As we speak I am in the middle of a level 3 typhoon. Last night we were at level 8. We have just been advised there is now a cyclone warning and we are stuck with the decision of whether to catch our 26 hr train to Beijing or wait here “just in case”. Im sure by the time I finish this we will have made this critical choice.

This week has been emotional. The 2 1/2 hour flight from Hong Kong to Phnom Penh felt like 200 years. After a total of 39 hours on the road we finally arrived. Here is the story on video.

In regards to the 26 hour train ride to Beijing, despite the cyclone approaching we have been informed that its ok to travel by train.. so off we go out into the pouring rain to catch the 87d bus 15 mins to Hung Hom Station our train leaves in less then an hour.

CHECK OUT THE PICTURES FROM THE TRIP SO FAR.

www.feleciacruz.com

www.twitter.com/feleciacruz

peace everybody!
so I want to take this week’s “She’s So Fresh” Fridayz to acknowledge and give props to a sista that has been one of the many amazing women integral to the business of entertainment and Hip Hop. Thembisa S. Mshaka. her contributions include award winning campaigns for Sony Music, as Senior Copywriter, that helped fuel sales of over 150 million albums for artists like Wyclef Jean, Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, not to mention one of our favorite artists and woman MC’s, Lauryn Hill.

Her book “Put Your Dreams First, Handle Your Entertainment Business” was recently published and in it she shares first hand knowledge of the work that gets done behind the scenes. Compiling the stories of women in the industry including her own, from successes to struggles, she gives young women words of encouragement, caution and advice.

As the former rap editor for GAVIN, and a true supporter of Hip Hop throughout her career, her contribution to “25 Hip-Hop Icons“, an academic reference volume published by Greenwood Press stands as only one example. she’s fresh because she is one of the countless women has handled her business with grace, dignity and wisdom not to mention being a wife and a mother. she continues to embrace her life’s journey, and it was a pleasure to ask her some questions:

me: did you imagine when you started that you would have this life long relationship with Hip Hop in particular?
Thembisa S. Mshaka: Not at all. I went to college studying International Relations to become a diplomat or ambassador; I simply wound up doing that in the entertainment world. Who I am in my career is the bridge between creativity and commerce.

me: have you ever had something said to you that was flat out sexist and discriminatory? how did you address it?
Thembisa S. Mshaka: Sure. Depending on the situation I would A: engage them in conversation about it B: ignore it knowing it deserved no audience or C: involve the authorities be that Human Resources or my attorney. I think women should place cease & desists on men who call them sexist names in the work sphere–reputation is like cash in our industry!
me: you were responsible for the Marketing Campaign for, arguably, one of the most influential female MCs ever, Ms. Lauryn Hill. were there any issues you in particular that you had to deal with that you felt were popping up b/c you’re a woman? b/c Lauryn is a woman?
Thembisa S. Mshaka: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was my first project as Senior Copywriter for Sony. I was determined to make it great, and not so much nervous as I was anxious. I knew I had an advantage because Lauryn and I had met years before when I was enlisted to help break the Fugees at GAVIN–and, I am hip-hop, which no other writer on the team was at that time.
Among many great things about that extraordinary project was all the Black women involved with it: Stephanie Gayle did the product marketing, Yvette Noel-Schure did the PR, Lisa Ellis in promotion, Debra Ginyard on styling, Joan Baker who voiced the campaign, and many others. I also have to acknowledge the brilliant design of Erwin Gorostiza–he created the album package, which is an undeniable classic. We were all committed to that campaign being authentic and iconic. It was very important to me that all the copy I wrote for it reflected honesty and greatness. The world needed to hear Lauryn’s voice apart from the context of The Fugees, and not just as a rapper, but as a songwriter and producer. It’s a career highlight for me to have had the charge of representing her work to the world. It was her project that showed me my campaign work was being used worldwide; I saw a ‘Miseducation’ poster I created translated into Spanish while on vacation and it hit me then what kind of impact my work was making. And after 10 GRAMMY(r) nominations and 5 wins–including Album of the Year, she remains hugely influential. With that victory, she opened the door for emcees to win for Album of the Year, including Outkast.
As for issues we encountered because she’s a woman, the entire creative and marketing team was also very intent on showcasing her beauty, her actual skin tone, and her natural hair. All retouching, makeup, etc had to be true to Lauryn’s essence. A testament to both her vision as an artist, and our dedication as executives. Also, I had to get creative for her premiere TV spot. She was 5 months pregnant, so we had her sit at a desk in her high school classroom writing lyrics in a notebook so no one would focus on her figure. That was an incredible spot because of all the history it held for her.

