I Signed The Petition #JusticeforKayleb

A sixth grader with autism was having a bad day at school. This day had him thrown down and handcuffed. He was later charged and convicted of disorderly conduct and felony assault against a police officer. Yes, REALLY!!!! This skinny, sixth grade kid with autism, assaulted a police officer. Read about Kayleb Moon-Robinson's story (here) and hopefully you'll sign the petition as well. 

Rapsody Releases Deluxe Version of Her "Beauty and The Beast" Album w/New Music

I LOVE ME SOME RAP!!!! And some new Rap is the perfect Anniversary gift. Yesterday, April 7th, ST's Birthday, Rapsody released a Deluxe Version of her latest album Beauty and The Beast (here), which includes 3 new tracks and this, "Don't Need It" track above is just one of them. Track features Merna and produced by Young Guru. Smart move for the new fans Rapsody is grabbing after being featured on Kendrick Lamar's single, "Complextion", off of his To Pimp A Butterfly album. 

ST Celebrates Anniversary w/Anthony David's "Simple Man Tour" 4/8 S.O.B.'s

The ST Family continues our  Anniversary Season celebrating with our Dude, Anthony David as he hits the S.O.B's stage this Humpday 4/8 along with Abby Dobson. Anthony David has been a supporter of ST since the beginning, so it's fitting that we celebrate our Anniversary with Anthony David and #SupportGoodMusic at the same time. Tickets and info (here). 

Here's a classic of interview with Anthony David and Myself back in 2007. Enjoy and hope to see some folks at S.O.B.'s tomorrow night.

Join The ST Family @ S.O.B.'s April 1st for Eric Roberson's "The Box" Tour

The ST Family is starting our Anniversary Season Celebrating on April Fool's Day. It's a hump-day Wednesday, but if you're in the NYC area, The ST Family would like you to join us at S.O.B.'s in The Village for Eric Roberson, as he brings his The Box Tour to his Home-Turf stage at S.O.B.'s. Get tickets (here).

Ironic that Erro is performing in NYC during ST's Anniversary. Erro and I go back to '07 during the Houston stop of his Left Album Tour. I was freelancing at the time and I had just finished my interview with Anthony David. After my interview with Anthony David, I was leaving the backstage area for the musicians on my way out to the general area to enjoy the evening's performance. Erro sees me and jokingly asks, "What? You don't want to interview me? I'm not big enough or something?"

I laughed and said, "Hell Na Bruh! You got time to 'chop it up with me for a few'?" Erro says, "Yeah Man. I'm trying to get this TV to work. I want to see The Giants' last pre-season game." I tell him I'm a Big Giants fan as well and that I went to school with Michael Strahan at Texas Southern University. Erro told me how cool that was and shared a HBCU joke with me. During the small talk, we both tried, but we never got the television to work on the 'special' channel the game was on. We gave up on trying to watch the game, sat down, and 'Chopped It Up'. I tell Erro about how I sing, Pretty Girl to my daughter when we're in the car and his response is something I'll never forget. A true gift, because this was an interview I never asked for. Heaven sent. #TrueStory

Ed Cheebz w/Erro Eric circa '09
Music Fan First Tour Houston 

I caught up with Erro later on again in Houston when he was in town with his Music Fan First Tour. I wasn't able to 'chop it up' w/Erro this go round, but we were able to share some small convo. During the convo I tell Erro, "I think I was the inspiration behind your song title for this album". I tell him about the past interview and of course, he doesn't remember. He is interviewed all the time. Erro then says to me, "Bruh, you probably were. I get inspiration from everywhere, but I do remember you telling me you went to school with Strahan." We laughed and grabbed a quick pic. I promised Erro one day I'll share the interview notes with him one day so he'll know why I say this.

Well several years and albums later, I came across the recorded interview notes, downloaded it from the 'back-in-the-day' mini-cassette recorder, and here it is. Just two Dudes, "Chopping It Up".


