Cornell Ford: A MAN IN THE MAKING

Known simply as "Corn" to his friends, Cornell Ford is making moves in Lake County and doing it on a positive tip.  His latest project is a full length cinematic feature that will debut at Waukegan's Genesee Theater entitled "Musics Son".   Cornell Ford is not only the director of this movie, but he actually produced, wrote, and stars in his own feature film.

Using Waukegan and North Chicago, Illinois, as a backdrop for the story, Cornell Ford stars as Lamar Ethan aka Money Music who is the father of the film's main character.   The movie debut will take place on January 14, 2012.  On December 27, 2011 at 1:15pm, I sat down with the man in the making to talk about himself and his vision.

Cornell, please tell our readers what is this movie about.

CORNELL:  The name of the movie is called Musics Son and it is a tale about how a young man uses music to cope with his mom's death and his estranged relationship with his father.  Now, he always thought that his father loved music more than his mom.  So, what you see is an instance where a young man grows up always having a grudge against his father because his mother died and always having that grudge because his father loved music more than he loved her.  So, you go from the young man as a boy at like seven or eight years old to his present day life, living in an impoverished neighborhood, a product of his environment, doing what alot of young men at 20, 21 or 22 years old are doing:  rapping, selling drugs, etc.  But, eventually, he sees the light and turns himself around, but there is a a very interesting twist to the whole thing.  Obviously, I won't tell you, but there is an interesting twist as to how things turn around.

Good.  Well, we won't have you dealing out unnecessary plot points at this time.

CORNELL:  Right.

Now, as far as the creative aspects of the film, how did you balance everything?  You have written, produced, directed, edited and acted in this movie.  How did you do all of that?

CORNELL:  It was a tremendous task, I would say.  Really challenging.  It took ten months to write it, first of all, at like 3 or 4 times a week just putting my nose into the paper.  The directing comes easy with the writing.  I mean, the visual is already there.  So, those were kind of the easy parts but, the most difficult part was getting the actors together, getting them to practice, you know, and setting up places to film according to the vision. Things of that nature.  So, I basically, whatever time that I had I just made time to do everything that I could and according to the schedule that I had.  I had deadlines for everything that I was trying to do.  I could just say I was blessed because I didn't  have the means that a normal film maker would have.  I just had to do it with what I had.


What aspect(s) of the business do you like as far as cinema?


CORNELL:  The writing.  The writing is just the most soothing part of it.  Because I can sit in the comfort of my own creative space, and just put my vision on paper the way I see it internally. 
Also, the acting part is fun too because I can become somebody else other than myself.  I can just strip away me and become someone else.  Another interesting part of it is the music.  Adding music to it (to film).  I love music which is where all this started for me.  I got into film making because I was doing music.  So those three things:  the writing which is the most fun, the acting which is probably equally as much fun and the music.  Directing is cool, but you know, sometimes it's a little challenging working with different people. 

Now, I know you grew up in the Waukegan/North Chicago area, but there is a world outside of it.  Are there any movies or actors you grew up watching in TV or film that inspire you today?

CORNELL:  One of my favorite actors is Morgan Freeman.  I love Morgan Freeman.  I remember watching him when he was doing "Electric Company" when I was like six or seven years old. Morgan Freeman is someone who plays some of the most dramatic, suspenseful type roles and I like stuff like that.   Aside from that, one of my favorite movies is "Purple Rain".  I love "Purple Rain".  It had music involved, but the storyline--I loved it.  I loved it from front to back.  The writing in that was really nice to me.  The direction that was taking place, the acting--there again with the acting you had musicians who weren't necessarily actors, but they pulled it off.  So, stuff like that inspires me.    That's the reason why I chose to work with the people that live in North Chicago and not go to Chicago because most of the people that are out here are rappers, singers, poets, and not necessarily all of them have acting experience.  So, that is where I get my inspiration from.

How would you classify this film?


CORNELL:  Drama.  Definitely drama. 

They say there is always drama going on, but do you see yourself doing something different with film in the future.  Maybe a comedy, a horror movie, or a thriller, etc.

CORNELL:  Initially, my first short film was a comedy called "The Beat".  I did it in 2006.  It is actually funny that you asked me that.  The next feature film I do will be a romantic comedy because I want to touch everything.  Like I said, I've done comedy.  I've done suspense thrillers; two of them and they were kind of gangster.   So I've delved in that a little bit.  I want to get into the romantic comedy thing, and then the horror stuff, a few people have asked me do I want to do that.  And that is something I want to try my hand at as well, because it is all in story.  And, to me, it's just another challenge.


Being an African American Independent Film Maker, how do you feel about how black people are portrayed in mainstream film?  Not before, but during the last ten years.

