Sam Sarpong: Star of the Moment

Written By Cheryl Hines (who normally writes for The insight Fashion magazine)

Supermodel Sam poses at the Louis Vuitton Series 2 in Hollywood California

Sam on the set “Average Dad” a series he’s co starring in with Actress Jamie Pressly this year

Sam Spotted in London at Hotel Verta with model London it girl at the moment Lauren Cofi and celebrity stylist Raphaelle Marshall

Sam and UK model Lauren Cofi fashion shoot at Hotel Verta in London both wearing all Long Boy clothing Sam Jewelry by KD LUXE

I’m sitting on set at Stream TV studios in Hollywood, California, where brother and sister combination Sam and June Sarpong are doing an in depth interview for their documentary “Sam and June Across the pond,” which is being produced by Rynixbay for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. This is my second day on set. Yesterday there was a communication mix up and June was a no show which caused the bro and sister to have their first blow up argument in over a decade. June has been a Television Superstar in the UK for well over a decade and is known as one of the most influential people in pop culture and politics in the duration of her career. Prime minister Tony Blair once stated, “June would be a perfect replacement for me but we need her on Tv.” AS we watch Sam and June interact and joke during the interview it appears he is the more flashy one and June is the more quiet and laid back one.

Sam and Sister June filming for their documentry airing next year “Sam and June: Across the Pond”

Sam arrives on set with 6 cameras following him. They are filming him for his 15 year documentary “Life of an Entertainer,” which he has spent upwards of over $400,000.00 in production dollars over the years and is now being fought over by every studio in Hollywood. “God gave me this idea years ago when there was no reality TV, but I knew people would see my journey and struggle and be inspired one day and now we are getting calls left and right for distribution, it’s awesome.”

Sam and his trainer Carmela enjoy his 5am workouts at Barry’s Bootcamp

Sam and Actress Cortney Palm close the Andre Soriano Fashion show

Exclusive shot for La Splash magazine

Sam Sarpong is a Male Supermodel/Actor/Television Host/ and recording artist and as I did my research for this story I soon found he’s one of the most well diverse talents this industry has to offer. He started his career as a struggling actor in Highschool doing bit parts until one day his manager sent him on a casting for a new Tommy Hilfiger campaign. Tommy was the hottest designers. Singer Aaliyah, Naughty by Nature and Lenny Kravitz were just a few celebrities working with the brand at the time. “I had never modeled a day in my life or ever thought about being one. I was a little skinny kid from Africa in my head. Guess God had other plans.” Sam stated. Joy Maine who was one of Sam’s managers at the time states, “He always had the it factor where when he walks in a room Sam changes the dynamic with his presence. You can’t teach that, you are born with it.” Actress/model Patricia Bryant who did the famous Levi’s vintage classic shoot with Sam states, hes ‘s one of her closest friends in the industry, “Sam is an amazing man with natural charm and it’s very hard not to fall for him, but he is so respectful of women and has this mystique about him, that’s why I love him so much. Just a good human being.” Drew Sidora who along with Dreamgirls star Keith Robinson, Sam calls his two closest real friends in the industry, stated for entertainment blog Celebrity pop culture, “I ask Sam for advice on anything big that has to do with the industry. He dressed me in his Chosen One collection for my TLC press tour and I’m the official brand ambassador for chosen one whether he knows it or not,” Drew said while cracking up.

Sam and Producer Adam Cook arrive at Louis Vuitton Series

Sam and Supernatural Actress Chelsea Hobbs attend the star studded 2015 Tom Ford Fall Collection Fashion show

Sam and Louis Vuitton Talent relations Marco Mailo at his private tour at the new store in Beverly Hills

Today I’m following Sam at the Innovative film festival in West Hollywood where his movie/TVseries “Life of an Entertainer” is the headline film along with Soprano star James Gandolfini’s movie “Club Soda.” I arrive early and it’s very apparent to me Sam’s main fan base is women, as we see tons of female fans outside who claim they were invited to the screening via Facebook. “Sam knows me one tells the lady out front with the list” and the more and more crowded it gets with real industry invited guests the more people walking by try to get in. Sam finally arrives to do the carpet, no entourage, no model, just him and his $20,000.00 dollar custom bike made for him by Masterworks Wood Cycles. In all my thirty-five years as a journalist covering it all from the Emmy’s, Grammy’s, Rolling Stone, concerts, Jackson’s victory tour, this was one of the most creative entrances I’ve ever seen. Tonight’s screening has executives from Lions Gate Films, OWN Network, BET, production companies who have all come to see a taste of what Sam and his executive producer Adam Cook from Rynixbay have been working on. “We don’t sugar coat anything on this show,” says Adam. The documentary also focuses on his career as a male Supermodel and one of the most recognisable and consistent faces in fashion the past decade.