  

LeRoy McCarthy Set To Organize Mural Painting for Biggie Smalls

DJ Clark Kent and Leroy McCarthy 

ST's Contributor, LeRoy McCarthy along with Street Artist Danielle Mastrion will organize a mural painting of Biggie Smalls at the Key Food Grocery Store he once work at as a child. Mr. McCarthy is the brainchild behind the efforts of renaming the St. James Place and Fulton Street corner to #ChristopherWallaceWay.

Mr. McCarthy and Danielle Mastrion previously worked together on  a mural for The Beastie Boys at the infamous Paul's Boutique (no longer Paul's Boutique) on the Lower East Side last summer.

The mural of BIG will be on the sidewall of the store and is expected to take place near the end of the month when the weather warms. The mural is expected to have Biggie as a child of the community just bagging groceries. Mr. McCarthy said, "The mural is a way to honor Biggie who proudly represented the neighborhood." Looking forward to this as the weather warms. Brooklyn loves BIG as he in return loved Brooklyn. In the words of Biggie Smalls, #SpreadLoveIsTheBrooklynWay . Read more (here). 

Jeff Bradshaw w/Black Thought and Friends Live- Philly March 31st Celebrating "Home" Album Release

Philadelphia, South Jersey, Delaware here's a #GrownFolksHipHop Show that you may not want to miss. Philadelphia's own, Jeff Bradshaw will be performing at the Theater of Living Arts on March 31st celebrating the release of his forthcoming CD, Home. Celebrating Jeff's album release with him on stage will be Eric Roberson, Kenny Lattimore, and Jeff's Philly Bredren, Black Thought of The Legendary Roots Crew. Ticket info (here). If you missed Jeff's visual for his lead single, "All Time Love" check it out (here).

Eric Roberson's New Visual - "I'm Not Trying To Keep Score No More"

When I first heard Eric Roberson's song, "I'm Not Trying To keep Score No More" from his album, The Box, I had to play it again. When Erro intros the song with, "This might be the most important song I ever wrote". As a person who adores words and respect Erro's Wordplay, I knew I knew the second go around listening to this song, my ears will have to pay close attention. After the 2nd listen, I can now see why Erro gave that intro, because -"Love is not a football game" . Gotta love all the Soul faces cameos in the video and The 'Battle of the Sexes' underlay in the visual. Great direction work by Digibees. Shouts out to DJ Frances of The NeoSoul Cafe App with her cameo appearance as The Referee. You can grab Erro's The Box (here). 

Join The ST Family At This Year's SOUL LIFE Music Fest in ATL

If you're a fan of Good Soul Music from such artists like Chrisette Michele, Dwele, Conya Doss, Kindred The Family Soul, Eric Roberson, then this Memorial Day Weekend Atlanta is the spot for you for The ATL SOUL LIFE Music Fest.

Along with the above mentioned, also in the house will be Avery Sunshine, Anthony David, Lyfe Jennings, and The Foreign Exchange. You can purchase for a day or you can purchase for both days. This is an official ST event. ST and folks will be on the lawn for both days with our own food and our own drinks. Choice is yours, but for the price and the lineup, I think its a no brainer. VIP Tables are also inexpensive. Tickets will be going fast for this one. More info and Ticket purchase (here). Hopefully, we'll see you there. If hotel is needed, I suggest you do your searching around the 'Wolf Creek', Airport, or Cumberland areas. 

Elzhi Releases His New Single - "February"

Elzhi releases his first teaser, "February" from his forthcoming project Lead Poison. This 14KT produced track is produced by 14KT and Elzhi takes the listener through the cold air of the month, the snow flakes, and a dope Dilla verse about his friend who was born and buried in the month of February. Elzhi is taking his creative time on this project as fans of his have waited for some time, but wait will soon be over as Lead Poison is set to drop May

Pharoahe Monch Drops His "Lost In Translation" Mixtape for VDay

Pharoahe Monch dropped  a Valentine's Day gift for the Lovers of Hip Hop and good Soul Music with his release of his Lost In Translation project on his Bandcamp Page this past Valentine's weekend.

