The Kaos Blac Lifestyle

Project: Acropolis

2012-02-20T10:48:00.000-05:00

Help support this diverse comic book start up, Project: Acropolis. Pittsburgh native creator Edward Williams is trying to start a new revolution in the vein of Milestone Comics with a diverse cast of characters. Check out what he has to say.

"Acropolis is a graphic novel project that has targeted the comic book industry’s weakness and developed a cure known as diversity and equality. Acropolis is about making sure YOU are represented; that YOU are able to relate and empathize with a character that looks just like you."

The project has twelve more days to be funded lets help out.

El Malito "I Cant Win"

2012-02-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Platypus, El Malito, is back with a new mash up track "el malito vs. Beck "I Can't Win"" detailing his life life struggles and feeling like he just cant win over them. It s a fun bi-lingual track so get into it.

Also for all my Nueva York (New York) people El Malito will be in town: Friday March 23 at the UPPER EAST SIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL @ BAR EAST (Downstairs) 1733 1st Avenue (between 89th & 90th), (212) 876-0203; $10 admission - 21+ w/ID
Festival Show starts 7pm, El Malito goes on at 11:30pm sharp

Spree Wilson - Sharpshooter

2012-02-06T14:56:00.004-05:00

Check out this lyric video from Atlanta based JIVE records artist Spree Wilson.

Ministry of Corruption

2012-01-27T18:42:00.000-05:00

If your looking for some good afro-beat mixed with hip-hop look no further that this mixtape by Kahli Abdu, Ministry of Corruption. Check it out it's a free download.

<a href="http://kahliabdu.bandcamp.com/album/ministry-of-corruption">Ministry of Corruption by Kahli Abdu</a>

Soon As I Get Home Tonight

2012-01-23T14:13:00.000-05:00

My homie Don P put me on this great Chicago band, Blah Blah Blah. This is their latest video.

BLUE Ocean - BLUEfiveone x Frank Ocean

2012-01-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

"BLUE Ocean" is a remix to Frank Ocean's "Thinking About you" . In this song BLUEfiveone speaks about the misunderstanding that takes place when you put work before a relationship. In the video his relationship with his childhood crush, who may or may not be as into him as he is into her, gets taken to a whole new level.

It's a new year and I can't wait for more music.

Color Me Black

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the upcoming holiday season of Kwanzaa a friend of mine, Chris BlackAmerica of the band Black America, is putting together a great book to be shared for the family. "Color Me Black" will be a historical informative coloring book.

‎"COLOR ME BLACK" .. is a very necessary and vital addition to the consciousness building of the worlds black youth as well as all children.. it will be a tool that families can use to learn and bond together around the true greatness that we as the founding mothers and fathers of human life on this planet have contributed not only to ourselves but to all of humankind! It will feature up to 100 of the greatest black human beings that have ever lived and along with an interactive website will be a most fun and positive way to learn about many empowering and important facts.
The book will contain beautiful drawings by some of our most talented artists as well as a paragraph introducing each subject.. one will then be directed to a corresponding page on the website to engage in even more detailed info..
I think this is a brilliant concept and the responses have been extremely positive..many many interested people are already making inquiries.
As to how and where and when they can purchase one for themselves and their loved ones. COLOR ME BLACK will be available in several different languages in order to connect with our people no matter where they reside upon mother earth.. to let us all know that we are one great people !!! I am so looking forward to the completion in the spring of 2012 !!!
Untill then.. be well and great good fortune.. Alafia and Hotep!
Blacklove !!! Blackunity !!! Blackfamily !!! Blackpower !!! COLOR ME BLACK !!!

In order to make this book a reality Chris along with Ray Hands, For Fathers Project.org, Pharonic Designs, Homage Skateshop, The Honiblue Institute are putting together a fundraising event on December 11th at the Ray Hands Loft.

It'll be a great night of music, art and support for a great project. And I'll be there to boot so come on down and support.

