mediachangeback

Hey, Stop! What's That Sound?

2014-08-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

West Coast Flavor: Jhene Aiko and Kendrick Lamar Stay Ready. Chris, Lil Wayne and Frenchmon share their collective angst about un-Loyal rich girls. Tinashe and Schoolboy Q turning up to get 2 On and Ne Yo and Young Jeezy reminiscing about the things money just can't buy.Really? The music coming from the west side residents are winning right now. Lyrically, musically, composition, collaboration, entertainment. The issues and or situation expressed through the songs Loyal and 2 On may be risky behavior, the tempo and beat is some of the best dance music. Like most conundrums, you may not agree with what being said but it can be danced out. Stay Ready has the kind of lyrics that make you notice the void of karaoke rappers, and Nicki Minaj continues to evolve into Nicki Minaj with simple answer like pills and potions. Is Nicki saying that in spite of the spite she still loves but the the pills and potions are necessary?
Young Jeezy, when this thug cries and when he "...looks into your eyes...", even the least romantic will feel that pang of a love only love can bring.

Intro: A Million and One Questions with 10 Answers

2014-05-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Top Ten (Possible triggers to "The Elevator" Meltdown)

#10. She was simply feeling some kind of way.

#9. To channel one's inner Terry McMillan.

#8. Probs of a lethal lyricist.

#7. Demonstration of one more reason it sucks to be a Man.

#6. Proof that chivalry isn't dead.

#5. Egyptian White cotton IS worth the extra cost.

#4. When waiting to exhale is a second to long.

#3. Shadowboxing tricks.

#2. The Bonnie and Clyde Dilemma.

#1. Life...On The Run.

MADE IN AMERICA (MIA) Music Festival 2014

2014-05-05T13:34:00.001-07:00

Coachella precedes Summer as Fall follows "Made In America" music festival. MIA, delivering some of the best musical acts in 2 days blending 2 coasts. Where: City of Angels, Los Angeles, California and
City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA's. Labor Day Weekend 2014!

MIA MADE IN AMERICA (MIA) Music Festival 2014

Hugging Philadelphia - A Free Hugs Adventure

2013-09-03T10:37:00.001-07:00

The Philadelphians

2013-09-02T14:22:00.001-07:00

Budweiser’s 2^nd Annual Made In America” Festival (MIA) is 2 for 2 as one of Labor Day Weekend's most significant music Festival.

The eclectic yet impressively relative roster of musical artists represented the voices and culture from all four corners.

Besides the obvious favorite whose name starts with “B”, the perfect line-up, sets and exciting artists gave everyone something to share and enjoy as the moment when Wiz Khalifa's
affably genuine energy, contagiously synched and connected the crowd, the sound and musicians into one big unity rock.

The MIA Festival is described as “...like Woodstock... but without a cause...". and "...it's WHAT the cohesive voice of Generation X,Y's and geezers sound like when they come together, unbiased, to share in commonalities and collective angst evolving through musical expression...". The MIA festival has for certain, introduced the idea that, the language called music, is too, in the conversation.

Controversial Pursuit

2013-02-11T11:51:00.001-08:00

Its that time of year when the independent film community come together in different venues to screen low-budget "Blockbusters". One might say that "Indie" film festivals are the "Premiere" screening of what is to come to the big screen.

Usually there's a film festival winner though this year may be a little different because while the film festivals open and close in major cities, it seems that a contender for "Best" screened play is in the midst of unfolding as possibly the best non-fictitious intriguing account of power, passion and class, whose story's end, for the first time, will be determined by an audience of observer(s) unsuspectingly "observed".

The bad guy is The System. The System is powerful, almost too powerful for the protagonist's hope of victory or assure the foe, vindication.

Its a story about the power of the money as a medium of exchange. Money stops at nothing or anyone without the subtle influence of exchange it can buy. It is a case that when closed will have revealed the formula of influence.

