Afi

Afi stands out as one of the rare birds in the music scene. It is unusual for music lovers nowadays to get such a great musical experience from artists. Usually, you are faced with differentiating between whether or not a performer is solely a singer; just a lyricist; or simply an entertainer. But with Afi, you get all of the above. Currently her debut single and video for Baby It's Cold Outside is in heavy rotation on radio and on video outlets such as BET J, BET, VH1 Soul, Muchmusic, Fuse TV, and MTV2.

Visit Afi's website

Alison Carney of Solystik

Alison Carney began her career like many musical greats, in the church.  Growing up in Washington, D.C., and spending a lot of time in New York City, she got a taste of the business at a young age.  After experiencing many ups and downs in various facets of the music industry and working with many amazing artists and producers, she found her first real home in the R&B group MVP.  Scouted by industry heavy hitters from TVT Records and Motown Records, she spent two years honing her studio and performance skills with the girls but wanted to incorporate live instruments in her routine.  She was introduced to the founders of the band The Nod Factor, Leon Paul and Dwayne Holton, and with them began to delve into the art of serious song writing with a live band.  It was only a short time before that experience led her to Kenny Burns and the R&B division of Roc-a-Fella Records (Roc Music).  The knowledge she gained under Kenny and Robin Lyons helped her to channel the faith and courage to continue her career on the independent scene.  It furthered her desire to be a part of the R&B/Soul Band YAMAMA’NYM, where she has spent the last four years.  As one of the lead vocalists of that band, Alison, along with YAMAMA’NYM successfully completed two studio albums (“2 A.M.” and “Due Time”) and completed two international tours.  Through YAMAMA’NYM, Alison’s voice can be heard on the airwaves on such songs as “You Still Are” and “Mr. Invincible.”
 
As times change, experiences must change as well.  Alison has been able to continue to move forward, holding onto all of her past success while becoming a lead vocalist in the Soul/R&B band SOLYSTIK (formerly YAMAMA’NYM) And now, after much experience, thought, prayer and song she has added to her list of accomplishments, SOLO ARTIST.  Artists are givers sharing their love, their passion, their views, and their fears.  They share their SOUL. To give and to make music are one in the same, for there cannot be one without the other. Take an intense bass line...the perfect pocket groove...chord progressions that coax you to close your eyes and just be still...or entice you to motivate...add a big voice from a tiny girl that intermixes with each sound in a way that makes you tingle in the perfect places...and lyrics dropped in such a style that you are forced to realize that we are all connected to one another in some cosmic way. Only then will you have her formula. Alison Carney reaches back to the past, searches deep inside herself, takes what she's learned from the musical greats and the lesser knowns, and then integrates her own life experiences to each piece of work. She is a Satin Doll. Her sound: HONEST. Her voice: SWEEPING.  She allows her audience to see her in the purest and most raw form.  What she's offering: HERSELF. What we all know: THERE IS DEFINITELY AN “A SIDE” (those are the sounds we hear everyday)...What she's trying to get YOU to do: FLIP OVER THE VINYL!! We're on a quest for musical ecstasy...let’s get addicted…

Visit Alison Carney and Solystik's website

DJ Apple Jac (Brothas Can Rock Too)

Introducing the world of music to DJ/Producer/Musician, Apple Jac. Born in Decatur, GA, he taught himself to play the drums at age 4. As an only child, he spent a lot of time at his grandmother's house, where she taught him to play the piano at a young age. Between lessons he would listen to records ranging from The Motown Sound, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles, the Isley Brothers, Santana, Parliament-Funkadelic, and his favorite, James Brown. "I remember hearing 'Sex Machine' for the first time... I was hooked. I also remember getting in trouble for talkin' about bein' a sex machine at six years old too!", Apple Jac recalls. His next foray into music was at nine years old, when he taught himself to scratch on his (one) turntable at home. He credits starting out on drums as a major influence in his impeccable timing and rhythm. He would stay current on the latest hip-hop coming out of New York thru his neighbor Dwayne, a New York native, by borrowing his (legendary hip-hop radio personality) Mr. Magic tapes. His first attempts at production began at twelve years of age where he learned the art of "pause-mixing". "Pause-mixing is pretty much like backspinning with turntables or looping a record on a sampler", explains Apple Jac, "but you have to be perfect with how you hit the pause button. One false move and you have to start all over." With skills in tow, he formed his first group in 1988 with Redan H.S. classmate and Brooklyn native Craig Scarlett (known as Lord Mystik),The Full Speed Posse. It was during this time that he got his first taste of the studio. "Man, the first song I ever recorded in a REAL studio was called 'Lyrics at it's Finest'. I had to be about 15 years old. I used this Wade Marcus joint Q-Tip used a few years later. "We never got a chance to get the masters because the place got raided before we could finish the song!", laughs Apple Jac. After finishing high school in 1991, he spent a brief stint at the Music Business Institute, where he learned more of the inner workings of the studio. "Our class final one year was to record and mix an original song. It was the most challenging and most fun experience I had up to that point. I learned a lot that semester." Looking for his chance to make a name for himself, he joined the Universal Zulu Nation Atlanta chapter in 1992, where he would hone his skills playing in front of crowds. "I'll never forget the first night I played in front of people I didn't know. I was really, REALLY nervous. I had studied the way other cats played and the records they DIDN'T play, and I knew if I was gonna stand out, I had to do something different." It was during a party during Freaknik '92 that he would make his mark playing "crate joints". He would go on the following year to spin alongside DJs like (long time friend) Jaycee (DJ for Ludacris), Li'l Jon (King of Crunk), and Emperor Searcy (local radio celebrity) at hot spots like The Warehouse, Club Velvet, Ethiopian Vibrations, and Club Soho. He would also join Jaycee and DJs Dose, and M3 as regulars on college radio mainstay WRAS FM mix-show "The Bomb", forming the first DJ supergroup in Atlanta, The Unknown Soldiers, in 1995. It was also during this time he began to do "exclusive" remixes for WRAS's Sunday night hip-hop show, "Rhythm and Vibes", to showcase his production skills. He also helped to develop a segment called "Sample Clearance" where original songs of hip-hop tunes were played and the listeners had to figure out who the original artist was. More often than not, he left the listeners stumped. "I have to give credit to my man Spearhead X for really showing me how to dig for records. At first, I would just get anything with an afro on the cover, but he showed me how to check for labels, musicians, and years and stuff like that. Also becoming friends with cats like Lord Finesse (D.I.T.C), Thes One (People Under the Stairs), Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5), J. Rawls (Lone Catalysts), Egon, Rob Swift (X-Ecutioners), J-Sun, Austin, Jon Doe, and Gene Brown helped a great deal. It's always a good exchange whenever we talk and I learn a lot from them." His next undertaking would be his biggest in 1997, joining his cousin, Big Dippa, and forming the group Showtyime. "It was the greatest feeling to be doing songs with him because he was the only one who believed in me when everybody else thougth I was crazy". They released their first (and only) CD in 1998, "Feature Presentation" on Kimante Records, with Apple Jac handling all the production on the 15 track project. "The day I got my shrink wrapped copy in my hand, it was probably my proudest moment", remembers Apple Jac. They would go on to record two singles for Rent Money Recordings, "Rush Hour" b/w "Gotta Listen" with well known underground rap group Lone Catalysts, and "Extrication" b/w "Diamond Lady" in 2000 and 2001 respectively. The group would go their separate ways halfway through recording their sophomore effort "Eastbound...and Down". He also made noise in 2002 by producing 4 tracks on the Atlanta Underground album "First Breath" from fellow Decatur native Jawz of Life, producing the B-side to his first single, "Soul Mates" featuring female vocalist Denna Lewis. He latched on with Atlanta underground hip-hop juggernaut Mass Influence as their DJ later that year. The experience was short lived, but one he definitely learned from. 2006 finds him on the cusp of some pretty major things. He is now a part of the esteemed Domecracker!Universal, consisting of the renowned DJ Spinna and the enigmatic Joc Max. He has done remixes for Eric Roberson (Right Back 2 U, I've Been In Love), DJ Genesis feat Neco Redd (Get Out The Frame), and Mateo & Matos (Dance, Sweat). On deck are remixes for UK songstress Julie Dexter, Nuwamba from Texas, Soul David from Italy, and production collabos with Tiffany Paige, Netta, spoken word artist Kasema Kalifah and house diva Dawn Tallman. On the Hip-Hop side, stay tuned for Apple Jac beats for Beyond Real alumnist Dynas' upcoming projects, as well as his own Shecky's Jazzy Tofu collabo with producer/vocalist Erik Rico, where Apple Jac will continue to cover many musical styles ranging from Hip-Hop, Soul, House, and Broken Beat.