Where Are They Now...Sylvia Black/ Betty Black

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ever wondered about what became of the voice behind NYC's KUDU,

Sylvia of KUDU @ SXSW 2007, photo by Kaos Blac

Well look no further she's now back as Betty Black and is in full effect just releasing two EP's earlier in the year and another soon to be release before the year is over. From her website Black Betty is discribed as follows, "Betty Lee Black is a yellow rose, a girl, and a woman painted in hazy shades of pastels smeared by black mascara tainted teardrops." via bettyblack.net While KUDU is on hiatus we get what sounds as a southern flavored lovelorn tinged dream melodies.

I can't say how much I'm blown away by her voice, bass skills, and um...buxomness. The, now blond, buxom bassist just released her first sold self produced video for the D'Wave remix of her song Low Tide Lullaby

Makes you wanna be rocked to bed huh?

If thats not enough check out the following rehearsal session of the song 'Chains We Choose'

I love the fact in the video she's giving me Pat Benatar meets Blonde in a bar fight and winner takes on Linda Ronstadt. Its honky tonk and mascara. I can't wait for the new EP to come out. Check out more on Betty Black at her website. Bettyblack.net

Artist to watch....Theme Park

2011-11-29T18:44:00.001-05:00

I just found this great band from London. They have catchy beats, i'm hooked, and they are just the bees knees. Check out their latest video, MILK.

Also they did a live session with The Line Of The Best Fit, Wax,

Find out more about the band at Themeparkband.com

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Jaimz Deen is a chameleon at times. His able to hid in plain sight until he want's to been seen. Now is on of of those times. He's been on his musical odessey for some time now and has leaked droplets of nuanced polyphonical dreamscapes from time to time. Well this go round we get a fully dousing of lyrics and beats in the form of the Crisis Complex. I questioned Jaimz about the release and what it means for him.

Kaos Blac: So Jaimz tell me about your upcoming release, The Crisis Complex.

Jaimz Deen: All my blood sweat and tears are truly involved in this project, it has taken YEARS to get here. Crisis Complex is a brief window into where my mind has been in the last few years - and really my whole life so far. I've always lived in somewhat of a fantasy world, as a survival tactic. The songs on the project play with the parallels between my real world and the one I imagine.

In a lot of ways, the project is about me saying goodbye to my past, because it's haunted me for some long. I'm proud of the mini album and the music video for Jesse Strange, because it is a true representation of who I am as an artist 100%.

Kaos Blac: So where to musically after this release?

Jaimz Deen: I'm already in the process of working on my next project. I'm in the very early stages, but I am already excited. I've started recording and I am having a blast, I can't wait to get back in the studio again. The next project is a more bold statement of who I am right now its so early, so I can't label it at all.

Catch what his music now with the release of The Crisis Complex is available now. Download

- Also head over to his site: Jaimzdeen.com

The Strange Thing About the Johnsons

2011-11-25T22:18:00.001-05:00

This is a gripping film about love in a family. A love that is dark and perverse and upon further research isn't quite as it seems. You won't turn away there is really a twist.

The Strange Thing About the Johnsons - don't ask, just watch! from Michael Roy on Vimeo.

Pour some gravy on me!

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Turkey Day
Pour Some Gravy On Me by el malito

For The Newer You Than You...

2011-11-22T22:40:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time we heard from Marlon and Siddhartha but they are back with a new single. I hit him up to discuss the tracks on "For The Newer You Than You...".

Kaos Blac: So I noticed that the single release is called "For The Newer You Than You..." but it's a line in "Is Not What I Used To Be". Why did you decide to select that line as a encircling tag to bind together the two songs on the release.

Marlon Hauser: I wanted the music to transform people to create what I would call a new dispensation of language, to start to try to create a new way of looking at the world in which we inhabit....

Kaos Blac: The first track, Don't Look Back Or You'll Turn To Salt, has a very earthy blue grass twang to it and to me reads like a mantra, it like you have to let go and don't get lost in the past. What where you going for with this song?

Marlon Hauser: Exactly what you just described man...seriously you have a good ear.....

