[event] Kicks for Kids v5 Charity Shoe Drive & Concert with Meek Mill - Dec. 18th (WDC)

Join Kicks for Kids this Sunday, December 18th for their 5th annual charity shoe drive. Here's how it works: Your $10 donation = one (1) new pair of sneakers for charity.

When you donate $10 you receive:

• One (1) free concert ticket
• One (1) Reebok Gift Bag
• One (1) Young & Reckless Collabo T-Shirt
• Shoe City Friends & Family Discount

EVENT LINEUP:

Meet & Greet with Meek Mill & John Wall of the Washington Wizards - 2PM-5PM
@Shoe City at The Mall of Prince Georges, 3500 East West Hwy, Hyattsville, MD

Kicks for Kids Concert - 5PM - 10PM
@ 9:30 Club, 815 V Street, WDC


For more information and to make a donation log on to sneakersuite.com

[nostalgia] Philly's Most Wanted - Suckas

I've been listening to Philly's Most Wanted while working on an upcoming project. I love writing to music from my wonder years lol.

[music] Ke$ha "Sleazy" with Wiz Khalifa, Andre 3000, T.I., & Lil Wayne

[video] Pac Div - "Top Down"

[artist spotlight] Q&A with Johnny Crome - The New Bad Boy of Pop

HHM would like to introduce you to Johnny Crome, a singer/rapper/songwriter from New Haven, Connecticut by way of Brooklyn, New York. His upcoming project "Life In 3D" is lead by "Porn Star", a catchy and melodic single that is sure to peak your interest.

Check out our interview to learn more about this intriguing artist that you need to know.




HHM: Tell us about your project Life In 3D.

JOHNNY: The one question that I've pondered since I was born is, "what is the meaning of life?" It's really a question and theme that fascinates me. So, when I set out to record this project I wanted to touch on a plethora of topics. I wanted to do so by utilizing an array of genres and sounds to express my vision. At the end of the day Life In 3D is not only something that is entertaining, but it's thought provoking as well. In my opinion I think that's what art should be.

HHM: What are some of the challenges you've faced as an independent artist?

JOHNNY: I could run off a laundry list of "challenges", but they wouldn't be anything that you haven't heard before. Ultimately, I don't feel like I face any challenges. My intentions as an artist is to have my art received positively. That's really all I can ask for. Anything more than that is just a cherry on top. If you want to create music or any other art form just to get paid or be famous, then you're doing it for all the wrong reasons. The more people who embrace my music reassure me that I'm doing things the right way and adding positive energy to the world.

HHM: You have a very futuristic sound befitting of the moniker Johnny Crome. What made you decide to take on that name and how did you develop your sound?

JOHNNY: My name is based after a character from a book I read years ago called Come Home Johnny. The book was about the life and times of a futuristic rock star. I became enthralled with the character and I thought the name had a nice ring to it so it just stuck.

My sound is something that I’ve been developing over years. I’ve had the privilege to work with a lot of great producers and artists. So I just tried to learn as much as I can from them.

I have never been afraid to step outside of the boundaries of what people think a "Black" artist should be.  I listen to a lot of different genres outside of hip hop. Honestly, I don't consistently listen to a lot of hip hop anymore. Don't get me wrong, everything new that drops I listen to it. And sometimes I find a rare gem, but I do that just to be aware of what’s fresh and what trends are emerging. I am inspired by The Beatles just as much as I'm inspired by Jay-Z.  Right now Adele and Florence and The Machine are currently my favorite artists.  Hip Hop still sells, but artistically it needs to step its game up.

My music is extremely visual so I draw heavily from films and paintings. I’m a huge fan of directors Ridley Scott and Stanley Kubrick. I love the work of Salvador Dali and Picasso just to name a few.  I love architecture as well. I find the structure and design of cathedrals and mausoleums to be very fascinating. My inspiration comes from the extraordinary and the mundane. Therefore, my sound is something that continues to develop and evolve as we speak.

HHM: Do you prefer rapping over singing?

JOHNNY: I honestly don't have a preference. I deliver the record in whatever form it sounds the best. I don't really consider myself a rapper or a singer. I just create visions sonically. I never really know how I'm going to deliver it. I have a very awkward writing style.

I may go in with an idea or concept, but I'm never attached to it. Most of the songs for Life In 3D were written as I was standing in the booth recording. Once I get in front of the mic and I really start vibing to the music, it always changes. I compare my songs to paintings. The music is like a canvas, and it's my job to provide the proper paint to make the picture come together beautifully.

HHM: What would you like for people to know about you? Why should they follow and become a part of the Johnny Crome experience?

JOHNNY: I speak truth in my lyrics.  I have lived a life that a lot of people would die for. However, the topics I write about in my songs are things that truly matter to me. Life, death, love, hate, pain, anger, joy, glory, heaven, hell, religion, sex, money, and politics; these are topics that are important to me. I don't necessarily need people to follow me. I believe the universe attracts like-minded individuals to one another. So if you think in the same lane as I do and you enjoy my music, then that bridge will help us form some type of bond together.

