Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Its a Gentlemen's Affair
Ne-yo, Trey Songz, and T Pain hit up the strip club to shoot the video for " The Way you Move" off of Boy Wonda's Upcoming Mixtape Tough Love. Check out some behind the scene stills of the artists, and their lovely co-hosts, as only BasquiatsMind can present to you
LISTEN TO THE TRACK:
BuVision/ Def Jam Artist : Miranda Brook
Most of what makes an exceutive, is having an eye for talent and a knack for getting the rest of the world to buy into what you see. Is that not correct? Success is defined by numbers in todays market, and you would be hard pressed to find someone who can hold up against Akon's catalog. No piggybacker, his brother Boo, has been a big part of the planning for and maintenance of Akon's brand and career. With that being the case, Boo has begun to make his own path by recently inking with Def Jam for distribution of his Bu Vision imprint. His first act, a beautiful soulstress by the name of Miranda Brook is gaining steam. With the release of her first single matter of factly titled, Hater. The Chattanooga Tennessee singer lists TLC, Xscape, Aaliyah, and Missy Elliott as her influences, and has begun working on her debut with some heavyweights; the likes of Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox.
I guess the reputation paid off as Miranda chose to go with Boo over offers from Jermaine Dupri and Pharrell. Wish her the best yall. In the meantime, check out her new single here:
Miranda Brooke - "Hater" by Island Def Jam
Monday, September 26, 2011
Drake Take Care
TRACKLISTING
1.”Shot for Me”
2.”Headlines”
3.”The Ride” (featuring The Weeknd)
4.”Marvins Room”
5.”Club Paradise”
6.”Her Regrets” (interlude) (featuring The Weeknd)
7.”Her Regrets”
8.”All Kinds” (featuring Justin Timberlake)
9.”The Real Her” (featuring Lil Wayne)
10.”Good Ones”
11.”Sing for Me” (interlude)
12.”Free Spirit” (featuring Rick Ross)
13.”Lord Knows”
14.”Doing It Wrong” (featuring Stevie Wonder)
15.”Never Enough” (featuring The Weeknd)
16.”To My City”
17.”Take Care” (featuring Nas, 8Ball & MJG and J. Cole)
18.”Yours Sincerely”
Thursday, September 22, 2011
That Black Ghetto Crazy dangerously in love kind of LOVE
As described by Laura Govan when speaking to Elite DC Radio about her and fiance Gilbert Arenas getting back together..Wanna hear the rest? check it out here:
Laura Govan on Getting Back With Gilbert Arenas by TheYBF.com
Any one looking for that type of love?
Who is Frank Ocean
There is no questioning the wave that Odd Future Wolf Gang has begun, sweeping through middle america, and definitely finding its way into the ears of the urban audience. Often times compared to the likes of legendary Wu-Tang clan as a result of the amount of members, and their individuality was well as knack for solo success. Recently,R&B crooner of the group Frank Ocean kicked it with Hot 97's own Angie Martinez allowing some insight into what he is all about
check out some highlights here and listen below: (courtesy of rap-up.com)
• On Odd Future: “That’s family. It’s a crew, but it’s not like a boy band where we’re like this cohesive thing that moves and does everything together. We’re like a crew of a bunch of different artists who create their own thing and their own wave.”
• On Tyler, the Creator’s antics: “I definitely won’t go on the record and say that I latch on to every beef or confrontation or scuffle that Tyler gets into, maybe in the streets, but not in the matrix or the Internet. I can’t keep up with that. The commentary, all of this bullshit is just…”
• On joining Jay-Z and Kanye West on the “Watch the Throne” tour: “I’d love to. I think that’s all I’m gonna say about that.”
• On working on Throne: “I rarely do collabs, so that’s just one of the ones you absolutely do. It’s like a no-brainer. I didn’t really think about any of it. The last thing on my mind was working with artists who I’ve held in high esteem for years.”
• On recording with Jay-Z: “The first seven minutes or so of working with Jay was—I won’t even say it was seven minutes—but it’s like the initial walk-in, sit down, put your bag down, and he wasn’t saying anything, and I was nervous, as soon as we started talking [it was fine]. He’s super cool. I think he was just tryna make me nervous, make me sweat. It seemed a little intentional.”
