The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble at The Shrine

Standing in the crowded club, I couldn’t help but wonder what all these people had come to hear. I came to take pictures, and had no idea what I was about to see. I expected to see a jazz band called Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, but as the stage filled up with seven young men, I started to feel confused. And then I saw the brass. As they started the driving melody, the harmonies reminded me of the Afro-Pop I grew up with. I was instantly transported back to Nigeria, to Fela Kuti shows complete with drums, horns, and dancers. Keep Reading [More Photos, Video Inside]

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Ife

#NewMusic #WTT “Murder To Excellence”

#NoChurchInTheWild Is trending on Twitter and the people have spoken early about their favorite song on #WTT. Murder to Excellence is arguably the realest. On this track, Kanye & Jay Z paid homage to the victims of gun violence in their communities, more specifically, 48 shootings in 48 hours #PutTheGunsDown Jump For Song &Lyrics

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DJWillieShakes

Happy ’50th’ Bday President Obama!!!

The President will be partying with the people of Chicago today as he reaches the big Hawaii 5-0! But I’m curious to know if he will be allowed to have his cake and eat it too…

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DJWillieShakes

#NewMusicWednesday: Common x “Summer Madness” (Prod. By #NoID)

Will Smith’s “Summertime” was cool but it wasn’t as in depth as it could’ve been. The summer madness Common is referring to is the kind that I can, unfortunately, relate to. Last April, the sun peeked out and there were 41 shooting victims within 50 hours and 31 incidents. When the sun comes out, my people can’t wait to act ig’nant.

Check Out Summer Madness 2011!!!

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DJWillieShakes

Rhymefest: It Ain’t Sweet, Live or Diabetes!

Getter better, bro. Festival…The struggle continues and you’re not alone! Lil Boosie, Ghostface Killah, Phife Dawg, Shawty Lo, are amongst the select few familiar faces in hip-hop that are affected by diabetes.

Either we live right or we’re gonna die. It’s that simple. Us black folks really need to start paying attention to and taking care of ourselves because we’re apparently culturally susceptible to some of these things that are taking us out.

Read up on a bunch of interesting facts about diabetes by clicking HERE.

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DJWillieShakes