what's good peoples! it's Friday so it's that time again, and who we biggin up this week? well, she's rocking at the She's So Fresh Showcase on 8/6 and she's hit stages from NY to Berlin. continuing the ones to watch series, ladies and gents, I give you...
EYERIS.
always performing and creating, Eyeris would have her first demo done before she finished high school and would be well known throughout Hip Hop circles in Portland, OR. by 18 years old, she was in New York in ciphers and building a reputation for her style and wordplay.
since then she has created a niche and generated a following having had the opportunity to tour Europe in 2008a and sharing stages with Roxanne Shante, The Roots, Jean Grae and Invincible.
she's been promoting her most recent project The Carter .5 Mixtape from Steph Pockets and DJ Rev Shines and I had the pleasure of rocking with her on The Hip Hop Howl Showcase at SXSW this year. aside from being talented and driven, her style is one you will not forget, from the rapid fire flow to the honesty of lyrics.
known for bringing artists together for shows and events, her efforts are geared towards solidifying the foundation of Hip Hop. she puts her spirit into everything she creates and shares with the world and is the next generation of women in Hip Hop, and that makes her one to watch! I wanted to know what motivates this young woman so of course..lol, I asked!
me: what is it about Hip Hop that you personally love so much?
Eyeris: Its expression with no rules. The first "rule" I learned was 16 bars always.. But I don't even go by that anymore, lol. If you want to make a track with irish harp samples, you can.. Want to spit about love for food? You can.. With hip hop there's hardly any boundaries.. It just depends on how you flip it.
me: do you want to be seen as a role model? or do you rhyme for explicitly for self expression?
Eyeris: That's a hard one.. I mean of course I make music for myself.. But I want to be some kind of hope for all the "different" kids.. To show them that if you follow your heart and work hard your dreams can come true. But at the same time its like, I don't want to censor my music and who I am. Because there's def some parts of my music that aren't for the youth lol.
me: what do you abso NEED to have to create music? (i.e. notebook/pen, tea, candles...)
Eyeris: Honestly just myself. Some of my favorite stuff I've done, I've "written" in my head while walking or on the train. I'm really weird when it comes to writing, if I force myself it just doesn't work.
me: what's the most memorable show you ever did? and why was it so memorable?
Eyeris: Hip hop Kemp in Czech Republic. It was already amazing with our all female stage line up, the energy was amazing - overseas they have this huge love for hip hop, its really indescribable.. But anyways our hangar was already pretty full and in the middle of my set the power of the whole festival went out (it was about 20,000 people at the festival)!!! I panicked and went in search for alcohol back stage, while thankfully Eternia was hosting and started spitting with no mic and a beatboxer.. Then we passed around the bottle for shots.. A few min later the power came back on and our hangar was completely full. It was mad fun!!
now, you can check out this sista here or catch Eyeris in NY doing shows on any given night, but on 8/6 she'll be tearing down the stage representing the She's So Fresh Showcase at Karma Lounge!
the extended fam, Miz Metro and her band, The Makebelieves, will be at Joe's Pub that same night at 7:30p so after you are blessed by her amazing talent, all are invited to head over to Karma Lounge and support Women in Hip Hop, doors open 9p!
peaces,
rox
peace ya'll! so this is the start of the "ones to watch, sistas you're gonna be checkin for" series. and first out the gate is:
Jasmine Solano.
you may have caught her behind the turntables at various events around NYC, Miami, DC or LA. but she's starting to carve out a name for herself holding that mic too i.e. the only female that performed at the Rock the Bells show last weekend at Jones Beach. so I gotta take sec to give a sista her kudos and big ups!
