," Kinard’s résume includes signing on "Showtime at the Apollo" and the church choir.
Vigor: How long did you last on "Making the Band 4?"
Kinard: I made it as one of the final 22 [contestants]. Me and my Asian homie [Sam Shin aka Yun Jong] were shown in the first episode along with the other 20 guys. I was originally chosen to be in the house, then Diddy later picked a new group of guys.
V: Do you still keep in touch with any of the contestants?
K: Yeah, we all talk on the regular, aside from when our schedules have us busy. I keep in touch with guys who made the band and some who did not.
V: I had the pleasure of meeting Diddy at his crib in the Hamptons. How was it working for him?
K: It was cool. He is who I pretty much thought he was—about his business ya know—but it was cool being critiqued by him. He approved of what he heard from me, so I appreciated that.
V: Have you released any albums?
K: I have been fortunate to be on many mixtapes and released a compilation album last year. I am currently working on my first official album right now.
"Making the Band" in the 'Burg
Courtney "Chantz Kacey" Kinard is not the only "Making the Band" contestant who is familiar with Central Pa. On Jan. 2, 2006, at the Firehouse Restaurant & Bar in Harrisburg, Dominique hosted a party promoted by the now defunct Upscale Entertainment. Dominique was the determined competitor on "Making the Band 3." The singer advanced far in the competition but did not make the final cut. Before Dominique arrived at the Firehouse, she appeared at Harrisburg Mall's Styles West clothing store for a meet-and-greet event. Elliott Ness, a winner from the first season of "Making the Band," appeared at the Music Man CD store in 2005. The rap artist visited the store to promote his album, "Rhyme or Crime Vol. 2: Hate Mail."
Side note: The "Making the Band 3" group, Danity Kane, performed at the York Fair in York on Oct. 14, 2006.
—Posted 11/17/07
Erykah Badu/photo by Leon Laing
Red Star concert shines again
On the heels of her three-album release scheduled for late 2007 through 2008, Erykah Badu headlined Heineken's Red Star Soul concert on Oct. 3 in Philadelphia. Badu came out on World Café Live's stage clad in an urban boho-chic outfit: Cazal glasses, a checkered dress and 1960s-era wig. The self-proclaimed "analog girl in a digital world" was accompanied by her laptop computer and drum machine. Some of the songs she sang included "Appletree" and "Other Side of the Game." During her unforgettable performance of "I Want You," the Grammy Award-winning songstress showed her artistic side by going back and forth between sensual singing and playing old-school hip-hop beats on her drum machine.
Before Badu rocked the crowd, Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius gave a surprise performance. Floetry headlined the Red Star concert in Philly last year. Like last year, fans were impressed with Ambrosius’ robust singing voice.
Raheem DeVaughn was another crooner who returned from last year’s Red Star concert. During DeVaughn’s signature shows, his artist, Demont Peekaso, paints on stage while DeVaughn woos the women with his songs. DeVaughn’s performance this year included "You" and "Women," a song from his new album, "Love Behind the Melody," scheduled for release Nov. 27.
Stainless Steele & DJ Image
Brian "Big Booski" Jackson, a Lancaster rap artist, triumphed in the MC battle at the 2006 Pennsylvania Urban Music Summit, Harrisburg. These other artists, Stainless Steele & DJ Image, also represent Lancaster County. Watch video below.
—Posted 9/2/07
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