By the time this case goes through the justice system, the lives of innocents caught in the cross-fire will be forever changed for better, worse, but changed.

The stake: an empire and one of the most coveted position of leadership.

The victim: a foreigner ignorant to the ways of the country granting asylum.

It appears that some type of high-level discretionary "incident" is now less discrete. The seemingly naive victim must now, for the first time, learn the "sideways" heart of the host country. And the reckless, irrational ego, will have to rely on The System to keep it strong. For Money, its just a matter of formalities, bit of humiliation and pretentious sanction(s). But not one second's doubt of eventual victory.

The victim has to blindly trust those who rush to aid, test the allegiance of the few intimates, and hope against The Power that seduces by presenting opportunity to realize hopes and dreams deferred.

This is about culture, history, war, race and gender whose future is most often determined, controlled and dependent on The System.

Imagine watching an illusion(ist) work, a Jedi-mind trick moment, you see but you don't.. Get your popcorn, sit back... as the story picks up with shout-outs to the Defense for POI (defendant) because according to an article in the...

Seven White Boys and Bobby Seale

2013-02-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

Yippies, Youth and Purpose

The Month of February is an opportunity to be entertained and educated in US History. Particularly "Black" history as it seems, that story, has not yet been fully told. So in that spirit, go to the movies and watch true Indie-Film throwback, The Chicago 8.

"...Never in America's history has youthful protest captured society's imagination
nor polarized it to such a degree..."

Educational, Activism, Politics, Inspirational, Passion

http://vimeo.com/47212490

Brother's Keeper Shade of Kray

2012-12-14T13:29:00.001-08:00

2012-03-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

"Undefeated" on the gridiron of life. At Oscars, too?

By Bob Tourtellotte LOS ANGELES | Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:57am EST (Reuters) - It can't be easy making Sean "Diddy" Combs cry, but Oscar-nominated documentary film "Undefeated" did -- four times. "I cried like a baby in my house," the rap mogul, fashion impresario, actor and show business entrepreneur told Reuters. On its surface, which in this case is the football field, "Undefeated" is a tale of athletes who mature during their high school football season. But scratch that surface and the movie bleeds the stuff of human drama -- overcoming hardship, sacrifice, personal growth, human bonding, love. Combs, a high school player himself before injury took him off the field and put him on the road to rap music stardom, saw all of that on the big screen. And when asked to put his stamp of celebrity on "Undefeated" as executive producer, he agreed. Winning his backing is not unlike what happened to 2009's "Precious." That movie had screened at festivals and earned critical raves before Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry signed on to support it as executive producers and tireless promoters. "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" went on to earn six nominations and win two, for best supporting actress, Mo'Nique, and screenwriting, Geoffrey Fletcher. To be sure, Combs knows his name brings media attention to a documentary that otherwise might not get any. He is quick to say he doesn't need recognition or financial reward. His goal is to get "Undefeated" seen by audiences because its tale of character building and personal growth is one that should be heard by all. "I just fell in love with the movie," he said. "I fell in love with the way the coach interacted with the kids ... and just the spirit of the entire area of North Memphis." THE GAME OF LIFE North Memphis is an impoverished area of Memphis, Tennessee, and the kids on its Manassas High School team are mostly African American. Many have been raised in single-parent homes, and some have already been in jail. The school, founded in 1899, had never won a football playoff. More prosperous schools paid it to play games because its team was easy to beat. Then, in 2004, Bill Courtney, who owned a lumberyard near the school, volunteered to coach. A former college football player at the University of Mississippi, he admittedly just loves the game and loves to coach. But once Courtney, who's white, started to instruct the players in the game, he became their leader in life. In his players, he saw himself -- a young boy raised by a single mom who longed for male guidance at home and school as much as on the gridiron. Race doesn't play much of a role, if any, in his relationship with the layers, and it is almost never mentioned in the documentary. "Undefeated" isn't about the game so much as it is about how the game reveals the character of the people who play it, according to Courtney. It shows people who we all can become with a little guidance, support and love. Courtney educates players and movie audiences in compassion, sacrifice, teamwork, growth and success. Football, he said, "teaches a lot of life lessons, and it offers us things we think about in our lives. We get injured on a personal level. We get injured in our businesses ... and we have to keep going." The film marks a first-time collaboration for its makers, Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, and in the Oscar race for best documentary, it's an underdog against the likes of "Pina" by Wim Wenders, "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory" from Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, "Hell and Back Again" by Danfung Dennis, and "If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front" from Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman. But just being at the world's top film awards -- Hollywood's Super Bowl, in effect -- is a big victory for "Undefeated." Asked about the possibility of a win on February 26, Combs is rather blunt: "I mean, it doesn't even matter. The success of the movie won't be defined by if it wins the Oscar." Even in "Undefeated," which opened in theaters this weekend, winning isn't everything. Success is the key thing Courtney teaches, and success is not always defined by a score at the end of a game or how much money one has in his or her pocket. At Manassas High in North Memphis, audiences "see what you think about every time you think about the worst of the worst," Courtney said. Yet, "every day those kids get up, they go to school and they find humor, and they try. They try, and that is endearing in itself." (Reporting By Bob Tourtellotte; Editing by Sheri Linden)