Sam and london’s it girl model Karina White arriving at the Velsvoir 2015 Fall Men’s collection

Sam interviewing Jack Black backstage at Staple Center the two contested a charity event for the LA Sparks basketball team

Sam recieves BMW & Men Style Fashion Star of the Year award in Beverly Hills CA

His first year as a Tommy Hilfiger model he won five fashion awards including the Details Magazine “New Male Model of The Year” award. He then later the same year won the prestigious MAA Magazines “Agency Association” award for “New Male model of the Year,” being the second African American male model besides Tyson Beckford to win that award. In 2004 along with Jared Leto, Leonardo DiCaprio and Taye Diggs, he was named by the popular teeny bopper magazine YM as one of the fifty most beautiful people in the world. Sam’s career took off for the next five years. He was everyone’s roundup hot list from Paper Magazine to Vibe, they all featured him. “It was a great time in my life to go from High school to buying my own place and living with my childhood friends and going to the best A list parties.” While his modelling career took off, acting soon followed getting his break in the film “Street Kings” playing opposite Selena star Jon Seda in which he won the AFI independent film award for the best supporting actor in 2002 for his first lead ever. He then went on to star in such films as MTV’s “Carmen the Hip Hop Era” with Beyonce, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” with Nick Cannon, “Keepin Up With the Steins” with Jeremy Pivins and “Masked and Anonymous” with Penelope Cruz and Jessica Lang. Last year Sam received the BMW & Men Style Fashion magazine “Star of the Year” award and the “Icon Fashion Award” at the BEFTTA Awards in the UK. Today I meet Sam on set of his latest gig, he’s playing Thomas Saltz this season on the Fox hit “Bones,” which is in it’s 10th season. Sam plays an x-con who’s now trying to live his life straight and raise his son, but still there is that temptation of the quick easy money he once knew. We are on location in Culver City and I’m watching Sam get his fake tattoos on in the makeup trailer. As Sam gets into discussion with the makeup artists about relationships, I can see why women are fans of his. He offers a very interesting real perspective from a male point of view and why they think how they do.

Sam and Emily Deschanel on the set of Fox’s “Bones”

Sam with Actor David Boreanaz on the set of the fox hot “Bones” he will be playing Thomas Shultz this season on the show

Sam snapped leaving the set of Bones outside Fox Studios

Now we are back in Sam’s trailer where after being here for three hours, having lunch with him and going through hair and makeup, he says he only has fifteen more minutes with me because he has a big scene coming up with Bones star David Boreanaz and “I have to give it to him in the scene so I gotta go get focused.” 2015 is Sam’s breakout year, ask anyone who’s important in Hollywood and they will tell you so. Ken Kokin who produced the legendary film “Usual Suspects,” “Way of the Gun” and the award winning documentary on Toms Shoes says, “it’s been a long time coming, he’s one of the hardest working people I know in our industry and the possibilities are endless for him.”

Sam on his The best me i can be tour highschool tour

Sam performing on his BOY LONDON “Mr Fashion” Tour in Los Angeles

Sam hitting the red carpet for the People Magazine Awards, which aired live on NBC

Sam attends the Rolling Stone magazine 2014 “Hot 100 List” party sponsored by Fiat

This year Sam was named to the Rolling Stone magazine “Hot 100” list last year and was also recently awarded the “Renaissance Man of the Year” award by the Elite Man magazine. Exactly two weeks after I see Sam on the Bones set I meet up with him at the Brix restaurant downtown LA where he’s filming interviews for his documentary, “Life of an Entertainer.” Today he is way more calm and laid back than the Sam I interviewed three weeks ago at the Stream TV studios. His beautiful publicist Lucie who looks like Charlize Theron and could be a model herself says, “we are really selective with Sam’s career choices. Now he’s building an empire Books, Tours, Music, Clothing and Films. The next two years are so crucial.” Sam’s personal manager Steve who has been on board with Sam from the beginning says, “He will make big money in 2015. We have so many deals on the table, especially for the book and his motivational speaking.” He also knows the biggest profit for Sam will be his Chosen One Collection. He sold-out boutiques in hours in Asia on his group “The Leagues” “Alta Ego”’ tour. Scream Famous a celebrity hot spot in Los Angeles for buying the latest trending fashion owner Jonan says, “We can’t keep his custom jackets in the store more than a day or two, they sell out at $600 to $700 dollars a pop because they’re one of a kind.”