Kaos Blac: Thanks, as for the second track, "Is Not What I Used To Be", it's more ethereal and in-between a stream of consciousness. It really exemplifies a state of musical nirvana to me. Buy chance since the band is named Siddhartha I wanted to know if you are a practicing Buddhist?

Marlon Hauser: I practice peace and spreading joy...Its free and easy to do, It doesn't cost you anything you know?....Imagine if you walked the streets constantly thinking I want to spread joy......

Kaos Blac: That's a nice idea, especially with what's going on around the country. We can only hope for a joyous tomorrow.

So with out further fanfare I want everyone reading this to check out the Siddhartha's latest,

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://neuroticyellrecords.bandcamp.com/album/for-the-newer-you-than-you"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;For The Newer You Than You... by Siddhartha&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Yinka of Sabatta: On Making it.

2011-11-22T13:16:00.001-05:00

This is a little video piece I put together, enjoy.

Nude - Here I Come

2011-11-20T12:27:00.001-05:00

With all that's going on in the world I thought I should share this video. I got a friend request on my youtube page, The Kaos Blac Lifestyle Channel, as it goes I rarely click over cause it's a) bullshit or b) some shit I could careless to see. I went on a whim to the page off my friendee and was introduced this slamming video by German band NUDE. Sit back watch then you decide what to do afterward.

What about the rest of us Occupy Wall Street?

2011-11-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, November 17 2011 I stepped up and met the occupy wall street head on. I support the movement but didn't go down to Zuccotti park. I didn't feel the movement did enough to include people of color, or to even address their own issues with-in their own communities. Since the beginning of the occupation of Zuccotti park all I head was wall street this and wall street that. Sure there is a whole bunch of thievery and corruption going on down in the American economic base and America has been hit by a recession of unprecedence and there are no jobs, well Black America has been dealing with that for ages. Old hat.

People of color have been dealing with these circumstances forever, why should I care what a bunch of people outside of that sphere are doing over there. I live in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and everybody I've ever know lives a hard knocks life. I didn't approach the movement because it didn't seem clear in presentation and method. Yesterday a direct action was put out to "call upon the 99% to participate in a national day of direct action..."(via www.occupywallst.org). I thought this was a right step after the occupation of Zuccotti park was halted and protesters began to get riled up, also they where stepping out of there bubble of wall street. Although there have been actions taken else where in the city that should be noted, there has been a huge swell in movements such as Occupy-the-Bronx and upon further research right here in Brooklyn Occupy-Brooklyn. I headed out to the Broadway Junction gathering to see for myself the power, if any, of the movement on a populace deep in Brooklyn. I liked the idea of "Occupying Our Blocks".

I got there a little before 3:pm I immediately noticed a police station in the subway on the ground floor. I stepped through the turnstile and outside of the station, I saw nothing. I milled around a bit I was a flustered, I walked back in for a bit and waited. I saw a Brooklyn News 12 video crew behind the turnstile walking around and proceed to follow them when they took leave of the area towards another part of the station where the J and L lines converged.

The group gathers on the left,
police in the center,
and News 12 Brooklyn on the right.

This is where I finally saw some semblance of activity, a small group with fliers huddled planning. Around 3:25 the group began to get marginally larger, as did the police presence. The group tried to make a dent in the waves off staphangers that seemed more agitated with their presence than anything else. I heard ridicule from teens, and disgruntled mumbles from elders. I was in agreement and also non-agreement. Yes I disagreed with the prospect that groups like these would be tying up transportation.

This is not a "on your blocking my way i'll join with your movement" kind of crowd. For the most part these are hard working individuals, and people with family's trying to get to work, some times from another job just to got to another job just to keep food on the table. I also agree with you have to reach out to people where they are, I felt they weren't aggressive enough but there were police hanging on the wall like insects just waiting to swarm a infraction. Its a hard line to tread between nuisance and just cause for a movement.

If they where were outside they may of had more leeway, I mean have you ever seen the cops stop the Hebrew Israelites, or The Nation of Islam dudes that occupy these spaces at times? Around 3:33 their was a "mic check", it's apart of how information is shared to a larger audience with in the movement by one person shouting out mic check the surrounding group around follows suit to spread outward the message of what one voice is saying. The group was about to make their way toward Foley Square in Manhattan to join with the other groups from the other boroughs.