• On when he first met Kanye West: “I worked with Jay on his solo album before I did the Watch the Throne sessions. The second time I went it was Barry Weiss, Jay, Beyoncé, Kanye, couple other people, it was a pretty heavy room.”
• On when his album is dropping: “I have no idea. I just want to make sure the next thing is right and I don’t want to go on the record and say that it’s coming out on some phantom date that never appears.”
Listen to the full interview below.
PART 1
PART 2
PART 3
Kreayshawn poses for Complex Magazine
More controversy than her beefing with M.M.G. is that her body? #yikes..Definitely more talent than looks.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Boyz are back #CLASSIC R&B
1. “Believe”
2. “So Amazing”
3. “Put Some Music On”
4. “Slowly”
5. “More Than You’ll Ever Know” feat. Charlie Wilson
6. “I Shoulda Lied”
7. “Benefit of a Fool”
8. “Refuse to Be the Reason”
9. “One More Dance”
10. “Will You Be There”
11. “Flow”
12. “One Up for Love”
13. “Motownphilly”
14. “On Bended Knee”
15. “Four Seasons of Loneliness”
16. “Water Runs Dry”
17. “A Song for Mama”
18. “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”
19. “I’ll Make Love to You”
20. “End of the Road”
21. “Not Like You”
Fab is Back!
Check out Fab's responses to Ray J going H.A.M. on the Breakfast Club about he and fab's run-in out in Vegas over the weekend.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Stevie Boi Unveils: COEXIST
Being different is not always easy thats why so many people seem to cling to the notion of "keeping up with the jones': That has never worked for designer Stevie Boi; Well known for his shades, most notably worn by Beyonce, DAy 26, and Lady Gaga to name a few, StevieBoi's brand is synonomous with edge, with pushing the envelope. This past Fashion Week was the perfect forum for the unveiling of Stevie's latest, the COEXIST line. Purposefully intimate, StevieBoi offered an opportunity for a glimpse into himself, personally. The man behind the shades, the character behind the creativity.
Taking place inside the super-sophisticated and homely men's salon B.Braxton (116th street, 5th Avenue, Harlem, NYC), Rhea-Elisia and Stevie Boi offered an atmosphere conducive for the objective, understanding and learning what makes StevieBoi the entity we have come to know. Red Carpet laden, as well as supplemented with performances by Filthy Rich Records' recording artist Severe, as well as up and coming entertainer/creator Psyche of Sound, all of which were the appetizer for the main event- the fashion show.
Friday, September 16, 2011
SWIM GOOD
I must say this is one of my favorite songs of 2011 from one of my TOP 5 current artists. If you ever had a fear of a new day, of taking a chance, or reaching your potential then you definitely need to check out this track. It is precisely what the doctor ordered. Fear has no place within success; When all else fails kick of your shoes, and Swim Good:
FRANK OCEAN SWIM GOOD
FRANK OCEAN SWIM GOOD
frank ocean [swim good] from christopher francis ocean on Vimeo.
Enterprising
Sean P Diddy Combs and Kelly Rowland got together @ Macy's to celebrate the launch of the new fragrance Empress...check out some highlights
Basquiat Presents....The Elite Producer: J.Elz
William Blake once said “He who desires, but acts not, breeds pestilence” . Jullian “Jelz” Simmons believes his ambition to achieve success will benefit others that are from the same neighborhood, went to the same school, or even if they can relate to similar culture and art.
26 year old, Jullian “Jelz” Simmons was born in the Bronx. It was there that he fell in love with hip-hop & R&B. Being the son of TV/show host King Chepell of “Rap It Uptown”, he was exposed to the hip-hop culture from a early age. His biggest influences to date in the music industry have been Quincy Jones & Timberland. His sound embodies those two very different but very unique styles. Prior to the age of 14, music was merely a hobby or interest. However, at that age J.Elz began recording and producing with long time friend Jermaine Isaiah Gardner. The professional dreams of J.Elz which had materialized into the successful businessman/artist today began in a quaint Florida studio, with him sharpening his efficiency on cool edit, reason, & Pro-tools.
It was also around this time that he met a rapper by the name of Fitz. With Fitz being an artist & Jelz being the producer it was automatic and natural for the two to immediately hit the studio and begin recording. The marriage of styles and creativity was sparked with the simple combination of Jelz's uptempo 808 bass drums and Fitz melodic riffs. The result was the formation of the production duo known as THEE ELITE.