CONNECT
http://www.johnnycromenow.com/
Tweet @KingCrome
Facebook
Media Contact: Laurena Marrone, Grit PR & Promotion

[video] Meek Mill f. Young Chris "House Party"

[video] Dres of Black Sheep and Jarobi of A Tribe Called Called Quest Join Forces as EVITAN

The founding core of the Native Tongues Dres and Jarobi have formed the duo EVITAN (which is NATIVE spelled backwards). The two are working on an album to be released in 2012. Their first single "P.T.I (Occupy Wall Street) addresses some of the issues that sparked the Occupy movement, the feelings of anger, frustration, and the desire to mobilize to make a change. The video was shot in the midst of the Occupy Wall Street protest. Check it out below.

Also Dres & Jarobi sit down with Sway and perform.

via Audible Treats

[event] Art Basel Miami

Another year I won't be there (big sigh) but in case you are here is a listing of some great art & design events courtesy of Rockaway PR. Some events require you to rsvp.


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Kiwi Arts Group presents 'Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy,' Ultra Violet and David Datuna at Booth C24 Primary Projects features Taco Stand installation by Kenton Parker
SCOPE Miami
VIP & Press Preview: Tuesday, November 29, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Fair Hours: Wednesday, November 30 to Saturday, December 3, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 4, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
NE 1st Avenue (Midtown Blvd) at NE 30th Street, Wynwood
http://www.scope-art.com/

WHITEHOT Magazine Winter Reception Featuring the exhibition 'Here Lies Georges Wildenstein' Primary Projects
Tuesday, November 29, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.
4141 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 104, Miami Design District
http://www.primaryprojectspace.com/
RSVP essential shanamason@whitehotmagazine.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Elements presents a compelling artist showcase, Featuring Cecilia Moreno-Yaghoubi's 'Rituals' Exhibit Miami Art Space
November 29 to December 4, 2011
244 NW 34th Street, Wynwood
http://www.ceciliamyart.com/

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

Graffiti Gone Global (GGG) unveils 'Labrys Frisae' by Marc Fornes, 'Public Figure' by Volkan Alkanoglu and 'The Art of Basketball' by Billi Kid
VIP & Press Preview: Thursday, December 1, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Rotunda
3252 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 101, Midtown Miami
RSVP essential dejha@rockawaypr.com
http://www.gggexhibit.com/

'Here Lies Georges Wildenstein' Opening Reception Primary Projects
Thursday, December 1, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
4141 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 104, Miami Design District
http://www.primaryprojectspace.com/

COME OVER
Michael Dawkins Home
Thursday, December 1, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
3628 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Design District
http://www.michaeldawkinshome.com/
RSVP kelly@rockawaypr.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

'Center of Attention' VIP Reception a group show spotlighting local professional emerging and established artists ArtCenter/South Florida
Friday, December 2, 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.
800 Lincoln Road at Meridian Avenue Miami Beach
http://www.artcentersf.org/
Among the many imports descending upon Miami during Art Basel, ArtCenter/South Florida - contemporary art incubator since 1984 – puts the focus on local talent. Forty artists-in-residence will open their studios showcasing new works in the 800, 810 and 924 Lincoln Road buildings, while the ‘Center of Attention’ exhibit in the main gallery spotlights their talent including: Ramon Bofill, Natasha Duwin, Katerina Friderici, Alex Heria, Adriana Carvalho, Venessa Monokian, Damian Sarno, Amanda Serrano, Antonia Wright and David Zalben.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3

'The Art of Basketball' Party featuring DJ Irie Graffiti Gone Global
Saturday, December 3, 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
The Rotunda
3252 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 101, Midtown Miami
RSVP essential dejha@rockawaypr.com
http://www.gggexhibit.com/

[RIP] Joe Frazier & Heavy D, Video of Heavy D's Last Interview with Tim Westwood

We've lost some talented people the past few days. It was announced on the news on Saturday that Smokin Joe was in hospice care but Heavy D was a total shock today. I thought his may have been another death rumor.

Heavy D just did an interview with Tim Westwood that was uploaded yesterday.

RIP Andy Rooney

The inspiration behind my "Andy Rooney Moments" on this blog has passed away at 92.
(Read More)

Happy Halloween - Thriller Forever

Don't forget Michael Jackson: The Life of a Icon comes out tomorrow on Blu-Ray & DVD. Its actually a documentary about his life produced by his longtime collaborator David Gest. Now if they would just put Moonwalker and Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues on DVD that would be lovely!

[video] Ciroc 100 NYC Tastemakers Party #CirocBoyz

Nick Storm, National Director of Ciroc, put together a big shindig to commemorate 1 million cases sold and honored the Ciroc Boyz (the influential djs and artists that represent the Ciroc brand) and invited 100 of NYC's top promoters.