“I Know You Know” Esperanza Spalding, Right?

“So, pursuing all aspects of my creative self, and continually living each moment that will ultimately contribute to my legacy is what drives me.” - Esperanza Spalding, Nu Soul Magazine

We’ve been seeing a lot of young people evolving into successful young adults and really displaying alternative ways in which they can express themselves. Although a lot of young people love hip-hop, fashion and sports, it’s always refreshing to see unique paths taken. Esperanza Spalding, a 24-year-old native “Portland Trail Blazer” known for playing the bass and creating soulful jazz inspired sounds (that remind you of the Atlantic coastlines in Central America), is making her way to through the universe with Banana Republic ad campaigns, appearances on popular Late Night Shows and concert dates that flood into December 2009. She’s young, she’s talented and she’s someone you should check for. Thanks to Q-Tip and Twitter, I was exposed to Esperanza Spalding. Check out the video he posted:

¿Que rico, verdad? Claro. Check for her album, Esperanza and visit her site by clicking HERE. Check out an exclusive interview by clicking Read more »

How Do You Feel About Conservative Political Rap?

“The Young Cons have a devout mission to spread the love and logic surrounding true conservatism. Our greatest enemy lies in the lack of understanding of the conservative movement. In a technological era driven fiercely by the main stream media, those who taut the true conservative message of individual responsibility, moral absolutes, and small government are slanted as intolerant, racist, “bible and gun clinging”, corporate fat cats who could not care less about the environment nor the well being of their fellow man.” - The Young Cons

Peace. On my glorious Monday evening, I decided to catch up on some Bill Maher and a little bit of Fox News. What does AHLOT find? One of the most unique and entertaining groups of all time (and no, it’s not Meth and Red). Let me introduce: The Young Cons. They are not playing games. They are super, duper serious and ready to spit. The Hip Hop Community is often known for their liberal perspectives and (so) this is something different for the majority of us. Watch the this video and let us know what you think. Check out this:

Find out more about The Young Cons by clicking HERE. Stay on top of your media coverage. It’s needed. Peace!

M. Island’s “Heart Speaks” At Crash Mansion

“All it takes is for you to be human… and I have something for you.” - M. Island

Peace! Hopefully you enjoyed our favorite DJ- DJ Hard Hittin Harry spinning LIVE on FOX 5’s “Good Day New York” in CDTBK, this morning. He’s dope, right? Well, we’ve got more. Passionate and energetic emcee M. Island has something for you. The “My Heart Speaks” show is this week in NYC. Are you amped? You should be. We hope to see you there. It’s going to be something to remember.

When: July 17, 2009
Where: Crash Mansion (aka: BLVD)
Time: 8:30 PM

Find out more about M. Island by clicking HERE.

Rave With Us At The 2009 Afro-Punk Block Party!

“Afro-Punk became a touchstone of a cultural movement strongly reminiscent of the early days of Hip-Hop. Alternative urban kids across the nation (and across the globe) who felt like outsiders discovered they were actually the core of a boldly innovative, fast-growing community.” - Afro-Punk (www.afropunk.com)

Peace! We know you’ve heard about the 5th Annual Afro-Punk Festival and the amazing performances thus far (i.e. Game Rebellion, Saul Williams, Jonelle Monae), the mosh pits, the crowd surfing and the CDT Art Collective. All and all, this year has been amazing! If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, join us tomorrow from noon to 8PM. To find out more about the 2009 Afro-Punk Block Party click HERE. In the meantime, you can watch these amazing videos…
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In Celebration Of Cultural Music…

“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” - Michael Jackson

After the lost of the late/great Michael Jackson, this past weekend has been an amazing weekend to reflect and celebrate music. Life is always the perfect place to embrace inspirational art. Let’s celebrate cultural music. You know, the type of music that covers all races, creeds and genders. What’s the culture? The progressive. Let’s go. Let’s inspire.

#1: Lupe Fiasco & L.A.S.E.R.S. Manifesto

#2: Jay-Z & “D.O.A.”

#3: Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs & “Heads Will Roll”

*Remember N.E.R.D. (Nobody Ever Really Dies). Embrace your talents.

- AHLOT

CDTBK X BET’s College Hill: South Beach

Peace! I’m sure the majority of you guys have caught at least one episode of BET’s College Hill: South Beach. If you didn’t, this season on the BET’s hit reality show, not only did we witness a season packed with energy and excitement, but we also witnessed a great deal of CDTBK apparel throughout the months. From the classic “TEACH THE BABIES” to the bold “DUM MCS” tee, the cast from College Hill represented. Peep the support:

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Inspiration: Jamel Shabazz

“Manhattan had a particular look, Harlem, Queens had a look and the Bronx, but there is something about Brooklyn…” - Jamel Shabazz, Format Magazine (May 2007)

Embrace a legacy. Enjoy the art. To see more of Shabazz’s work click HERE.

