Monday, January 30, 2012

Jackson, MS- S.T.A.N.D Rally and Concert: Celebrating the Dream of Dr. M.L. King



Anyone who examines North American entertainment and news media will notice that members of ethnic and visible minorities are inadequately represented in entertainment and news media, and that portrayals of minorities are often stereotypical and demeaning.On the other hand, most mainstream media position white males as authority figures, while marginalizing the expertise of members of minorities. Approximately 90 percent of all experts featured in U.S. news stories are white. When minority experts are called upon, it's typically in response to minority community matters, drugs and crime. Certainly as we celebrated Dr. King's birthday, his dream and the legacy he leftbehind many news stations covered local community events and individuals generating enough noise to be heard. I guess I should be happy that there was some coverage about Dr. King and those that are working and fighting to keeping the dream alive, but I cant help but feel "some kind of way" about it only being a limited amount of coverage. In 2012, racism is still very much alive and well and for some reason it seems that its always being swept under the rug. For the layman, it may cause one to question, is Dr. King's dream STILL in fact alive...The answer is YES!!!


We all know that Dr. King practiced and preached the principle of non-violence, and while this principle coupled with his work changed the surface and thought processes of society forever, violence seems to STILL be prevalent. When turning on the news, its guaranteed that some violent act will be reported, covered, and maybe even headlined. Sure the communities have a right to know what is happening around them, however, the community also deserves to know about those individuals, organizations, events, and institutions that are exceptional in the encouragement and education of positive causes not just on days designated as "important" national holidays and months but daily. One said event that I had the privlege of experiencing was the S.T.A.N.D Rally and CConcert formely known as the Stop the Violence Rally in Jackson, MS. Presented by the S.H.E. Group, the S.T.A.N.D Rally did exactly what it set out to do and that is provide a platform and open dialogue between motivational speakers, attending politicians, and residents from across the state about violence, generation repeat and solutions to become all that one desires to become in life. According to Pam Greer, the event organizer, "In 2012, we as young adults are pledging to “Take a Stand” in eliminating the negative stereotypes portrayed and used to cancel opportunities for our generation and the next."




The cost of the event was free and brought out a plethora of attendees, performers and local media personnel. It was a great experience because it involved our youth. Children ranging from infancy to teenagers were there absorbing excellence at its best for a great cause. In addition to being educational it was an awesome networking opportunity where those with like minds congregated and spoke candidly about the disgrace happening in their communities and the impact that it has had on their lives. One attendee, Shante Galloway came to speak about the unneccesary act of violence that took her fiance away from the life that they were building together, in a robbery attempt gone bad. There was no judgement just a room full of compassion and hearts full of understanding. The show futher included record executives there to share a wealth of information with the upcoming artists. Performances included Ashyah J, Lee SC, Brittany Patton, Krystal Meth, Mississippi Rell, Whodini-Blak & Cash on Demand, Deuce Horne, Tighta Den Eva; Get ‘Em Gutta, Trouble Soulz, MiMi, Coming from Nothin, J.R. & The Allnighters, A.I. Prez, Onli Platinum Music, and many more. Sponsored by Locker Room Sports Bar, Baby Earl Production, Sapphire, Inc.; Frequent Fly Entertainment, Kategory 5 Production, Vision of Hope Church, and Premier Tax Services it was certainly a memorable event. If you are ever in Jackson, be sure to check out Pam Greer and the S.H.E. Group.










Check Out Pam Greer on Jackson Fox 40 News
http://www.fox40tv.com/s/GoempVDLhEqF1HAD1UbVig.cspx#.TydgI4mCfo0.blogger


The Stop the Violence Rally Made the Front Page of the Jackson Advocate, Check it out! http://www.jacksonadvocateonline.com/?p=7313














Sources:
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/ethnics_and_minorities/minorities_news.cfm

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Internet Censorship: W.T.H????



I have a very personal experience with bullying...even in my 32 years of living, I have never experienced so much negative power use in all of my life. Certainly, just because I was naive to its existence doesnt mean that it didnt exist. However, political and legal bullying is on the rise and for me its confirmation that this is the first stage of this worlds' catclysmic end. First Bush, the Afghan war, and now an attempt to limit the transfer of free knowledge. Did they miss the memo, that ignorance is more expensive?