Monch's Love In Translation project is a combination of singles from Monch's solo albums along with some joints he was featured on over the years. Let's call it the B-Sides or tracks that your ear may have missed, but this isn't a B-Sides with some of today's Rappers for an Underground Mixtape. This is #GrownFolksHipHop. This is Monch with some of today's hottest Soul artists such as Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Brandon Williams, and Eric Roberson just to name a few. The project includes a never heard before collaboration with Phonte' and Mela Machinko below. You can grab Monch's Love In Translation Mixtape (here).

Houston 3/26/15: Get Ready for a Soul Session w/The Foreign Exchange and Dwele

If there was ever a time to be in Houston this is it. Serious Sounds is bringing a SOUL SESSION back to Houston with The Foreign Exchange and Dwele March 26th. DJ Frances Jaye of The NeoSoul Cafe will be handling the DJ set for the evening. This is a #GrownFolksHipHop affair. Get your tickets early. Tickets and info (here). 

Jeff Bradshaw Releases New Visual for "All Time Love" feat. Robert Glasper, Eric Roberson, and Tweet

Philly Trombonist Jeff Bradshaw released a new video this week for his new single, "All Time Love" featuring Soul Vets Robert Glasper, Eric Roberson, and Tweet. "All Time Love" is Jeff's first single from his forthcoming project, HOME which is due to drop March 31st. We'll keep you posted.  #SupportGoodMusic 

The Hue Drops a Visual for their New Single, "Slick" feat. LadyBug Mecca

The Hue dropped their new visual for their second single, Slick feat. Ladybug Mecca (formerly of Digable Planets) from their forthcoming project Aurora. This visual just makes me enjoy the single that much more. Video Directed by Damien Randle of ILL Mannered Media. Click (here) if you missed The Hue's first single and video Drive. 

Brandon Williams Talks His Album "XII" with The NeoSoul Cafe

Last week on the night of MLK Monday, DJ Frances Jaye treated her NeoSoul Cafe Facebook Group to an interview with Grammy Nominated Producer Brandon Williams live on The NeoSoulCafe Website (here). The members of the FB group got to ask Brandon Williams questions and learn about someone so passionate to his craft. The members were treated to Brandon's personal stories of working with some musical legends like Joe Sample, Don Blackmon, and his Detroit Bredren, J Dilla. Fans of XII  learned of Brandon's varied accomplishments and his ability to play almost any instrument he touches. Brandon isn't just a Producer, but a Composer, and Musician all in one. A lot of NeoSoul fans in the group are calling his debut XII project, Album of The Year for 2014. And if you are just getting hip to this late release of 2014 (November), its okay, This album will get a lot of attention in 2015, because I believe the sleepers of this album will wake up and recognize Good Soul Music. I got aboard a little late, but good music is never late. Whenever it arrives in your life, its on time. 

It was DJ Frances' NeoSoul Cafe Facebook Group where I first learned of Brandon. In the group, members constantly share their favorite music from the genre that doesn't get much or any airplay on commercial radio. The members are very knowledgeable about 'their' NeoSoul Music. Most members of the group are real fans, because SOUL music can't be fake, It's felt. Whether it's a classic or it's 'Neo', like James Brown says, "It's Gotta Have Soul" and members of the group gave Brandon's album XII that 'Soul' credit that the project deserves. 

When a member of the group posted Brandon's, "Intimidation (So Fine)" featuring dEnAuN and Pharaoh Monch, I pushed play on the Youtube  video, my body started to move, and my ears I were in heaven for a moment. #GrownFolksHipHop Simply, good, music that isn't always heard on commercial radio.........

