The Dude - Chuck Good

Chuck Good is back again with another edition of the Red Cup Session.
The hip-hop party and showcase has been going strong for over a year now and kicking off the year is the Red Cup New Year's Edition.

I got the chance to attend the last one (and even wrote about it for RDW), and while Chuck #fries me on the regular to the point I'm sometimes scared to believe anything he says, I really admire the work he has put in.

While the Red Cup sessions have been deemed "high school" by some, it's actually a pretty good showcasing of what younger, aspiring artists are capable of. When the sessions first started, the crowd was made up of about a hundred people, now more than 400 people have been to them and it's expected to keep getting larger.

The Red Cup New Year's Session will be at The Shelter (the basement of St. Andrew's Hall) on January 7th. If you're in high school, it's hte perfect way to destress one more time before classes relaly kick your behind and if you're in college it's a great way to come, kickback, and show support.

Some of the performers include Buzz Burrus, Chip$, GBaby, Jsun, Key Wane, Big Shan, Chuck Good (of course) and more.

The event will be hosted by Lawrence Lamont and the DJ for the evening will be the awesome Ro Spit.

Some Guys Win 'Em All - Ron Dance

Last year, the city embraced his beard, this holiday season it's all about his vest but on December 29th, it'll be all about Ron Dance as he celebrates his __ birthday and album release for Flidelphia's 'The In Crowd' (a duo comprised of Ron Dance and producer Nameless).

Plush Lounge (13090 Inkster Rd, Redford, MI)  | 21+ | $10

The event will be hosted by one of Michigan's favorite fellows (and Dance's 101 counterpart) Ro Spit .

Let me back up a second, if you're not familiar with Ron Dance go look at any Detroit music video that came out this year like Ro Spit's "Renaissance State of Mind", Dwele's "What's Not to Love", Marv Won's "Totally Awesome", Miz Korona's "Playground", Paradime's "Lovely Day" and  simply look for a beard.

Besides being a highly sought after local video vixen, he hosts the uStream live webcast The Ron Dance Show every Sunday at 9:30 p.m. mostly known for the outrageous amount of alcohol, random conversations, stories with no punchlines and home to the phrase Struck by Chuck, the Ron Dance Show is as real as real life can get.

I've been a guest on that show twice and please believe me when I say ... that it's 100% real, unscripted and makes Monday and your liver HATE you.


I'm Straying.

Someone asked me why they should attend the album release party for someone who the entire city says can't rap.

I'll tell you why.

While his rap career has been the butt of many jokes (and I do mean plenty, so much so he chose to embrace the concept on his last EP, Some Guys Win 'Em All), Ron Dance can throw a heck of a party.

In July, there was the Ron Dance Experience at TV Lounge and it defied every law of life there is because whilst no one likes his raps, the place was packed inside and out.

This will probably be the last time for 2010 your favorite locals will all be in one place drinking merrily and chatting it up before the New Year.

PLEASE leave the "I gotta mixtape" and "What's up on a feature/RDW cover/blog post" talk at the door.  I can't speak for everyone else but do know, that I will indeed ignore you and carry on with my Corona for the night.

Bottom line: Be there. It'll be fun.

Let Me Get 'Em - Octane & Illite

By now, I hope you are all pretty familiar with Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique, the small sneaker shop with a big clientele serving Metro Detroit (or the world?) nestled cozily in Downtown Royal Oak.

BR probably has one of the most recognized logos in the state for sure and on November 26, Chef So Ill will have a closer ear to the street. Burn Rubber x Nike will be releasing the Burn Rubber New Balance MT580, what's even more crazy than the fact they will be releasing their own shoe, there are only 1,000 pairs that will be made 500 of which will be in the United States. Same exclusivity the Air Yeezy had, #BallerStatus.

Burn Rubber has been around since 2004 and in the hands of its current owners, Rick Williams and Ro Coit (yup, Ro Spit), since 2007.

I've said this a million and three times, you can't help but respect Rick and Ro for everything they've accomplished with the Burn Rubber brand. Whether your a sneakerhead or not (like myself) you definitely could lear a thing or two from them.

 

Speaking of sneakerheads,  November 27 (the day after the BR New Balance drops), there's going to be "the ultimate sneakerhead event" going down at St. Andrew's Hall.

