If you haven’t already, do yourselves a favor and pick up a copy of that new CD “The Promise”, available on iTunes
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-promise/id470441785

Imagine a more mature, more gifted (as if that were even possible), a 20 year old Freestyle Fellowship. I waited 20 long years to see them live. It was definitely worth the wait…

Thank you, Freestyle Fellowshop, for blessing Seattle with your presence… And for allowing me to share this experience with my daughter… and her daughter… and so on, and so on…

And they said Hip Hop was just a phase…

Aceyalone

Myka 9

Self Jupiter

and last but most definitely not least

P.E.A.C.E.

Twitter:
Freestyle Fellowship @FreestyleFS
Aceyalone @Aceyalone
Myka 9 @Myka9
Self Jupiter @SelfJup

The realest shit I ever wrote…

As much as I hate social injustice, I have to admit, I fear losing my job, my income, my benefits, my shelter, the life I have become accustomed to. I don’t live a lavish lifestyle. Frankly, it is quite modest. But I am not hungry, and I have place to store my things, a warm bed, a car note AND I am insured. I have a refrigerator with food. It may not always be full. But I eat.

I want to thank all of you brave and courageous people who are willing to fight the good fight with no fear, get arrested, and stand up to Wall Street, the NYPD, OPD, and all the PD’s out there doing the people wrong… All of you who are taking risks to make this a better place for me, my children and grandchildren to live…

Those of you who have spent countless hours fighting for bargaining rights, fighting for housing rights, and all of you who fight for basic human rights, I thank you…

And I ask for your forgiveness…

Because, the truth of the matter is, no matter how outraged I am, no matter how bad the current situation is, I stay within my safety zone…

And that’s the truth.

Black Stax Joins Global Heat, Suntonio Bandanaz and Soul Shifters in Performance for Western Arts Alliance at Hard Rock Seattle, August 31st
Showcase Offers Night of Urban Soul Music and Dance for Conference Attendees and General Public

Seattle, WA /August 23, 2011  – Black Stax, the avant-garde of Seattle hip hop that recently returned from their I Love My Life Northwest Tour, will perform in a special showcase for the Western Arts Alliance Conference along with Global Heat, Suntonio Bandanaz and Soul Shifters on Wednesday, August 31st at the Hard Rock Cafe, located at:

116 Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 204-2233

Show will run 8:00 pm – 12:00 am / doors at 7:30 pm.
This is a 21+ show. 
Tickets are $10 in advance and available at hardrock.com or $15 at the door, day of show. 

About Black Stax
As the avant-garde of Seattle hip-hop and “displaying soulful depth and thought-provoking messages like modern-day prophets,” according to the Jazz Music Examiner, Black Stax makes creative, challenging and emotional music with an injection of hip hop and 70s-era soul.  The group is comprised of MCs Silas Blak and Jace ECAj and vocalist Felicia Loud and they’ve been featured in The Stranger, The Examiner, Publicola.com and national publication DEFT Magazine for their recently released debut album Talking Buildings,  which is an eclectic, urban mix.  A collaboration that works, Black Stax successfully blends musical genres and attracts a varied and supportive following. Learn more at www.blackstax.com

About Global Heat
Taking you on a high-energy journey into Hip Hop Soul, Funk, and World Beat music spiced with break dancing, Global Heat features emcees Orbitron and Dadical, plus soul vocalist MSJR backed by a full live band.  The Art Institute of Seattle says, Global Heat is “a hip-hoppin’ rock fusion funk rapping break dancing good time!”  Learn more at www.global-heat.com

About Suntonio Bandanaz
One of Seattle’s most prolific Underground Hip Hop MCs, Suntonio Bandanaz (aka “Asun”) spearheads the pioneering Seattle collective known as Alpha P (also 1st Platoon) and has shared the stage with some of Hip Hop’s Finest.  “an unquestionable legend in 206 Hip Hop.  His hustle ethic, supreme chop skills, and voracious appetite for beats to eat alive are well known throughout the Northwest and the Independent music scene of the US”  Shamako Noble – Hip Hop Congress.  Learn more at www.suntoniobandanaz.com 

