If you’re trying to break into the entertainment industry right now, your best bet is to have all talents on decks. If you can juggle, you may want to toss that into your resume. Naira is an original quadruple threat that labels and executives have long looked into and are still not ready for the phenomenon. Her ability to record good music, produce an awesome track, pretend to be someone unlike herself, and work a camera puts her in good standing with Hollywood.
Does Naira sound familiar? It’s the currency for Nigeria. As corrupt as the country is she’s made a greater, more positive meaning to the word. “It took me awhile to find a name. I wanted something that had a ring to it and was some way, shape, or form connected to my heritage. I took it a step further so it can truly represent who I am and what I’m trying to do with my music. It means Nigerian American I Represent Africa.”
With no comparisons just yet, her inspirations are reminiscent of legendary African greats and their rich musical sound. “Fela Kuti is a voice that extended to all of Nigeria, to the human struggle. Angelique Kidjo is so prolific to me. Huge Sade fan as many will find out!”
The first of three preludes to her new album Fearless: The Art of Letting Go is The Colour of Love. In this collaborative project, production from herself and Atlanta’s soul minded J. Haze helped Naira express what many can not over a fused Sade instrumental and original composition. Not just anyone can do Sade. “I have so much respect for her and I had to tap into the depth that Sade represents. I made a point to be in sync with how classic and classy Sade is. With everything I did, I made sure it touched me and touched someone else.” Motivating cuts like “Pathway” and “Ode to Isabelle” reach out to those in different struggles, vocally encouraging listeners to keep pushing.
Her sound unifies afropop, blues, hip hop, and soul. Her upbringing is the base for her musical creations but she’s found muse in artists like Boog Brown, Jean Gray, and J Davey that are doing what she does just as well. “I was raised traditionally like a Yoruba girl. All the cultural upbringing I exude. It’s not how I sound, it’s who I am. Mash them up.”
In the past, Naira’s performed onstage. Quite the thespian, she’s done a couple scripts here and there since her high school years. In “Pathways,” an upcoming indie film with guest appearances from the entire Atlanta music scene, Naira plays the disliked other half of the main character. “In the movie I play his girlfriend, she’s a troublemaker and no one likes her. They said they knew I was perfect for the part even though I’m the complete opposite.”
Getting the buzz up is the most important thing for Naira right now. She’s into videography, doing visuals for her fan base and tacking on some new tasks that will get her music out to the people. “Under Vantage Point Pictures I’m really getting into videography. I’ve directed a couple videos and I look to do some short films before the end of the year. Visuals are 100% of a marketing tool right now. People don’t watch TV anymore, they are watching their computer screens and the streets I’m hitting the streets and giving people something they can hold.”
Something like a differenter, staying relevant is all about recreating yourself as an artist consistently while being spunky and silly of course. The remaining preludes to the album are two concept based collections and through the numerous projects she’s been cramming for the last year and a half, she’s still thrusts her elbows on the table with fists in her cheeks and a big smile. “Following TCOL is my freestyle CD, See Me See Trouble. The Force of Gravity mixtape deals with that same storyline. We all are fighting against it so we can spread our wings and fly.”
Arjan Writes is an Atlanta-based pop blogger that keeps ME up to date with all the good European and American music that doesn't involve "the hook"(if you know what I mean).
In ten days Canadian pop group (with a sexy female insert might I add) Dragonette will be stopping in Atlanta for Arjan's inaugural Atlanta Superfraiche pop concert series, which has been held in NY and LA. Lucky ATL to be the next stop and really take advantage of good music.
Dragonette is straight funky with a fun-loving sound and heart-breaking rhythms. Marina and crew talently add smooth lyrics and attractive vocals.
"Mr. ElectroGlampop" Barry Brandon will be opening for the trio and if you're lucky, ONLY IF YOU'RE LUCKY, he'll invite you to one of his sexy parties.
Unfortunately Shy Child can't make it, but Arjan has great ears. I'm sure he'll find another fabolous to make the crowd go wild.
Get you tickets now! Keep your eyes stressed for some ticket giveaways next week!
89.3 that plays some damn good music from all ethnicities and cultures: jazz, hip hop, latin, indian. This weekend they are celebrating every one's subconscious love for rap.
Yeah you know you love rap, even if all you listen to is holy hip hop.
The Show's Ms. Dia and ChicagoTrilla will be hosting. Ms. Dia is quite the fool might I add. I was first introduced to her at Hip Hop Appreciation Week's Women in Rap event. Cool people.
NAIRA, dat boi Grip, Ness Lee, and more are performing. Tickets are $10 at the door. Check for me to post interviews later this week.
And you know it all goes down at Apache Cafe at 9pm. Hit me if you need more info.