'What's Your Size' will be going down and there will be giveaways, contests and all that cool stuff. Doors open at 7 p.m. and if you want to show off what you have give BR a call (248.543.3000) for table rental info.

Immediately following that we have "Yours Truly" a concert featuring Ro Spit and Stretch Money with a live band (rap and live bands usually equal awesomeness). It's 18+, tickets are being sold in advance at BR and if you cop the VIP tickets, you'll also get a ticket to the aforementioned sneaker swap.

Come, check it out. It should be a good time.

Six Feet Under the Stars - All Time Low

Next Tuesday, one of the most awesomest chicks I know will be another year older.

@six_two is probably one of the hardest working people I've ever met, she manages two rappers, a Christian singer and a fitness model (talk about variety), promotes events ... I'm sure it'll be easier to make a list of the things she doesn't do.

She's helped quite a few of us so what better way to help her celebrate her birthday?

Tonight at the Bullfrog (5 mile & Telegraph), is the Sixer 2.0, an 18+ affair, hosted by Ron Dance and featuring performances by: Moe Dirdee, Suai, Jwan, Buzz Burrus, and more.

$5 for the 21+ crowd
$10 for the under 21 crowd.
*at midnight there will be a flat entry fee of $10 for everyone*
Come, enjoy yourselves, live a little.

Newports - HouseShoes

A week from today will be the third Bowling Shoes, a monthly put together by House Shoes at Garden Bowl in the Majestic complex.

It's almost impossible to go wrong with beer and bowling, toss in some of Detroit hip-hop's finest and House Shoes spinning live, great way to beat the Tuesday night blues.

For all you young people that preached loud about there needing to be unity on the Detroit front, Bowling Shoes is the perfect time to make the first step.

NOT pushing your mixtape or asking for favors, but simply saying hey.

I digress.

Look, it's an awesome event, good people, great music, a bar and bowling...the simplest form of happiness.

*Oh and if you don't know who House Shoes is you have lots of Google-ing and self-face punching to do.

Date: October 19, 2010
Time: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Place: Garden Bowl
          4120 Woodward Ave.

History - Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli

 Detroit, tonight renowned hip-hop journalist, dream hampton, will be screening her documentary, Black August: A Hip-Hop Benefit Concert at the grand opening of the N'Namdi Center for Contemporary Art.

Time: 8:30 p.m. and Midnight
                                Location: N'Namdi Center for Contemporary Art 
                    52 East Forest Avenue
               Detroit, MI 48201

The documentary brings awareness to and interviews political prisoners, including one with Assata Shakur who not only has political asylum in Cuba but a $1 million bounty placed on her head by the United States government.

Since 1998, Black August,  has been using hip-hop as a way to raise global political awareness having benefit shows in Cuba, Venezuela, South Africa, Brazil and New York City.

Check out the trailer below and make sure if you're in the city and available, check out the screening tonight.

Lose Yourself - Eminem

Freestyling is a lost hip-hop art form. Battle rap has lost that zing it once had.

Until Now.

Earlier this summer, Red Bull and Eminem teamed up for a nationwide quest in search of the best freestyle rapper out there.  The contest kicked off in early June in the Big Apple, New York City, since then, the competition has made stops in the Bay Area, Philly, Orlando, Atlanta, Greensboro (yes, North Carolina) and Houston.

Now the finalists from each city will be ending their journey for battle rap honors at the legendary St. Andrew's Hall in Downtown Detroit on August 26th. There, the Red Bull EmSee champion will be crowned.

It's more than just another rap battle, Slaughterhouse (comprised of Royce Da 5'9, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Joe Budden) will be performing and Marvwon and Dre the Beatnik will be the hosts for the evening.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and the event is 18+. Tickets will be sold at the door but no word on if they're going to be available in advance (I'll keep you guys posted).

*EDIT: Tickets are on $8 and on sale NOW at  Livenation.com.

The only thing that hasn't been set in stone is who the judges of the event will be and the rumor mill is buzzing with names like Mr. Porter, Alchemist and even Eminem has been thrown out there. Guess we won't know for sure until it all goes down next week at St. Andrew's.

*Edit: It's been confirmed that Eminem will indeed be at St. Andrew's this night. The better question is, will you?

Peep the video below of Mr. Slim Shady talking about the comepetition, hope you all are ready.