me: you drop so much knowledge in your book, but what would you say would be the cardinal rule for young women that want to get into this industry? if you had to pick one..
Thembisa S. Mshaka: The Cardinal rule for young women has to be not to trade sex for access. It is infinitely more destructive than the one-night stand you think it is. It will also erode your reputation and the level of respect conferred on you by others. No kneepads at work!

words to live by. Thembisa S. Mshaka is an inspiration and her book “Put Your Dreams First, Handle Your Entertainment Business” is a truthful and inspiring look behind the scenes at industry of music and not just the music itself. so big ups to her and all her endeavors because “She’s So Fresh”!

www.thembisamshaka.com

so here’s hoping you all have a dope weekend! and remember, save the date 8/6!! the “She’s So Fresh” Showcase is on deck and poppin!!

hit me on twitter to stay up on 8/6 and “She’s So Fresh”!
peaces,
rox

So, my goal to get in shape is still in progress. I’ve been moved by many of you who have joined our “Just Bee Healthy” fitness group to encourage each other and also your comments to me. Thanks so much for the encouragement! We’re all in this together and I believe me, support is always needed

My third week into my new routine, I got a tad sidetracked. I had a very cool trip last month to New York. I got a chance to hang out with some old friends, some I hadn’t seen in over ten years!

Kitab and Marcy! Love these two

I met with some clients in person that I only knew over the phone, and my favorite time was when I got to hang out with Hasan (my hubby). We visited some memorable dating locations (since it’s been a couple of years since we’ve been back at the same time) And, of course I loved my New York City temptations: the FOOD…oh Justice ,where are you when I need you? (Justice is my trainer for those who don’t know)

I know, I know…everything in moderation as they say, but after my second night in NY, I was itching like a drug addict for a hit. I wanted some Amy Ruth’s BAD! (Delicious soul food spot in Harlem on 116th in case you get the itch too. LOL)
Oh yeah, I swore I would behave while on vacation. Salads only I told myself, yeah right. Hasan wasn’t in town yet and I never go there by myself, but this night I said, “Oh, what the hell! I haven’t eaten Amy Ruth’s in over a year!” I’m very good at rationalizing. I went on, ” I don’t care if I look greedy, I’m going!” I ordered my old favorite dish; fried chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, with string beans and you can’t forget the SWEEEEET ICE TEA. Whoooh, they must put 50 sugars in that cup.

Kelley and Tonia from Amy Ruth’s

Well, I must admit, I didn’t feel so greedy or guilty after a while and I know I should have. I made friends with the girls next to me and we were talking like we knew each other for years. I insisted to my new friends Kelley-Brown (what a coincidence) and Tonia that I would eat half and take the rest home. Not! After some good conversation, I looked down and to my surprise, I had cleaned off everything but the chicken bones in my plate.

The next morning, I did a whole lot of walking, jumped roped, squats, abs by the FDR Highway overlooking the city. Oh yeah, I was working it OUT! But then, as days went on, I got busier and busier. Late nights catching up with my girls and early mornings out for meetings, my time was more limited then I expected. And of course I just had to forget my new 30 Day Shred DVD with Jillian Michaels that I bought specifically so that I couldn’t make excuses for not working out.

