http://twitter.com/AdotEVANS
If you turn on the radio or if you are familiar with any of the latest songs that are in rotation you probably hear a certain sound that is in most of the music these days. From T-Pain to Jamie Fox auto tune has been force fed to us at an alarming rate. This synthesized sound has been around for ages since the days of George Clinton, to Teddy Riley to today's outrageous usage. It seems today auto tune has either become a requirement to make a hit single or everyone just feels the need to use it in order to make a fast buck. If that is the case then artistry is truly dead, music or artistic expression turned to conformity is tragic. Kanye, T-Pain, and Lil Wayne have definitely delivered home runs while using auto tone, but one has to wonder when does the use of a particular sound become too much? When do hip hop fans say enough? When do the artists get tired of it? When does music become music again?
When does Auto Tune die?
Jay Z Speaks Out
By now we have all heard the song "Death of Auto Tune" and we have all heard the interviews with Jay-Z publicly displaying his stance on the usage of auto tune. It appears Jay feels the same way that most hip hop fans feel and that is; "Every record doesn't NEED auto tone". The fact that a song titled "Death of Auto Tune" can be released on Friday and have the entire world going crazy by Sunday is a clear indication that hip hop is possibly ready for a change. Jay Z addresses his stance by indicating how he feels the saturation is becoming like all overstretched trends, in one word corny. T-Pain, Wayne, and Kanye were all given credit by Jay for making great music using auto tone, however, when every artist decides to use it the added value auto tone can bring for some begins to diminish. Though it appears some are pleased with Jay addressing a pretty valid issue there are plenty who are aggravated and annoyed and feel Jay is trying to draw attention to himself, which makes me wonder is the anti auto tone movement a valid statement or a just another stunt?
What Now?
The anti auto tone movement is definitely a wrench in the agenda of some artist and label execs. We all must wonder; what does the up and coming artist do if auto tone was part of their formula? What are they going to do now? Does the artist go back to the drawing board or is it too late? If auto tone becomes something considered played out will anyone still use it? How will this usage or non usage affect the feedback of released songs now? Maybe artistry will become artistry again. Maybe this movement will enable up and coming artist to finally be themselves and make music they love as opposed to a mechanical mundane single as a mere way of making money, it is called "Show Business" but when the business impairs the show certain aspects need to be revoked. What's your stance?
What Do You Think?
Marketing Buzz of the Week
By Max Rivers
http://www.Twitter.Com/MaxRivers
New Apple IPhone Unveiled
Apple on Monday opens its annual Worldwide Developer's Conference in San Francisco, where tech analysts expect the company to tout its new iPhone 3.0 software, and a new iPhone. It will also preview the next version of its operating system for Mac computers, OS X Snow Leopard.Apple is facing renewed competition from rival Palm, which starts selling its brand new - and well-received - Palm Pre Smartphone during the weekend with exclusive partner Sprint.
"They had to come out with a new iPhone now, to one-up the Pre," says Gene Munster, an analyst with Piper Jaffray. Munster expects mid-July availability for any new iPhone. He also expects tiered pricing, with an entry level model available for $149 (down from the current $199) and a premium phone with a video camera and higher capacity storage for $299.
The latest iPhone software, to be introduced this summer as a free upgrade (or $9.95 for folks who own Apple's iPod Touch media player) offers such enhancements as the ability to cut and paste web pages, and send MMS text messages with photos.
Real Talk: START SNITCHING Pt. 1
By Cedric D. Shine
http://twitter.com/NativeNotes
We see it glorified in old mob flicks, rap records hail it as the sin of all sins; the number one code of the streets; "don't snitch". LOYALTY, I understand the concept very well, but when does it border stupidity and become a cause in fact of the violence and destruction of our neighborhoods. The "Stop Snitching Campaign" was subliminally etched into our minds long before the celebrated t-shirts with stop signs and the word snitching embedded within. Well please forgive me, for I am about to break the ultimate code of honor, I'm about to become the rat of all rats, because my charge for us as a community is to... "START SNITCHING".
There, I said it, START SNITCHING, start snitching if you want your children to live past their elementary school graduation. Start Snitching if you want to stop living in fear as you walk to the corner store. As a people African Americans have a strong distrust for law enforcement, but can you blame them after seeing many of their leaders crippled by this system of American Justice. We vividly remember news clips of the Civil Rights Era, watching police officers brutally attack people of color with water hoses and K-9 dogs? Many of us can attest to the "random" car stops, the harassment and brutality that our people face on a daily basis from those who are supposed to protect and serve. Yet I still say START SNITCHING, for far too many of our children are becoming victims in the crossfire of drug wars, domestic disputes and other various forms of crime that begat violence.
What do you tell a mother who just lost her 6-year-old child to gun violence and you know what happened? What do we put on your grave when you're no longer here, "here lies a good man cause he wasn't no snitch". No, more like here lies a coward who was too afraid to take ownership of his community and protect the lives around him. Now you're thinking, "I'm not snitching because then they are going to come and get me". I agree, and sadly once again law enforcement does an awful job at protecting those who come forward with the truth. However I challenge you to put truth to the theory that there is power in numbers. If communities come together and take a stand, maybe we can combat these types of atrocities. We can put pressure on the legislators to create better programs for those who come forward, put pressure on city hall to allocate sufficient funds to city's police departments for such programs. Once we become aware of our power we won't have to live in fear, we will begin to think for the system and have our thoughts implemented, as they should be in the first place. We elect, key word "elect" public officials, they are in their positions to serve us. So if we don't feel safe it is our duty to get that message across to those who we have elected to make us feel protected. We can employ "effective snitching" by going to city council meetings, arranging town hall meetings and charging elected officials with doing their job and implementing programs that will make our streets safer. Our taxes are what pay the salaries of these elected officials and law enforcement personnel, so essentially they work for us, its time that we demand that they produce results!