Sade (Shar-day): Soldier of Love Songs

2011-08-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

The only thing better would have been a Sade performance on Nokia's Theatre Stage, though LA Live's Staples Center never disappoints. As expected, Sade was as stunning, sultry and beautiful as expected but the additional treat was the band members who were just as impressive! Only Pandora can tell you better, just how many female artists Sade has birthed. If you're one of those concert goers who can appreciate the flawless vinyl sound, you'll love this show! One of the last few performances before Sade leaves the states is Socal's Oaktown, See it!

Artist: Sade
Performance: Supreme
Set(s): Yes, Multi-Visual media
Performance Timeliness: On time
Opening Act: John Legend
Venue: Staples Center @LAlive!
Approx. Audience attendance size: sold-out
Audience age: 18 - 80+

Buffett's Rule

2010-11-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/index

Another CHIcaGO boy!

2010-06-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Chicago seems to be a town with enough inspiration or good water that breeds a lot of successful and talented artists.. not to mention the pre-stomping ground for the the current Commander and Chief of the U.S.
Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., aka "Common" from the rap with a conscience/consciousness movement, has continued the illusion of a city chocked with inspiration.
Most recently Mr. Lynn co-starred with Queen Latifah in "Just Wright", a film and role where he didnt have to reach any farther than his dad as a study since Lonnie Lynn Sr. once played professional basketball in the ABA league. Whether college, writing, performing, designing or acting, this Chicago- bred talent keeps growing.
Check out Entourage's Jeremy Piven , also a CHItown product, set trends wearing one of his fav "skimmers", a "Sicillian revival of newsboy and Paperboy caps". designed by Lynn/Common's Soji hat line
Grab one at La Coppola Storta

2010-05-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson - This Is It - Directed by Spike Lee from 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks on Vimeo.

EVOLVE Laughing

2010-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

There's a new surge of comedy relief. And right now some of the best is coming from an Indian, a Brit and a Canadian. Whats cool and new is the cultural sharing that looks a lot like...well, culture. I want a friend like Eddie Izzard, a head therapist like Ricky Gervais and a good times hang loose partner like Russell Peters. Izzard paints Mac's internetting simplicity over Windows through a verbal re-enactment that has "ROTFLMFAO" factor. Ricky Gervais? Had I never had an occasion to be without any entertainment except for Ricky Gervais' "Extras" TV series I would have so missed out on some serious-ly funny stuff...and Peter's ability to hone in on all cultural sensitivities in a non-judgmental yet clearly critical way makes you feel like family. Izzard and Peters have already traipsed thru Nokia Theatre recently but there's still time to catch Gervais if not sold out, treat yourself to at least one of the muses, (Gervais), performing at LA LIVE (USA:)
May 15th - 16th!