I did make up for lack of exercise by walking as much as I could, instead of the subway, I’d walk 20 blocks or more. In Florida, I don’t get to walk as much unless it’s in the park. You’re always in your car and sorry to say Floridians…ya’ll are kinda lazy when it come to walking. Drive-thru everything! Banks, Starbucks, CVS, and Walgreens? COME ON! So, if you have the luxury of living a city and can walk, DO IT!

Well, after my stay in NYC, I had a part -two of my trip. I was off to get some more Reiki training from Dana Smith-Rogers who is not only one of my girlfriends but also my one of my teachers. Find out how I got my pay back from her…in part two next week!

Well, for those who tend to slack on your fitness routine when they have a business trip or on vacation, here’s Justice Tip for the week, more to come!:

Just Bee Healthy Fitness Weekly Tip from Justice:
“Many people struggle with normal work out regimens, so imagine how hard it is to stay on task when traveling. Assuming the hotel you have selected does not have some sort of exercise room here is a strong tip.
Invest in a portable gym. Bands are a great way to take the workout on the road. Inexpensive, light weight, durable, and versatile, you can easily keep the routine going on the road. Spending 20 to 30 minutes on power-bands have kept many people where they want to be.” Justice

Interested in Training with Justice? Give him a call at 216-849-2882. Tell him Simone sent ya!

Simone Kelly Brown, the passionate visionary behind Own Your Power Communications, encourages you to own your business and pursue a holistic lifestyle. Check her community out and connect with like-minds here: http://www.ownyourpower.ning.com

They rocked literally on the edge…And me….Dancing on the edge- what the hell was I thinking….Definitely was on a natural high that day….

The crowds below definitely were feeling Coolooloosh and even though the fans looked way up to see them- they felt the energy and dynamics….

Here’s a taste!

Coolooloosh are rocking Sex Wax at Sutra w/ The Beatards-  Wednesday, July 22nd.

23rd at Joe’s Pub w/ Bunny Sigler 7:30PM

July 26th- Sunday at End of the Weak- Pyramid

July 27th-  Hard Rock Cafe-  Boston

July 29th- Tillman’s Lounge

August 2nd-  Cow Palace- SF

On another note– they vibed with Keith Shocklee- yeah I said it right….And I hear they’re going to record this weekend!!!!

Typing from: Her studio in Stockholm

Darlings! I love you and I love you dearly. But don’t really feel like writing today. is that ok? Boring? I guess…let’s listen to some music instead. ..

…I say today let’s go Jesse Boykins III. I know he’s your homeboy and I know that you heard of him before. Bút he does deserve the buzz…

… if you get a chance to see him with his band…please do so

Love//k

Twitter:

kisseyasplund

Blog:

en: Somwhatstrangelife.blogspot.com

swe: kisseypasvenska.blogspot.com

www:

Kisseyasplund.com

ON THE RECORD: The Scratch DJ Academy Guide is an authoritative guide to the dynamic art of DJing. More than just a “how-to,” this is a sonic adventure, guiding readers through 40 years of music, creativity, and culture. From beat matching to body tricks, Grandmaster Flash to Fatboy Slim, the Bronx to Ibiza, On the Record is the definitive cultural guide to this art form. So whether you’re learning the ropes, considering going pro, or just want to tap your inner DJ, this book is for you. Featuring an introduction by Moby, and over 45 celebrity DJ interviews, this book takes readers through the culture, lifestyle and stories behind this dynamic art form.
Click here for more information or to purchase
“This book needs to be in your vinyl collection. It’s what every DJ needs to be in the game and every music fan needs to understand the game. I put all my producers and DJ’s on this ‘cuz it’s what’s gonna take them to the next level.”

-Snoop Dogg

“Having worked with many DJ’s in my life and being one myself, I can tell you that this book is a must-read. If you’re a battle champion, a club DJ, or just a music enthusiast, you will definitely benefit from reading this book. Every one of us is a DJ. This book just makes us better. It’s about time!”
-Darryl McDaniels of Run-D.M.C.