CORNELL:  It's kind of a mixed bag.  Because if you look at the Academy Awards, for example, you have Halle Berry.  She got an Academy Award (R) where she kind of I would say degraded herself with "Monster's Ball".  But, before that, she had done some excellent work, but they didn't give her the recgonition that she deserved for that work until that.  Why did it take that?  

The same with Denzel Washington.  He had to go straight gangster before he got an Academy Award, but the work that he did before that like in "Glory", "Philadelphia", and "The Pelican Brief" all those movies.  Those were really good movies, but he didn't get recognized for those. 

So, I think to some degree Hollywood stereotypes Black people.  But, for us as film makers,  I think we are becoming more conscious of the stories we need to write that portray us in a more positive light.  And, with that, Tyler Perry, he's done a really good job of writing stories that connect us through love, family, and spirituality.  So, I think if we become more conscious in that realm to write those type of stories, write stories that are more positive and uplifting, then we can, ourselves, change that. 

Everybody can be gangster.  It is easy to be thug and gangster.  But, to actually write something that is positive and uplifting, something that can hit home, something that is going on in our communities--which is a big thing--because we see what's going on in our communitites.  White folks, some Latinos, they don't see what is going on in our communities, or in our households. We do.  So, if we start to become more conscious about those (stories) and write about those (stories) then I things would be alot different. 
 

Now, when you have two people, famous and black, in the same industry, the media will try to pit one against the other.  That said, how do you feel about Tyler Perry vs. Spike Lee.


CORNELL:  Pretty much it depends on your outlook of things.  Spike obviously came up through a time where Black people were more conscious in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his some of works and his background was more heritage driven, I can say.  So, when he was making his films it was more conscious driven too.  And, I can say that it was a lot purer from his outlook.  But that was one era. 

But when you move into another era with Tyler Perry. His background was different.  He came up, and everybody now knows his story of how he was molested and he's influenced by his aunt who he says is Medea. So, he's taken that as inspiration like "ok well I'm going to portray my aunt as this woman"    and if you look at it from that way, that's a more humorous side of things which he still is attaching a message, but he wants to put a humorous side to it.  

So, in trying to look at both aspects, both of them are doing excellent at portraying their visions.  I wouldn't say either/or is right, but as far as attacking black masculinity--I would say Tyler Perry gets a little edgey with it, simply because he is going that route, but his purpose behind it is to connect with people via his message and also give them the entertainment value that a movie is supposed to have. 

Where as, Spike Lee, he wants to give you straightforward, no chaser, but give you the entertainment value without risking the integrity of masculinity with the writer and directorial aspect of it.  In a nutshell, Spike Lee is doing work based on a heritage driven, more conscious driven (aspect) without sacrificing the integrity of Black people in the image.  Where as, Tyler Perry is well this is just entertainment. The vision, the inspiration is still there, but I am going to give you the humorous side as well.  That way, it's not so serious.  Spike maybe a little more serious to some people, whereas Tyler Perry is not as serious.  IT is serious, but he just lightens it up a little bit.  So I think that is the difference.  There is really no right or wrong it just depends on how you look at things. 

Well, as for how this blogger looks at things, Black Hollywood could use a man like Cornell Ford in their ranks. Tickets are on sale now for "Musics Son" at Play by Play Records, 1902 Grand Avenue in Waukegan, Illinois for $5.00 dollars.   On January 14, 2012, the tickets will be on sale for $10.00 at the Genesee Theater Box office. 

Before then, on Tuesday, January 3rd, you will be able to hear Cornell talk about the movie "Musics Son" on hometown radio station WKRS 1220 AM.  And then, on Wednesday, January 4th,  between the hours 7:00pm and 9:00pm, Cornell will be interviewed about his feature film.

Now if you want to see the trailer for "Musics Son", look no further than your very own NOGO Street Beat.

Last Thursday Night @ Flanagan's Kareoke Open Mic

Take a sports bar, some slightly inibriated patrons, music and a couple of microphones, and  there is no telling what you may get.  December 2011 has finally come.  Let's do kareoke, NOGO style.

The night was cold, and snow was falling and melting into the ground.  Luckily, I am indoors waiting for the festivities to begin. 

Every Thursday night, Flanagan's at 3201 Buckley Rd has an open mic hosted by Lake Counties very own singing Santa Claus, Curtis Pierre.  Leave you inhibitions at the door kiddies--this open mic is for singers.  It also caters to music lover's of all kinds.  I got there at 8:30 p.m. and the festivities start promptly enough at 9:00 p.m.  The crown was sparse the drinks were a little on the pricey side, but our host was animated, highly motivated, and ready to go.

Curtis Pierre's talent has taken him to various places.  He is an award winner of various talent shows and has performed all over the North Shore, including Chicago, Deerfield, and Highland Park.  He has been a feature on the Jerry and Nick show on WKRS Radio 1220 AM during the Christmas holidays. 