Visit DJ Applejac's website

DJ Elise.P

I am a Music Writer, Producer, Composer, TV Broadcast Technician (all things TV/Video behind the camera), Producer AND *new & just added!* Entreprenuer! WHEW! I'm a DC girl. I'm a worldwide thinker. I love the simple things. I Love the complexities of life. I love good family & friends, good food and good music. That in itself is good love and I love that. I write about it, put it to song and hopefully, you will listen. Those great artists you hear in the MusicPlayer are my making my music sing! That's life! I write pretty music for great lyrics to stick to! Music is my breath and fitness and exercise is my meditation. I love the broadcast media, videography, production and graphics. I have done it all for so long for so many. I love technology on all levels from my cell phone to my laptop and all its workings to studying the workings of wireless and satellite technology. There is so much more to say. We'll talk or in time, my life's soundtrack will play and you'll know me then. I AM the Hot Bandgeek!!!

Visit DJ Elise P's website

DJ Eskimo (Brothas Can Rock Too)

Those who know Dj Eskimo know that he's paid his dues as a deejay since the early 80's. In August of 82, at the age of  eleven,  while staying with his cousins in the Bronx; he'd listen to the afternoon Master-Mixes on 92KTU and at night Mr. Majic's "Rap Attack" on 107.5(WBLS) or DJ Red Alert on 98.7 KISS.FM.

Eventually he would take his love for the music a step further by practicing how to scratch on his aunt's record player.  Since he didn't have a mixer he used the select knob on the stereo by switching it from phono to auxiliary or tape. Eventually he received his grandmother’s record player which was the same model as his aunts and started trying to blend. Not having a mixer made this a challenge, at first, but being resourceful he plugged one record player into the phono input and the other into the auxiliary input. This was enough, at the time, to keep him busy but he soon found the need to mix the records he played. Out of desperation he took one record player and plugged it into the left input and the other into the right. Now he was able to spin records and also blend as if he was using a typical mixer. Being confident in his abilities Eskimo started doing a few parties for some of his cousins friends. After moving to Mark Terrace Apartments in December of 82' he made a host of new friends who would help to fuel his desire to deejay. It didn't take long for him to convince his mother to buy him a mixer and from the money he made working different jobs; he bought himself a Gemini 1200 turntable. This was the closet thing he could afford on a small budget. Fortunately his friend Jacques Perkins (Infinite) was also an aspiring deejay and this would be his deejaying partner for many years. The two would deejay a barbeque party held by Eskimo's cousins that helped him establish a neighborhood reputation as well as in local area schools.

During his days as a youngster, Eskimo hosted a “hooky” party thrown in his mother’s apartment after she left for work. People, literally came from every borough, and stayed home from school or left very early to go to the party in the Bronx, hosted by Eskimo. This would be the first of two “hooky” parties. Eskimo, at sixteen years old was honored to help Afrika BamBaataa, one of the founders and members of Zulu Nation, and God -Father of Hip-Hop; deejaying at his mother’s birthday party (who, also lived in the same apartment building as Eskimo). Later he would be fortunate to help Afrika BamBaataa spin at The Fever, a club in the Bronx. All of this helped Dj Eskimo to better his skills and see the importance of practice. Rumors of another hooky party started to spread, to his surprise, so at the last minute he decided to throw another one. This time he would be caught by his grandmother and sent to live in D.C.