About the Book

Despite the popularity and allure of the DJ, access to the art form, culture and lifestyle has been tucked away behind velvet ropes. Until now. The first book featuring Scratch DJ Academy, the world’s premiere brand in DJ education and access, explains how DJs are some of the most important artists in music and influencers in our culture today. ON THE RECORD: The Scratch DJ Academy Guide, gives readers an exciting peek into this dynamic world, ultimately challenging everyone to tap their inner DJ.

You’ll learn firsthand how to mix, scratch, and “drop on the 1”. And there’s even a glossary to define everything from cueing and sampling to beatmatching and beat juggling.
Whether you want to go pro, impress your friends at house parties, or just a music enthusiast, this is your book.

About the Authors
LUKE CRISELL started DJing at 17 and spent the following few years spinning records at clubs and bars up and down the South Coast of England. At age 22, Crisell left the UK behind and moved to New York to pursue an internship at NYLON magazine. Though he arrived in the city with nothing but a backpack, within weeks, Crisell’s internship had turned into a full time job, and four years later, he’s now the senior features editor at NYLON and NYLON Guys, and his freelance work has appeared in New York Magazine, Men’s Vogue, Monocle, Wallpaper, and the Independent.

PHIL WHITE is a contributing editor at Relevant and a frequent contributor to Nylon and Nylon Guys. His work has appeared in 34, Radiant, and Leader, and his business writing won a Public Relations Society of America PRISM award in 2007.
In 2001, ROB PRINCIPE, a long-time music enthusiast, co-founded the Scratch DJ Academy with Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C. He was mesmerized by the DJ, but realized that the barrier to entry for this dynamic art form was extremely high. As such, he set out to create an on ramp for the art form and help bring together a fragmented community through education and access. Principe is currently Scratch’s CEO.

About Scratch DJ Academy
Scratch DJ Academy is the world’s premiere DJ academy with locations in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Scratch provides students with access to celebrity DJ instructors, copyrighted curriculum and state-of-the-art equipment on which to learn. Legendary DJ’s take the students from the technical aspects to performance preparation and trouble shooting. Scratch DJ Academy isn’t just about technique though. A big part of any class is sharing musical passions, rare finds, and new ideas about mixing sounds and emotions on the decks. The academy has been featured in many major media outlets including the New York Times, USA Today, The New Yorker, the Wall Street Journal and more.

i give my boarding pass to the agent and walk down the jetway and into the plane.  the flight is full and it is with great effort that i finally reach my seat.  a middle seat.  oh well, i don’t care.  just as long as we’re finally leaving.  i put my backpack under the seat in front of me and put on my headphones.  finally leaving.  i close my eyes and listen to marty sammon’s new recording.  it’s sounding great and i’m feeling a little less irritated when i feel a tapping on my arm.  i look up and one of the sky waitresses is saying something to me.  i take my headphones off.
‘the captain has requested that you be removed from this flight.’  she snoots.
‘um.  why.  i’m not doing anything.  i haven’t said a word to anyone since i got on the plane.’
‘well it’s up to the captain’s discretion and he has requested-’
‘yeah, yeah. i got it.’  and start getting up.  that is not an argument i’m going to come out on the good side of, i know.  so i keep my mouth shut and walk down the aisle and off the plane.  when i get to the gate there are two cops standing there.  one of them says to me,
‘is there going to be a problem?’
‘no problem.  i’m leaving.’
and for the fourth time that day i take the long walk between the terminal and the airtrain.  i think back to how the day started and wonder how it came to this.  it’s all a big blur anyway.  the first woman with the crazy ribbon hair who wouldn’t print me a boarding pass when the kiosks wouldn’t work.  i was too late.  the flight was closed. ’bullshit,’  was what i said. the first bar and watching the u.s. open and taking it easy.  missing the next flight because i didn’t want to pay the $100 it would’ve taken to guarantee my seat and there were no standby seats available.  ’this is bullshit,’ was what i said.  leaving the airport and going to a bar called the rail at the end of the airtrain, where the howard beach subway stop is.  the four hours talking to locals and yelling at the t.v.   going back to the airport and almost missing the next flight because the securtiy line was insane this time.  only to find out that the flight was an hour late.  ’this is fucking bullshit,’ was what i said that time when i got to the gate.  and then i remembered that guy in the uniform standing behind the gate agent.  i was telling her my sob story starting with the kiosks not working and how the line was too long and this fat woman with the gift wrapped head wouldn’t expedite my boarding pass and this guy behind her chimes in,
‘that’s why we recommend you arrive an hour prior to departure.’
well this was the tenth time i’d heard this today so i said in a mocking na-na voice,
‘that’s why we recommend you arrive an hour prior to departure.’  and then in my own voice, ‘thanks, pal.’
and i walked away.
yeah.  that guy was probably the captain.  and it’s a long way home.