Let me be honest, kareoke is not my thing, and from the start of things, I wasn't sure if anything might happen at all.  Curtis seemed hopeful.  But, I wasn't so sure.  A little voice inside my head said, "You're here. Give it a shot."  So I did.  And then the first singer got up to sing at 9:11 p.m.

By 9:18 p.m., Curtis took the mic to sing Kenny Roger's "Through the Years".  The margarita I ordered was beginning to give me heart burn.  However, I was starting to have a good time.

Curtis Pierre's right hand man, Thunder Cat Mac, belted out a nice rendition of the classic carol "Let it Snow, Let it Snow".  And afterwards Curtis envoked the spirit of Cool and the Gang with "Get down on it".  A performance that made others want to sing.

By 9:31 p.m., I was beginning to see that I had misjudged the amount of fun I was having.  If not for the heart burn, I could say that last Thursday night at Flanagan's, I had a complete blast.  You don't have to be able to sing like Curtis is to have a blast.  You just have to be yourself.   That is the point of kareoke: people letting loose and having fun.  There are no Simon Cowells here to bring the mood down.  People can just have fun singing there favorite tune, laughing with each other, or laughing at themselves.

By 9:49 p.m., I am having a good time.  The night goes on.  Songs are sung and drinks are drunk.  People are eating.  And there is no drama.  I like that.

So I am encouraging my fellow blog readers to give this open mic a shot. 

That's FLANAGAN'S GREAT LAKES KAREOKE on THURSDAY NIGHTS from 9PM to 1AM
GIFTS AND PRIZES for BATTLE OF THE SEXES KAREOKE including A STUDIO CONTRACT. 

For more information call or email Curtis Pierre 1 224 532 1834 nuawlinskid@yahoo.com
You can also book Curtis for coporate parties and/or your special events.

 

Book Review: The Bitter and Sweet Around Me by DeVon Nelson

In the beginning of author DeVon Nelson's novel, The Bitter and Sweet Around Me, the reader meets the central protagonist Portia George during a wedding ceremony that would begin her second marriage.  Portia never thought she would ever marry again.  It wasn't "in the script she had written for herself", but things do happen tragically and often unexpectedly in life and Portia's life is no exception.

In "The Bitter and Sweet Around Me", the reader can see facets of themselves in the life and struggles of Portia George.  When her marriage falls apart due to her husband's addiction, the reader is taken on a rough, emotional journey with Portia as she deals with the changes life throws at her.   

The most likable thing about DeVon Nelson's prose, is that it is clear and straight forward.  The reader feels a great connection and an understanding with the protagonist.  That understanding being that happily ever after is only found in fairytales and that with every tragedy life may throw at us, we are the ones who control what direction our life may go.  The choices have always been ours, all it takes is faith and a single step.

Another likable aspect of this novel is that there are no stereotypical Black characters or caricatures of successful African American life.  For example, the relationship between Portia and her best friend Lexie, is an example of perfect sisterhood and trust.  There is no backstabbing or jealousy between them.  They are just two women who know how to navigate the thick and the thin of life together.  In reality, we could all use friends like that or maybe just read DeVon Nelson's "The Bitter and Sweet Around Me" and try to learn by example.

If you would like to read DeVon Nelson's wonderful story of life, love, pain and triumph or learn more about the author, then please visit  http://www.bitterandsweetbook.net/ and read an excerpt from this uplifting and touching novel.

The book is also available on Amazon.com.
        

BVar Musiq: The Path of Righteous Musiq

BVARMusiq is a man who takes his music, his faith and his life seriously.  However, what do we really know about him and his efforts .   I decided to sit down  and converse with the man himself to find out.  What followed is an indepth conversation about faith and music.

What do you think of mainstream Christian music?

It depends on who the artist is and the message that they are bringing to the music because you have alot of mainstream artist who may be in it for the money--or what not.  But, I listen to a couple of mainstreamers--Lecrae, and I don't know if you have heard of the Red Ink Army, Red Ink Army has decent artists.  Also Commissioned by Christ out of Waukegan, IL and my camp "Soldiers 4 Christ" as well.

How long have you been into music, especially gospel music?

All my life, really.  I grew up listening to the music, listening the gospel.   I am a very family orientated person. My family grew up in the church.  I been baptised myself last year on my own.  Cause, when I was young I was forced to do it, but I figured now I know exactly why I am doing it.  So, I went ahead and did it myself again.

How old were you when you did that?

28 years old.

Does mainstream music sometimes diverge from the "original source"?  The "original source" being the Word of God?  And if so, how can one bring it back?

It all it all depends on how you look at it as a person.  Because everybody is reached in a different sort of way.  You know, I really don't listen to a lot of traditional Gospel music.  It doesn't reach me, because really I grew up on hip hop.  So when I listen to a hip hop track it really moves me, it moves my soul.  So, like I said, it really all depends on who you are and how it reaches you as an individual.