To the their credit, the duo has worked with Clap Cognac, Baby Boi Nate, Friday, Young Hash, Fresh Jacobs, and Jus Rolle to name a few. Not to mention they have a album they produced in stores nationwide and are currently working on a “BX Finest” mix tape which will be sponsored by Downer TV & yk2daily.net.
Dedication & hard work are their watch words in this war against pestilence. Equipped with a Triton LE & Korg M3 alongside Fitz’s Korg X50 & Roland XP50 there is nothing blocking them from showing the world that they are the best of the best and that in whatever you do, you too can be one of Thee Elite.
Basquiat: How long have you been producing records?
J Elz:I have been producing for the last 8 yrs. Feels like forever but my interest never dies. I love it.
Basquiat: Where did your love for the art come from?
J Elz: Honestly ever since I was little I was fascinated by the culture and even more by the music. In high school I used to sell mixtapes and some of them were instrumental mixtapes. I remember listening to the instrumentals on my way to school everyday. Picking out the drum patterns and and finding which keys were being played in the riff was my little introduction to ear training 101.
Basquiat:Where do you get your motivation for the beats, and content from?
J Elz: get my inspiration from everything around me. If you heard the sounds that I have in my sound bank you would be amazed. I have something as little as a dog bark to something as big as a orchestra in my range as sounds. I believe creativity is the key to the reinvention of your sound which in turn will keep you relevent with the times and changing climate of the game.
Basquiat: Who is one artist you have not worked with but will like to?
J.elz: I would really like to work with marsha ambroise. I think she has a amazing voice. Her album is def one of my favorite r&b albums of this yr.
Basquiat: Song credits?
J.Elz: "talkin bout" by young hash (son of a gun), "The bronx" and "we winning" by clap cognac (which was featured on superstar j mixtapes), "Affirmative reaction" by fresh jacobs, and "Think about it" by St. Laz are some joints to name a few. Not to mention we have a little production credit for composing the theme music to a show travis smiley was doing about 4 years ago.
Basquiat: What is it about those basslines and drums that mafe it become apart in your trademark in production?
J.Elz: The reason why basslines and drums are significant are because nobody rarely pays attention to basslines they find their syles in other areas like how swizz uses his snare or like how dj toomp uses that tamberine in his beats. You know their music when your hear it because most of their work has actual sounds that they stick with. We put emphasis on the actual chords and riffs we play when we choose a bassline. That is what makes us different. The drums is the icing on the cake. That is what keeps the people moving.
Basquiat: When it comes to pushing the envelop in music, what is Thee Elite's mission?
J Elz: Our mission is to be the best of the best. We are not beat makers, we are producers. There is a huge difference. We want to master the art of making classic albums. Since the industry has become more focused on singles, Nobody focuses on the actual flow of a great album. Our goal is to bring that back into music as a whole not just hip hop & r&b.
Basquiat: When it is all said and done what will thee elite be remembered as?
J Elz: I want Thee Elite to be remembered as a dynamic duo that not only has hits under their belt but who expanded their empire into tv, film, and other business ventures. I want to make Thee Elite forever. I know that their are young producers that share the same dream I have and I intend to help them get to their goals by making Thee Elite a movement that they will one day love to be apart of.
Basquiat: Besides the production side of things, do you guys have any other ventures on the rise?
J Elz: Yes. Currently we are putting together a"bx finest" mixtape featuring the kid daytona, young hash, cory gunz and other acts from the bx. The project will be sponsored by downerTv & y2kdaily.net . That's gonna be all over the web by the end of this yr. We will be on the "hooks & books college tour" this fall. As you can see we are definitely working and grinding 24/7
I would like to s/o the homie Basquiat for giving us this opportunity. We truly appreciate it
Thursday, September 15, 2011
David Banner: Swag
These are some powerful words right here. Every once in a while there's a song that really makes you consciously consider your morals and what you portray. Well this is the one that has stuck with me today. Hopefully it sticks to you too...Whats your #SWAG? If your swag is anything like Banner describes in these verses, then it deserves to be hated
T.I. releases cover art and title of new novel
Power & Beauty: A Love Story of Life on the Streets (HarperCollins). The fictional tale, co-authored by Tip and David Ritz,
J.F.K. (Join Forces With Kings)
Check out the Big Homey's Nas and Jay Z, honestly my #1 and #2 artists of all time coming together to celebrate Nas' 38th B day @ Catch in New York. Also on hand was Common, Steve Stoute, Melo, and DJ Premiere
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Basquiat Presents....Grind Season's Own Friday
Harold Thompson better known as the artist "Friday" is accustomed to being the life of the party. Since a very young age in his native South Bronx neighborhood he was well known for seemingly making every situation seem hopeful. More like a weekend so to say, therefore gaining the nickname Friday. Such a perfect fit, he decided to carry it on with him.