(L to R: Stago Lee, Dreamer, Tuki Carter, the LoveCrusader)
This is Atlanta, Ga. and there are not too many men you can find that are fly at all times, educated in many fields, versatile from every aspect, and driven to get what’s theirs. It’s hard to believe that the crazy and imaginative foursome has all these traits covered but lost love on a two way street, according to their recent release Edible Phat 2.0. It may be the grocery cart....
Stago Lee, Tuki Carter, Dreamer, and the LoveCrusader form Hollyweerd. As they are transitioning out of a progression period that has changed their sound and management, fortunately their music and other talents in arts have continued to keep them standing out all over.
Tuki is part owner in a nationally known tattoo shop, City of Ink. “Tuki tattoos and makes music all day,” the LoveCrusader says of him. “We both design and stuff. That’s the artist lifestyle,” his continued. Stago Lee helps keep music in the schools by teaching at a local charter school while Dreamer is in partnership with Brian Stone as apart of Operation ADD. Separately they get it in throughout the state but together they take over the country.
Since the past three releases, including last year’s Edible Phat, they have matured continuing to learn more about each other and grow in their sound. It's been positive reception their newest mixtape and its' proved to increase their set of supporters. “The first three projects were concept driven. Edible Phat 2.0 was mixed and more in tune with our music,” Dreamer starts. “Our sound is more mature. We’re still in the progression stages of our career. The sound pinpoints where we are now in our career.”
The change in management contributed to Hollyweerd’s growth. They acknowledge it’s time to get down to business, do what’s good for everyone involved, and get focused. “Everything happens for a reason. We made a business decision for the greater good of the group. It’s all about progression and we felt like the move we was for that and better opportunities. Right now ya’ll need to be focused on Edible Phat 2.0.,” the LoveCrusader explains.
At this time in the music industry, going independent is the move for anyone trying to get on. These cats love the idea and it sounds good but they are just trying to give everyone an experience when it comes to their music, hence the repetitive “pumping this music to get you into it” of “SupaEazy”.
“There’s gonna be jaws droppin’! It’s a lot of fun and we try to bring something new and different,” The Love Crusader describes. In these upcoming shows with new Def jam signee Big K.R.I.T. and the 2010 Atlanta Indie Fest, Hollyweerd will continue to bring newness to the stage. They’ve learned from the best. “We’ve done shows with entertainers that have really put on a show. We’ve learned from the Constellations to Falcon Lords. We take what we’ve been around and apply it,” Dreamer says.
“Shows. Shows. Shows. All I wanna do is shows,” Dreamer reiterates. One-half of the group may have magical Scorpio powers with the ladies, but when it comes down to what they really want for the group, only performing can really satisfy their steez. Those same powers won’t get them where every other artist thinks they should be: signed to a major label.
Getting signed isn’t their main goal and the LoveCrusader believes that it’s not as important. “If we get signed, it’d be by doing shows.” Tuki somewhat agrees. “If we get signed, it’d be by doing shows.”
Excited about everything that’s to come: a new EP, music videos, and shows on all coasts, the LoveCrusader expresses how they stay positive and moving forward. “The album is coming. It’s gonna come when it comes cause we working, but it’s a family situation. We’re blessed.”
Mauldin Brand Agency (MBA) has joined forces with the Peoples Station V-103 and the Urban Speed Association to present an explosive new series of Motorsports inspired events this summer at Atlanta Motor Speedway, appropriately titled; “FastLife Fridays.”
Friday July 9th, you can purchase $7 tickets to hang out with Greg Street, JD's Daddy, and the rest of Atlanta's youngins. It should be more fun than I'm making it. Enjoy!
Atlanta's production aliens, SMKA, are bringing good music LIVE to Atliens everywhere throughout the summer.
Tonight they are kicking it off at Eastside Lounge at 9pm. The tix are $5 and you can get them here.
If you missed Tuesday night's show at 529 w/ Richelle L. Brown and my "sexy chocolate", then you can catch them again here at half price. My homey Niko Villamor and FKI will be hitting the stage as well.
Shouts to Desmond. I see you working hard and getting it in over there.
I will be reviewing the show at my summer place of freelance residence: A3C, so catch the recap there.
Check out this new Aleon Craft to start your night off.
Hosted by one of my favorite writers, Freddie Gibbs and Jackie Chain will be in Atlanta for the Str8 Killa No Filla show (post bday celebration for Gangsta Gibbs).
Get your tickets here folks. They are only $10, it's summer time, and nothing else is happening on a Tuesday in Atlanta. You and I both know. Richelle L. Brown, Aleon Craft, Tom P and Mic Audio will be in the building.