Also check out the previous battles in New York and San Fran:

Red Cup Chronicles - Chuck Good

I've been hearing about this thing, Red Cup Session, for quite sometime now. Take your typical a kickback, toss in live performances and you got yourself the Red Cup Session. What makes this really interesting is the fact that the people performing are "kids", fresh out of high school and Pampers. True, I'm not much older but I was Big Wheel kindergarten pimpin' when some of them came into existence. Anyway, there's this guy by the name of Chuck Good, he's only about 16 years old (I believe he'll be 17 soon) and the reason the session exists.  The Red Cup Summer Session pops off this Friday at the Omega Psi Phi house at Wayne State Univ. In this quick Q & A with Mr. Red Cup we find out  about his upcoming mixtape, Red Cup Chronicles, and what it's like being 16 and in this scene.


Alex Washington (AW): How did you come up with the idea for the Red Cup Sessions?

Chuck Good (CG) : I came up with the sessions basically off the premise that there weren’t really any opportunity out here for young up&coming artists in Michigan, so the sessions give them a night to shine.

AW: What made you get into rapping?

CG: Well, I always did poetry and writing, but that really doesn’t get the same attention that rapping does, so it was really an easy change.

AW:  How would you describe your rapping style?

CG: I think it’d best be described as like laid-back. Very similar to your smooth cali music like your Dom Kennedys, but still hype and something you can jam to.

AW: What can people expect from your upcoming mixtape Red Cup Chronicles?

CG: People can expect to get to know me, as a person; from how I deal with relationships to having groupies to just chilling out smoking some of the finest. People will pretty much get an introduction to Charles via Chuck Good’s lyrics.

Chuck Good feat Jae Alyse: "Kick It"

AW:  How is it being 16/17 entering into the Detroit rap scene? Do you think your age will help or hinder you?

CG: It’s interesting to say the least. You know some of the shows are 18 or 21 and up and I have to call in favors and what not to get in. But then again it’s a big advantage because my competition may be 2-3 years older than me and we’re on the same level. I mean I’m only getting better.

AW: Who are some of your influences?

CG: Some of my influences would be Rich Hil, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, just name a few.

AW: What's the best advice another local artist has given you?

CG: Be you. Make sure that when you make a song, it feels like people can get to know you by the end of that song. Never seem untouchable to your fan.

AW: What do you plan on doing with the rest of the year?

CG: I really just plan on pushing my name a little more in the state and hopefully do a few college shows; maybe some out of state ones. But most of all, finishing high school and getting my college stuff in.

Renaissance State of Mind - Ro Spit & Monica Blaire

Of all the performances I've been to (ask Cliff and Mos it's not nearly enough) none has yet to top seeing Ro Spit and Monica Blaire perform "Renaissance State of Mind" with a live band at Ro's release party back in December.

If you haven't seen them together, well you may just miss your chance July 2, 2010 (NEXT Friday), Ro Spit and Monica Blaire present the "Renaissance State of Mind Experience" (which I won tickets to, #holla). It's a family friendly affair happening at the legendary St. Andrew's Hall in Downtown Detroit. The event celebrates the release of Ro's "A Different Arrangement" and Monica's "Circus of the Mind" projects.

Experience is definitely the best word to describe this event, it's more so like a Detroit hip-hop block party or family reunion. There will be food, music, possible spades game (emphasis on possible) and just a good afternoon of fun.

In reference to what I said earlier, word around town is that this will be the last time Ro and Monica will be performing "Renaissance State of Mind" live (I know my heart is breaking). They will be combining both of their bands and I'm sure the performance is going to be epic (maybe even historic?).

Tickets are on sale at Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique for $10 and $25 for V.I.P. package (which includes a meet-and-greet, early entry and balcony access). Or if you don't have the time to make it to the shop, you can get your tickets at the door for a solid $15.

Immediately following the Experience is the Third Anniversary party for Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique. Tickets are only $5 with your stub from the Ro and Monica show. It's going to be in The Shelter and is being hosted by Ron Dance and sounds will be provided by DJ Graffiti.

It amazes me that Rick and Ro have only owned BR for three years and have turned it into a solid Michigan hip-hop staple. The infamous Chef logo is recognized everywhere and has been seen on some of everybody both local and not (like Chris Brown).