tonite
the dred scott trio
rockwood music hall
midnite
ben rubin, bass
tony mason, drums

wednesday nite
intermission piano
puppet’s jazz - http://www.puppetsjazz.com/
john mcneil quartet - http://www.mcneiljazz.com/
sets at 9:30, 11 and 12:30

A latin flavor is heating up the scene here in Tel Aviv. I stumbled upon a really interesting video recently featuring friend and famous Israeli musician (Hadag Nachash MC and solo artist), Guy Mar. The video is called Rap2Spain and is the brainchild of Israeli immigrant of Chilean descent, hip hop artist and visionary, Jair M3. Jair moved to Israel in 2006 and has definitely caught the attention of fellow Israeli musicians. His passionate outlook on his responsibility to not only his heritage, but his new home is apparent in the project.

The Rap2Spain project was inspired by Jair’s strong emotions about the situation with Israel and the way it is depicted in Spanish media. His concept is based on the idea: “Ni el Bien, ni el Mal, lo Real”, meaning “Not Good, Not Evil, Real” in Spanish. He says this is “a proposition to look for an alternative and more authentic way of connecting with reality, leaving aside simplistic black and white visions.” He also states that his “project doesn’t take a political stand or represent a political agenda, it’s only purpose is to create bridges across peoples, promote dialogue, and include as many people as possible.”

The video was the first I’ve heard of this inspirational artist. His conscious hip hop truly embodies an urban quality with influences of Spanish and Israeli sounds and an aesthetic in the cinematography of the video that you just cannot help and take note of.

What is also cool to see in the production are scenes from both Tel Aviv and Spain in the video. “Israel is my home, and I love it, but Spain, Chile and other places in the Hispanic world are also a fundamental part of my life, my friends, my musical influences. The problem is that when I am in those places I feel there’s an abyss between what people say about my country and the REALITY that I see and live. I thought that with my music I could help to show such reality, to open some eyes and to leave aside extreme positions and promote dialogue and connections between people.”

It is clear that Jair is plainly connected with his new environment in Israel, but he still has deep connections with the Hispanic world at the artistic and personal level. Jair and I discussed his thoughts on the Israeli hip hop in general. “Israel is a MAGIC place, and has given me millions of incredible experiences and beautiful moments…Tel Aviv is my home sweet home, a place full of people, cultures, languages and diversity. Coexistence is the key word here, and that gives Tel Aviv special energy to exist…It’s not easy to be respected in the whole world for your hip hop being from here, so I give all my respect for all the amazing rappers of Israel keeping it real.”

Jair was privleged to work with some of Israel’s leading hip hop musicians in the scene right now. “Working together in this project with Guy Mar and Axum was a gift to me. They are incredible artists and they are an excellent example of what Israeli hip hop artists are.” Guy also commented that he felt that this was a really great project to work on and a very special way to promote Israel.

The project contained many special collaborations including not only Guy Mar and Axum, but Alejo Stivel, a very well-known musical producer in Spain, David Broza, Michael from Mayumana and Idan Raichel among others. “Every single person who joins is key to build a collaborative window made of real people showing real faces to the real world. Bienvenido a Lo Real.”

Jair is really focused on developing this project even further and is planning upcoming performances. Tel Avivian’s: be on the lookout!

You can find out more about JairM3 and information on the project here.

Check out this amazing project below!

