Brass Construction’s A&R Man

Creating The Classics (album cover art exhibition) has led to me to meet a variety of people that I never thought  I would, while at the same sparking totally new conversations and trains of thought with individuals that I knew but from a different capacity.

Enter Jeff Samuels, PR for Panasonic.  While on my post coverage run from my SOUL exhibition, Jeff humbly mentioned that he was the A&R who signed Brass Construction – a major funk band from the 70s whose major hits include “Movin’” (a #1 hit), “The Light,” and “Peekin” to name a few.

Check out the read below…

Who or how did you get introduced to soul and or funk music?

First I grew up in Camden NJ and was exposed to the Philly soul sound at an early age.  And, I love any music, other than opera, that is done well – so I was a big fan of George Clinton and Sly.

What was it about the sound that attracted you to the genre?

The honesty and of course the rhythm.

What do you think it was about the music that drew so many people in?

I truly believe it was the party, dance, have a good time aspect that the music generated and provided.

How do you think the environment at that time shaped the music?

I think we are always looking for innocent escapes and this music went far in providing that diversion.

SADE Listening Party

Went to the SADE listening party Kat did on Wed.  Very well done: decent crowd, beautiful women, SADE’s new music and complimentary Ciroc and hors d’hourves.  I got you on Feb. 9 SADE!

Click the link for more pics…..

Ron Upperman

Just got word from Ron Upperman (Co-founder and Creative Director of the apparel brand Leroy Jenkinks Ltd) about the launch of his site that highlights all of his design and personal art pursuits.

Check it out here.

L’Atlas

Just received word from the homie John Hall (Typographical) regarding an interview he recently conducted on the french artist L’Atlas.  Interesting to see this artist’s work, as he’s evolved from graffiti to his current form.  Dope.

Check out the full read here.

Psycho Les x Beaterator

Found this gem courtesy of Wax Poetics.  Dope to see Psycho Les doing get blessed like this and the Beaterator is kind of ill too.  Now, I wonder when we’re going to see a Beaterator Competition?

Natassja – Minimum

If you follow my blog at all you’ll know that I’m a fan of a budding recording artist by the name of Natassja who recently shot me a line that her second release titled Minimum is set to drop March 30.

If you’re at all mesmerized by her looks – DON’T SLEEP.  Nat’s sound and production, in my opinion, are beyond category definition.

So do your mind, body, and soul a favor and check out the raw snippets from two of the tracks on Minimum (Road 2 Redemption and Warrior) on her site www.natassja-online.com and support her album when it drops!

Burton 3L Shrike

Burton makes SERIOUS winter gear and their 3L Shrike jacket is proof positive of that.  A few of the highlights I’m digging include: the Fulltime Contour Hood, Burton’s DRYRIDE Durashell 3-layer laminated stretch ripstop fabric, and Large Cargo Chest Pockets with audio port.  With all of the features, color, and fit this jacket is like my “special ops” piece.

There’s a reason why people call the brand the “Nike” of snowboarding.  They combine style with technical functionality pretty flawlessly and have led the pack in the snowboard game for years.

Fore more details click here and here and big shout to Billy for the package.  It came just in time to help me with this east coast winter!

FAMOUS Skate Video Trailer 2010

Just picked this up from Ferrari Murakami’s blog – the Famous Stars & Straps 2010 video trailer from their forthcoming DVD.  One of the illest trailers I’ve seen, period.  Big shout to Famous’ and DC’s own – Darren Harper.  Looking forward to this one….

Miss Info

Real hip hop music and editorial still exist and the platform to find both on is industry vet Miss Info’s site by the very same name – www.missinfo.tv.  Her entertainment coverage is balanced too; not on some over-the-top TMZ steez, just enough of  a shot to keep you moving.

On Rewind

Will have this joint on regular flow….