In Washington D.C he attended Howard University and eventually joined a reggae DJ set called "Kingpin". Shortly after joining this reggae set, he was asked to join the group, with his friend Hakim, named "Ghetto Rustlers".  Accepting the offer Ghetto Rustlers, based in New York, would go on to make a number of underground tapes that influenced a handful of emcees in different NY boroughs.

While in D.C., Dj Eskimo has made his mark as being a highly respected deejay...  He’s noted for his ability to blend the old with the new as well as merge different genres of music within a matter of minutes...and still not miss a beat. Although his foundation as a deejay is rooted in Hip Hop, he grew up listening to a variety of music from funk to country, blues to rock. According to him, the variety makes for a better deejay so he refers to himself as a "Universal Deejay". He first came up with that concept during his days of spinning at one of the most remembered and missed clubs in D.C. (State of the Union). His theory was that when Kool Herc, GrandMaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa started spinning they played whatever they thought was funky as well as the hot songs of the time. At the time, a typical Eskimo set would have a mixture of classic R&B songs like Good Times, Heartbeat, etc. with an onslaught of new and old Hip Hop music that drove crowds in a frenzy. Depending on the energy of the crowd he'd give the ladies some reggae to wine to.    Even though he was deejaying many years before State of the Union, it was his time there that brought allot of opportunities. During the mid 90's Dj Eskimo deejayed at Spy Club, Chamber of Sound, Bar Nun, Kaffa House, Republic Gardens and a string of other clubs throughout D.C. He's also deejayed for the Nation of Islam and Ubiquity. His credits don't end there...he was one of the main deejays to spin at the "8 hours of Hip Hop" event put together by BET's own ,one9. He worked a deal with a clothing store "In Da House" to deejay in front of their store to help them bring business. Although his skills attracted many... most just wanted to watch and listen instead of patronizing the store and they eventually went out of business.

Eskimo worked briefly at Urban Intalek studios for a little over a month and realized that he had no interest in being an engineer. His time there was not in vain though.....while at U.I he engineered a record called "Cerebral warfare" performed by Royal Alchemist Productions in 1997. Dj Eskimo produced their underground classic "Middle Passage" which was loved by those locally and abroad. An Austrian Hip Hop magazine stated, "they f*****n represent on the turntables that's for sure." Eskimo's skills were first captured on vinyl then he added cuts to "Trouble Man" a song recorded by the Juggaknots in the late 80's. 

More exposure came when he was asked to be one of the starring deejays in the critically acclaimed play, through Hip Hop Theater, “Rhyme Deferred” - he performed in two shows in Washington (at Howard University) and in New York (at Nuyorican Poets Café).

Currently  Dj Eskimo is the resident djay at Anzu's in the Heart of Adams Morgan. He is also working on a couple of projects in his studio, due to be release in mid-2006.

Visit DJ Eskimo's website

DJ Eurok (Brothas Can Rock Too)

Afi stands out as one of the rare birds in the music scene. It is unusual for music lovers nowadays to get such a great musical experience from artists. Usually, you are faced with differentiating between whether or not a performer is solely a singer; just a lyricist; or simply an entertainer. But with Afi, you get all of the above. Currently her debut single and video for Baby It's Cold Outside is in heavy rotation on radio and on video outlets such as BET J, BET, VH1 Soul, Muchmusic, Fuse TV, and MTV2.

Visit Eurok's website

DJ Fusion

Umm, OK....I'm DJ Fusion (real name: Mary Nichols), a short (5 feet tall even), above average looking (I think....) African-American female DJ at Rutgers University Radio (New Brunswick, WRSU 88. 7 FM), HipHopFundamentalz.com, Urban Network Magazine Radio's "The Mix" Internet Radio Station (http://www.urbannetwork.com), ConspiracyUK.com, BumRushTheRadio.com, HolyRiverRadio.com and DJBooth.net.

Along with co-host/DJ/Producer Jon Judah (added on as part of the FuseBox Radio staff in 2004), The FuseBox Radio Broadcast is out to bring the absolute BEST of Hip-Hop & R&B music |(with other genres in the mix too) from all over along with interviews, news, etc. since 1998.

I'm also the co-host of African New Dawn (the best of all music influenced by the African Diaspora) Radio Broadcast @ WRSU and the Independent Radio & College Radio Chart Editor for Urban Network Magazine's website, UrbanNetwork.com.

I do freelance writing with articles and such for various Internet and paper publications under my business, FuseBox Media LLC.

I've been doin' my thing here in central & northern New Jersey since 1998 on the radio, club and mix CD ends. I'm a grad at Rutgers University (c/o 2001) with a degree in American Studies and a minor in History.

The DJ sets I've done have ranged musically with mixes of Hip-Hop (commercial & underground), breakbeats, reggae, funk, acid jazz, soul house, rock and classics (70s, 80s soul, hip-hop and disco).

Visit DJ Fusion's website

DJ JAV (Brothas Can Rock Too)

Born in the Bronx in the late 70's, DJ JAV grew up with a wide musical base
thanks to his mother who sang in musicals such as "Ziegfeld's Follies" and
"Carmen." Hip Hop took over his life in the early to mid-eighties with
groups like Eric B. & Rakim, EPMD, Run DMC, The Native Tongues, and The
Juice Crew. Taught the art of DJing by DC's own Dirty Ice, DJ JAV took his
skills to the military where he rocked parties around the world at different
Army posts.

DJ JAV is currently part of DECIPHER, a local hip hop strip which airs every
weeknight from 11pm to 12midnight on WPFW 89.3 FM. He's also resident DJ for
a monthly local hip hop concert series at Club 5, which features the likes
of Awthentik, Incwell, Whyteout, and the IshLab.  He can also be found every
Tuesday night, opening (grasshopper) at Adams Morgan's Anzu Lounge
(www.livingroomdc.com) for DJ Eskimo (sensai).