Inntrigued with hip hop since his grade school days, Friday was often seen making up songs at the school lunch table. Nearly everyone whom he encountered knew his destiny was to be an entertainer. His first big break came when DJ Ron G featured one of his songs on his critically acclaimed Platinum Series mix tape. This was just the type of notoriety a young Friday needed. The buzz reassured Friday that he was on the right path. Later on in life, Friday reached a crossroad where he was forced to make a tough decision about his future. The choice ultimately became to continue to pursue music or a good education. Hard as it was, Friday felt the need to man up and go for the more certain of the two, therefore deciding to finish school first.
While attendind Clark Atlanta Friday began to embraced the southern lifestyle and culture. Today Friday makes no bones about the fact that the time spent in Atlanta assisted in the molding of the artist he is today. He was afforded the ability to hone his production skills as well as keep himself sharp by participating in and winning a variety or rap contests and open mic events. Aside from his craft, Friday accomplished a major achievement as he graduated with a degree in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in radio.
Five years to the date of his big decision, Friday returned to his hometown, New York City and began dedicating himself to becoming a national hip hop phenomenon. With his buzz growing he began to get request for radio interviews which ultimately led up to him meeting the founder of Grind Season Music Group, Haj Euro. where he was invited to tour with Grind Season Music Group.
In his own words, “Having the opportunity to go on stage and go to different cities and radio stations across the country has made me feel like I am here and very blessed for the chance”, Shortly after Friday joined Grind Season Music Group he was signed to his very first label deal.
During his maturation process Friday has developed a mantra that he follows to this very day: “In the midst of systematic stagnancy just make your own way” Friday is no stranger to doing things his way and he doesn’t mind being different. His goal is to affect millions worldwide through his music and character. Anyone could be next to hold the torch but Thank God it’s Friday!
Basquiat:
I hear you're a natural entertainer, is that correct, is that a genetic thing or just something that grew on you?
Friday:
Since I was able to walk & talk I was entertaining, making whoever was around me my audience!! From doing stand-up comedy in kindergarten for my classmates to making beats at the lunch table; I admit I felt more comfortable in front of people than amongst them at times.
Basdquiat:
What was it like when you heard Ron G playing your record on his mixtape series, did u feel like your dreams were starting to come true?
Friday:I felt like man Now I know we're going to be rich!! I was ready to throw my student metro card away & hire a driver. Growing up in the Bronx, a Ron G placement was equivalent to getting on a DJ Clue mixtape & everybody that consistently frequented those tapes was going somewhere. I had big plans!!!
Basquiat:
Who were some of the people who influenced your decision to put music to the side and pursue your education, when u enrolled @ Clark Atlanta?
Friday: Girls. Seriously, a friend who eventually became my girl, actually got me to go on a black college tour. My eyes were opened and my mother, the only person in my immediate family to go to college and graduate influenced me as well. I realized it was a big deal!
Basquiat: What was the biggest difference that you saw between up north and down south culture?
Friday: My introduction to "crunk", "saying hi to somebody you don't know", partying in the club in a manner where it doesn't matter if your clothes get dirty was a culture shock for me. The biggest difference is only outlook & how we carry out our perspectives on the things WE ALL like/dislike.
Basquiat: What are some of the elements of southern lifestyle that you have blended with your up north swag?
Friday: There's a certain aggressiveness blended with soulful melodies that are in my music. I have the soundtrack for any given moment of the day & influences from Up North or the South obviously work better for different modes. Complex lyricism served in a manner that's simple enough to digest is a great meal; no microwaves necessary!!!
Basquiat: What gives you better sense of accomplishment; writing songs or producing beats?