After hearing the above track and other tracks from the album posted by members in the group, I brought his album the next day via Brandon's Bandcamp page (here). I gave the album a full  listen, so that I could be in the loop for the Monday Night Interview with Brandon Williams on The NeoSoulCafe and the more and more I listened to XII, the more my favorite cut on his album would change. After fully digesting the album, I can honestly say my favorite cut (well for now, this may change over time) on XII is, "Where'd You Come From" featuring Choklate and Phil Denny. The lyrical play on this track along with Choklate's voice and Phil Denny's Saxophone, is like every song on the album, its complete. This album has all the correct ingredients coming together to make that special pot of Gumbo that taste so good to the ears. 

Because this album dropped late in the year (November 2014), I'm expecting to hear about Brandon Williams and his XII album for sometime in 2015 and beyond. For a debut, he put out a classic album from start to finish. You can purchase Brandon's album from Amazon, Bandcamp, or iTunes.

Support Good Music. Don't let commercial radio dictate what your ears listen to.

If you're just tired of good soul music not hitting your ears, I suggest you download The NeoSoul Cafe App from the website (here). Never know who DJ Frances may interview on a Monday Night. We (I can say I speak for most of The NeoSoul Cafe FB Members) wish Brandon well on his journey and look forward to videos coming from his debut, XII

The HUE Drops Their New Single - "Slick" feat. LadyBug Mecca

The Hue released their second single from their forthcoming project, Aurora. Their single, "Slick" features Ladybug Mecca formerly of Digible Planets. The Hue consists of the following two groups out of Houston:

H.I.S.D. (Hueston Independent Spitting District) group members - Savvi, EQuality, Scottie Spitten, King Midas

and

Radio Galaxy -group members- Spacebunny Jefferson, King Midas, and DJ Cozmos.

ST always roots for a good underdog and The Hue is definitely a good underdog to root for. Their creativity, style and originality is seldom found in today's music. Kudos to this crew for stretching their boundaries and not limiting themselves. I consider their music #GrownFolksHipHop, but I hate to label this crew as just Hip Hop, because they are so much more. We're looking forward to their full project, upcoming visual from their current single, but until we get the new visual, enjoy the visual from their lead single, "Drive"..................

Poem for The 'Underdogs' Roxie Carter - "Scribes To Survive"

In the words of Ms. Carter, "I really believe they are our future, stop raising them up to be shooters. We need more Harriets, Malcolms, and Martin Luthers."

Hip Hop came by a way of Ghetto Youth expressing themselves through various art forms and I thought this was an appropriate post for Martin Luther King Day. ST Contributor, Roxie Carter sharing her poetry at The Nuyorican Cafe back in 2011. I told Roxie she gives inspiration and her words needs to be shared. Thanks for speaking for those not being heard and continue writing your poetry Sister. At ST, we always root for the 'underdog'. When the 'underdog' wins, the victory is so much sweeter. 

SiR's "Long Live Dilla" Project is Worth a Listen and a Donation

ST Contributor, Bigg Russ recently sent me the link to SiR’s Bandcamp page for his Long Live Dilla project. I remember Russ saying, "Dilla never gets old" and he’s right. Immediately I thought this was another DJ doing a J Dilla tribute. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I heard SOUL Music over some Dilla inspired tracks. Hip Hop, Jazz, RnB all wrapped together. SiR is the lead vocalists on this project and all I know about him is he’s from Inglewood, California; he has a great production style, and he has a nice voice. Dude reminds me of Dwele. Check out his Bandcamp page (here). I ‘named my own price’ and grabbed the download. I suggest you do as well, because if SiR stays at his craft, he could be something special. Below are some cuts off of Love Live Dilla from SiR's Soundcloud.

Questlove and Black Thought To Assist Their Philly Arts High School

"It's Bigger Than Hip Hop" - dead prez

While some politicians and school administrators are making excuses to cut art programs from our schools all across the country, Questlove and Black Thought of The Legendary Roots Crew will partner with Alumni to launch The CAPA Foundation. This will be an independent, nonprofit organization that will aim at continued support over time to assist the students at the two Alma Mater, the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). The two want to do their part in assisting the school's role in the Philadelphia Community for years to come. We Salute these Brothers for this! Read more (here).