Visit DJ JAV's website

Emoni Fela

It is often said that children should be "seen and not heard", but contrary to this popular beliefe, Emoni Fela makes her presence known when she enters a room.  A passionate poet, dedicated activist, and amazing artist, Emoni Fela is more than just your average teenager.  She has been gracing stages since the early age of seven years old, and hasn't stopped since.  She has shared the stage with the likes of Pharoah monch, Talib Kweli, Ursula Rucker, Cee-Lo Green, and Slum Village to name a few.  She has been featured on radio stations 96.3 WHUR and 89.3 WPFW, making her the youngest artist to ever grace both shows. She is the youth ambassador for the Black Luv Festival, the Youth in the Know program, and in addition she serves on various community committees and organizations.  At the age of 13, Emoni stepped outside of poetry and ventured into other arena's - making her the youngest DJ to ever spin at some of DC's top clubs.  Going way outside of her arena, Emoni has been influenced by artist such as Rage Against the Machine, Coldplay, Esthero, and Bjork to name a few.  Emoni Fela is currently working on an independent cd which will be a mixture of poetry and music.

Visit Emoni Fela's website

Emperess

This 20 year old female hip hop artist is ready to take on the world with her sound and style. Andrea Latney was 14 when she knew that she wanted to make her presence known in hip hop. Seeing, iner eyes, the huge downfall that the hip hop culture was taking she knew wanted to make a change. when asked who has inspired her most over the years, the resounding response is Missy Elliot, MC Lyte, Run DMC, Black Moon, Rakin, Mos Def, Little Brother, Salt and Pepa, and many other early hip hop artists. She currently working her debut CD. She's also performing in local clubs. Her previous performances have been at the Comedy Club of Laurel, in Laurel, MD and H20. Check for her...

Visit Emperess's website

Ebony Jackson

Good music never goes out of style. Now a new style of Soul Music has arrived to inspire all music lovers. The perfect combination, a true artistry and a dedication to expressing real emotion, is found in the music of newcomer, Ebony Jackson. Combining the soul stirring melodies of Gospel and R&B, with the driving sounds of Jazz and Hip Hop she offers listeners a place where love and good music are free. A place where love as God created it is abundant for all.

Ebony has performed in coffeehouses, clubs, churches, and concerts in Washington DC, Kansas City, Virginia, New York, and Maryland and looks forward to taking her life’s love on the road Summer 2005 to promote the August 2005 release of her second CD, “Truth in a room full of lies”. Her live show is a mix of genres showcasing the talent of her band, Soulistic. All genre’s are touched, classic R&B, jazz, Neo Soul, Gospel, Go Go, Reggae and more, in an effort to reclaim the music that many would describe as “secular”. Ebony and her band believe that God as the creator of all things intends that everything give him glory, including musical genres. They seek to be his co-laborers in this.

Visit Ebony Jackson's website

Green Tea

Many people hear the sultry, soul- filled voice of Green Tea, and seem to be overwhelmed by her positive and heartfelt messages in her songs whether, the piece is original or anothers artists work. There are constant inquiries of when she's going to release an album or the time and place of her next performance, which often times catches Green Tea, by surprise. Her humble nature, carefree personality, and sultry sounds make her comfortable with her audience on and off the stage. At a very young age, Green Tea began singing in the church. As she matured, her love of music extended far beyond gospel. Influenced by the culture and community of DC, soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, opera, classical, and rock & roll were added to her repertoire. Green Teas love for music has continued to expand and develop throughout the years. Not only is she an avid listener of music, but she is a poetic speaker through music. She speaks of experiences learned through life, which makes it VERY easy for audiences to relate to her musically. Green Teas music focuses on the soul of the individual: the mind, will, and emotions, while her delivery sets the tone for growth, power, and love. Green Teas debut album, Have a Cup of Green Tea Dosage I: Shades of Green, illustrates the power of music. Depicted as the soundtrack for everyday life, Green Tea pours in her heart and soul and captures the hearts of the people. Green Tea continues to hone her craft to perpetuate the notion that music has the power to break an impoverished mindset. So, no matter the time or day, good or bad - pause, and have a cup of Green Tea. After all, its good for the soul.

Visit Green Tea's website

Head-Roc (Brothas Can Rock Too)

For over the past ten years Head-Roc’s name has consistently been a function of what is widely regarded as the best that DC Hip-Hop has to offer! Dubbed “The Mayor” of the DC Hip-Hop scene, Head-Roc over the course of his career has come to embody the passions, hopes, and dreams of a wonderfully talented and blatantly overlooked DC metropolitan area Hip-Hop community. Head-Roc’s unparalleled ability to reach music lovers across a wide spectrum of tastes put him on par with longtime established national recording artist in both music creation and live performance.

Head-Roc’s “NEGROPHOBIA!”, released independently through www.head-roc.com, is an 11 song masterpiece of exquisite rhyme and rhythm that addresses attitudes of complacency towards people of color. In this current era where once again allied Western Nations wage and support war to establish democracy in foreign lands, Head-Roc, a Washington, D.C. native where citizens right to vote in Congress is denied, reminds us all of the ultimate social, economic, and political signature outcomes of the Imperialists agenda! Devoid of self the righteous preachy ness typically characteristic of an album of this nature, “NEGROPHOBIA!” is a classic must have for everyone fed up with cooperate influence in music creation today!

Visit Head-Roc's website

Jamila-80s Baby Productions

Jamila....a poet, an emcee, a pianist, a dancer, a writer, a producer and CEO of 80s Baby Productions. Jamila wrote her first book of poetry at age 14, and continues to write a new book each year. Her CD 9TEEN is simply her poetry, this time with instrumentals and guest singers to make the CD of the year. Claiming inspiration from a multitude of artists, from Lauryn Hill to Beyonce, Donny Hathaway to Jay Z, with traces of Andre 3000 and Missy Elliott, she leaves the listener yearning for more, long after her songs are finished. She performs throughout the DC area, and has graced the stage of almost every open mic in the metropolitan area.