This day is sure to be a great one and what better way to kick off the Independence Day weekend than with good music, good food and a lot of fun.
totally facebook jacked that photo, BTW.

The Freshmen - Verve Pipe

(Eric and Phil of Freshman Clothing)  

Friends are home, sun is out, summer is here and what better way to spend the first rain-free, over 70-degree day than in Downtown Detroit on the strip on E. Grand River. On this strip you'll find Spectacles, DSE @ Grand, Espresso Jazzy Café, Iklektik, and where I spent my Sunday, Freshman Clothing. Freshman Clothing is the newest store on the strip, true freshmen, and owned by some very fresh men, Eric Lowry and Phil Simpson. Besides being the heads behind this up-and-coming brand, the fellows are really talented painters and decided to display their skills with an art show.
Honestly, it was a great time, very chill —drama free — and just a perfect way to spend one of the first days of summer. Some of everybody came down including Juan Neal (who is off his blogging hiatus), CiCi Ross, J. Fin, Buzz Burrus, Chuck Good, and a lot more.

As for the art? Very cool stuff. I haven't figured if I was disappointed that Eric didn't display any of the custom sneakers he's done or happy that he chose to display something unexpected of him. Though I don't understand why people thought he wasn't a skilled canvas painter, I mean have you seen the things he can do to a pair of shoes?
Anyway, one of the most interesting pieces is probably what I would call Phil's .. "rediscovery" paintings, I will never look at a snail or diving board the same ... ever.
The Freshman fellows are preparing to revamp and restock; unfortunately the store will be closed the rest of this week. It will re-open on Memorial Day, and there's no cooler place to find something to wear to the BBQ's and other happenings. 
If you ever happen to wander into the area, I seriously suggest you swing by and say hello to Eric and Phil, they're rather friendly, talented, and will welcome you with open arms, even if you blast "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" outside the store via a late 90s CD player/radio.

 

A few of Eric's pieces

Some of Phil's stuff

 

Now, do you see what I meant?

Guess Who's Next - Young Scolla

It's no secret that I support the locals, just take one minute to look around this blog and you'll see how much love I have for my favorite known unknowns. I generally don't post about events but this one is different.
The homie Young Scolla is doing an instore at Freshman Clothing this Saturday, it'll be hosted by CiCi Ross, he'll be showing the music video for "Decisions" and copies of his EP "Escaping Reality" will be available for sale.
This is what I love about this instore: Young Scolla? Detroit artist. Freshman Clothing? Detroit business. Everything about this screams Detroit and I'm happy to see it happen.
I guess you would consider this Young Scolla's Detroit send off as he is preparing to head down to Texas next week to perform at this year's SXSW (South by Southwest) festival.
He'll be performing at Urb Magazine's Official Next 100 stage next Thursday along with some other favorites including BJ the Chicago Kid, Dom Kennedy, 88-Keys, Izza Kizza and XXL Freshman Donnis (BTW the last three will be performing at the Crofoot in Pontiac tonight for the Crowd Control Tour with Kidz in the Hall).
This instore is more than supporting a musician and a clothing company, it's about supporting Detroit. I know this is probably a very cliché phrase right now, but everyone involved is making moves not only for themselves but the 313 as well.
So if you have a second on Saturday, swing through, say "what up doe" and Support Detroit.

Party & Bullsh*t - Rah Digga

So I've been lagging with the posts..simply because I just finished moving back to school so yeah life = hectic. Back to school time is one where parties are plentiful and as many people are starting to get back into their respective schools and such there are MAJOR parties going on in both Detroit and Atlanta. So below I pulled fliers for the 4 most popular events that I just wish I could attend, 3 are happening this week in the 313 and 1 is in the A. What're you going to?