Support "Ed Bradley Way" for a Philly Street

I met LeRoy McCarthy (@LeRoyLive) my first semester at Cheyney University. He was a Junior at the time and immediately became my Cheyney Family. LeRoy started his 'Street Honor/Recognition campaign' with a thought to have a street co-named after Christopher Wallace, aka "Biggie Smalls". His #ChristopherWallaceWay petition was just the start. He then started other petitions in and around the NYC area to honor/recognize some of Hip Hop greats. One of those petitions was for Slyvia Robinson, The Founder of SugarHill Records and who some say is the, Mother Of Hip Hop. This past summer, the City of Englewood, NJ recognized Ms. Robinson as such, by co-naming a street in her honor. Read (here).

"It's Bigger Than Hip Hop"-dead prez


Mr. McCarthy began his next quest of #Preservation, to honor one of Philly's own and Cheyney Alumnus Ed Bradley with a street co-named in his honor. Mr. McCarthy's began his mission on this quest a little over a year ago. Those in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania area can assist Mr. McCarthy now by contacting State Senator Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia. Those outside of PA could show your support by sharing this info and in your social media, please hastag #EdBradleyWay!!! Thanks in advance for your support on this. 

Help ST #KnockCancerOutDaBox With Our First Annual Campaign

The Skelle' Top family have gotten together to create our first #KnockCancerOutDaBox Campaign. For those who don't know, I (Ed Cheebz) lost my Mother to cancer in 2012. The inspiration of the campaign came from what my family went through while caring for her. This is ST's first campaign, but ST's plan is to make it an annual thing with the proceeds going to the three leading non-profit organizations assisting African American Women with Breast Cancer (here). For our first year, the ST family chose Sisters Network, Inc. as the first recipient of our campaign.

Sisters Network, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to assisting Cancer Patients and their families. The ST family is asking for your support, buy purchasing a our limited "Knock Cancer Out Da Box" t-shirt. The proceeds will go directly to Sisters Network to support all that they do with supporting families. ST would like to thank you in advance for your support. To purchase a limited edition #KnockCancerOutDaBox t-shirt, or make a donation, you can do that (here).  

She's Going To Kill Them Softly With Her Songs-Roberta Flack's Free NYC Performance

If you are anywhere in the NYC area this Saturday, July 26th you may not want to miss a chance to see a legend for FREE at Lincoln Center's Outdoors Bandshell. The legendary singer and HBCU Alum, Ms. Roberta Flack will grace Lincoln Center's Outdoor Stage. The show is set to begin at 7:30pm. Opening for Ms. Flack will be New Orleans Native Davell Crawford. Get more info (here). 

J Dilla's Beatmaking Machines Are Going Into The Smithsonian

Now this is great for the preservation of the Hip Hop Culture. J Dilla's Mother aka Ma' Dukes poses with Dilla's MPC and Moog which are going into The Smithsonian African American History Museum as mentioned at this year's DC Loves Dilla Day. Read more (here).

Aaron McGrudder's "Black Jesus" Trailer

From the creative mind behind The Boondocks brings us his new creative work about our Brother from another Mother, Black Jesus. Premiers on Adult Swim August 7th. 

Grab This! DJ BenHaMeen Mixes Pete Rock's Joints!

Been a busy summer thus far, but I had to break, so I could share this with y'all. If you're a Soul Music fan and a fan of Pete Rock, then get your hands on this DJ BenHaMeen Mix download while it's Free. This is an excellent Soul/HipHop Blend. Grab (here).

Englewood, NJ's West Street Will Now Be "Sylvia Robinson Pl."

'It's Bigger Than Hip Hop' is what ST, Dead Prez, and Hip Hop Preservationist Leroy McCarthy believes. Because of McCarthy's efforts, The City of Englewood, NJ will honor one of its own, Hip Hop Pioneer and co-founder of  Sugarhill Records, Sylvia Robinson. From now on, part of West Street will be named in her honor. The event will take place on Saturday June 14th on West Street after the city's annual Juneteenth Parade Celebration.