How long have you been doing your music?

I actually did my first track when I was twelve or thirteen years old.  It was a hip hop track called "Bubba's Groove".  I did it downstairs with my homeboy Maurice who stays on Greenfield, and he had a studio right there. Isaac Roland, may he rest in peace, stayed upstairs from him and I got hooked up with him and everything.  So, basically, I've been doing musiq for about twenty years now but I have been doing what I call  Messiah Musiq for about 1 1/2 years now.

How important is the music to you as far as it concerns your spiritual walk?

I would certainly have to say 40% of my spiritual walk has to do with the music, 40 % meditating, praying on a daily basis.  20% is just giving the love to other peoples 'cause I can't give it back until I know exactly what I am doing.  SO I say I put 40% in my music as far as listening it and doing it and the other 40% praying and meditating asking God to order my spirit before I get out there with the other 20%.  It may sound like a small percentage but you can only reach so many people anyway.  And I feel like if I don't have what have that I need to give to them then I feel like basically I should not approach anyone if I am not ready.

Some would argue that Hip Hop and Gospel should not be mixed because Hip Hop  is too worldly.  How do you respond to that?

I don't like to mix them together because Hip Hop is it's own religion.  That's how I feel about it.  Hip Hop has its own code.  You got to dress a certain way, you act a certain way.  I don't like to mix the two together.  I basically like to refer to my music as Messiah Musiq or Spiritual Warfare Musiq.  It's basically another way.  Cause we all as African Americans we already have our own style, and we already know how to do music.  I look at as far as this, I don't put Hip Hop in (that argument) period.  It's just another (kind of) poetry, another way to express yourself, express your thoughts while trying to lead people on the right path.

 

If you want to follow BVarMusiq's journey, or you just love the ecletic sound of Messiah Musiq  check him out on Facebook and "like" his fan page BVar-Musiq.  

 

Superb Bar and Grill Monday Night Open Mic

This just in:

Every Monday Night in the city of Zion, Illinois, the place to be at is Superb Grill.  Hosted by Alicia Mays (Amay-sing), this open mic invites the singers and poets in Lake County to come out and celebrate one another in the spirit of creativity.

On Monday, November 7, 2011, it is ladies night for the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  There will be "Delta drink specials" all night long.  Amay-sing our host with the most will indeed be on the grind to make sure this night starts on time, no exceptions.

Sign in for the open mic is at 8:30 pm and the open mic starts at 9:00 pm SHARP!

The Superb Grill is a great place for food, fun, & social events.  
The Superb Grill is located at 3077 Sheridan Rd in Zion, Illinois.  There is no fee for performers or patrons but the bar is asking for a two drink minimum.

(BBC) BBOY FOR CHRIST

The art and skill of blending faith with hip hop music has been a part of the rap genre since the days of the Sugar Hill Gang. Over the years, the hip hop genre has been peppered with groups like DC Talk, and PID (Preachers in Disguise). These days even secular artists like Kanye West add a religious message to their music (Jesus Walk).

Granted, there have been many arguments made against putting religion in hip hop music. Everything has been said from that’s not real hip hop to the music sounds too worldly for the believer.

Like all poetry, hip hop comes from the heart. Christian rap is no different. At the center of the music is the message and the purpose of the artist is to get that message out.  Over a series of weeks, I corresponded with a Christian hip hop artist who goes by the name of BBC B-Boy for Christ. Here is some of what he had to say about himself and his music.
How did you come up with name BBC B-Boy for Christ? 
I have always been into hip hop. Since I was 7. I loved the whole culture, the graffiti, djing, breaking and of course rapping. It means break boy because of break dancing but it expanded into all things hip hop. That’s b-boying. I’m gonna always be a b-boy, but now when I do it, its to glorify Jesus. B-boys were rebels so was Jesus. In a sense, being a Christian is pretty rebellious.


Your music has an old school sound to it that real hip hop heads can appreciate, but your message in your music has a biblical basis. Some would still argue that you can't mix a secular sound with the gospel. How do you respond to that?
I think when you go the Kirk Franklin route, using old secular songs as gospel songs, like Stomp, is when it gets cloudy. People use to get high to George Clinton. So when Stomp first came out we're all like hey that’s One Nation Under A Groove! There is a certain spirit there. Your singing gospel over a song people use to or still get high too. Just like when Christian rappers do a mixtape and rap over a Kanye or Lil Wayne beat. If you go perform it and the people in the crowd only hear the Lil Wayne song and not the message that your trying to give out. So to me when you mix secular and God in that sense, it gets cloudy. But as far as rapping the gospel, its a form of ministry. Just like praise dancing, spoken word preaching, its all ministry. We're not ministers by any means, but this is ministry and this is our way of doing it. We just want to bring Christ to the forefront.
When people hear your music what is the main thing you want them to take from it?