Rock The Block BK 2009: Call For Artists

“Bringing awareness to the emerging artist renaissance that is in full force in BK!” - Rock The Block

“Just in time for the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, the Brooklyn Syndicate in association w/ Rock the Block BK presents part one of a two part musical tribute series. The first of these two will be an event titled “ROCK WIT IT!” -a special event highlighting the best music has to offer in the past 30+ years of Hip-Hop and R&B music. Not only is it FREE to the public, DJ Goldfinger will be doing a special set to BK artist! Starting June 19, 2009 early evening (9pm-till you say it’s over), there will be a model/designer search be held prior to this event (7-9pm) if you are interested as well. Part two? In July, look forward to Def Jam and Bad Boy going head to head at “BAD TO DEF!” a sure fire banger before the BIG finale in Aug. (15th) Rock The Block BK!”

***There’s more good news… Rock The Block BK is currently seeking talented and innovative artists in all mediums to participate in ROCK THE BLOCK BK 2009 held August 15, 2009 in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

ROCK THE BLOCK BK is currently seeking talented, innovative artists in all mediums, including but not limited to painters, film makers, fashion designers, photographers, singers, hip-hop artists, DJs, etc to participate in ROCK THE BLOCK BK 2009 held August 15th, 2009 in the Pearl Street Triangle located in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Selected artists will have the unique opportunity to showcase their work to thousands of attendees, urban trendsetters, and arts enthusiasts before the World’s most engaging backdrops; the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and stunning the New York City skyline.

In 2009, RTB BK moves to DUMBO, Brooklyn with a larger offering of exhibitions, performances and other related events. Bringing the excitement of urban tastemakers and trendsetters, hipsters and hip families alike to DUMBO, RTB BK will yet again solidify DUMBO as one of New York’s hottest destination for arts and culture. Equally important, Rock the Block BK will be a financial catalyst for DUMBO businesses. The one-day event will generate foot traffic for dining, shopping and entertainment revenues and introduce DUMBO to an entirely new consumer audience.

Contact: Co-Directors Alanzo Dale (al@rocktheblockbk.com) or Ashley Mui (ashley@rocktheblockbk.com) for artist submissions. Links, websites, online portfolios, samples and contact information should be submitted for immediate consideration.

In the name of art,

CDTBK.

Are The Machines Taking Over?

“Tolerance is the only thing that is accepted.” – Carolyn Veith

Last night, I had a two-hour conversation with my mom about how tired she is of paying extra expenses for the basic things that she needs- small businesses shutting down, the kids not being able to focus in school or write (because of modern technology, social networking, text messages, etc.) and how she can only pay her Wisconsin Energy bill in one location (in the city) because everything is being shifted online. She’s 52-years-old and knows that, “Ya’ll generation and the generations to come are in big trouble.” She called the consumers thieves for stealing music and movies, the people lazy for not wanting to walk to the store and the kids disadvantaged because of technology, fast moving and short attention spans.

The course of humanity is clearly changing, our daily routines are shifting and people are getting left behind. Technology, the elimination of jobs, new ways of doing simple things have turned into Twitter, online shopping and downloads. Is this something we should fear? The notion of moving everything to the Internet, the expansion of the global community and the millions of people who are moving in, with innovative thinking, easier ways to execute daily tasks (grocery shopping, home remedies, bill payments, etc.) and the other half of humanity who have not a clue of what’s going on around them.

Should I be scared for my mom, the post college students or even the generations previous? Should we fear a cashless society, globalization and the idea of everybody wanting what they want fast? What do we do when people are no longer sending mail? What do we do when kids are writing, “u” and not “you”? I worked in education and kids don’t read, a lot of them can’t write and blogging is killing true journalism.
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Live: Blitz The Ambassador Benefit Show

“I love hip hop! I love family! I love life!” - Blitz

When: Monday, June 15, 2009
Where: Highline Ballroom (431 W. 16th Street, NYC)
Time: 7PM
Cover: $15
**All proceeds go to the Sybarite Artist Development Center. Music & videos by: HARD HITTIN HARRY. Attend in the name of ART… Click HERE to find out more information on Blitz.

By the way, if you’re in the Syracuse area this Saturday, join M. Island’s Juneteenth performance in Clinton Square. Show starts at 1PM sharp. Have a ball! Peace…

- AHLOT