Sam on set for his video music video “Make Through” always handling his business

Sam and Ex-Pussycat Doll Vanessa Curry in the recording studio

Sam and We TV American it Girl star Rahi Mannai spotted in Los Angeles filming for his up coming documentary series “Life of an Entertainer” Both walked in Andre Soriano’s show for LA Fashion week
photo by Yana Kovas

Sam and his good friend. actor Arnold Oceng from the hit film “The Good Lie

Sam states, “My main focus is the Chosen One Collection this year. I’m going to blow it up so big by 2016. I’ll have my Flagship Chosen One concept store, which will also carry other hot brands that I discover from my travels around the world, and I also want to help break new hot designers like my friend Petra Dahlin, my sweedish friend who designs for Chosen One, but also has her own collection, she’s amazing.” Given his track record in fashion, his fashion line being worth over 100 million dollars by 2020 is a realistic dream. He helped turn Ed Hardy into a multi million dollar company by being the spokes person for the brand for five years and touring with Ed Hardy owner, Christian Audigier across the country to department stores, clubs and trade fashions to get the name out. “Sam helped me build my empire. He was the first supermodel/celebrity to come on board with me and he helped me get my clothing on other celebrities. He knows branding. I was very blessed to have him from the beginning, especially my first runway show.” stated Christian Audiegier while being interviewed for Sam’s “Life of an Entertainer documentary.

Sam Sarpong opener big for LA Splash magazine article

TVRadio personality Kerri Kasem wears long sleeve italian leather Chosen One

Sam and Scream Famous owner Canan Ayer Fraser at the store where his Chosen One Collection is sold filming for his show “Life of an Entertainer”

“The three ways in fashion your clothes take off are to have a good product, great marketing budget and most important know celebrities who will wear the brand and I have all three.” Steve said it best, “he’s helped make all these companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ed hardy, Enyce and Jean Philippe millions and millions of dollars. Now it’s time to do that for his own brand.” As I sit down with Sam at the Brix restaurant I asked him, “you have all this but what makes you happy?” Without even blinking he says “My Chosen One The Best me I Can be Tour,” where he travels across the country and speaks to Jr high, high school and college kids. I accompanied him to one of his tour dates earlier in the month where he spoke to 3000 USC college students for the United Negro College Fund and Wells Fargo bank. By the time he left professors and parents were all singing his praise. “Everything I do in entertainment is for this motivational speaking is my calling and the industry just gives me the platform.” While speaking to the youth a few years ago in Taiwan, Sam’s music group “The Leagues” manager, Toney Chang said, “I see him as the Tony Robbins for the youth and with the right company behind him he’s going to be a global phenomenon.”

Sam stops by the Puma entertainment offices in London

Sam man on the road arriving at LAX from London last week as Paparazzi shoots his arrival

Arriving at the 2014 Innovative Film Festival with my new custom bike made by @martinwoodbicycle.

Sam’s management team have also brought on more fire power to make sure 2015 is the year. Everyone knows it will be. He recently signed a deal with powerhouse Kings Road Multimedia to expand his brand with more marketing and also land more major endorsement deals. He also just recently signed with the indie record label Dj Central records who will help promote four singles along with music videos and an album to follow in fall 2015 entitled “Mr Fashion.” Everything in the cards says next year is his breakout year. He will co-star in the comedy “Average Dad” opposite “My Name is Ear”l star Jamie Pressly. He will also Star in the Dish network series “Sangre Negra” with Eric Roberts and Erik Estrada where he will play an ex supermodel who now runs the top modeling agency in the world and yes, the Chosen One collection will be featured on all the models. He also was just picked to be the main host for the new BWE Studios and CW show “Hot Video Countdown” which will be a music video countdown shot at Dave & Busters at the Hollywood and Highland complex and air five days a week on the CW. “The main reason I know I’m ready to launch my brand worldwide next year is because of my project with Karen Brystedt.”

Sam birthday weekend at Playhouse and Boy London custom cake and the roxx got the the party started

Sam and Supermodel Karina White pose at Oxford Circus for Localize magazine Man about town in London issue

As a journalist who has been in this entertainment industry for over thirty years I’m very aware of celebrity photographer/Artists. Bystedt who has shot every major celebrity before they were famous and then they became famous after she shot them. The list includes Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Jared Leto and Nicolas Cage. To many to even name and she shot the very famous picture of Andy Warhol, who she’s now teamed up with Chris Brown to do a calibration with, to add to the Warhol photograph she shot. Her series on Sam will be called “Sam Sarpong the Hollywood Renaissance Man” and feature ten stylistic shots of him in his element from the recording studio, on set, speaking to kids, designing his collection and performing on stage. It will be shown this spring in an art exhibit in Beverly Hills.