The parade starts at 10am  at the Monument, Tenafly Road and Palisades Ave. The parade route will end 11am at West Street between W Demarest Ave and Tallman Place. The ceremony and unveiling is expected to place after the parade.

Mr. McCarthy and Mellie Mel @ Ceremony.

LeRoy McCarthy continues his Preserving Hip Hop efforts with street co-naming for The Beastie Boys, Heavy D, Big Pun and The Wu-Tang Clan which are all in the works. Read more (here).

Start The Official Day of Summer w/Some Fun - Hip Hop Karaoke SI

June 21st kicks starts the summer of 2014 and what better way to get started than with some "Grown Folks Fun". This isn't your average Karaoke, this is "Hip Hop Karaoke". There aren't any lyrics on a screen. This is a little different. Simply, we bring the beats and you bring the lyrics. See below..

The Twins rock a Classic ATCQ Track!

Brooklyn's own Yahdon came across The Verranzano  to SI and represented with a Jay Z #Classic. Below good friends do their favorite Lauryn Hill song. 

If you didn't know, well now you know what Hip Hop Karaoke is. Hope to see you there. Shouts out to our Partners- HHK NJ

This Day In Hip Hop- Rev. Butts Steamrolls 'Gangsta Rap' Tapes and CDs 21 Years In Protest

21 years ago from today, The Reverend Calvin Butts, of Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem kicked off his campaign protest against 'gansta rap' by steamrolling CD's and cassettes of artists such as 2 Live Crew, Scarface, NWA, and Tupac to name a few. His plan can up short only after crushing a few cassettes as counter-demonstrators stood in front of the steamroller. His protest gained exposure, but that's about it.

21 years later and Hip Hop has Tupac lyrics gracing  a Broadway  stage (here), Scarface is a community leader, and some members of N.W.A. are household names (Ice Cube, Dr. Dre) from their business maneuvers. So what if anything did Reverend Butts achieve? Let me answer that, "Nothing. He achieved nothing." Hip Hop and the culture embedded lives on globally. 

Amerigo Gazaway Gives Us Side Two 'Yasiin Gaye: The Return'

Amerigo Gazaway has finally given us Side Two to his Yasiin Bey and Marvin Gaye collabo mix. Yasiin Gaye: The Return Side Two dropped today and it's currently available for FREE (here) and, TRUST!! THIS IS A MUST!!! So grab this download while you can.

Question Drops 'Baduist' - A Soul Mix of Erykah Badu's Tunes

ST's contributor, Bigg Russ hipped us to this mix by Question a few days ago and I've been listening to it since. If you're a fan of Erykah Badu, then you will be a fan of this mix,a Baduist. Don't want to write too much, but just TRUST me on this one. You can grab this mix while its FREE and I would suggest you do so in a hurry, because a price tag will soon come. 

Come Celebrate Planet Brooklyn Academy's One Year Anniversary

It's been a year already and now Brooklyn is celebrating. This Thursday June 5th, one of ST's contributors -Planet Brooklyn Academy is celebrating it's one year anniversary with The Freshman Party. Come out and get your hands on some exclusive PBA gear and of course they will be priced for a 'celebration'. The event will start at 7 and go until 11pm. The info for this event is as such:

via PBA's Facebook:

In honor of making it through the year we cordially invite you all to come out and celebrate with us on June 5th for "THE FRESHMEN PARTY" our Flagship store's Official 1 year Anniversary party. Yea!!!!!

That evening we are also releasing our Limited Edition Brooklyn World Cup Soccer Jersey as well as our entire new Summer line. So be one of the first to purchase some of the new products before the general public does.

• Music will be supplied by the one and only DJ Don Magic. -Check out the link to hear last years grand opening music mix by DJ Don Magic- (here)

• Twisted Lemonade Factory our in house exclusive beverage suppliers will be on deck serving up some of their gourmet thirst quenching drinks. 

If you attended last years event then you know how we get down. So come get your party on.