Christ. See Christ and want to know more about him. I want people to not be afraid to love him and show him PDA. People will defend the lyrics and actions of their favorite rapper and question if God is real or if the bible is a true story. Jesus is real, he's coming back, deal with it and get right or get left behind.
Who do you listen to when you are not recording your own music?
I love the Red Ink Army. Yaves the Street Pastor, Bizzle, Mouthpiece, there’s so many. I still listen to old R&B like Stevie Wonder and Frankie Beverly. But mainly its other Christian mc's and I also listen to CD's of my Bishop's messages from random services.

You listen to "Champion" a song by BBC by clicking this link.

Follow B Boy for Christ on Facebook.  Also check out more of his music and fan him on Reverbnation:

BBoy 4 Christ

ACE KOON INTERVIEW:on the Tupac Shakur Bio pic

Ace Koon, aka Fury aka the next potential Tupac Shakur, describe your place in the pantheon of Lake County, IL local artists.  Who are you?
Well um, I pride myself as being the highest selling rap artist in Lake County history.
I've got 33,000 units sold, that is hand to hand sales in the streets.   I've got 16 releases out, which was done in a matter of 5 years--  My philosophy is to try to work the streets, and get out and meet the people.  And network.






What does it mean for you yourself to try out for such a coveted role? 

Well, it means a great deal to me.  I feel like he laid his life down for the have nots who have been struggling.  I've been in that position before and I still am in that position.  He is the most influential person in my life. Period.  It means a great deal to me to be able to audition and give some kind of just due to his legacy.




Who was Tupac Shakur to you?  Describe Tupac in one word to you.



In one word, he was an outlaw.  But it is hard to describe him in one word.  He was an educated out law.  As far as like his music, he was extremely talented.  He a had a vengeful side to him to if he felt like he was crossed.  But, on a more positive note, he would vouch or go to battle for people who were less fortunate.  

He ultamitely lost his life going to battle for people who didn't really have anything.  He had a political voice.  He would say things that a lot of people didn't reallly want to hear.  Especially coming from him with his background and his family, the Shakurs, and their affiliations with the Black Panthers.  They were in direct contest with the government.

I can't really sum him up in one word, but he was for sure something to talk about. And definatley something to make a bio pic about.



Why do you think you should be the one to play Tupac Shakur?


I feel like I've been kind of practicing for this role my whole life.  I been studying him.  This was before, even before his demise.  I didn't know this was going to happen to him.  It just seemed like we had so much in common and which I am sure like the other auditioners might feel the same way.

But like with me, my philosophy is I want to take all the small details of Tupac Shakur and bring to the front burner.  All the small details.  The way he moved his hands, the emphasis he used when spoke, more of his mannerisms --just all the small details.  It's not going to be what the media's take of him was.



Why don’t we as a community have each others back here in Lake County?


Lake County is a rough one.  I've tried to unify and tried to bring other artist together.  A lot of artists out here, they know what I do out here and they know my accomplishments.  I don't really get too much credit, you know what I'm saying, as much a deserve from the other artists.  And that is fine, it ain't really a big deal to me.  As long as I got the consumer, and the consumer knows what I do.

As far as Lake County, it is tough to get love from artists because I believe everyone just wants to be that number one guy.  In the south, in Atlanta, where you have one artist that everyone jumps on his bandwagon, rides the wave and supports him.  And then everybody flourishes. And then he comes back and breaks bread with everybody and then it's the next cats turn.  

That kind of mentality is not reallly cultivated up North, in the area where we are, but I feel like once we get to a point when we keep running up against a brick wall and we can't bust nothing open. we are going to finally end up learning and becoming more accessible to positive things like that.

What is your favorite Tupac song?
There's so many.  I would probably have to say, "Street Thang". It was on a posthumous album that was released after his death.  I also liked "Thug Style" too.  

Do you have any advice for anyone who is trying to make it in the entertainment industry?
Well, one keynote is that if you really, really, want to do this you can't just come in there and half assed do this stuff.  Move units to the streets.   You have to get out in the streets and meet people. You have to campaign as if this was politics.  And if you are afraid to get out and sell your music than this is not a game for you then.  This the music game, an industry. 

Alot of artist out here are getting credit for making good songs.  I have umpteen good songs.  It takes more than that.  You have to take your good songs and go to the streets.  You have to campaign for it, it is like a 'ghetto election'.



If you get this role, the role of Tupac Shakur, what will it mean to you? It would mean the whole world to me.  I just want his legacy portrayed the right way.  I think his legacy will be in the right hands with me.  I just want to give him just due efforts.  I've been studying him every night ever since I found out the auditions.  I am not doing this for no pay off or nothing like that. I know I have a whole region or area that is counting on me to do things that they may not be able to do at the time.