Sam and Ed Hardy owner Christian Audigier at Diesel Jeans New years eve party

Sam was one of few special invited celebrity guest at the private Chris Brown and Karen Bystedt art show benefiting the Symphonic Love Foundation. Karen will be doing a series on Sam called “The Hollywood Renaissance Man”

BWE Studios and the CW announce the cast of the new show Hot Video Countdown coming fall 2015
photo by party by 5

Another project he’s excited about is his sit-down one on one interview he did with the Jackson’s at the family home which will also air next spring 2015. People will see Sam everywhere next year from his four films due out in 2015, Boy London Campaigns, editorials, CW show, three different TV series including, Bones, his music, motivational speaking tour and the documentary. “Were going, after all it’s been fifteen years in the making and the world needs to see a positive fresh light in the industry,” states his manager Steve and I couldn’t agree more. That is why Sam Sarpong is my new favorite entertainer after a month with him on and off set, I’m now his biggest fan.

Sam and Model/Actress Eugenia Kuzmina shoot the cover of the Elite Man magazine up coming spring issue

Sam and Supermodel Karina White shoot a 10 page Fashion spread for Avant Garde magazine Fashion Special

Sam and Stephanie,Nicholette, Jennifer,featured in fashion spread for YYZ magazine

Photo credit: eGlamour photography, Supa Star Flix, PMBryant Studios, Celebrity Snapshots, Estelle Marshall Party by 5, JB Pro Images, Curtis Sabir, Burris Agency, Michael Fisher, Koi Sojer, Solomon Augusteyn, Finally free media, Jack Alexander, David Kerr, Kyle B. Photography

Sam personal styling by Raphael Marshall

Mr. Fashion Icon/Super Model Sam Sarpong: The Talk of the Town for 2015 LA Fashion Week Spring Collection

Written by: Melissa Watts (The Hot Fashion Buzz)

Photos by Jovi Bontolo for JB pro images. Malik Bryant for PM Bryant Studios,Jason Jaskot, eGlamour Photography,Koi Sojer for Snap N U Photos,Curtis Sabir

I’m standing next to Sam Sarpong on the red carpet moments before he headlines the most anticipated show for the 2015 LA fashion week season . Yes, celebrity designers Andre Soriano’s ARISTOCRAT Young Rich & Beautiful show also starring child star Asia Monet Ray and American Idol international star Jessica Gonzalez. Sam arrives with his entourage which includes his business manager Sam Sr, his right hand man\security who he calls “Big Dre”, designer Prince Couture and his fashion publicist, Nyvia. Mr. Fashion himself from the moment he arrives all eyes are on him on the red carpet as other celebrities including, Shaws of Sunset star Lilly Ghalichi  and international model Koko Lee all wait to take pictures with Sam.

After doing interviews for twenty minutes on the carpet, he’ is taken inside the tent to do interviews with Andre as they are being followed by over ten different cameras. Celebrity Designer Andre Soriano became an overnight sensation when singer Rihanna handpicked him for the Bravo hit show “Styled to Rock” and he has not looked back since.

Celebrity Designer Andre Soriano does press with Asia Monet Ray and Sam on the red carpet before his big show

Shaws of Sunset star Lilly Ghalichi and Sam do press together moments before he headlined the 2015 collection Andre Soriano Aristocrat Young Rich & Beautiful show

Arriving in style to LA Fashion week in the new 2015 BMW i3. Shout out to my sponsor BMW in Beverly Hills

Andre has been filming his reality show since last march which is being produced by P & L Media. One of the most successful production companies in television the last twenty years. Sam has also been filming his own reality show entitled  “The Chosen One” about his life as a male Super Model, Designer, Rapper, and BET television host. When you put the two together, you have a Rolling Stones Concert with cameras, beautiful models, non stop action and fashion. “I was so honored Sam was going to headline my show since he has walked for every major designer. It was very humbling” stated Andre moments before the show.

Sam filming with childhood friend, Kerri Kasem and Actor Jesse Kove at Good Vape in Beverly Hills for her up coming reality series

2015 Collection Concept Show cm2K by Designer Cheryl Koo Sam backstage after the show

2013 New York Fashion week Sam hosts Bulova watches launch party for new watch line Caravelle New York.

Sarpong who seems to be enjoying a great transition in his career is definitely the man of the moment. “I’ve been through so many ups and downs in my career so nothing fazes me. My dad taught my sister and I that.” Sam’s sister June is one of the UK’s biggest TV presenters. She has also built a fan base in the US co-hosting the hit series “Conspiracy Theory” with Jesse Ventura.

Sam’s fashion career started when he got his break as the international face for designer Tommy Hilfiger over ten years ago.  He’s modeled for Levi’s, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Gucci, Banana Republic, Gsus Denim, Jean Philippe, D&G, Diesel and many others. In a world that is so fickle Sam and his mentor Tyson Beckford, who were both born on the same day, Dec 19th. God knew what he was doing creating two male models who have been able to make the transition into the entertainment world.