WOW! What a week!! UNLIMITED, it’s true. A big thank you to everyone who came out to SOB’s on Wednesday,  we had a great turnout! Nero, Fresh Daily and Outasight killed it! Crosby did an amazing job hosting and DJ Vinyl Richie kept the crowd pumped! Special guests, JJ Brown & Eternia, Eyeris, and Dao Jones closed out the night, it was great to have my music family under one roof! A big thank you to our raffle sponsors: Yellow Rat Bastard, Renaissance Hotel Times Square, Puma, Put Your Dreams First by Thembisa Mshaka, City Kid by Nelson George and the Lucy Ball clock by Clock Work Cros!

Many thanks to everyone who has supported this release: The Bloom Effect, Imeem, Fusicology, SESAC, SOB’s, Thisisrealmusic, Couch Sessions, Pop Polio, Rise Up, Myspace, Myxer, Giant Step, Allthatsfab, Soultalk, Soul Commune, Felecia Cruz, Crosby, Wesley Clouden, CoCo Black, HOWL, Hip Hop HOWL, my family and friends  & my twitter fam re-tweeting every step of the way! Follow me at: twitter.com/mizmetro

To recap this week so far, I was a featured artist on Myspace.com’s music homepage this weekend and got over 22,000 plays  in 3 days! The music video for “Trashion” will be featured on myspace’s video homepage Tuesday-Thursday! Myspace has the exclusive on the video, be sure to check it out : ) most of the album is up on myspace as well check it out at: myspace.com/mizmetro

To hear the full album go to: imeem.com/mizmtro which was featured on Imeem’s homepage last week! The album is available for purchase on www.mizmetro.com !

Giant Step did a nice feature and special download promo for SOB’s as well, Get a FREE download of “Ask Why” through GIANT STEP click HERE

The Free Ringtone for “Trashion” was featured on MYXER.com on Thursday and got over 5,500 downloads!! For a limited time only the whole album is available via ringtones for FREE, you can customize it to your favorite part of the song!

More from Miz Metro at Myxer

SOB’s Photo’s by Demian Faulkner

Outasight
Click here to view the embedded video.
Fresh Daily
Click here to view the embedded video.
Nero
Click here to view the embedded video.

Check out the interview I did with TheCouchSessions.com, a very dope blog- Miz Metro on The Couch Sessions.com

That’s all till next week!!! Where I will start featuring my favorite artists again!! It’s been all about this release, but I have some great features lined up! Radio Rose’s earrings-for the fashion feature- and M.C K.Swift’s new video! Also check out www.FeleicaCruz.com who just landed in Cambodia to put Chanty into school! To follow her travels, and learn more about FIGHTING FOR FUTURES check out her site, when she returns we’ll be working on a lot of very cool events to help fund raise to start a learning center in Cambodia!!

Much love! And thanks for reading!!!

xoxo

MM

After our last fundraiser for Chanty and a sleepless night preparing to head back to Cambodia, Tammy and I still found energy to record every step of the way from BROOKLYN to HONG KONG.

As I type this I am sitting at a CHARGING STATION in Hong Kong for at least the next 7 hours, already been here for 5 hours, good thing I have all my gear with me,and lots of work to catch up on. Plus the flight from here to Phnom Penh,Cambodia WAS FREE via Asia Miles so who cares about a little layover….

This week I will be holding a recording session in the slums of Boeung kak Lake where Chanty, her family and friends live. I have a mic,a macbook and spills beats….

IF ANYONE WANTS TO PARTICIPATE PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR BEATS BOOKING@FELECIACRUZ.COM ANY STYLE IS WELCOME. ALSO, I WIL RELEASE A DATE AND TIME YOU CAN CATCH ME ON SKYPE, IF YOU’D LIKE TO MEET CHANTY FOR YOURSELF…..MY SKYPE USER NAME IS FELECIACRUZ.

ps. We also have meetings to start the process of the learning center,so get ready to fundraise from August to October!

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT..

www.twitter.com/feleciacruz

www.feleciacruz.com