Why do you contine to rap and will you continue to rap once this period in your life is over?

To be honest with you, I never really wanted to rap or be a rapper.  After the death of Tupac, I felt like the powers that be that don't really understand the urban sector or life what we go through everyday had won at the time.  It just irked me, and Its like I had to speak up and do something.  I felt like this urgency.  I had to show some type of action.  So, I started to rap.

I always wanted to be an actor.  I felt like if I stepped up and if I rapped and made a voice for myself, that it would open doors into the acting. 

I never really wanted to be a rapper.  Once I do get the role, I would probably fall back behind the scenes and help others out with there own endeavors.  But I probably wouldn't rap anymore.

What's Going On with North Chicago

Right now, it has been a busy few weeks for me, but that is not what I want to discuss.

One of Lake County's own, DeCount Bell aka Ace Koon aka Fury is in the runnings for the title role of a movie that depicts the life of famed rapper/actor Tupac Shakur.

The voting for who will play this most coveted role will close soon and a victor will be chosen.  Out of all the artists I have met in Lake County, IL, I can say that I have never seen anyone so driven for a role.  He is one of the best selling artist in this locale.  And his lyrical style is reminiscent of the late Tupac Shakur.

In Search of Tupac

Above is the link for the In Search of Tupac page on facebook and a video of Fury's audition.  I think you will find Lake County, Illinois well represented in this endeavor.

Once again, time is short.  Click this Link and vote for DeCount Bell:   http://www.truthabout2pac.com/ 

The Social Bug: Next Level Poetry

Alright North Chicago, on Wednesday nights, 1721 Sheridan Road is the best kept secret in town.  I am talking about Neo Soul Wednesday's at the Social Bug, hosted by none other than, the one and only SoleTempest (Simone).

The poetry last night was off the chain.   The atmosphere is laid back and with DJ SKILLZ on the 1s and 2s playing the sexy sounds of Neo Soul, each Wednesday night is a night to remember.  And with the sudden arrival of Poetry on the Patio's Markell Mooney last week, you never know what to expect.

If you have a heart for creativity and the spoken word, it will be energized.  Come with your A game or not and still have fun.

Last night, if you were there, you got to hear and see the lovely Oasis bless us with her wordplay and angelic melody.   Local hero, and Lake County celeb, the X was in the building, blessing us with his rhymes.
Not to mention the undeniably clever Breeze and Brandy Nicole (YES I GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE).

Once again, this is laid back, grown and sexy folk.  Leave the drama at home and come have a ball on Wednesdays at the Social Bug:  1721 Sheridan Rd in North Chicago, IL 60064.

ALSO:  This Friday the X will be in the building for Old School Fridays.  Come out and get your groove on like we did back in the day.

I can't say enough about  this place, but I must say this:  We need to support our black owned businesses in this town.   When someone is doing something this positive, it is a righteous endeavor.   I never thought I would spit in my home town again.  But after last night, I know and believe that anything is possible.  And I will return to the Social Bug again.

Spoken Word has a new home in North Chicago, every Wednesday night.  Show some love for it.

PEACE

Contributor's Guidelines

For Contributor's

NOGO Street Beat is for but not limited to North Chicago, IL.
That said, you have the freedom of speech to right about whatever you want.
But you must follow the rules.

1.  No hate speech.  I will cut you off really quick if you spread hate on my blog.
Haters thrive on drama.  This is a drama free zone.  If you don't like it, don't put it on here.

2.  Mixtape Reviews  Must be at least  200-500 words long-- with contact information or website information of the artist.  If something is hot, people are going to want to know where to get it.

3. Artist Profile Interviews can be of any length.  Again it must have the artist's contact info or music info.The same goes for local business owner interviews and special interest articles.

4.  Book Reviews and Movie Reviews 500 words to 1000 words long.

As a writer on this blog, you will get name recognition and full credit for anything you submitt.

5. But please proofread and edit your articles. 

Message from the editor

Alright.
I haven't been here for a while, I know.   That is about to change.  I have been working on other projects and forgot why I started this blog in the first place.

So why did I start this blog?   Because I could, that's why.  And it can and will continue.
In the coming weeks, I shall be blogging about whatever I can get my grubby little hands on in North Chicago, IL.  

And if you are from North Chicago and want to contribute to this blog, I highly encourage you to contact me via email at jpoetic77@sbcglobal.net.

Nogo Street Beat will continue in 2011.   Please be advised.

Artist Profile: Andre "Blocklife" Johnson aka Mr. BLOCKLIFE

Here at NOGO STREET BEAT, we try to stay on our grind by bringing you the best from the Midwest.  That includes Lake County, IL finest and the surrounding locals of Milwaukee and the Chi-town.