" people will gather at Foley Square (just across from City Hall) in solidarity with laborers demanding jobs to rebuild this country's infrastructure and economy. A gospel choir and a marching band will also be performing.
Afterwards we will march to our bridges. Let's make it as musical a march as possible - bring your songs, your voice, your spirit! Our "Musical" on the bridge will culminate in a festival of light as we mark the two-month anniversary of the #occupy movement, and our commitment to shining light into our broken economic and political system." - (via www.occupywallst.org)

I caught this bit of video before they took to the platform to head to the city. The video features Jodie, a woman, mother, immigrant, student, a member of the 99%.

I took the train in with the group, and joined in the "mic checks," I was filled with anticipation and angst of what was to come. Just before leaving the train a "mic check" called out, "You can't remain neutral on a moving train" which co-coincidentally is the title of a Howard Zinn penned book. I heard that and heard the System Of A Down song "Deer Dance". Upon arriving at Foley Square, around 4:15 I was met with the cold air, and the warmth of the gathers masses.

Photographer I know Buggs, and a former roommate, Alvero

I witnessed a large cross section of peoples. Young and old, college student and middle school kids, labor unions and those with-out jobs. I stayed as long as I could out in the could and even joined a action with a group holding up posters with information about United states occupations worldwide. It was synergistic. Upon leaving I was got a small but better understanding of what's been going on. I still would like to Occupy All Streets and have a better approach for ushering some kind of action and change in my own community but I can see we all stand together.

Occupy All Streets

2011-11-15T12:22:00.001-05:00

photo from occupyallstreets.us/

With the events of the Occupy wall street movement brewing around I can't help but think of the slogan "Occupy All Streets." Jay Z was going to use the slogan on t-shirts by his rocawear clothing line. However none of the money made from the sale of the tees would be going towards any protest or commuinty based organization. Sure I looked at this as "look at this mother fucker capitalist," but hey where in America and that is what the country is about. However reading a friends status update I've changed my mind,

"i'm with Jay OCCUPY ALL STREETS!! and i'm sick and tired of this wall street bullshit. how many of those privileged protesters give a fuck about everyone who been struggling all this time in NYC? what about the people too broke to get downtown to protest? what about all the parents that have to raise their kids in shelters because NYC would rather floss than see its people stable. Why aren't we more concerned with occupying ALL STREETS OF NYC to show solidarity. So brother, go head, get your money and thank you for saying something that matters to the rest of us."- Trezure Empire.

I agree what about any-street usa, Fuck that what about 125 street in Harlem, what about Malcolm X in Brooklyn, what about Grand Concourse in the Bronx, the project, the broken homes, poor schools, what about the streets that the homeless are sleeping on right now. The Occupation is a great movement but as I said before we can need to do so much more.

We need to rally around our neighborhoods and build from there.

Osiris: The Series

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Big news cable and major network companies the future is going to be in the hands of the people. We want shows that are to see variety in our choice of viewing. Small budget viewer ship of webisodes like The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, and 12-Steps to Recovery are on the rise. We want more content of substance. I found a great article on Racialicious, thanks to a post by a friend, about this very topic. Some of the featured webisodes are a bit hit and miss but this one in particular has spurred my interest and I will be following it as closely as current winner in the alt Black webisode The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.

Now if only I can get a Phoenix Jones series ala cops, my days would be complete.

Pui: Army of Slaves

2011-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Local NYC metal band PUI have released a new video for their song Army of Slaves. Part promotional video for the song part protest it's all amazing check it out.

Ceremony That Lacks Substance

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Marcher during the Village Halloween parade

What is the real accomplishment of being in a park encamped in the financial district. So the 1%er Michael Bloomberg hasn't broken up the occupation, so what. That is all that I can see from where I'm sitting. What is message being broadcast by having the worlds eye on this occupation and other movements around the country and world. What are the aspirations of change, the seeds of growth that they hope to plant and grow from it. What is the point? The following quotes from Dr. John Henrik Clarke speaking of the another movement, the Million Man March, characters my feelings for our current Occupy Wall street movement.