Sam closing Skin Tone clothing 2015 Spring/Summer collection show for Style Fashion Week

Sam and Patricia L Bryan Localiez Magazine 2014 Who’s Hot in Hollywood issue

Sam with Viggo Fashion owner Gina Itor

Sam also has three films due out the first quarter of next year including the highly anticipated “Crossed the line” a modern day set it off in which he plays opposite Ice T and Vanessa Williams.  He’s also starring in the new comedy series “Average Dad” next spring with My Name Is Earl star Jamie Presley in which he plays the young, hot dad that all the teachers and parents have a crush on.  Actress\ model Patricia L. Bryan who’s one of Sam’s closest friends in the industry,  has known him for years and worked with him on the Chris Brown “Don’t Judge Me” remix video and the 2012 Levi’s Vintage shoot campaign “Shoot States” says “Sam is so cool and down to earth it’s hard not to fall for him when you work with him. He’s so respectful and professional which is what I love about him.”

Sam plays the male lead opposite Ice T in the up coming film “Crossed the Line” due out early 2015

Sam filming for the Documentry film”A perfect 14″ due out next spring about the fashion industry.

Sam has been building his acting career for over a decade and has appeared in over sixty films and fifty five television shows. In 2012 he received critical acclaim for his portray of Paul Onanga in the Cannes and Toronto film festival favorite “Anchor Baby” and received a best lead actor nomination from New York International Film festival. He recently enjoyed his best LA fashion week of his career headlining in eight different shows including, CM2K, Skin Tone, M the Movement, Horse of Arabia, Paris Homme, to name a few. Last year he received the Fashion Icon Award at the BEFFTA’s in the UK for ten years of excellence in the Fashion industry. He was also named by Men Style Fashion magazine as it’s 2013 “Star of The Year”.

Sam takes home the Men Style Fashion magazine 2013 Star of the Year award

Sam Honored with Fashion Icon Award at 2013 Beffta in the UK

Next month he will receive The Elite Man’s Magazine “Renaissance Man of the Year” award here in Los Angeles.  He will also grace the cover with Super model Eugenia Kuzmina for the 2015 first Quarter issue. The Elite Man editor, Chief Paul S. said “we picked Sam because he’s broken so many barriers in the fashion industry and always re-invents himself to stay current. No other male models besides Tyson have been successful at it . That is definitely true, we saw him help turn the 90’s brand “Boy London” into now one of the biggest pop culture brands in the world. “Four years ago I met with the owner Staphane Raynor and I told him my crew “Future Stars” starts trends worldwide and I would go to the LA hot spots where they would hire me to host a night and I would show up with beautiful models girls and guys wearing all Boy London gear. Next thing you know it was everywhere. Then all stars who I would interview on carpets would see me rocking it and it caught on.” states Sam. Today Boy London can be seen at celebrity hot spot Kitson’s and in every cool hip store in Los Angeles. Sam is getting ready to do a new shoot with super model Eugenia Kuzmina for Boy London and The Elite Man magazine cover. Eugenia will also be the lead girl in his music video for “Mr Boy London” the single and video will be released right before Christmas on Sam’s birthday, December 19th.

Sam and Super ModelActress Eugenia Kuzmina are snapped by the paparazzi leaving Kitson’s in Hollywood the two will appear in an high profile up coming Boy London shoot shot by Actress/Celebrity photographer Sascha Knopft

After over a decade in the industry, Sam doesn’t seem to be slowing down one bit. Next month he will start training for the new film “Red to Black” a vampire movie with Wesley Snipes due out next fall.  He will also shoot the new ad campaign for celebrity jeweler KD LUXE jewelry vintage collection. He’s currently in the studio finishing up the last song on his album “Muzik of the Future”.

As Sam and I go our separate ways after his fashion show, the number one thing that stuck with me was bigger than the lights, the cameras and the spotlight was one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met in my twenty five years as a journalist and soon the world will find that out.

2013 Sam named one of the 50 most Beautiful People in the world by on Fashion Biz magazine

Soulful Sounds: Kiid Scoob Review

Written By: Jason Taylor

Contact info:

Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @KiidScoob

Tumblr: www.kiidscoob.tumblr.com

YouTube: Kiidscoobtube

www.mealticketent.com

Kiid Scoob

Tracks being reviewed:

1. Illusions
2. 5 AM in South Central
3. Round & Round

Kiid Scoob is what Hip Hop is all about. He has a mid 90’s sound with a modern day approach. The way he attacks each track is passionate with a taste of hostility. You aren’t going to find too many bad tracks coming from him and if you have been a fan of his, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Kiid Scoob can easily be overlooked by the fan base of artists like Trinidad James, YG, 2 Chainz, etc. He isn’t what people are used to but that could be a great thing for him now that Kendrick Lamar came out with “Control”.