According to Google, The U.S. government could order the blocking of sites using methods similar to those employed by China in an attempt to combat the growth of piracy and counterfeiting. Among other things, search engines could be forced to delete entire websites from their search results. This legislation could greatly damage the free tool known as the internet and a plethora of information that is at our fingertips could be no more. This would be a horrid thing for the American economy. Social networking sites, blogs, and search engines would be censored. Whatever happened to freedom of speech, or any other right granted in our Constitution? This bullying act of censorship would not only limit the access to knowledge that so many educators and students use, it would also worsen the employment epidemic, and overkill our already recession ladened nation. Im almost willing to bet that it would cause a mass panic because at that point we would be forced to regress into an era before the world wide web. Wouldnt that be tragic?

It appears that the U.S. government is under the impression that its citizens are walking around absentmindedly or worse ignorantly; thinking that we dont recognize that it is once again utilizing its power to bully business owners and innovators alike in an attempt to take our money and line their own pockets. Now dont get me wrong, piracy is illegal and I get the gist of why they are proposing the the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House, however, it seems like they are willing to punish the good guys for the bad guys' actions. Google indicates that these acts alone would do more harm than good in that it wouldnt even stop piracy. "The censorship regulations written into these bills won’t shut down pirate sites. These sites will just change their addresses and continue their criminal activities, while law-abiding companies will suffer high penalties for breaches they can’t possibly control. There are effective ways to combat foreign “rogue” websites dedicated to copyright infringement and trademark counterfeiting, while preserving the innovation and dynamism that have made the Internet such an important driver of American economic growth and job creation. Congress should consider alternatives like the OPEN Act, which takes targeted and focused steps to cut off the money supply from foreign pirate sites without making US companies censor the Web."

To be nice about it all, I will say that its just stupid! One Word to describe the notion: BULLSHIT!!! To do your part, sign your name to the petition by following the link https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

4th Quarter of Change U.N.I.T.Y. Event: Poverty In America Awareness Press Release


U.N.I.T.Y. events inspire through the arts including music and poetry. These events are structured to creatively address socioeconomic hardships including but not limited to domestic violence, self esteem, homelessness, hunger, and poverty. The arts have proven to bring about a sense of healing to those affected by the effects of calmative hardships and adversity. The Arts Advocate is a triple threat to adversity as an advocate, artist, and activist. Artists showcased in these events have evoked an incalculable impact through various art forms.

The purpose of Xquizit Xperiencez is to provide a platform for talent to function while inducing the visualization of creativity evoking Xquizit Xhalations.  Art In Mo$h*n is far from ordinary! From leaping dancers covered in paint to eclectic venues you are guaranteed a mesmerizing experience.  If you have yet to witness art in motion, dare not miss the opportunity this weekend! 

The Arts Advocate and Xquizit Xperiencez invite you to the 4th Quarter of Change U.N.I.T.Y. Event: Poverty in America Awareness and Toiletries For Families Anniversary Celebration with a special expo by ART IN MO$H*N on Saturday, January 21, 2012 6pm-10pm at Isis Houston. The 4th Quarter of Change U.N.I.T.Y. (Uplifting Nonprofits In The communitY) Event is benefiting The Bread of Life and The Art Project Houston. Please support them by making tax deductible donations and/or contributing toiletry and art supply donations! 

This event is SPONSORED by Sweet Tooth Media , Xquizit*Xperiencez & Xhalationz,   The Arts Advocate, The Spice Project, Nathaleen Ree, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Tattoos by MU!, Toiletries for Families, Urban Houston Network, POM TV on UTN, Madd Poets, The TrĂ© Magazine, Infinite Deep Galaxy  Kategory Five Productions, , Houston Press, Allhouston Artgenres, I.C.O.N. Lifestyle Monthly, Digital Phyah Photography, www.a1hh.com, www.SwaggaKings.com. ROCK DAT Beat Radio, and Dodge Us Car Club (D.U.C.C.) If you are interested in a personal or professional sponsorship, please contact The ARTS Advocate at 713-396-2787 



"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Houston, TX- No Heart, No Hustle Mixtape: Released December 25, 2011 Featuring the Magnificent, Yung Crusay

Its Christmas Day, midnight and all of the little children are tucked away in their beds waiting for Santa's arrival. Parents are up staging the house, adding finishing touches to perfect gifts and tasty trimmings. I, on the other hand, am eagerly waiting for the rest of the world to hear, the realest sounds of hip-hop music since the days of Biggie and Pac. I had the chance to take a sneak peak of  the No Heart, No Hustle Mixtape by Dirty Bizness Ent.'s own Yung Crusay. Released at midnight on December 25, 2011 No Heart, No Hustle, is exactly what radio airwaves need. Surely you all know that you wont find the year's important or greatest hip-hop releases in any store. Such greatness can't be shelved....!!!!! 