"Marching is a strategy, and I think we have gotten enough out of the strategy. I think the march is a a waste of shoe leather, gas, and energy...I'm saying there is more to liberation than throwing your fist in the air, there is more to progress than marching...We're doing show biz liberation and that's not liberation."

There needs to be grown work laid other than sitting in the cold. Sitting can only get you so far, you have to stand up at some point.

Million Fans

2011-11-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

If you were watching CSI: Miami last night then you heard this track by GREEN Fiveone. My DMV family are making a movement with their craft. Listen and enjoy.

Words Written on Water

2011-11-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Was it written on water as some sort of joke for us both not to ever conceive?

Does every time i see you make my heart to believe?

walk with me alittle while, i know that it's cold

but the fate of our universe could depend on what's told

When we know that for many reasons you and i were matched

but to also know that it breeds for our demise, a duality-pleasing attack

Time would suggest that we know the best and worst of each other

That my sword is just as sharp as your knife

The front doors of your eyes are the backdoors to mine

But neither merit much in our far too busy lives.

I want you, and sometimes i think i might even need

but i'll admit that i hate when i'm walking that tight rope

with heaven and hell am i BETWEEN

you keep me there when you sweetly care

Why can't we know what we're thinking?

Why can't we know what each other is thinking?

Instead i see the ripples make waves of our words

words written on water

grammatically beautiful verbs.

But a tight rope is a tight rope..

no matter how beautifully dressed.

We are a finely taught lesson

a mysterious blessing

who's mystery remains our guess.

- Shawn Michael Newton

A Hero Among Us

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Phenoix Jones aka Benjamin John Francis Fodor
Ted S. Warren / AP

Sometimes trying to do the right thing can lead you down the wrong path. Often the butt of jokes, but secretly admired, Pheniox Jones the Seattle based vigilante superhero has been putting his neck on the line night after night in a real life imitating art, comic book art that is, display of super-heroics. Trained in mixed martial artist Fodor, age 23, has gallantly taken to the streets to fight the good fight as his costumed alter ego Phoenix Jones but that's come to a halt now with a arrest. Fodor was arrested for and alleged assault connection to incident in which he was breaking up a fight and had to use pepper spray,

Phoenix Jones Stops Assault from Ryan McNamee on Vimeo.

The current fall out from this unfortunate set of events is the lost of Fodor's job where for the past five years he has been working with autistic children and adults. Mind you he hasn't as of yet been charged with any wrong doing in connection to the incident but the Washington state Department of Soical and health services has informed him of he is no longer able to work with those populations, according to publicola. I say that this is a young guy trying to do what he felt was right sure he went about it in a highly unusual manner but it stood for something. He was making a stance in the face of the odds and making just the meager of difference in the lives of the few that he came across in and out of costume.

We should all take a lesson from Phoenix Jones and stand up for ourselves and those around us to make this a better life. Life is impermance and last for only so long why not get the most out of it, why should we wallow in suffering, occupy the streets and boulevards with hope. Stand up for the those who can't make a stand for themselves. Let us all be our own super heroes.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Recipe

2011-10-31T12:41:00.000-04:00

Serves 2-4, adapted from Eat.Live.Run

Ingredients:
1 lb brussels sprouts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
sea salt, to taste
2 tbsp maple sugar or brown sugar
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Method:

Slice the brussels sprouts very thinly so that they are almost feathery.
Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Saute the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the brussels sprouts and continue sauteeing for 4-5 minutes or until bright green and tender.
Add the sea salt and sugar and toss together. Finish by adding the cranberries.

Joanne Bruno is a food writer and third year MD/PhD student. Find more of her delicious ramblings over at her blog: Eats Well With Others.

Photos: Joanne Bruno

Interviews of African Americans On Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-26T11:30:00.000-04:00

Yolo Akili heads to Occupy wall street to talk to get an African American view on Occupy Wall street.