Visit Jamila's website

Julie Dexter

Born and raised in Birmingham, England of Jamaican parents, Julie Dexter is a world-renowned singer / songwriter who has won numerous international awards. A classically trained musician who writes, arranges, composes and produces, Julie is considered by many to be one of the most important female vocalists of her generation. Deeply influenced by legends such as Abbey Lincoln, Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson, as well as popular icons such as Omar and Sade, Julie takes classic soul to the heart of artistry.
Julie Dexter's artistic passion flows through her latest recording, Conscious, which reflects upon what she perceives as the highest principle of life. While consciousness provides us with our perception of the world and our relationship to it, Conscious conveys Julie's insightful musings on love, trust, and the plight of perserverance. Within this disc Julie addresses the superficial limits of "life", trancending its biological definition by acknowledging its spiritual essence. "Its not enough for us to walk the earth day by day without questioning our purpose for being." Julie asserts, furthermore, that as human beings our blood keeps us alive, yet it is through consciousness that we thrive. As such she compels us in the disc's title track to re-evaluate ourselves as she rhetorically asks, "How you're living?.”
Julie Dexter's myriad musical manifestations have astounded fans and critics across the globe. Over the past seven years Julie's career has taken her through the circles of jazz, broken-beat, bossa-nova, and soul. The dynamic voice of Julie Dexter was first heard in 1997 on Dune Records' release of J-Life, a UK group led by Jason Yarde, that sought to invigorate the public concept of Jazz as a dying tradition. While this debut recording showcased original instrumental compositions and stirring renditions of jazz standards, it also contained a swinging cover of Loose Ends' hit song "Gonna Make You Mine," which amply featured the soulful croon of Julie Dexter. Julie gained her “chops” for cutting her vocals on this record by touring several continents with jazz wunderkind Courtney Pine as a lead vocalist of his ensemble. This musical school of tough-love learning would also give her the confidence to begin to perform and record as a solo artist, garnering the seven song EP, Peace of Mind (2000) and then later the full-length recording, Dexterity (2002), both of which were independently released on her own label, Ketch A Vibe. These two recordings gained international acclaim for Julie's talents in addition to her collaborations with broken-beat innovator IG Culture ("The Plan" & "Free As") and bossa nova composer Thomas Naim ("Like Ours").
For the past four years Julie Dexter has spent the millenium sharing the stage with this generation's cutting-edge soul artists, including Jill Scott, Bilal, Amel Larrieux, Donnie, Omar, Jaguar, Rachelle Ferrell, and Fertile Ground, to name a few. While Julie Dexter is more than able to hold up against her peers, her music has also been praised by them. In time the world will hold Julie Dexter in the same regards as those stellar artists who regard her well.

Visit Julie Dexter's website

Khamilian

Visit Khamilian's website

Kia El Amin

Kia El-Am in is ready to take the industry by storm. Laying poetic lyrics on top of rhythmic "folk-soul" grooves, El-Am in is sure to join the ranks of her most loved musical influences-Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. El-Amin's liquid tones and mindful lyrics create a cosmic explosion of epic proportions. This 4foot 11 inch powerhouse has always had a song in her heart and she plans to share it with the world. The daughter of an Imam, the Islamic raised El-Amin practiced her singing along side her favorite radio tunes. In January 2004, El-Amin quit her job at the Richmond based, Philip Morris Company. Considering herself a woman of conscious thought, working for the largest producer of cigarette products in the country had become a conflict of interest. The fact that she had lost her mother to cancer some years back played a role in her sudden decision to vacate the security of corporate America and pursue her dreams. As fate would have it, El-Amin lived next to a music shop that sold guitars. She always wanted to learn how to play the instrument; so, the day after quitting her job, she entered the shop, purchased her first guitar, took lessons, and the rest is history. El-Amin hit the DC scene in May 2004 rocking open mics with her guitar in tow. Belting out sultry self-written songs like FREEDOM, PATIENTLY WAITING, DIRTY, & NOTHING AT ALL, she set the place on fire. Although she loses herself in the music when she's performing, she grounds herself with what inspires her the most - her family. As a tribute to them she performs with duct- taped photos of them on the back of her guitar to remind her of their love and support. When asked why she used duct tape, she replied, "it makes it feel at home. The collage is an artistic tribute to my family, myself, and my art." Her energy is infectious. To know her is to love her. A storyteller, a composer, a pure gift -she is ready to make her mark with a voice that stands strong among her peers. Patiently Waiting is over...Kia El Amin is taking her turn.

Visit Kia El Amin's Website

Lysette Titi

Visit Lysette Titi's website

Naima Jahmaal

Naima Jahmaal is an artist motivated by the art of change. In a time where boundless leaps are being made in communication, Naima is evidence that old school concepts can meld with new school energy and be delivered with rhythm and power.

Naima's poetry represents a revolution in thought, artistry and spiritual awareness. Redefining the parameters of performance poetry, her work bounces flawlessly between prose, hip hop, jazz and soul. Her original, multifaceted stage show includes live instrumentation and turntable mixing. Naima is a new breed of the spoken word artist; one with a natural fearlessness in approaching other artistic expressions like emceeing, singing and acting.

Visit Naima Jahmaal's website

Nicolay (Brothas Can Rock Too)

Music is the universal language that comes in different forms and for centuries has brought people together from all walks of life. The producer’s role is crucial in the creation of the music process, with the responsibilities of building the foundation and direction of any masterpiece. In this era of the producer rising to the forefront, Nicolay is making serious international headway.

Born and raised in The Netherlands, Europe, Nicolay's passion for music has dominated his life for as long as he can remember. He was brought up with equal parts of Stevie Wonder and Neil Young, and as a youth, most of his days were spent listening to whatever music he could get his hands on. Nicolay’s early love for classical music drove him to seek a formal music education. A true multi-instrumentalist, Nicolay is proficient in playing piano and keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. Nicolay’s diverse understanding of music led him to play in several Hip-Hop and R&B bands, opening up for artists such as K-Ci & JoJo, Boyz II Men, MC Lyte and many others.

After being a live musician and bandleader for nearly a decade, Nicolay started producing in 2000, and shortly thereafter, came across Phonte Coleman of Little Brother through the Okayplayer message boards. The two soon began trading tracks and rhymes back and forth over instant messenger, which in turn created the b-side single for Little Brother's critically acclaimed 2003 album The Listening, titled 'Light It Up'. At the time, neither of them suspected that they were actually laying the foundation for what would become one of the most cohesive and innovative albums of 2004. Together they called themselves The Foreign Exchange, and appropriately titled the project 'Connected'.