I first encountered Jasmine last year at the Delancey (shouts out to ILL P!), and it was one of those "yo! ok, who's the DJ?! because they goin in!". y'all know those moments. and y'all have probably guessed by now that it was Jasmine. so it came as no surprise to me to find out one of the many venues she rocks is her party ELECTRIC PUNANNY with Melo X and Roxy Cottontail, as just one of the spots where she burns the turntables regularly.
and it all started when she was 17 and began to fully explore her love for music as a DJ and personality on 88.9FM, WERS Boston (sigh..the hometown, shouts to all my folks in the Bean!). holding the titles of New England Urban Music Awards "Best Female Radio Personality" and the Evvy Awards "Best Radio On-air Personality", that personality would start to shine through once she had the mic in hand.
after hosting and MCing for concerts and shows for artists from Q-tip to the GZA to Goapele, De La Soul and Grandmaster Flash, Jasmine teamed with DJ Wonder to release her first single "That's Not It" on Christmas Day 2008.
she has since rocked the Miami Winter Music Conference, gone on an international tour with Ninjasonik, held down the stage at the Lyricist Lounge, backed up J*Davey in DJ mode and of course, the aforementioned..Rock the Bells in NYC.
this woman is on her grind. I flat out asked her: do you have a manager? or is all you do all you?
Jasmine Solano: All me! Bout to get some help tho..but yep, it's been all me thus far.
Respect. and as I'm sure y'all know by now I had a few more questions:
me: how long you been holding this mic and spittin these rhymes?
Jasmine Solano: Since about 16. I started doing spoken word and open mics in high school. It was always with two friends, one a drummer and the other a beat boxer. When I was 17 I really started to freestyle. I would join in ciphers with dudes at every party I went to, not having much to lose - I would speak my little hip hop activist mind. Years later I started making music, writing to beats but never told anyone. Only my closest friends. It was only 7 months ago that I actually released a track to the public, produced by DJ Wonder called "That's Not It".
me: how often do sit and write?
Jasmine Solano: As much as possible. It's a little difficult with my workaholic schedule - I'm usually djing, performing, traveling, planning and organizing. Always doing. I try to find as much time as possible to sit, reflect, zone out and write.
me: what are your goals as a woman MC and as a woman in general?
Jasmine Solano: I have many, haha. Ultimately I want to become an influence that is so personal and relatable that I can possibly change lives, for the good. And it doesn't have to necessarily be about humongous life changes - I rather impact the moments that are small yet so significant. I'm talking about moods, imaginations and dreams. The way some one's lyrics can affect your whole perspective. And how songs always reference specific life moments that are remembered forever. I would like to be a part of those moments in people's lives when something opened up, grew or began. I guess you have to listen to the lyrics to see what I mean :)
me: where can folks buy your music?
Jasmine Solano: Soon you'll be able to buy my music on iTunes and my DJ Mixtapes at local clothing streetwear stores! "Jasmine Solano:The EP" is coming soon!
I believe her, think you should too..as stated earlier also..um, one to watch. so big ups and shouts out to Jasmine Solano for keeping alive the art of the woman MC for the next generation! werd.
so y'all be sure to keep checkin for Jasmine Solano and all the other sistas sharing their skills with you and the world.
peaces.
rox
OH YEAH! I almost forgot to mention(..lol, not so much) on 8/6 She's So Fresh goes to the next level bringing you the She's So Fresh Showcase at Karma Lounge, NYC! Featuring performances by:
Eyeris
Controversy
Lin Que
Tiye Phoenix
and
yours truly!
Hosted by Caitlin Meissner and with DJ Juice E on the 1's and 2's, it's gonna be ...FRESH!
peace everybody!
so I want to take this week's "She's So Fresh" Fridayz to acknowledge and give props to a sista that has been one of the many amazing women integral to the business of entertainment and Hip Hop. Thembisa S. Mshaka. her contributions include award winning campaigns for Sony Music, as Senior Copywriter, that helped fuel sales of over 150 million albums for artists like Wyclef Jean, Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, not to mention one of our favorite artists and woman MC's, Lauryn Hill.
Her book "Put Your Dreams First, Handle Your Entertainment Business" was recently published and in it she shares first hand knowledge of the work that gets done behind the scenes. Compiling the stories of women in the industry including her own, from successes to struggles, she gives young women words of encouragement, caution and advice.