No Heart, No Hustle is by far the best mixtape that I've heard in quite sometime and lets just say as a blogger, I get hundreds of mixtape links a day from various artists. No disrespect is intended for anyone, but unless it makes me move from beginning to end, its not worth mentioning. I happened to listen to this mixtape during my work out, which was perfectly timed by the way. No Heart, No Hustle was 45 minutes of a phenomenal compilation of production, hooks, and lyrics. Songs like Watch Yo Chick and Gangs All Hear, are most definitely club bangers with their anthem like beats, commands you to indulge lyrically and bounce your head. True to its mixtape title; No Heart, No Hustle, Gettin It, pays homage to all the hustlers, focused on making it happen. No Heart, No Hustle has a plethora of transitions, genre mixtures and old school connotations. Before, I knew that mixtapes were necessary to show the public what the artist is capable of. However; No Heart, No Hustle full of artistry and diversity, brings us into the raw world of Yung Crusay turning everyone that hears it into permanent fans. I personally don't know how anyone could hear this album and not LOVE IT! To download No Heart, No Hustle visit http://www.datpiff.com/Yung-Crusay-noheartnohustle-mixtape.297211.html  


Now is virtually rude to discuss such greatness, without mentioning the creator, Yung Crusay. Yung Crusay is the CEO/Founder of Dirty Biz Entertainment and DGMG. She was born and in Huntsville, TX where she was raised by her mother. With background in Port Arthur, the rapper, writer, producer, and actress started creating her resume at the age of 5 when she begin acting. By 7th grade the budding star had begun to write lyrics. In 10th grade is when she added to her list of accomplishments, the title: rapper. Wanting to be the jack of many trades, Yung Crusay begin producing in 11th grade. While most teens are having identity crisis during these years, Yung Crusay took control and begin writing her own destiny. In 2002, Yung Crusay moved to Houston and decided to pursue her music career shortly after. From there she started TL Productions in 2004, Dirty Bizness Ent. in 2007. In May 2009 Yung Crusay released her 1st mixtape entitled, The Love Chronicles Pt. 1. DGMG  which is a part of Dirty Bizness Entertainment, is a recent creation (2010) in which she is watching its growth. She appeared in her first film: Desire, Hostility, Delusion, released in June 2011. You can follow this Dirty Biz Boss on Twitter @Yung_Crusay. To read more about Yung Crusay, the DGMG models and Dirty Bizness Ent. Visit http://sweettoothmedia.blogspot.com/2011/03/dirty-girls-modeling-group-aspirations.html 






"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Jackson, MS- 2012 S.T.A.N.D. (previously, Stop the Violence) Rally and Concert Press Release

For Immediate Release 

Together We Stand, Divided We Fall

Jackson, MS – The S.H.E. Group proudly presents the 2012 S.T.A.N.D. (formerly Stop the Violence) Rally and Concert hosted by Baby Earl Productions of Brookhaven, Mississippi on Saturday, January 14, 2012. This event will be held at Limitless Venue (4731 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi) with doors opening promptly at 12:30 p.m.



The objective of this event is to provide a platform and open dialogue between motivational speakers, attending politicians, and residents from across the state about violence, generation repeat and solutions to become all that one desires to become in life. In 2012, we as young adults are pledging to “Take a Stand” in eliminating the negative stereotypes portrayed and used to cancel opportunities for our generation and the next. This event will also feature spoken word and hip-hop performances by local teens and adults using their voice to be a part of change.



The cost of this event is free to the community; however, donations will be accepted to help needy families that have became victim to a crime in our community. Guest speakers (at this time) are Cassio Batteast, Albert Coleman, Shanta Galloway, and various politicians in our community. Guest performances (at this time) are by Ashyah J, Lee SC, Brittany Patton, Krystal Meth, Mississippi Rell, Whodini-Blak & Cash on Demand, Deuce Horne, Tighta Den Eva; Get ‘Em Gutta, Trouble Soulz, MiMi, Coming from Nothin, J.R. & The Allnighters, A.I. Prez, Onli Platinum Music, and many more. This event is being strongly backed by Locker Room Sports Bar, Baby Earl Production, Sapphire, Inc.; Frequent Fly Entertainment, Kategory 5 Production, Vision of Hope Church, and Premier Tax Services.



For more information about the S.T.A.N.D. Concert and Rally or to participate, please contact Pam Greer at pamgreer@rocketmail.com or via facebook/misspamgreer

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"