#newmusic @joshdwh "Motion siccness" EP #motionsiccness

Josh DWH has been laying low for most of 2016, and as the year ends we are getting a piece of why. The “Motion Siccness” EP is Josh second solo project. Having released a few singles throughout the year, ‘Lately’ was our first taste of what the EP will offer. With features from Whispers, Zay Mason, Jae Tips & Chris RIvers the lyrical prowess is insane. Produced by Dizzy Banko, Scoop One, Kali Reem, & Dougy; all mixes by D.R.A.F. Josh has an unique way of lacing his feelings into a thoroughly entertaining vernacular and storyline.

Opening up with “Know no better” a track that lets you in on where Josh has been mentally for the last couple years. Learning new life lessons and growing in both mentality and craft from the daily grind and hustle. In the accompanying video he can be seen in the woods somewhere with a defamed trump face, a large crow bar and a ski masked young lady looking ready to do some damage. (#notmypresident) But just like never sleeping, fighting to succeed.. He don't know no better, and that may be to his advantage.

“Options” opens with a hook from featured artist Whispers that explores one lesson learned.. Be yourself, and better yet think for yourself. As Josh reflects over the mindset of his peers and company he has entertained, then distanced himself from.

Which takes us to “Lately” the head space one could be left in after realizing things and people around you are not what they seem. When it seems like life won’t stop throwing bullshit your way, but you’re resilient so you manage. (Check out the visual for "Lately") 

“Timeless” is the swing, it’s like once you embrace and accept what you can’t control you start to see things different. Find new focus, invest less in others opinions. Jae Tips comes through on the type spoken word flow, so soothing you almost wouldn't notice all the general shade thrown.

Zay Mason jumps right into the ‘do for love’ (ahem Bobby Caldwell, but we love Pac) sample. When these two team up they have an organic chemistry that feeds off one another. Zay is his classic dark cynical and crazy while Josh spills where he is presently at with no stories, just pure emotions. “... The pressure will make you golden..”

I’m sure not one year can pass in a person's life without the pursuit of a romantic interest which is the first verse of “Possible” but as quick as someone can be an interest they can become the past.

What I feel the whole purpose of this EP is comes in the form of “Strictly 4 the Culture”. Some hip-hop artist still do this for the love of the expression it allows you to have. Both Josh and Chris Rivers spit bars straight through.

As the EP is coming to a close it’s that no holds barred moment, “What it do” is exactly that. Not coming at any particular person, but for everyone. The haters, the peers, the competition, the friends turned enemies, and anyone who wants it.

The departing message leaves us knowing where Josh stands and where his head is at going into 2017… “Keep Working”

But, if one line could some up this project it would be…”you’d be surprised what you can go through in one year”

Josh DWH

“Motion Siccness”

-  Jessie Marie

Purchase: Itunes, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon

Stream: Tidal, Spotify, Soundcloud, Youtube

Acoustic Exchange: August "Walking in your Truth" #acousticexchange @iamsteffreed

What does it mean to walk in your truth? 

I am not sure and like anything else the ideais up for interpretation, but one thing I do know is every artist to touch the stage August 30th for the monthly Acoustic Exchange residency at Harlem Nights Bar presented by Steff Reed, was walking in theirs.

Every last Tuesday when I walk through those doors I am transported to another place in time. Where the energy and love flows freely , and is present in abundance. No one is worried about expelling all they have because the vibes are all reciprocated and shared. This is our sanctuary and we worship one another as artists, creators, and humans. 

"Walking in your Truth" could have been the title of a short EP with the collective of songs sang by Kaya Nicole. Her stage presence and talent draws you in to where you almost feel what she must be feeling as she offers a piece of herself through lyrics and passion. Kaya Nicole really took us to church with the amount of light and energy she left on that stage. I wouldn't be surprised if a piece of her heart was left right there where she preformed.

Then we all got to reminisce on the days of R&B crooning when Ryan Lane took the stage preforming a medley of R&B covers. He evoked the energy of 90's R&B taking his show from the stage to the crowd. He even danced!!! How many new R&B singers do you see dancing and spreading their energy around the room among the fans?

Lea Anderson closed out the show with a mix of chantuesse meets 16 bars. With her new album [Pronounced (Lee)] out she took us through a brief synopsis of what it offers performing several songs anyone can relate to. We have all had our trials and tribulations with people and more specifically, love.

I can not express in enough words just what occurs from 7pm to midnight in Harlem Nights every last tuesdy of the month. Just know if you need to refresh your soul, find inspiration, rest a weary mind, collaborate with like spirits this is the place you need to be.

WWW.IAMSTEFFREED.COM

IG: @ACOUSTICEXCHANGE | @IAMSTEFFREED 

Why "Black Panther" is the next "black" movie I am going to see.

With racial tensions at an all time high in the United states of America we have once again been pacified with "them" telling OUR story via their Hollywood production teams and studios with series such as "Underground" & the remake of "Roots". While on the surface we are suppose to be thankful for them putting our struggles we overcame in the lime light I cant help but feel slighted in a way.

Why is the only time a black actor or black cast stars in a movie/show it ends up being some pre or post slavery narrative or a stereotypical black family movie? On one hand we are suppose to praise how far we have come from playing butler & mammies to be playing butlers & mammies. On the other hand, how far does that really put us? The producer, director, studio, etc will make ten times what any black actor made in the capitalization of our story or proposed dynamic.

This does not sit well with me. So while I can appreciate OUR story being told (no matter how diluted or sugar coated) I still feel like it is all a part of some minstrel show.