Kiid Scoob sounds like Wiz Khalifa and Lupe Fiasco. Especially on the track “5AM in South Central,” that Lupe vibe is real evident. With a real mellow rhythm to some of his tracks, Scoob can reach a multitude of people. Like he says in “Round & Round” – he’s reaching for the stars while sitting on a comet. Kiid Scoob is a product of what the pioneers put together all those years ago.

Here are my thoughts on his tracks:

Illusions

This song has got to be his deepest and most sincere track. He breaks down his life in a song. Sounds like something you can get high to and ride around town just cruising with nowhere to go. If you don’t get high, just enjoy the riding around town part

5 AM in South Central

This song reminds me of what The Game did on “300 bars and Running” – just someone with something to talk about going off about whatever is in their head. I know The Game had something specific to talk about but you get the picture.

Round & Round

The original song with Method Man and Jonell is a classic so what Scoob did to this was good. Not too many people can rap on this track and make it make sense.

Overall, Kiid Scoob is a talented artist and some of his songs will be overlooked in my opinion. People these days are oblivious to REAL Hip Hop. Regardless of that, there is still a way that Scoob can make a difference in Hip Hop because we all know it’s needed right now. If Kendrick can get away with saying he’s the “King of New York” and get very little resistance, the game is in desperate need of NEW artists – ones that are ACTUALLY GOOD.

The only feedback I have for Kiid Scoob is: You have recorded a lot of dope tracks but you need to go at Hip Hop like it killed your mom and this is 4 Brothers. Put your foot on the neck and don’t remove it even after you retire. I want you to take Nas’ approach to Jigga on “Ether” – YES that type of mentality. You are going for the fatality every time.

I can honestly say that Scoob has talent that is obviously being honed and polished. Although I wasn’t too impressed with the journey he took me on as a listener in 5 AM in South Central. I’m not a fan of the territorial, circling around ones ego. I was able to pick up on his clever word play and his ability to tell a vivid story in Illusions and Round and Round. Kiid Scoob seems to have the ability to choose beats that complement his vision. I look forward to hearing more from him; I would only suspect good things.

The Soul Magazine Rate (out of 5): 4.5

Here is one of Kiid Scoob’s videos:

Soulful Sounds: Roxie Bardo Review

Written By: Jason Taylor

Contact Info:

Twitter/Instagram: @RoxieBardo

Sound Cloud: Roxie-Bardo

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AllyeAdalaide

www.roxiebardo.com

Link to the EP on iTUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/roxie-ep/id651714277

Anthony Topman -LA Management
Atopman@lamanger.com
(818) 230-2037 ext 706

Roxie Bardo

Tracks being reviewed:

1. I’m A Stone
2. Don’t Put Me Down
3. Alive

Roxie Bardo is a very soulful but alternative artist. Roxie is a mix between Corrine Bailey Rae and Lily Allen. The three songs that I heard will be incredible for a movie score for a love story. Her voice is very interesting to listen to especially on hooks with such artists like B.O.B., Lupe Fiasco, Gym Class Heroes and Eminem. I don’t know what she sounds like live but I don’t see how much different she will be. I can see a live band really going to work with her on her sets. Depending on how far Roxio intends to go, she can really do some damage internationally.

There aren’t many artists that are pursuing the direction she’s going and that’s a good thing for her. It makes it easier for her to create her own lane without much competition. I really hope that she can just let loose and sing something from the depths of her soul. What she’s singing about is good but I want to see her really belt out a track. I don’t see her doing that from what I have heard but it’s not something that may never happen – it’s possible. Roxie’s production team is amazing and is doing wonders for her in making her sound great.

Here are my thoughts on some of the tracks that I listened to:

I’m A Stone

A very soulful song with real deep content being sung about. Voice very similar to Corrine Bailey Rae on this track. I love how her voice matches the melody.

Don’t Put Me Down

This track is very active. Anyone who has been through trials and tribulations can relate to this song. The title speaks for itself. I can see a remix of this song with Taylor Swift.

Alive

This song is very good. It’s sung well and it has this alternative feel to it. Reminds of Evanescence a bit. No particular songs in mind but some parts of this song are reminders.

Overall, Roxie is a very good artist with a lot of potential to be hitting the top spots of billboard charts. The fact that she writes and sings her own songs is a rare trait. I would love to see what kind of damage she could do on the 106 and Park countdown. That show needs something different on their countdown and depending on how receptive their fan base is to Roxie, she could control that countdown with no problem. I could see all 3 tracks on the countdown. Her songs are MTV bound anyway because of the style of her songs but could crossover with little to no problem if she wanted to.