As the former rap editor for GAVIN, and a true supporter of Hip Hop throughout her career, her contribution to "25 Hip-Hop Icons", an academic reference volume published by Greenwood Press stands as only one example. she's fresh because she is one of the countless women has handled her business with grace, dignity and wisdom not to mention being a wife and a mother. she continues to embrace her life's journey, and it was a pleasure to ask her some questions:
me: did you imagine when you started that you would have this life long relationship with Hip Hop in particular?
Thembisa S. Mshaka: Not at all. I went to college studying International Relations to become a diplomat or ambassador; I simply wound up doing that in the entertainment world. Who I am in my career is the bridge between creativity and commerce.
me: have you ever had something said to you that was flat out sexist and discriminatory? how did you address it?
Thembisa S. Mshaka: Sure. Depending on the situation I would A: engage them in conversation about it B: ignore it knowing it deserved no audience or C: involve the authorities be that Human Resources or my attorney. I think women should place cease & desists on men who call them sexist names in the work sphere--reputation is like cash in our industry!
me: you were responsible for the Marketing Campaign for, arguably, one of the most influential female MCs ever, Ms. Lauryn Hill. were there any issues you in particular that you had to deal with that you felt were popping up b/c you're a woman? b/c Lauryn is a woman?
Thembisa S. Mshaka: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was my first project as Senior Copywriter for Sony. I was determined to make it great, and not so much nervous as I was anxious. I knew I had an advantage because Lauryn and I had met years before when I was enlisted to help break the Fugees at GAVIN--and, I am hip-hop, which no other writer on the team was at that time.
Among many great things about that extraordinary project was all the Black women involved with it: Stephanie Gayle did the product marketing, Yvette Noel-Schure did the PR, Lisa Ellis in promotion, Debra Ginyard on styling, Joan Baker who voiced the campaign, and many others. I also have to acknowledge the brilliant design of Erwin Gorostiza--he created the album package, which is an undeniable classic. We were all committed to that campaign being authentic and iconic. It was very important to me that all the copy I wrote for it reflected honesty and greatness. The world needed to hear Lauryn's voice apart from the context of The Fugees, and not just as a rapper, but as a songwriter and producer. It's a career highlight for me to have had the charge of representing her work to the world. It was her project that showed me my campaign work was being used worldwide; I saw a 'Miseducation' poster I created translated into Spanish while on vacation and it hit me then what kind of impact my work was making. And after 10 GRAMMY(r) nominations and 5 wins--including Album of the Year, she remains hugely influential. With that victory, she opened the door for emcees to win for Album of the Year, including Outkast.
As for issues we encountered because she's a woman, the entire creative and marketing team was also very intent on showcasing her beauty, her actual skin tone, and her natural hair. All retouching, makeup, etc had to be true to Lauryn's essence. A testament to both her vision as an artist, and our dedication as executives. Also, I had to get creative for her premiere TV spot. She was 5 months pregnant, so we had her sit at a desk in her high school classroom writing lyrics in a notebook so no one would focus on her figure. That was an incredible spot because of all the history it held for her.
me: you drop so much knowledge in your book, but what would you say would be the cardinal rule for young women that want to get into this industry? if you had to pick one..
Thembisa S. Mshaka: The Cardinal rule for young women has to be not to trade sex for access. It is infinitely more destructive than the one-night stand you think it is. It will also erode your reputation and the level of respect conferred on you by others. No kneepads at work!
words to live by. Thembisa S. Mshaka is an inspiration and her book "Put Your Dreams First, Handle Your Entertainment Business" is a truthful and inspiring look behind the scenes at industry of music and not just the music itself. so big ups to her and all her endeavors because "She's So Fresh"!
www.thembisamshaka.com
so here's hoping you all have a dope weekend! and remember, save the date 8/6!! the "She's So Fresh" Showcase is on deck and poppin!!
hit me on twitter to stay up on 8/6 and "She's So Fresh"!
peaces,
rox
what it is people! it's ya gurl, Bless Roxwell back on your radar with "She's So Fresh" Fridayz! this friday..one of my favorite rappers wears a skirt, check it out:
ETERNIA.