This is a Movement - Young Scolla

This past weekend one of the biggest events to hit Detroit this summer took place, 3 Days B4 Fame, and I was lucky enough to attend Days 1 and 2. It was thrown by U.S.R. but was sponsored by and featured a gazillion (ok maybe that's an over-exaggeration) people. I had fun, LOTS of fun, then again I have fun everywhere I go. I guess the best way to jump into this would be to talk about Day 1.
Day 1 was 'Fashionably Late' and took place at the Crofoot in Pontiac; it was a fashion show and a concert and of course a fiesta! (lol). Well, I got there a lil' on the late side and missed a few performances including Big Shan's, but I walked in on Yung GooD performing "Transformers" (he did 'GooD' BTW). I spent the first few minutes really saying hey to people and scoping the place out to see who was there. Crowd was pretty much what I expected.I walked in the same time as Big Sean and the rest of Finally Famous arrived, naturally U.S.R., Young Slapz, your favorite blogger Cliff Skighwalker and Ro from Burn Rubber were there as well.
Now on to the actual concert/fashion show. Like I said Yung GooD performed, as well as, Dusty McFly, Earlly Mac, Big Sean, the man of the weekend Young Scolla, and JFin. There were others but those are all the performances I caught. Some of the lines featured were Fanciee Clothing, Get Fresh Society, Brother's Four, and Freshman Clothing. My problem: The stage was too congested. The way it went you had the performers doing their thing while the models were strutting around them, showing off whatever line it was (think BET's Spring Bling or Rock the Runway). However, since there were more people onstage than just the models and performers (basically the entourages) that distracted me and a few others I talked to. You couldn't see one or the other (model/performer) and the stage really wasnt large enough to have all those people on it to begin with.
For the actual performers? No complaints, I liked them and the songs they performed (though my opinion may be somewhat biased because I actually listen to some of these artists anyway). In between the running around Scolla actually made time to perform and performed "Infatuation" (which I love) and Big Sean performed "Hollywood" w. Earlly Mac and "Iraq" w. Dusty McFly. The closing performance of the night was JFin. The everything (can't really just call it a concert, or fashion show, or party) doubled as the mixtape release party for JFin's InFINity and Beyond mixtape; though I was late I managed to get a hard copy of the mixtape too (YAY!).
Day 2 was a pool party at Chandler Park Aquatic Center. It was hosted by Ray J., WJLB was there, reps from Monster Energy drinks were there (and giving out Monsters! ) and most of the people you saw at Day 1 were at Day 2. Though I did have fun here, there were a few complaints made by some others I spoke with. The biggest one being the timing; according to the flyer the party was to be from 2 p.m.- 7 p.m. However Ray J. didn't show up until after 6, which means nothing was really happening because the host wasn't there.

It's a saturday, it's nice out, and it's a water park so naturally there were lots of kids there. When Ray J. showed his 5'4" frame they came like the antelope stampede in The Lion King straight out the pool and over the picnic tables to Ray J. I found it funny how I was nowhere near the water but ended up wet one side. But the kdis weren't the bad ones, I spotted a lady let go of her son (he had to be about 1 because he had on a little swimmers diaper thing lol) and run up to Ray J. leaving the baby standing there almost getting ran over.
I left before the step show so I didn't get to see the MSU Iota Phi Theta's step, but I saw them stroll and such earlier and I also caught a couple of other step teams practicing; they were all cool.
Now I didn't go to Day 3,but I caught some of the livestreaming from the Loft, Dante Marshall's Loft that is. I really wasn't surprised when they announced the "secret location" of the private party, like not at all surprised. Not going to comment on it because I wasn't there, but ONE thing I did hear happened (via the livestream and attendees) and had to mention was the problemo around Big Sean's arrival. Apparently some unknowing soul at the door tried to charge Big Sean to get in and he wasn't taking that well at all. On one hand the situation is ironic because of the message he delivers in his song "Hollywood" but on the other if I were him I'd probably be upset too (Ok, I'd be heated).

Overall thoughts: Depending on how you are as person, 3 Days B4 Fame could've been fun or a bust. I personally enjoyed myself and I like the idea of the whole event. From what I understand there will be another event next year (and I'm sure it'll be bigger and better than this year's). If you missed this year, don't fret, everyone gets their 15 mins. in the spotlight, 2010 is YOUR year! ( ;-) lol)

Rockin' With The Best - Jadakiss

So possibly the biggest even to hit Detroit this summer takes place July 10 - 12, that's next week. 3 Days Before Fame sponsored by WJLB and Karmaloop is probably going to be the highlight event this year. The weekend is full of different activities like the fashion show and concert on Day 1, The Pool Party on Day 2, and a private party on Day 3. There's no guarantee that by Day 4 you'll be famous, but you can try to get your 15 mins. of shine. Check the flyers below for more information. (Click the flyer to enlarge it)