 

One of the Lake County, IL finest is a man by the name of Andre "Blocklife" Johnson aka Mr. Blocklife.  This guy is a producer, entrepeneur and soon to be added to that list will hopefully be bestselling author.

 

I had six questions for the man known as Mr. Blocklife,

and he was more than willing to let our readers into his life.  

 

 

 

 

NOGO STREET BEAT:  B.M.G., for my reader's who don't know, what does it stand for and who are you?

 

Mr. Blocklife:  B.M.G stands for Blocklife Music Group which its made up of individual artists like Quarter Key, SQ, D.Ladd, Yung Staff, and myself Blocklife. (founder/ceo of Blocklife™)

 

 

NSB:  Aside from being a mixtape producer, and business owner, you have moved on the realm of Urban Literature.  Tell our readers about your Urban Thriller, Big Jake.  What can we expect from you as an author?

 

Mr. Blocklife:  Yes I've ventured into many different things, but I've always been a pretty good writer, even in school on compositions and essays, I did great.  My inspiration for wanting to write an urban thriller came from my long time homeboy Marcus Hasty (Joe Awsum) when he let me read the rough draft of Beastmode: Welcome to the Jungle. I was blown away and wanted to write. My first title is Big Jake-KeysToTheCity and its grimy! Expect an action packed page turner! The ball just keeps rolling!

 

 

 

NSB: You are a father now, but at the age of 16, you got into some trouble and landed in prison.  Most people would have given up on themselves.  How did you manage to turn it around? 

 

Mr. Blocklife:  I am a father of one (lil Block) but im not married. Prison taught me alot about myself. I basically grew from a boy to a man behind bars. I went in 3 weeks after turning 17 and didn't see daylight again til Iwas 21. I educated myself with the tools necessary to be a productive citizen and never looked back! I went in without a high school diploma and came home with an Associated in Liberal Studies along with many more licenses and certifications. I always been pretty well rounded so it wasnt difficult to adjust when I got out. Plus I'm stubborn and sometimes refuse to lose.

 

NSB: Right now, your mixtape AND I DON'T EVEN RAP is selling like crazy.  How long does it usually take you to put together and produce a mixtape?

 

Mr. Blocklife:  Putting together a mix tape is like putting on my shoes before I leave the house everyday, it's natural. I've recorded enough material in two days to put together a mix cd but I may not wanna use all those songs so I guess it depends on where im going with it...the marketing and advertising is what consumes time.

 

NSB: In this recession, being an entrepenuer is hard.  How do you keep your work and priorites in the proper perspective?

 

Mr. Blocklife:  The recession has definitely put me in a different position. People really dont have the money to just spend right now so you have to be understanding and be able to work with your consumers budgets. If you do your people right they won't forget. Thats important when youre trying to become a household name.

 

NSB:  Finally, how far do you want BMG to go?  You've got BlockLife Music, BlockLife Grillz, etc?  Where do you want it to take you?

Mr.Blocklife:  My Blocklife movement includes Blocklife Tees, Blocklife Sunglasses, Blocklife Grillz and Custom Jewelry, Blocklife Books, Blocklife Films, and Blocklife Music Group  .  .  .  I have great expectations for my enterprise! One of these roads are going to lead to the cash! I don't know which road but from the progress I've made since 04 when I started, I'm confident that im on the right path! Plus I love what I do. I motivate and inspire the hood! Wouldn't trade it for nothing!

NSB:  There are many paths to success in this life.  But, it looks like Blocklife may have the formula to make it there own path.  Check out BMG Reverbnation Page and fan them now!

 

 

 

Artist Profile/Interview: NAPALM

      Nathan D Palmer aka "NaPalm" is no stranger to the stage. He has developed his skills from a young age performing in the choir at his local church.  NaPalm's first mixtape "The Offseason"  was well received on the Northern Illinois University campus where he is already well known for his skills on the football field.  Besides "The Offseason”, NaPalm had also recorded a single entitled “Vowels” that has already begun to circulate among college campuses throughout the country. He is now working on his first album entitled "Lights Off".

HERE "VOWELS" NOW

NOGOSTREETBEAT:   What do you think separates you and your sound from any others that may be out there right now?

 

NaPalm:  I think my sound is a smoother yet classic r&b sound, also you can hear a bit of gospel flavor in my vocals. A lot of artists out now are more of melodic rappers versus being actual singers.

NSB:   You started singing as a young boy in the church. How has your upbringing shaped your outlook as a performer and songwriter?

NaPalm:  Starting off as a young boy in church really helped me become comfortable with singing in front of crowds. It also taught me how to sing with feeling and make songs my own, so to speak. As a songwriter I try to write with the same passion and feeling that is also found within churches.

NSB:   Aside from musical performance, you also excel in football, basketball, and track. Where is your heart at right now, mainly? Music or Sports?　