In 2006, Nicolay has found himself busier than ever. Facing forward and preparing to leave his homeland, Nicolay presents his long anticipated debut album, 'Here'(June 2006) which creates a harmonious blend of goodbye and hello. Gearing up for his future move to the States, Nicolay takes this album on a musical journey; while traveling through St. Louis alongside Black Spade, to Pittsburgh via Wiz Khalifa, a stop in North Carolina, with Darien Brockington & YahZarah from the Foreign Exchange, right on down to Texas with Kay of The Foundation, and straight on through to L.A. with Sy Smith. Already destined to be a future classic, 'Here' is overflowing in great artistry and musicianship, songs and production. When looking for the music that creates a familiar place, or maybe even just a song that harmonizes your life in one single solitary chorus, you can make your final stop here, with Nicolay.

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Nzingah

Nzingah, formerly Jolanda, was born in Florida a year after her parents arrived to the United States from Haiti. It is in Florida where she would receive her upbringing. At a young age her genius was demonstrated from walking at six months to reading at three. Once she was able to control a crayon with dexterity Nzingah began her career as an artist. Coloring became her favorite past time when not under the supervision of her aunt to stay in the lines. While in grade school she started drawing freelance, mainly portraits of her classmates. However, she did not realize the degree of her talent until she won first place for a Martin Luther King drawing contest when she was twelve. It was not until high school did she attempt to perfect her craft. Her innate talent in combination with art teachers and classes gave birth to artistic works that left most viewers in awe. After several high school galleries Nzingah and several of her fellow classmates were given an opportunity to have a showing the spring of 1999 at the Milagro Center in Delray Beach. Although there had been many requests after for Nzingah to show her work she decided to pursue other avenues at the university. Then she became bombarded with parables and sayings in regards to talent and realized she could not let her talent go to waste.

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Princess of Controversy ft.Triflava

Soulful! Powerful! Engaging! Sexy! Conscious! True hip-hop. All of this and more make up the dynamic artivist, the Princess of Controversy. From down-home country “snagging” hooks (soultry as she calls it) to hit-em-hard in the dome lyrics, this femcee sensation is capturing the hearts and minds of many. Her debut EP album release, Personal Messenger, hit the ground running in 2004 and took by storm the attention of the Metropolitan area. Her hit single, Serenity, combined the funky Chop-E Chop-E sound with Controversy’s fiery lyrical flare. Princess likens herself to the style of Lauryn Hill mixed with a splash of Queen Latifah and the boldness of Betty Wright. That powerhouse combination is a sure win on the music scene of today/ POC is a refreshing new wave to the next level of hip-hop.

 Although known to the world as Princess of Controversy, outside the stage she is simply Melissa Princess Best or Missy (what her momma calls her). This native-born Washingtonian mixed with North Cackalacki” roots has been gracing stages since the tender age of five. While on the road to becoming a world-famous actress, Best discovered her love for music and reaching people was even greater than she had imagined. So she took the passion from her poetry and theater skills up a notch and emerged onto the music scene. Her subject matter can range anywhere from being hypnotized (Hypnotic, duet with I.Q. from tha Remainz) to City Eyes, a close-up look at how living in the city all your life gives you a certain mentality. However, Princess’ talent doesn’t stop with her music. She self-proclaims herself an ARTIVIST. She defines that as a multi-faceted artist that works for the people. When Princess isn’t on stage flowing, she is at schools teaching youth about music, theater and social justice issues. Also, you can catch Princess coordinating PIC (Prison Industrial Complex) workshops and performances with her family, Blackout Arts Collective (www.blackoutartscollective.com), or just politicking on the street corners with elders and young ones about life. POC says it’s in these places that she gets her inspiration for a lot of her writing. The artivist has a deep passion for making conscious hip-hop that people will respect, listen and party to. “That’s a really hard task that often times seems almost impossible to do,” says Best. “The problem that artivists like myself face, is that in the mist of trying to bring positive vibes from music, people (as well as ourselves) often forget those same messengers are "hue-man" and prone to the same trials as everyone else.”

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TriFlava is a progressive hip-hop and beyond band consisting of three members, Christylez Bacon (emcee, beatbox, guitar, djembe), Slyce-D (emcee, poet, beatbox), and Myke P. (piano, guitar, djembe, etc). All members are from the Southeast section of the District Of Columbia. Christylez and Myke P. started performing together around September 2005, however Christylez and Slyce-D was friends since 8th Grade, when they called themselves, Flava. With all of them being students at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, they crossed paths and connected musically. With the addition of super-musician Myke P. (Mycheal Pollard), they add the prefix tri, meaning three and became the urban musical ensemble, TriFlava

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Rebecca Dupas

I'm a native of Louisina and a graduate of Towson University. I made Baltimore my home in 2000 and have been performing in the city's open mic venues for five years. I write in response to my own experiences and the experiences of others. In April 2005, I became the newest addition to the Warm Wedneday's Family alongside my co-host Walter Maxfield Jones and Baltimore's own: DJ Lil Mic. I released my first solo-album "The Introduction" in March 2005 and am working to release my next project in the Spring of 2006. My CD can be purchased online or every Wednesday at Warm Wednesdays at The 5 Seasons...I recently joined forces with Love of Torchlight Entertainment to craft one of the most influential female movements that Baltimore has seen. "Seen But Not Heard: The Movement" showcases the talent of eight women from the Baltimore and DC Area. We have since produced two shows in November 2005 and February 2006.

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Rhapsody ft. Tangible Truth

R H A P S O D Y l ives up to her name by fusing poetry, singing, rhythm and emotion filled words sometimes set to music, and effortlessly hands them over to the audience to do what they will. Nominated for a Minnesota Music Award in 2003, RHAPSODY chose the road less traveled,left customary cadence behind and ventured out for more musical, jazz-like melodies to create the lines of her poetry. A writer and performer since youth,
RHAPSODY's gravitation to the stage was yet another opportunity to create a gifted marriage between her love of music and the stage through poetry.“I talk about things that everyone is familiar with: love, loss, our history. I especially speak to and about women, our self-esteem, relationships and our potential.”