About Soul Shifters
Originating from a break dance crew called Circle of Fire, Soul Shifters have transformed from simply B-boys to a dance theatre.  Their members have traveled the world participating in Hip Hop dance  competitions as judges and competitors. “You guys rose to the occasion last night! Thank you so much for being a part of The Lowdown”  Amy O’Neal – Seattle Theatre Group.  Learn more at www.facebook.com/soulshifters

About The Western Arts Alliance Conference
The WAA Conference convenes presenters, artists, and agents around the shared goal of programming live performances. The five-day schedule is filled with exhibits, performances, networking, speakers, classes and workshops. Unlike traditional trade shows, The Commons – our combination meeting, event and exhibit space – is where it all happens. With everything right at your fingertips in the vibrant city of Seattle, the WAA Conference is a hub of activity, full of opportunities for artistic exploration and gaining insight and expertise from dedicated professionals.  Learn more at http://www.westarts.org/

Media Contact:
Amalia Martino
BlueShoes Media
(425) 361-2754 office
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

http://www.scribd.com/doc/62945233/Black-Stax-Joins-Global-Heat-Suntonio-Bandanaz-and-Soul-Shifters-at-Hard-Rock-Seattle-August-31st#source:facebook

DELTON SON
LADY TAZS
and
FLEETA PARTEE

with DJ NEEBOR

21+
$5

Umoja Fest Family Registry
 

The UmojaFest August 4-7th at is family centered & family focused! We invite families & extended families to come as a unit & share this space with us! As a bonus, we have created a “friendly registry” for groups to sign as many family/extended family members up under one list.
The group that has the most members signed in throughout the 3 days of the festival will receive a gift basket (compliments of , Kingdom Advocates and Foster Enterprise). The gift basket will include several gifts, with one being a choice of a barbeque or picnic! There will also be additional gifts awarded to families who show active attendance sign-ins for all three days of the UmojaFest.

So get creative: call a small family reunion/family meeting, combine with other families, in-laws, individual “strangers aka new found family” standing around and/or brag about the good food & art to get them out!

Several times during the fest (in addition to the registry) we will do shout outs & call out the families who have signed up. There will also be comp raffle tickets for an opportunity to win additional gifts & get other family resources at the Foster Enterprise/Kingdom Advocates booth.

To sign up and/or to get more information about the registry, please contact:

Timmie Foster at foster.enterprise@yahoo.com (253)219-6115.
————-

NIK WEST AND RYANCHRISTIAN TO HEADLINE UMOJA FEST SOUL OF CITY STAGE IN SEATTLE

Seattle,WA – Phoenix based soul artist Nik West will headline the Umoja Fest 2011 Soul of the City Stage. She will be joined by Seattle native RyanChristian.  The Soul of The City Stage features two days of live R&B, soul, jazz, blues, poetry and spoken word, fashion, dance and more.Live performances by UPC Hip-Hop Soul All Stars, Thomas Crown, Shyan Selah, Urban Seeds, The Descendants, As One, Shanise Rakel,  Long Overdue feat. Biggie Lewis (Wheedles Groove), Curry Temple Unified Praise, Marcia Blair , Sam Chambliss, Jerry Henderson and more. Saturday & Sunday 2pm – 9pm.
 
 SATURDAY      
   
2:00    Open  
3:00-3:25    Shyan Selah    – www.Shyanselah.com
3:30-3:50    Urban Seed  -  www.urbanseeds.net
4:00-4:20    The Descendants  
4:30- 4:55    RyanChristian feat. As One  -  www.ryanchristianmusic.com
5:00-5:10    Shanise Rakel  -  www.reverbnation.com/shaniserakel
5:10-5:40    Fashion Show  
5:55-6:40     UPC All Stars feat Thomas Crown    www.ThomasCrown.US
6:50-7:20    Nik West    – www.nikwestbass.com
7:30 -7:50    Caffine Jazz   -  www.reverbnation.com/anthonylewis
 
ROOTS STAGE
2:00    Drum Circle
3:00    MShenga African Drum
3:30    Zuumba in the Park
3:45    Eritrean Dance
4:00    Percussin 4 Kids w/AMD
5:00    Zambuko Marimba Ensemble
6:00    Long Overdue
7:00    Jerry Henderson
HIP-HOP STAGE
LOE Presents
The MOVE presents
A-Rawlo
Juga Hill
Clyde McNight
Aiyasia Lyrics
NFA presents
Shayla Pitre
MIH presents     
 