As KRS-One’s “Self-Destruction” plays throughout City of Atlanta’s old city chambers, members of the community settle into the meeting area. Tuesday night’s town hall meeting, hosted by V-103’s Ryan Cameron and Atlanta, Ga. Mayor Kasim Reed, is in response to the violence and chaos that ensued at PiedmontPark’s annual movie event Screen on the Green. In the first half hour of the screening, it was reported that several fight broke out, there was vandalism throughout the park.
However, no more than thirty minutes of the chamber doors becoming open to the public, there was uproar when several umbrellas were stolen from the audience members. The dispute created a tense atmosphere as the meeting started.
Mayor Kasim Reed and Atlanta police department’s interim Chief George Turner were on the meeting panel to discuss the specifics of the problems that took place two weeks ago in the park and answer any questions from community members.
“It was a new location, it was the event’s first time showing a major motion picture [Transformers 2] and there was only an expected attendance of 2,000 guests. There were more than 10,000 attendees on site. Security was adequate for what was expected, not unexpected,” Sheriff Turner explained.
Mayor Reed, whose platform for office was to decrease city crime, explained that he has fought for and spent close to $4 million to re-open the recently closed pools and recreation centers in the city. He believes that the re-opened locales, youth programming, and jobs for students after school will lower the increasing crime in the city.
“We must invest in the children and the generation coming behind us. I want to meet with everyone in this room personally that wants to do better for our kids.”
Screen on the Green with continue this week at PiedmontPark with a screening of “Dreamgirls”. The new improvements to security from the city include the Atlanta police department hired to patrol the venue and calling in back up resources when necessary to crowd size adjustments. Also, Nextel Direct walkie-talkies have been added to assist with communication between park staff and all officers. Staff from the Mayor’s office will be on site to help with city questions and concerns from movie-goers.
KRS-One, Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Heavy D, Public Enemy, Stetsasonic
"Self-Destruction"
Happy birthday to a man that was the epitome of art and music. Tonight we are celebrating his birthday with Pill, Bun B, Roscoe Dash, and more. Be in the building for a night dedicated to one of the best lyricists ever placed upon us hip hop heads! The celebration will be held at Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts on Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain (Da Mound for my eastsiders). Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm. Buy your tickets here. I leave you with my favorite song from 2pac and Biggie. I hold it very dear to my heart.
Nigerian born and German made vocalist Nneka will be blazing Tabernacle's stage on Saturday night.
My editor at CL put me on to her and this girl is good! Africa is the future and I hate to bring it up but the 419 scam was obviously way before anyone's time.
Her music is phenomenal and her voice is a treasure. Support good music ya'll and get there early so you don't miss what she had in store for Atlanta.
Doors open at 8pm. Show starts at 9pm. The show is at the Tabernacle. Get your tickets here (beware the $15 additional fee).
Happy birthday Lyric! Miss Jones if you nasty LOL! I hope you have a great birthday and everyone comes to celebrate with you tomorrow night.
Peep info dolow for her birthday celebration at Apache Cafe.
My Birthday is on June 10th, but I’m celebrating it on the 11th with an EPIC concert featuring some of my favorite and the most influential artists in the ATL.
Aside from this being my birthday celebration, it will be the FIRST show of my very own in ATLANTA!! DOPE RIGHT!?
I’m Hella excited, and would LOVED for YOU to be apart of this special, HISTORIC night with me.
The night will feature two segments to mirror, represent and celebrate my 22nd birthday. (playing with the theme of being a Gemini AND 22 ;-D)
There will be a SOUL segment and HIP HOP segment displaying 4 of ATL hottest artists. 2 of each. The night will be STARRING me – Lyric Jones and featuring:
Boog Brown, Small Eyez, Chantae Cann, and Avery Sunshine
Special guest performances by:
Coco Jones
The Remnant Cru
The 5ive
Abyss
Ness Lee
&
Stanza
Hosted by Alias
DJ Sly Fauxx on the 1&2s
This will be a fun-filled night of live authentic Soul and Hip Hop and to celebrate the diversity in musical talent in the ATL area.
Doors @ 9:00pm
Admission: $10
18+
DOUBLE TAKE
Apache Cafe
64 3rd Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Hello my name is Iz'E Ahanotu and I. Fight. Dragons.
Chiptunes pop/rock band I Fight Dragons will be opening for Cobra Starship tonight.
The whole chiptunes movement is something we're late to, as the south always is, but it's when you create music from beats in video games. You know, mario bros, the gameboy sounds, all of that.
I will be interviewing them tomorrow after their set. I love what I've heard so far, so I can't wait to see what they have to say.
Doors open at 6pm. IFD is up around 7pm. Get there early and support good music. The show is at Tabernacle. Get your tickets here. Enjoy some of their stuff dolow.