Which brings me to Black Panther to star Chadwick Boseman. May all marvel comic  lovers forgive me for being naive to the specifics of this character and his story line, but what I do know is he is a black super hero. A black super hero from a major franchise headlining in his own movie.  Some may wonder why this would mean more to me in the strides for equality in the entertainment industry and let me explain.

It is one thing to receive a role a black person must play based off a story line, it is another to receive a role that is a-typical of a white actor. Some will argue that he is a black super hero so a black man must play him but can we take into account the fact that they even decided to give this black character a whole movie. The reason this strikes me is purely psychological. What some may not realize is that subliminal indoctrination is very real. If all you see on your screen is black people reliving a not so distant past, or feeding into the stereotypes that apparently defines what being black in america is, you will find these things to be true and acceptable. A feeling of triumph in being allowed to see a black person play a slave makes many people think we have made it. Like the issues are all solved. We're free.

 Same as being content with the majority of the movies that display faces that you can identify with having a story line full of dynamics and behaviors stereotypically associated black people, families, & communities. While some can discern between the fact that it is just that; a stereotype, others are not even aware of the fact that they see it and accept it as reality.

Now, to see a black face in what is typically a white lead role is breaking boundaries to me. 

And if you think we don't have boundaries to break reference last year when the rumor hit that Idris Elba might be playing James Bond. A fictional character. To say some fans where in an uproar is an understatement. 

2018

Starring: Chadwick Boseman

The #AcousticExchange presented by @iamsteffreed x #NewSoulRenaissance May 2016: Transformation

Transformation:

trans·for·ma·tion

ˌtran(t)sfərˈmāSH(ə)n/

noun

1. a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.
2. a metamorphosis during the life cycle of an animal.

The “Acoustic Exchange” theme for the month of May was “Transformation”; a word that can be subjective in what it means and where it is applied.

If you are not familiar with the “Acoustic Exchange” it is the residency founded and ran by Steff Reed x New Soul Renaissance that takes place every last tuesday of the month at Harlem Nights Bar ( 138th & Adam Clayton Powell in Harlem). “Acoustic Exchange” is a organic exchange of art and energy amongst creatives of all types. The place fills up with singers, musicians, poets, revolutionaries, activists, painters, dancers, and those who simply appreciate the arts. Then they share. Share their talents, their thoughts, their vibes, their hearts. From the beginning to the end there is an exchange of love between strangers, friends, and family alike that is surreal.

---

May featured Jillian Faith & Eric Manuel (@jillianfaithmusic & @ericmanuel12) a sister and brother who came all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio to be apart of the “Acoustic Exchange”. Sharing a few original songs as well as covers they started the night off after the always necessary impromptu jam session.

Jam sessions accompany the opening and closing of each “Acoustic Exchange”

R.O.E. which stands for “Rising Over Envy” (@risingoverenvy) is a rapper transplanted to nyc via Chicago as a gift to the ever evolving hip-hop culture. With lyrics full of substance and thought provoking messages R.O.E. gave a refreshing wake-up to the room.

Steff Reed always manages to bring an innovative set to “Acoustic Exchange” this time blending in covers like the one of N.E.R.D’s “She wants to move” amongst his original songs. He also took his set as a chance to honor the legacy that is Prince which left a vibe in the room that showed just how influential a man Prince was and still is.

Shay Leonia ended the night. The gifted songstress as well as her background vocalists released the soul for the night. Starting with a rendition of an original song translated into spanish she showed the versatility that an artist can still have today. Giving respect to many singers of the past who sang in several languages. Think Nina Simone. Shay left the night in a good place with a few covers of classic 90's.

The night was once again an overall success thanks to the vision and efforts of Steff Reed and those who help bring this event to life.

Acoustic Exchange

The last Tuesday of every month at Harlem Nights (2361 7th avenue/138th street. NYC) For More info:http://iamsteffreed.com/acousticexcha…

Showtime is from 8pm-12am

Admission is Free.

#AcousticExchange

#NewSoulRenaissance

NöNe - What I Mean (I Put In Work) (Official Video)

The Slayage is too real.

NöNe released the much anticipated visual to "What I Mean (I Put In Work)"

Listen.. & Submerge yourself in the flowing river of cunty-ness.

New Video: @ChinaMacMusic - #BuckACop

Red Money Records China Mac has just dropped the visual for the controversal song "Buck a Cop". A song born out of the high social media coverage of the police brutality and corruption happening across America right now. China took this opportunity to be a voice for the oppressed and frustrated people of our nation. Though the title may lead you to believe his suggesting we all grab some guns and start executing them as thy have been doing us. It is bigger than that.. Enjoy.

 

"With all of the oppression the people are forced to live with by the very people who are chosen to protect us, It was only time that a song like "Buck A Cop" would surface. Welcome to the new era.."
 - China Mac

RedMoneyrecords.com
FOLLOW China Mac:
Twitter: @chinamacmusic
I.G: @chinamacmusic
F.B china-mac

White lesbian couple sues sperm bank forgiving them a bi-racial child

Jennifer Cramblett, 36, and her wife Amanda Zinkon, 29, got married in NYC in 2011 and a few days later Jennifer was artificially inseminated with sperm from a white donor they picked from the Midwest Sperm Bank in Illinois. Five months later in April 2012 the couple called to reserve more sperm to later conceive  a sibling for their child when they were informed that Jennifer had been inseminated with sperm from a black donor (#330) instead of the white donor they had chosen (#380).

 

It has been stated by her that upon hearing the news the excitement of being pregnant was replaced with "anger, disappointment and fear.” While they have every right to be upset with the sperm bank this opens up an even more sensitive topic… are they upset the bank messed up, or are they upset the bank messed up and gave them a bi-racial child?