SUNDAY
    
2:00-2:20    One Voice  
3:00-3:30    Caffine Jazz  
3:40-4:00    Children of God & Divine Deliverance  
4:10-4:30    Curry Temple Unified Praise 
4:40-5:10    Mission  
5:20-5:55    Sam Chambliss
6:15 -7:00    Nik West   – www.nikwestbass.com
ROOTS STAGE
2:00    Poetry In The Park hosted by KHMET & Trinide
 Mikeya aka Keyabee
Korvus Blackbird
Verbal Oasis
All Power To the Positive presents GCL1 The Minister of Information
More To Be Announced
HIP-HOP STAGE
Korvus
Delton Son
BeLoved
Nu Era (or Dyno Jamz)
Julie C w/ guests?
Ditta Mac
Liz Ali
Jah Jigga
Fooligan Crew
Lady Tasz
J. Infinite
Greg & Jerome
Token Folk
Jamil Suleman
Rahwa
Side Pony
KnowMads
LA
Chev
TAPE
Ethos
DeAle
GTI Presents
Silver Shadow D
 
The weekend of Umoja Fest African American Seafair Celebration will also include attractions such as Umoja Fest African American Day Parade, Children’s Day & Activities, Soul of The City Stage, Afro Chic Fashion Show, Poetry In The Park, African Drum & Dance, Community Fitness Challenge, Heal The Hood Basketball Tournament, Hip-Hop Stage, Vendors and more. For more info visit www.umojafestnw.com, email info@umojafestnw.com or call 877.505.6306.
 
About Nik West
Described asPrince meets Erykah Badu with a funky bassline and with credits that include work for Coca Cola, Apple, and MTV, the Phoenix,AZ based singer, bassist and songwriter Nik West is anything more than just another pretty face. Challenging and changing the industry around her day by day, West is a special musician with a deep love for music and the chops to back it up. Her debut album “Just In The Nik of Time” released in 2011, showcases Nik West as a vocalist and bassist who creatively delivers her soul and message with modern R&B, jazz overtones, and thought provoking lyrics all while handing you the funk!  www.nikwestbass.com.
About RyanChristian -
As a native of Seattle  Ryan, who grew up in a musical family and found his voice at an early age. During high school, his band As1 developed a strong following eventually landing them on the legendary stage at the Apollo Theatre. After a brief hiatus from the stage to graduate from the University of Nebraska and pursue his professional basketball career, RyanChristian has released his first solo album titled “Forever”. Smooth, soulful and refreshing, he describes it as ‘music with purpose’. Focusing on lyrical content, RyanChristian hopes to inspire listeners to embrace the true meaning of love, while also encouraging married couples in their walk together. www.ryanchristianmusic.com
About Shyan Selah & The Republic of Sound
Building on his success as President/CEO of Brave New World (BNW), Shyan Selah has created a style of music that is both unique and commercial. The Republic of Sound provide a progressive fusion of Hip Hop, rock and soul music as a perfect backdrop to Shyan Selah’s hard hitting, gritty yet spiritual lyrics.  “We represent music in its most honest form of expression. Our style is adapting and accepting all musical genres and cultures. So the idea with our approach is to present to the people a collective sound that’s both moving and organic.” – www.shyanselah.com
 
UmojaFest African American Heritage Festival & Parade
August 5-7, 2011
Judkins Park
2150 S. Norman St.
Seattle WA 98144
 
Friday Aug. 5th
Children’s Day & Activities, Judkins Park
I Love My Life  Rally for P.E.A.C.E. , 5pm-8pm, Judkins Park
Kick off Party Sam Chambliss
Saturday, Aug. 6th
UNCF Walk for Education, 9am – http://give.uncf.org/seattlewalk
Parade Mural honor 11:30am, 23rd& Union
Umoja Fest African American Day Parade,1pm, 23rd & Union St.
UNCF Celebrity BBQ Cook-Off for Education
Soul of The City Concert, Judkins Park
Afro Chic Fashion Show, Judkins Park
Heal The Hood Baketball Tournament
Hip-Hop Stage
Community Fitness Challenge, Judkins Park
Sunday, Aug. 7th
Poetry In The Park, Judkins Park
Soul of the City Concert, Judkins Park
Hip-Hop Family Day, Judkins Park
Heal The Hood Baketball Tournament
Other attractions: a variety of vendors including; food, arts & crafts, community resources.
###
Like Umoja Fest on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/umojafest