According to the 36th produced episode of the 1980s series "Masters of the Universe", and the 1987 motion picture, Eternia is at the center of the universe. Although little mentioned in the franchise, at the planet's center lies the Star Seed, a spark left over from the creation of the universe. (wikipedia, 2007)
that spark could very well lie with this sista. hailing from Toronto but calling both Toronto and NYC home, Eternia is considered one of Canada's prime lyricists. she's been nominated for a Juno Award and she's got six (count em, 6!) video singles on international rotation.
she has been called Canada's best kept secret but has touched folks all over the world, extensively touring Canada, the US, Europe and Australia, showing and proving every time why she's winning over you and your peoples..
but it all started with her first full-length debut in 2005 "It's Called Life".
since then she's released "Where I'm At-The Setup", started her own T-shirt design "My Favorite Rapper Wears a Skirt" (um..sold out right now, btw) and was invited on the We B Girlz European Tour that featured veteran sistas like Roxanne Shante, Bahamadia and Invincible, as well as newcomers Eyeris, Stacy Epps and Yarah Bravo.
now as we all know real recognize real. that's why Joelle Ortiz, Jean Grae, Rah Digga, Lady of Rage and more felt it was only right to lend their considerable talents to her eagerly anticipated newest project "At Last" with Canadian super producer MoSS. Documenting their journey through this project, Eternia is producing video blogs that let folks know about all the hard work that goes into every show, every performance, every rhyme.
as always, I like to get the artist's perspective on their work and this passion we share:
me: what was the inspiration that made you decide to rhyme?
Eternia: I didn't really 'decide' to rhyme, to be honest. Rhymin' found me. I been rappin since before i knew what 'rap' was, since I was an 8-yr-old in Canada and my older bro brought home N.W.A. and P.E. and LL Cool J and 2 Live Crew tapes. I wasn't that good, ha, but i was def rapping. I just never stopped.
I did decide to take it seriously at around the age of 15 though. I moved out of my parents house at 15, and at that point Hip Hop really became priority number one in my life.
me: have you felt that it's harder for an MC to gain respect as a result of NOT being from the US?
Eternia: Umm... yes and no. I think in a way people find some 'exoticness' in the idea of artists that are from foreign countries. so in that way its like,... "damn, she raps like that AND she's from CANADA?? Say WORD??". so it can work in my favor too, as people underestimate, or assume, or stereotype and then u blow em out the water, you know? I feel like if people don't know, by now, that Hip Hop is Trully Global... then I don't know if anything I say is gonna help them. LOL. I just try to be good at what I do, irregardless of nationality or gender or ethnicity or any other box people will try to put me in.
me: what's your most memorable experience of your journey?
Eternia: SO MANY AMAZING MEMORIES!! Goodness Gracious. Most recently it would be recording with Rah Digga for my album w'/ MoSS, "At Last", I guess. I was in the studio with her when she wrote her verse, and laid it down. And she was very down-to-earth, and funny, and witty. And I mean, I been listening to this woman rap since I was in high school you know? so that was a 'pinch me' moment. I definitely wasn't talking much :-p
me: if you had to say one thing to sistas in Canada about being a woman in this game what would it be? what about sistas in the US?