I'm talking about taking a stand for the well being of the children we are raising. People know exactly what goes on around their neighborhoods from violence to drug dealing and they even know what times it is more probable that these crimes occur. Effective snitching means as a community going to these elected officials and providing them with this information, demanding that they not only look at the information but that they create a plan of action to address it. Jail time is supposed to serve as a deterrent for crimes committed, meaning if you do the crime you do the time. By not snitching and taking a blind eye to the crimes within our neighborhoods, we are sending young men and women the message that what they're doing is right and will be tolerated. We're saying there's no reason to think before you act because no one is going to tell so you don't have to worry about prison time, thus continuing the cycle of crime. No wonder the murder rates are so high, we have sent a message that people can be killed and we will protect the killers by keeping silent. START SNITCHING, effective snitching, lets be a catalyst for the change that we wish to see in our communities. Let's Make It Happen!
| La Familia: SEX IS A SPIRITUAL EXCURSION
By Shelli Tinae Price http://twitter.com/ShelliTinae www.themindofshellitinae.blogspot.com |
| All of our true desires are spiritual and our bodies are just vehicles to accomplish them, therefore even sex is a spiritual excursion. Trust me, your spirit is not looking for sex but rather a connection so deep, so intense, that you and your mate can move a mountain when your energies collide.
Last night on our radio show, "Straight Talk with Ella Bleu," our guest Erik Gordon said dating is all about SEX and that basically relationships begin and end with the mighty power of sex. |
| I think he's partially right but sex for the sake of penetration is a means to cover-up some deep seeded issues. Sex becomes a distraction so you don't have to deal with what you really want...which is ever lasting love. I think the problem is a lot of us don't even feel true love exists and have just given up somewhere along the say. Men have it the worst because they are taught the abuse of sex is a macho birthright but our gift from God is LOVE - not sex. You're spirit didn't travel light years to be right here, right now just to bust a... well you know what I'm getting at.
Hey, have sex like jackrabbits all you want - I'm not judging but instead I'm saying be mindful of your distractions vs. your spiritual desires but keep in mind awareness means you have greater responsibility. I've been there, done that, I'm definitely not a saint but the key is being aware of where you're at in your life and setting your sights on higher plateau's for the future. So tell me, what are your spiritual desires? AND if sex is a spiritual excursion...how are you going to get there? Check out our online radio show. Here's the link for the podcast: http://tobtr.com/s/554652 |
For more information and bookings visit www.Myspace.com/erkthajerk
Erk Tha Jerk is not your every day, ordinary rap artist. In an era where the majority of artists are all sounding the same, looking the same, and doing the same things, Erk stands out as a real one of a kind artist. At first glance, you would not assume that Erk was a rapper/producer/songwriter, but with his trademark glasses, wit, and laid back persona, he brings something that your average music listener can embrace and relate to. He explains, "Being myself is a must. That's the kind of music I make. Real sh*t. I don't feel the same every day. Some days I'm on my get money sh*t, then the next I'm on my chill at home sh*t. I just make sure everybody can relate".
In 2003 Erk joined an up and coming group, Kali Fam. The group enjoyed national success and respectable record sales, but after they returned home from tour, Kali Fam decided to go it's separate ways, leaving Erk free to pursue a solo career. Erk found that finding credible production to accompany his lyrics would not be an easy task, which led him to start teaching himself the art of making beats. After some time, Erk's production talents had become quite formidable, and he produced all of his own work, and other artists began seeking him out to produce their work as well.
Even though his status as a producer was growing, his heart has always been in his raps. In late 2007, he dropped "The Hood Nerd" mixtape, which created some buzz around him as an artist, and got the streets talking. The song "Dont Need Em" became a favorite of DJ's and listeners, and has been getting significant plays on 106.1 KMEL. In order to capitalize off the building buzz, Erk released "The Hood Nerd EP" exclusively on Itunes featuring the hit song "Dont Need Em", which is a precursor to an upcoming album, which is in the making.
In June 2008, Erk released "Im So Dumb" which is a witty, comedic song satirizing the "Hyphy Movement", and effectively pronouncing it dead. The song has been receiving praise from all over the region for its blunt honesty, and has been considered a long overdue message by many of the most powerful figures and artists in the local scene. In 2009, Erk collaborated with Bay Area Legend Too $hort on the new single "Plane in The Air", further establishing his ability to make hit songs. His lyrical talents and vibrant personality are evident in the song, and has every one talking about Erk Tha Jerk. You can expect Erk to do what he does best, "Make hit music for real people".
Erk tha jerk feat. Too short "Plane in The Air" Music Video Trailer
New Music Release
Firework ent CO Presents R&B = Sex Part 1 Starring London- http://www.sendspace.
Nicatene Deejay- Radio Waves Pt.5
http://www.sendspace.com/file/rr6ci5
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