RHAPSODY by definition delivers her poems with highly emotional speech recited and preciseness…but given the chance, she is not afraid to incorporate an improvised line or two. “I especially appreciate the opportunity to work with live music. It brings out different possibilities for each and every poem.” RHAPSODY was born in Kansas City, and poetically raised in Minneapolis performing at open mic events around the Twin Cities. In order to polish her skills she participated in the Cave Canem Writer’s Workshop as well as joining poetry collectives such as Vibin’ Collective and Poetic Black Fusion. Her passion on the mic earned her feature shows at various events and was further inspired by sharing the
stage with local talents sometimes opening for such artists as Desdamona, Divinewords, Edupoetics, Truthmaze, and BlackManPreach among others. In August 2003, RHAPSODY moved to Philadelphia to pursue her graduate degree in African American Studies. She began performing at local open mic venues including The Five Spot (“Sidegig” “Black Lily”
and “Soul Power”), Panoramic Poetry at The October Gallery, Dowlings Palace, and Temple University. Those appearances led to guest opportunities where she opened for artists such as Talaam Acey, Taragirl, Fertile Ground and Jaguar Wright, and band Gabriele & Tangible Truth. She is also a member of the up and coming Philly Spoken Soul Collective based out of Philadelphia. Her performances have included feature spots at the Philadelphia International Arts Expo, World Café Live, the Heal Thyself Garden Party,
Mid-Atlantic Poetry Showcase, the 2nd Annual Writer Blocks Showcase, among others. She has also been featured on local radio programs such as “The Bridge” on WRTI 90.1FM, “Acres of Diamonds” on WHAT 1340AM.
RHAPSODY featured on fellow Minneapolis poet Desdamona’s CD “The Ledge” on the titled track, “Planet Remix” released in June 2005. RHAPSODY wears many hats as poet, radio/TV co-host, songwriter, educator and entrepreneur. She sponsors events to raise community awareness, teaches performance poetry to students, co-hosts on
WDAS 1480AM radio program and Comcast‐based television program for “Mike Robinson presents”,manages her own creative consulting business and works with a program preparing teens for college.

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Tangible Truth delivers a sound reflective of the eclectic blend of its musicians. They present a musical combination of soul dipped in funk with rock influences merged with soulful vocals -- all supported with tight guitar riffs. Gabriele & Tangible Truth was created out of an impromptu jam session with lead guitarist Gabriele and his former band partner.
What began as a gathering of friends turned into a prolific rock and soul fusion accented with a touch of jazz and funk. The band is now a complimentary fusion of extraordinary musicians (mostly hailing from the acclaimed University of the Arts in Philadelphia), supported by strong vocal styling and moved by energetic back up dancers.
Gabriele & Tangible Truth’s first performance at the Black Lily created such a buzz that they were asked to come back to the Black Lilly week after week. Nominated for a Philadelphia Music Award in 2004, and considered ”the next big thing out of Philly" by Power 99FM's Tiffany Bacon, the band continues to bring the same energy to every show they perform. They have graced the stages of Spectrum Stadium, Kimmel Center and numerous Philly hot spots such as Soul Sanctuary, North By Northwest, Kodjo, House of Soul at Brave New World, Frangelica’s, Latazza, Cyber Café, and South Street Blues and the Philadelphia College Fest “KICK OFF CONCERT”, as opening band for Something Corporate. Outside of Philly, Gabriele & Tangible Truth have also been featured on Washington DC’s Metropolitan area cable television show MHz:8101 with Michel Wright, Unifest, Eastern Market Festival, University of the District of Colombia, and at hot spots like Cada Vez, Juste Lounge, Club Five, Andalu Lounge, Takoma Station, Badales, Harambe, Mango’s and Bar Nun. Their tour also includes several venues in Richmond,
Virginia.

GABRIELE & TANGIBLE TRUTH released their acclaimed EP "WE'RE NOT FROM HERE" in 2002. Emerging from this collection of songs is the hit single 'SATURDAY' boasting regular radio play on Power99 FM (Philly), SOLAR RADIO (London) and a number of mainstream, college and internet stations in U.S., EUROPE and AFRICA! Tangible Truth’s music has also been on rotation at Hot 97, New York, Power 99FM, Philadelphia; WHAT AM (Acres of Diamonds) Temple University Radio; as well as FM Stations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 103.9 FM- Drexel University radio station. Gabriele & Tangible Truth’s music has been
featured on 96.3 FM- WHUR Howard University’s radio station; as well as with Jeannie Jones- 93.9 FMWKYS.“Meant To Be”, the third song of the album, was nationally featured on PBS and the Black National Broadcasting Network, as part of the soundtrack for a documentary film, entitled, “Dance To Live”, produced by a Russian filmmaker, Natasha Guruleva.

