This blog is for the local music and social scene in North Chicago, IL.
I will have local music news, mixtape/album reviews, book reviews, film reviews, and social commentary. If you want to contribute, please email jpoetic77@sbcglobal.net
This year will be a busy one for me. I will be staring in my first film "Musics Son" which will be premiering Jan 14th. Soon after i will be releasing my 3rd solo mixtape "Put it on a Scale 2". Im putting together a few visuals for that project as we speak. Also be on the look out for the D. Ladd & Blocklife mixtape, The No Face No Case mixtape, And the Birdy Boyz Album, "Radio Residue"all featuring yours truly.
We are 8 songs in on our up and coming album A Wonderful World. Our first video for Brainstormin can be found on youtube. Our 8 songs can be found on various cites such as: Soundcloud.com, reverbnation.com and hotnewhiphop.com. This album is called wonderful world due to the variety of topics, range is sound and new approaches to delivering a message. The title track listed on the sites is NOT the version that will be on the album. Much love for the support and keep watch for the album releasing in 2012 (no release date). SHOWBIZZNESS!!!!
B Boy for Christ's debut album "A Man Called Christ" is dropping in the Spring of 2012.
Here is some potential artwork for the Album cover.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