The only feedback I have for Roxie is: after a while she starts sounding the same. The only difference is the production. Her voice is unique and I feel if she steps out of the box once in a while she can surprise people and blow them away. Other than that, she is a POWERHOUSE that will be selling out arenas very soon.

Roxie has a strong and very addicting voice. It fits perfect with the big dramatic song selections in I’m a Stone, Alive, and Don’t Put Me Down. Even though all three songs are internationally and radio friendly, they have the same production feel and can definitely use some variety. Roxie has a wide range when it comes to be marketable to several genres and I’m looking forward to seeing which one will break her as an artist.

The Soul Magazine rating (out of 5): 4

Here is one of Roxie’s videos:

Think like Hip Hop, Act like Rythym and Blues

Written by: Jason Taylor

“First off, fuck your bitch and the click you claim/west side when we ride come equipped with game/you claim to be a player but I fucked your wife/we bust on Bad Boys niggas fuck for life…Biggie Smalls and Junior Mafia some mark ass bitches” — Tupac Shakur “Hit ’em Up”

When these streets keep calling, heard it when I was sleep/that this Gay-Z and Cockafella Records wanted beefstarted cocking up my weapon, slowly loading up this ammo/to explode it on a camel, and his soldiers, I can handle/this for dolo and it’s manuscript, just sound stupid/when KRS already made an album called Blueprint/first, Biggie’s ya man, then you got the nerve to say that you better than Big/dick sucking lips, why not you let the late, great veteran live” — Nas “Ether”

— I’m sorry, I had to listen to some real diss songs before I wrote this. I just watched this video on Diggy discussing the beef between J Cole and himself. I understand and respect why he “returned fire” but in regards to all beef within the last 7 years — it’s more vegatarian than beef. I remember when you had Hip Hop beefs like Jay-Z vs. Nas or The Game vs. 50 Cent and G-Unit. That element of hatred and vengance is no longer existant in diss tracks. I’m not saying point to the nearest rapper, figure out why you don’t like him and record a diss track then release it. As an artist, if you aren’t going to go all in LYRICALLY, why go in at all. The idea of a diss track used to excite me. I used to drop everything and go listen to the latest diss record but now I hear or read about a brand new diss track, I feel the same way a woman does when she sleeps with a guy and he lasts a minute — unimpressed and disappointed.

The last beef that I felt was legitimate was between 50 Cent, G Unit, The Game, The Lox and Fat Joe. I loved that because there was history and motive. It could have been made into a movie and the soundtrack could be the diss tracks. It could be made like “The Streets is Watching” movie. The way the dialogue and the songs intertwined together made the collaboration smooth. I discussed this with @niccolus a while ago and he argued that if local artists were to beef with each other, it would be legitimate and I added impressive. My feelings with beef nowadays is simple — Think like Hip Hop, Act like Rythym and Blues. I’ll explain what I’m talking about.

What we have is people knowing what to do in regards to beef but won’t firmly land punches. There is nothing wrong with dissing someone, PUTTING THEIR NAME IN THE RECORD and retaliating if deemed necessary. Nobody wants another Tupac and Biggie situation but man, I am itching for some real diss records. Common vs. Drake? Garbage. Ludacris vs. Big Sean and Drake? Really?! Now Lil’ Kim vs. Nicki Minaj is decent but the value of female emcees in the game has been gone from Hip Hop for several years. Sad but true. There is NO MORE female emcees left in the game.

As a fan, I enjoyed diss records, they entertained me, they made me interested in each and every artist involved and I enjoyed the lyricism behind each bar, each verse, each chorus. You know what, I got an idea. More details coming soon. I’ll leave you with this…

http://youtu.be/kmW447Lhvnk

http://youtu.be/WcbDqly5bB8

Battle of the Genres: Hip Hop vs. Rap

I Used To…Hell I Still Love Her

Written By: Danielle Turner

In a society of capitalism, individualism, and debt, we determine what makes and breaks the barriers of popular culture. Whether we want to rock “skinny pants and some vans” or “strings and Chanel pearls,” wear pink and turquoise wigs or throw some bling on our teeth. It is now, more than ever that Hip Hop is the endorsement deal of the millennium, through both its influence and popularity. They say if you can’t beat them, join them, right? Typical Hip Hop heads meet Old School rap cats. How are we distinguishing the real deal?

Let’s talk Rap.

Walking down the sidewalk, bobbing and moving to the beat of the music box fitted on my shoulder, as if this box is the world. The sound coming out of it is the result of what I’ve seen and heard, said and lived. This sound rhymes, flows, and makes sense to me; in my mind I’m cool. Funk is my parent, and no one can tell me different because you hear my foundation, my start, my originality every time I crank up the volume.