Follow Umoja Fest on twitter – twitter.com/umojafest

Black Stax “Talking Buildings” is available now on iTunes

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/talking-buildings/id414327001

Black Stax Press
“I Love My Life” video playing nationwide at Foot Locker and Foot Action:

http://blackstaxpress.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-love-my-life-music-video-picked-up-by.html

For updates, visit:

http://www.blackstax.com/

Follow Black Stax on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/Blackstax

Black Stax on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000042012407

Shamako Noble’s “Sword of the West: First Scroll-Free Mixtape” now available for free download at

http://www.shamakonoble.com/ 

or

 http://soundcloud.com/shamako-noble/sets/sword-of-the-west

http://prodash.bandcamp.com/album/journey-to-prosperity-2  

   Out of the lights,glitter and glam that are the slick veneer of America’s premier publicplayground, Las Vegas, comes the one-man mediaconglomerate, Pro-Dash aka BrandonGreene. With his second release “Journey to Pro-Sperity,” Pro-Dash takes on uson a journey; he takes us on a journey through his life, psyche, career,struggles and through the streets and politics of Las Vegas. Crafted andproduced by Pro-Dash, “Journey to Pro-Sperity” is a landmark moment forindependent Las Vegas Hip Hop, and one can onlyhope that the world take notice.

    Boldly, Pro-Dash’s”The Pro-Clamation” lays out his perspective on his origins quite clearly: “I’m from the 702 where they being trying tojuice/The Mississippi of the West/where they be flying the noose.”  Pro-Dash addresses the forgotten nature of Las Vegas as a city, and Nevada as a state in the West Coast Hip Hop equation, and honors the Black migration from Mississippi to Nevada where blacks found the very thing they’d left.

     The banger “Fresh Up out the West” featuring James Flye and C-Lown the King of Spades driveshome  deeply the first point. Thetracks deep-voiced chorus, catchy West Coast anthem approach, and funky headnod beat leave no questions that Pro Dash is from the West, “Like he never took a step.” Pursuing thesecond point in the cut, “Rock On,” Pro-Dash sneaks into his true depth,reflecting on his desire to rock on as a reflection of a people who came to theWest to escape the racist oppression of the South, “Just to find the west is still racist.”

       Of course, Pro-Dash stays diverse with tracks like “Ms. Senorita” and “Get ThatCash.”  His insight into the nature of a duality that pervades Sin City shines bright in the track “Night and Day. He big ups the world of emcee’s and makes clear his place in it in the clever track “MC Squared.”

     He does a great job of keeping his eyes on the prize in tracks like “Poe Manz Ambition” and “Dreams”featuring the soul voice of Temphest Blue. All in all, this is a very well-thought-out, consistent, lyrically-strong, and catchy album. Pro-Dash keeps his level through and through, and that is –perhaps– the album’s greatest strength; that level could also be the album’s biggest weakness.     Again, Pro-Dash is responsible for 100% of theproduction on this album. I’ll give him credit. At least he makes sure thatit’s done. But the thing is, a versatility of thought and approach is clearlydisplayed on this album. In the future, I would love to see what Pro-Dash coulddo with a Traximillion or Rob Flow track. I would be interested to see how Pro-Dash could get down with a sound directly from Mississippi, or on sometracks with a Chicago or Detroit flavor.

    The great thing is though, that this is his sophomore effort. I am eager to what his continueddevelopment and expansion in music will bring.  I recommend checking out the album. You’re guaranteed to diga few if not most. Pro-Dash has taken a great step for himself on the “Journeyto Pro-Sperity,” and might be taking Vegas with him.

Shamako Noble aka The Sword of the West
National Field Director: Hip Hop Congress
shamako@hiphopcongress.com