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Stacy Epps

I want to make music. I want to make music that will stand the test of time... I want to write songs that can touch people, I want to do music to help heal the world. I want to create love and happiness in anyway that I can. I want to be free. I want to live my life the best way I know how. I want to be me. I want to always strive for better. I want to share, especially with the youth. I want to build and I want to connect. I want my existence to have been meaningful. I want people to remember me. I want people to listen and I want to hear. I want to open hearts and minds. I want to speak...I want to sing...I want to rhyme...I want to love... What i want makes me who I am and what i need to be... there are so many different angles to my life, its like a rubiks cube...different colors and positions. that's how i play... in our one life, it is important for us to do what we can, as much as we can, in tha best way possible. "don't waste your time" in such hectic times as we live it is easy to get distracted and caught up in tha bullshit... but we must rise above this mental pressure to create our own reality grounded in tha layers of our very existence. i strive to make this possible, when i must balance different roles, a law student, a singer, emcee, community activist... but i know that music is the string that ties together the pieces of my life... my music is different. don't really hear anything like it out there... i hope u like it as an expression of me and what i represent. i strive to make meaningful music... i want to make people feel good... i don't want to sing or rhyme about gibberish that means nuthing...times are too real for that right now... i am standing up for the female emcees because it is high time that we get our due...with such dope female emcees in existence, there needs to be more promotion and love given to these sistas... Jean Grae is doin her thing...it's about time!!! when's the last female emcee u heard got signed to a major?? or signed to anyone for that matter... Invincible u dope...Medusa u dope...Stahhr u dope...Bahamadia u dope...Mystic u dope...and to all my other sistas out there keep doin yo thing...tha time is comin... uh, back to me...let's see... i am tha daughter of an army man...who just retired before the war (thank goodness) i have lived in over 12 places...including Germany, Hawaii, VA, GA, NY, TX, NC, CA etc etc.... therefore i am not really "from" anywhere... but i usually just claim VA...and uh...yeah...i am of mixed ethnicity, Black, Japanese and Native American... my parents are still togetha (isn't that dope and rare...??) i went to college at UVA and now i go to law school at USC (bout to graduate in May son Yeah!!) i've been doing music for a good solid 4 years now... started out in college then when i moved to atl started building with scienz of life, who so graciously allowed me to be on their Project Overground album...then me and lil sci did Sol Uprising project "sol power" my first full length joint and some of my first actual songs.... then i was on that king gheedorah "next levels" joint crooning in tha back...then i was on that prophetix album (atl shawty)...then i was on that jon doe shit...yeah then i did a song with madlib and mf doom, formally known as madvillain, that "eye" joint...oh ok, then oh no's joint "i can't help myself" feelin that...now let's see...i'm workin on my solo joint produced by madlib...its comin along homies....my first solo project so it is a soul searchin process but i'm loving tha growth and creativity that it is pullin out of me YAY... went to south africa recently and i must big up CPT (Cape Town)!! really dope place with some really dope people... please visit if u can... those are some hiphop heads out there fo sho... i am inspired to really really RHYME now...spit shit from tha heart, not holdin back and doing my thing... that's what i'm on... jus a little info about me...so u know... one luv, ms epps.

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St.Juste

OutKast meets Tina Turner...... Experimentation of hip-hop, rock and whatever lies in between. Combing her unique and powerful vocals with cutting edge hip-hop beats, St. Juste creates songs like Miracle, where she admits that nothing short of divine intervention will save an ailing relationship, and her caustic sense of humor surfaces on the double-entendre-laced track of Big Shoes. Her high-octane funk emerges on the pulsating club anthem, 5 Dollars. And you cant stop there because Rider is the thumpin track for all underdogs still strugglin to get ahead. Singer/Songwriter St. Juste is about to ignite a revolution in contemporary urban music with a sound thats entirely her own. She has toured with The Roots and Common, John Legend, Nina Sky, Life Jennings, Martin Luther and participated in Wyclef Haiti Fundraiser. St. Juste has performed at nation-wide venues such as SOBs, Joes Pub, Temple Bar, House of Blues, Canal Room, Webster and many others. It's sound of passion, purpose, and the knowledge that, no matter what, you are going play this game by your gut, not by the rules, because, in the end, those instincts and a fly pair of shoes are all you can really count on.

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Tanya Morgan (Brothas Can Rock Too)

Although the name evokes something of a neo-soul songstress, the music is overtly hip hop. Making matters even more complicated, this woman’s name is actually the pseudonym for a group of three male MCs. Not confused yet? Well try this on for size: Tanya Morgan is a group comprised of Von Pea and Ilwil (Ilyas and Donwill) - two totally separate acts. Now, relax that furrowed brow while I get you up to speed on the future of the culture.

Tanya Morgan was born in 2003 when MC/Producer Von Pea and MC Donwill decided to bloat their collaborative efforts into a full length album. With Ilyas locked in and along for the ride, the trio leaned on the production talent of Brickbeats (also known as Dave or Brick) to round out the other half of the album’s production. They began shuffling demos of songs back and forth as wav and mp3 files via AOL Instant Messenger© and email between takes on their other projects. Oh right. I forgot to mention that Von Pea lives in Brooklyn while both Ilwil and Brickbeats call Cincinnati home. They actually met online originally and didn’t meet in person until halfway through the album’s completion. There goes that brow again. I hope I’m not moving too fast for you.

Within the span of a year, the collective of four recorded all the material that would become their debut, Moonlighting. The tightly knit 13-song set is bound together by the story of a misled record shopper and his unwanted purchase. The album’s title is a nod to the fact that Tanya Morgan is really two acts in a group together who are, in a sense, moonlighting on their respective ‘jobs’ by working with each other. In promotion for this grand opening, the group has readied and released two projects: Sunlighting and the Sunset EP. The bandwidth busting download that is Sunlighting plays like a mixtape in a sense yet still showcases the group’s personality and presence while the Sunset EP boasts original production by Von Pea and Brickbeats, giving the listener a clearer view of what to expect with Moonlighting.

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Watts 1965

Watts, California, the little town bordering "Compton", has a powerful recent Black history. It became a magnet for Blacks (mostly from Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas), looking for a better standard of living in the 1930's, and 40's and had a strong do-for-self Black owned business ideal. The early 1950's and 60's showed integration becoming popular with upper middle class Blacks and they took with them a lot of inspiration and business out of the community. Police containment and reppression took its place. One hot summer day in August, 1965, police abuse and injustice came to a head, and turned common people, just regular folks,overnight into a community of self-defense fytahs and unity makers, who in turn, shook the world. All Black slums represent Watts. There's a "WATTS" (reppression,outrage, anger,fear)in all of us. So, with proper respect to recent Black history, and to all freedomfytahs who sacrifice themselves for freedom in all aspects of existence. Be it art, politics,spiritual development,etc., I humbly use the moniker "WATTS 1965" instead of my personal name, because on this particular project, the information on these songs is" bigger" than me personally as an "entertainer", and more about me being one of the pebbles in this stone wall of necessary solidarity... Active Music Works is proud to present this project .

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