Friday: Well shout out to 85' Boy but when people think of FRIDAY I want them to think of a great writer with vision. Stevie Wonder, physically impaired of vision had so much depth & took us all to realms we've never been before. I want my art to be timeless.
Basquiat: Talk to us about "Holding On" the single. What made u say that was the one to introduce you to a greater audience?
Friday: Beyond it being the 1st song I ever had played on the radio; I never shared something so personal on a song. I was very vulnearable! As I continue on in my career I notice that songs like "Holdin On" really break through & touch the masses in a special way that's second to none.
Basquiat: How did you link up with Thee Elite? Whats the best thing about you guys chemistry?
Friday: Jelz (1/2 of Thee Elite) was the 1st person I met at High School. He was selling bootleg cd's & I had just recorded my 1st demo. He didn't want to sell my cd but said "yo you got a cold". I said "what?" He said "you sick" & then I said Oh, you saying I'm nice!!! We started working on music that day & shortly after I met Fitz (1/2 of Thee Elite) through him. At best our chemistry is organic, we been working on music together for the last 8 or 9 years!! We know what we want from the music!!
Basquiat: They produced most of the album correct? How was that a huge benefit?
Friday:Huge is an understatement! All we've had is one another to depend on since day 1 & I wouldn't have OUR 1st album any other way! Thank God I have producers that are more than just guys that believe in me but who are My Family.
Basquiat:How did the whole Grind Season link up come about?
Friday: I met CEO of GrindSeasonEnt. Haj Euro while I was already in college; coming back home on breaks. He told me he thought my style was dope & that meant a lot because nobody was singing & rapping at the current time with exception to Missy. He told me he was going to get his company off the ground; he did & brought me along for the ride. We On the Road to Success!!!
Basquiat:
What were some of the stops you tore down on the Grind Season tour?
Friday:
Its called the "On the road to success" tour sponsored by Sparkling Nuvo & Flud Watches. We've been everywhere from Atlantic City NJ, Baltimore MD, PA, Washington DC, Emporia/Hampton/Elizabeth City/Richmond VA, Myrtle Beach SC, NC, Toledo/Cleveland OH, Providence RI, Miami FL,etc. My next tour "Hooks & Books College Tour" brings even more states to tear down!!!!!
Basquiat:
Explain the concept of “In the midst of systematic stagnancy just make your own way”
Friday: It simply means if you feel everything is the same, showing little signs of advancement today; make your own lane & watch the flock follow. My style is unorthodox but necessary!! I'm excited about the next level in which Thee Elite Productions & myself will embark upon.
Basquiat: Thank God its Friday- what does that mean to you?
Friday:
Its the utmost interjection of celebration!! It never gets old & it truly is our checkpoint from week to week. A girl asked me "so why they call you Friday?" I answered "because they can't wait for me to come." I aim for my arrival in form of cd, appearance or whatever to be celebrated!!!
Basquiat:
Whats up next for Friday, a mixtape, working on the album?
Friday:
I'm looking forward to the "Hooks & Books College Tour" starting at end of this month. I just directed the video to my 1st single "Bees Wax" coming very soon. I have two mixtapes coming out in the next 2 months and I'm formulating a webisode series! Oh & working on music is like taking showers!!
Basquiat:
Where can people get in contact with you for features shows, etc.
Friday: Facebook/Youtube/Twitter/Itsfriday4eva or email me at Itsfriday4eva@gmail.com
Basquiat:
Any shoutouts?
Friday: Shout out to my family, GrindseasonEnt., GetSignedMag, TheeEliteProductions, DownerTv, Keyz2theCity, BloodBrothers, LNFL, Nude Vodka, Sparkling Nuvo, Flud Watches & everybody that's supporting me you know who you are!!
Check out Fridays Mixtape Its Almost Friday on datpiff.com:
http://www.datpiff.com/mixtapes-search.php?criteria=it%27s+almost+friday&x=5&y=12
Also, check out some of Friday's singles and footage:
Black Ty
"Official trailer for Tyrese's video "Stay" from the upcoming album Open Invitation due out this November."
Rachel Roy Spring 2012 Collection
Fashion Week as you well know, is among us, and with that is brought the unveiling of all of the most well known lines' forthcoming season collections. In this edition, I introduce you to Ms Rachel Roy and her Spring 2012 Collection. Also check out some behind the scenes footage accompanied by Vanessa Simmons...#enjoy
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