Monsta!

2009-12-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga gave it to LA LIVE last night on the 1st of a three night revue @ Nokia Theatre. She came hard and sold the story of Gaga to a sold-out party of diverse and devoted fans, some decked out in their favorite Lady Gaga persona. The sold-out Lady Gaga saga continues Tues., Dec. 22 - Wed. 23.

Artist: Lady Gaga

Performance: Inimitable

Set(s): Yes

Performance Timeliness: diva time (fans didn't seem to mind), encourages cameras and photos-taking

Opening Act: Semi Precious Weapons

Venue: la live

Approx. Audience attendance size: sold-out

Audience age: 18 - 70+

2009-12-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga is headed to LALive for a sold out 3-day performance (Dec. 21-23)! The mystique of Gaga includes her private convent school education (the same, attended by Hilton sisters) and matriculation to NYU's" Tisch school . Despite the appearance of a wealthy background she has a story of dues paid in full in journeying to Lady Gaga. And since papa is in the information highway business along with owning Gaga publishing, my guess is that we've only seen the beginning of the Gaga factor.

2009-11-09T01:28:00.000-08:00

Despite R. Kelly's tumultuous past and legal problems, he is still a musical wonder

who does not have to rely on elaborate sets or flash and dazzle to keep his fans. Not only did he perform the fans most wanted songs, he threw in, yet another MJ(Michael Jackson) clip from his personal arsenal. The crowd roared and cheered with delight to see the haunting image of MJ inside a car, bopping and grooving to "Ignition"!
Artist:R. Kelly
Performance: Consummate
Set: none/video
Performance Timeliness: on-time, encourages cameras and picture-taking
Opening Act: 2, P. Pleasure/K. Michelle
Venue: la live
Approx. Audience attendance size: 5,000+
Audience age: 18 - 70+

GOOD STUFF -Entertainment

2009-11-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

Kim Gun Mo, one of Korea' top/legendary artist in first U.S. concert. Diverse entertainer whose repertoire includes most popular musical genres: pop, soul, reggae, ballads, old school, etc...He not only sings, but dances, tell jokes, interacts with audience, very formidable back-up dancers and fashion trendsetter!

Artist:Kim Gun Mo
Performance: unexpectedly awesome!
Set: videos
Performance Timeliness: on-time, courteous to late arrivals
Opening Act: none, but great female vocalist
Venue: la live
Approx. Audience attendance size: 5,000+
Audience age: 15 - 70+

All I want for Christmas is...

2008-12-24T23:34:00.000-08:00

How about a one-of-a-kind something pink! When you can dream it AND buy it, then why not? Paris Hilton may have had a little bad luck recently with the 2 million dollar break-in at her home, BUT surely the new customized bentley she co-designed was a nice consolation.

A run-on summary of Seven Pounds

2008-12-21T23:32:00.000-08:00

Ben Thomas is racked with guilt and grief over his wife's death as result of his text-messaging while driving and to atone for and perhaps get some sense of peace, a therapy-failed Thomas concocts a delusional plan that will enhance life for deserving people selectively chosen and interviewed who will receive organs he provides by coordinating a "perfect" suicide in an ice-filled plus one-deadly-square-jellyfish, bathtub in a motel room.

Did China CUT New York Time's Mic?

2008-12-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

According to reports, computer users in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou were unable to access New York Times online website since Thursday and remains unaccessible today, Saturday, Dec.20th. Chinese representatives question about the issue could offer no explanation or assistance in the matter.

Hova, Sasha Fierce and a Brit On-Board for 2009 Inaugural Ball

2008-12-16T18:37:00.000-08:00

Jay-z, Beyonce and Leona Lewis are purportedly on the performance schedule for a portion of the Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies. Late November, London's Sun Newspaper reported that the Lewis team was working out the details to ensure Leona joins the married duo during the January 20th Inauguration festivities.