NaPalm:  Well music has always been my passion from age four but as of right now my heart is with finishing my college education as well as football career. Though my heart will always be with music, I have a desire to finish school, just to have a foundation once football and music is done.

NSB:   Who do you listen to? What is on your desert island all time CD list?

NaPalm:  I listen to a variety of artists. Trey Songz has been in heavy rotation lately but other artists I listen to include Usher, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker, even a little Maroon 5. I am just a fan of music period. My all time CD list would be mainly R&B but I definitely would have to wake up every morning to “Hello Good Morning” by Diddy/Dirty Money. 

NSB:   Musically, where do you want to be in 5 years?

NaPalm:  In five years I want to be on top of the R&B charts and touring the world having shows everyday. I get a great joy out of performing so in five years I want to own the stage and give people a show to remember every time I perform.


NSB:  With all that said, I believe anyone can do anything they put their mind too. I certainly look forward to hearing NaPalm on my speakers one day.  Check out NaPalm on http://www.reverbnation.com/ by clicking the link below, and look for that album to drop in the second quarter. 

Check out NAPALM on REVERBNATION and look for his album to drop in 2011

An Indepth Artist Update/Interview: R.D.G. aka Murda Traxx

    

      R.D.G. aka Murda Traxx is an artist who was born in Mississippi, raised in Texas, and moved to Aurora, IL at the age of sixteen in 2001. R.D.G. began rapping in 2003 when a producer named Mike Russ approached him. For three years, R.D.G. worked on song writing, building a team, and supporting his sound. In 2006, R.D.G. released his first mixtape called "Refuse 2 be Unheard". The mixtapes following his 2006 debut were "From the Gritty to the City" (2007), "Just Business" (2008) and "The Introduction to R.D.G. aka Murda Traxx" (2010).   R.D.G. is about to release another mixtape in February 16, 2011, entitled "The Revelation".  On February 28, 2011 Chicago's WGCI radio will feature the artist R.D.G. Murda Traxx and his music for their Music Monday's program.

    R.D.G. aka Murda Traxx prides himself on being versatile and unique ability to transfer harmonious emotions to his audience. Over the years the music industry has taught R.D.G. that "real friends" are hard to find and should be cherished. R.D.G. believes that "Music is an outlet that breeds creativity and fuels the fire for my passion"
　
　
STREET BEAT: What is more important to you at the end of the day: Money, or Respect?

At the end of the day, I would choose to be respected over being wealthy because in the end that's what counts. Money is just a factor that brings about more opportunities for people to gain prestigious positions which ultimately lead to respect.

STREET BEAT: What is the main source of inspiration for your music?

Honestly, the answer is LIFE. Going through various situations in the course of living makes you feel different emotions and those raw emotions influence me to write the music I do. I try to be as versatile as possible and write songs for people of all lifestyles; from grown men/women ("Walk Away"), to club heads ("Shawty Get Live") and so on. Music to me is just capturing an emotional image and framing it in a song.

STREET BEAT: Who do you admire musically?

I admire a lot of people musically, from Drake to Jeezy. But the people I am most inspired by are Diddy, Jay-Z, and 50 cent because they were able to expand their musical talent to other arenas and gain notoriety outside of music. Seeing a rap artist go from music videos to being in movies, owning their colors, and water shows me the advantages of being versatile.

STREET BEAT: You've been doing this since you were 18 years old. How far do you want this music to take you?

In my opinion, music is more than a vehicle that will take me to a place I dreamed about.  Music is the way I think, feel, and live. So whether it takes me to the top of the world or to the depths of the earth as long as the spirit of music is in me and embodies my way of life I am "Happy" and that is something a billionaire couldn't buy. But to answer your question directly, I think my musical talent will take me farther than my eyes can see!
http://tweetmymixtape.com/7smw65

This man may go on to do big things for himself.  Please check out his music on at http://www.reverbnation.com/rdgakamurdatraxx

AND on Monday, February 28th as part of WGCI Chicago Radio's Music Mondays.  And look for the album "The Revelation" on Itunes, Rhapsody, and CDbaby.com. 

QUARTERKEY--THE INTERVIEW

At last, after major technical  difficulties, both big and small, I got to interview QUARTERKEY for an hour on http://www.legaldoperadio.com/ .  Just the two of us, and what we found out about each other strangely enough is that we had alot in common. 

Growing up in North Chicago, IL wasn't easy on either of us.  But we learned, we grew stronger, and we survived.  I can say truly that I respect Quarterkey as an artist and as a person.  He has grown into a fine example of a human being. 

Listen Here:  

THE QUARTERKEY INTERVIEW

Quarterkey is a man that takes his craft seriously.  In this no holds barred hour, he lets loose about street life, family, loyalty, and the politics of mainstream music.  He is truly BIGGER THAN LIFE and loving it.

Become a fan on REVERBNATION

http://www.whoisquarterkey.com/