Before Hip Hop became what is today, it merely branched off from other types of music genres such as Disco, Funk, Reggae, etc. which also made way to its ingredient called Rap music. Some may say there is no difference, but there is, and the evolution of this music has really taken some large steps and leaps. Making its mark on the East Coast, via New York, where Emcees are born and where we first really picked up this sound. Date back to the 1970s and even before than for possible origins, we can’t help but to consider African music. Styles like Spoken word and poetry, can be compared to vocal styles of many rappers today, such as Common. Thanks to the Jamaican immigrants that contributed their culture to the streets of New York, influencing the way Rap music and Hip Hop were celebrated; emcees were able to take this and create something new. In conjunction to what was happening in the actual communities of New York, from gang violence to homelessness, Rap music became a powerful tool that many decided could bring homage to their communities.

Afrikaa Bambaataa, known as one of the originators of break-beat deejaying and is always referenced when talking about Hip Hop’s fast evolution from just Rap music. Today’s generation is sniffing a more cracked version of Rap music and Hip Hop; less focused on rhythm, style, and lyricism and more focused on one-noun songs and color coordination. Not to say those are not important. But this shows how much Hip Hop and Rap music’s originality is valued.

Hip Hop is Regional

While the East Coast was doing its thing, the West Coast began to pick up, beginning in the 80s into the 90s, known as the Golden Age in music. We started to hear less from emcees such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, KRS-One, Public Enemy, etc. and more NWA, Biggie Smalls, MC Hammer, Ice T and eventually Tupac Shakur. Gangster Rap from the West Coast was introduced and to much of our surprise, would be the center of attention when it came to the East Coast vs. West Coast conflicts. We also start to see the evolution of naming during this time; “emcee” started to fade away while “Rapper” was the title that took over predominately. Lyrics were violent, styles became harder and the Hip Hop and Rap scene took on its major changes that would eventually change the face of this music forever.

My neighborhood was in ashes as I rode through these violent stricken streets where riots surpassed and left shattered dreams. The sun shined down on all of us as we began to pick up from where we left off. Violence will forever fill the memories and history of this community as much as racism will forever live on. But we must pick up from where we left off. The palm trees are what you see and remember growing up in this city, they dance to the music as I ride through these sad streets. The streets are where I watched as my people decided to take matters into their own hands because they had had enough. Shades on, leaned back, white tee, fitted hat on my curly jet black hair.  Music blasting, saying “F**k the police” and riding with the day as we pick up from where we left off.

West Coast Made Me.

If you were to ask a specific rapper who influenced them, then you would receive very different answers depending on the artist. If we were to ask Compton artist The Game, our response would be Tupac and NWA based on interviews with different sources. 50 Cent has even credited Ice Cube as an influence in his music career. Who would’ve thought? The West has contributed artists such as Eazy-E, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Dilated Peoples, DJ Quick, and popular Bay Area artist E-40. Taking gangsta rap to the next level, key rappers in the game, made it impossible to be stopped. The West Coast gave fans and Hip Hop lovers alike more to look forward to, even if it meant we would lose some of our best in the process.

Hip Hop is Dead.

That’s what Nas said, and hey that’s what a lot of us started to think. However you look at it, Hip Hop is here; its content has just changed a little. We watched as some rappers and artists faded away with time, but we didn’t always notice, until maybe one day you’re bumping an old school Lauryn Hill track. Lauryn knows how to sing a “Doo Wop” but bust a melody because her rhymes are heavy. Then we have rappers today like Kanye West who is always willing to sample an oldie.

Hip Hop is made of money. There is no doubt about that. Commercial Hip Hop will be played just as much as a new Britney Spears song, and still won’t do as good. Conglomerates know when to turn on and off the possibility of a good artist today because that is where the control is in the hands of, not you. Of course, you buy the music, but who influences you? Everything. It’s controlled that way and you don’t even know it, but as Biggie Smalls once said, “If you didn’t know, now you know.”

Remember when we were talking Rap? Now Rap, this key ingredient that we spoke of, is lacking where it is needed most. Pay little attention to the lyrics that are sincere and real. What do you need that for when you can grab a good song that’s about shoes? This is the state of Hip Hop today.

I used to love her too, smooth yet strong to my attraction. She would whisper in my ear melodies and soft harmonies, beneficial to all of my wants and dreams. She was my best friend because she knew just when to say the right thing. She spit at the right time, at any moment, she would show up and surprise me. All the fellas were jealous because she liked me more. She grew on me like a pair of new kicks waiting to be worn; what a show off. I used to love her too, because everyone listened when she spoke, she had a way with words that held your attention. She didn’t have to dance, because her lips spoke more to the beat of my mind. Steady and subtle, she could explain how I felt and understood what I was going through.