Eternia: Good Question. First and Foremost: You must have a thick skin. THICKER than dudes. Because you're going to recieve more crap / flack than most dudes in the biz. You can't be ultra sensitive about your sh*t. Not in this game. Although don't get it twisted, we as women have a right to be offended when we are disrespected. I'm just saying that people are going to say a lot of things, and sometimes it'll be more than talk. Sometimes it will be actively trying to stunt your career. And at one point you have a choice: GIVE UP or LET GO. I chose the latter. There's a difference.
well said sista. and well done to this woman holding her head and making sure it stay fresh and funky..or funky fresh..either way keep watching how she do. because she's doin it big. make sure you hit up her myspace and website www.eternia.ca for upcoming dates and shows and "She's So Fresh" will keep you up to date also, because this woman is a breath of fresh air in this art we all live and breathe.
head's up: save the date 8/6!! The She's So Fresh Showcase is gonna POP OFF! and I know you'll wanna be there to see these dope sistas do that thing on that mic! I will keep you posted, trust.
and shouts out to Miz Metro and congratulations on her successful release party for her album "Unlimited"!! it was so fun and her performance was awesome!! and if your in Brooklyn, make sure you come support Independent Women "Chanty's Last Fundraiser", a fundraiser event coordinated by Fighting for Futures and F.C. Globeblogger!! we <3 her and Chanty and the opportunity to help this little girl on the other side of the world! check for details:
Fighting for Futures Independent Women "Chanty's Last Fundraiser"
til next week..
peaceandblessings
rox
always performing and creating, Eyeris would have her first demo done before she finished high school and would be well known throughout Hip Hop circles in Portland, OR. by 18 years old, she was in New York in ciphers and building a reputation for her style and wordplay.
since then she has created a niche and generated a following having had the opportunity to tour Europe in 2008a and sharing stages with Roxanne Shante, The Roots, Jean Grae and Invincible.
she's been promoting her most recent project The Carter .5 Mixtape from Steph Pockets and DJ Rev Shines and I had the pleasure of rocking with her on The Hip Hop Howl Showcase at SXSW this year. aside from being talented and driven, her style is one you will not forget, from the rapid fire flow to the honesty of lyrics.
known for bringing artists together for shows and events, her efforts are geared towards solidifying the foundation of Hip Hop. she puts her spirit into everything she creates and shares with the world and is the next generation of women in Hip Hop, and that makes her one to watch! I wanted to know what motivates this young woman so of course..lol, I asked!
me: what is it about Hip Hop that you personally love so much?
Eyeris: Its expression with no rules. The first "rule" I learned was 16 bars always.. But I don't even go by that anymore, lol. If you want to make a track with irish harp samples, you can.. Want to spit about love for food? You can.. With hip hop there's hardly any boundaries.. It just depends on how you flip it.
me: do you want to be seen as a role model? or do you rhyme for explicitly for self expression?
Eyeris: That's a hard one.. I mean of course I make music for myself.. But I want to be some kind of hope for all the "different" kids.. To show them that if you follow your heart and work hard your dreams can come true. But at the same time its like, I don't want to censor my music and who I am. Because there's def some parts of my music that aren't for the youth lol.
me: what do you abso NEED to have to create music? (i.e. notebook/pen, tea, candles...)
Eyeris: Honestly just myself. Some of my favorite stuff I've done, I've "written" in my head while walking or on the train. I'm really weird when it comes to writing, if I force myself it just doesn't work.
me: what's the most memorable show you ever did? and why was it so memorable?
Eyeris: Hip hop Kemp in Czech Republic. It was already amazing with our all female stage line up, the energy was amazing - overseas they have this huge love for hip hop, its really indescribable.. But anyways our hangar was already pretty full and in the middle of my set the power of the whole festival went out (it was about 20,000 people at the festival)!!! I panicked and went in search for alcohol back stage, while thankfully Eternia was hosting and started spitting with no mic and a beatboxer.. Then we passed around the bottle for shots.. A few min later the power came back on and our hangar was completely full. It was mad fun!!
now, you can check out this sista here or catch Eyeris in NY doing shows on any given night, but on 8/6 she'll be tearing down the stage representing the She's So Fresh Showcase at Karma Lounge!
the extended fam, Miz Metro and her band, The Makebelieves, will be at Joe's Pub that same night at 7:30p so after you are blessed by her amazing talent, all are invited to head over to Karma Lounge and support Women in Hip Hop, doors open 9p!
peaces,
rox
