Tune Thursdays 3-18-10
Posted by WEKetchum | Filed under music
Today marks the second half of the series that highlights the month of young Michigan emcees showing their dedication to the future of the state’s hip-hop scene. Check below for reviews and download links to rock solid mixtapes and a hip-hop ode to one of Detroit’s greatest jazz musicians.
DJ Woogie & Willie The Kid, The Cure
When it comes to mixtapes, Grand Rapids emcee Willie The Kid is one of Michigan’s most reliable young faces. Even his efforts without his boss DJ Drama have the grit and cohesion of his Aphilliates Music Group label/crew home, and The Cure is an example of such. The disc doesn’t have much time for highlights with a short 30-minute play length, but whether Willie’s using original instrumentals or previously-used beats from Black Milk and J Dilla, his snug flow and dexterous punchlines do the trick every time. The Cure is a short, enjoyable project from Willie that should satisfy fans until a lengthier offering hits shelves.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Clear Soul Forces & DJ Mo Beatz, Clear Soul Radio
Clear Soul Forces’ debut mixtape is best summarized by a song in their song “I’m The Shit School”: “I’m not in the in crowd. I’ve got my own crowd, you should join in now!” Even when this Detroit group of emcees is using familiar beats like Hi-Tek’s “Driving Down The Freeway” and Black Milk’s “Sound The Alarm” remix, their unique disposition—confidence without arrogance, genuine affability, and punchlines that catch attention without trying too hard—keeps the tape going. And when the group does use original production, group member Ilajede’s robust instrumentals show that CSF can hold their own as much as improving others. With a comprehensible identity and the music to back it up, Clear Soul Forces has a bright future ahead of them.
DOWNLOAD HERE
B.L.A.K.E. Eerie & Hugh Whitaker, The Lateef EP
This project doesn’t fit into the theme of brand new releases from Michigan youngsters, but I think it deserves a mention based on its quality alone. Veteran emcee B.L.A.K.E. Eerie’s latest EP with producer Hugh Whitaker, pays homage to legendary Detroit musician Yusef Lateef by using samples from his 1969 album Yusef Lateef’s Detroit. Eerie uses the woodwind-driven soundbeds to wax poetic about personal relationship/family woes and the race wars, rampant crime, and political corruption from previous decades. To know where you’re going, you’ve got to know where you’re from—and with The Lateef EP, B.L.A.K.E. Eerie & Hugh Whitaker have a firm concept of both places.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Tags: B.L.A.K.E., Blake Eerie, Clear Soul Forces, Detroit, DJ Mo Beatz, Grand Rapids, Willie The Kid, Yusef Lateef
Troy Restaurant Week Is Coming: Start Training NOW!
Posted by GirlyDrinks | Filed under food
Birmingham Restaurant week brought us delicious food and great prices during the first two weeks of February, and now, we have Troy Restaurant week to look forward to at the end of March. And after that, we have Detroit Restaurant week to look forward to in mid-April. But I’m getting ahead of myself…
Lots of choices, but you have 5 days to try as many (or 5) as possible
Starting Sunday, March 21st and ending Friday, March 26th, over 16 restaurants will participate in the 2nd annual Troy Restaurant week. Prix fixed menus will be available and set at $15 for lunch, $30 for dinner. Steaks at Mortons, Ruth Chris, and Capital Grille, fish at Mon Jin Lau, Ocean Prime, and Charley’s Crab, and lots of good food everywhere else. I’m deciding between the steak or the steak, but there’s still lots of restaurants to choose from with the whole steak thing narrowed down.
List of restaurants participating include:
- Benihana
- BRIO Tuscan Grille
- Charley’s Crab
- Crumpets
- Kona Grill
- Kruse & Muer on Wilshire
- La Marsa
- Loccino
- McCormich & Schmick’s
- Mon Jin Lau
- Morton’s
- Ocean Prime
- Ruth’s Chris
- The Capital Grille
- The Melting Pot
- Tre Monti Ristorante
~Image via Flickr
This post is by @GirlyDrinks
Tags: birmingham restaurant week, detroit restaurant week, gleaners food bank, troy restaurant week
6th Street is Decadent and Depraved
Posted by Henry | Filed under events, life, travel
If the Blogger Lounge is the heart of SXSW interactive then the spine has to be 6th street.
This is a stretch of road where the majority of the parties and events take place. There is no end to the choices of bars, pizza vendors, and polish hotdog stands. And at any given moment something is happening.
For some 6th street is where SXSW happens. It’s the opportunity for those who cage in their primordial urges for the year, to unleash into a flurry of untamed binge drinking and decadence. Such behavior is accepted and encouraged.
6th street is not unique in of itself. Just about every town has a similar landmark. But for this particular stretch of time, the freaks come out in mass to parade reeking of alcohol and giving off unpredictable vibrations.
People will stumble forwards. Lurching blindly as they attempt to reach their next destination. Drinking wells are in abundance here, so they don’t have far to go. Others lean against the vomit stained architecture cursing themselves and others for the abuse they put themselves through. Many simply give up. Collapsing in the bathroom of the bar they have occupied for the majority of the day. Their only sign of life, the slight flinch and involuntary movement as other patrons move their bodies to relieve themselves.
Many people refuse to accept the fact that a conference can not be enjoyed without going through such ritualistic punishment. And neither have I for that matter. Ten years ago, this would have been the standard. An Olympic swan dive into the cesspool of the depraved.
However, for this run, it would only be the wading pool.
Not that I don’t enjoy a good time. Those who know me would be somewhat surprised that I would exhibit such control and moderation. The truth is that the energy level required for the 6th street marathon was simply not available. Moderation. I had been in a car for four days and with five days of SXSW in front of me, I knew I had to pace myself. Stay calm. Breath and let the winds of the great magnet take me to where I needed to be.
This strategy would serve me well. Some nights were late, some not so late. But I never woke to a morning regretting my previous night’s indulgence. And I always made it to any required destination in the following day. Sure I was tired. But I wasn’t abused.
The most enjoyable events this blogger took part in where 1) The Social Media Club House, 2) Firefly Fandango, and 3) the Pre SobCon party. All of which were contained just enough to make the evening enjoyable. Not too crowded, not too loud. Conversations would take place that provided stimulation. Connections were made and friendships built. This would be the true value.
As the week continued the crowds would get bigger and louder.
Two more weeks remained for SXSW. The film and music animals were still yet to come. Let them come. They were welcome to reclaim their spot. Property value was high only to the observer. The participant would be better off renting. Just a simple drinking oasis in the freak kingdom that is 6th street.
Written by David Murray ~@DaveMurr
Tags: bloggers, blogging, blogs, community, Detroit, events, michigan, parties, sobcon, social media, SxSw
Mobile Post: #DetChevySXSW’s Henry and Brandon wearing Detroit’s trophies
Posted by Henry | Filed under uncategorized
#DetChevySXSW's Henry and Brandon have been wearing our Team Detroit trophies around SXSW here in Austin. Detroit FTW.
The #SXSW Blogger Lounge
Posted by Henry | Filed under Detroit MI, events, travel
For those who don’t know, South by Southwest is a conference and depending on your interest and endurance, it can last over three weeks.
There is Interactive, Film, and Music. All of which tend to meld and mix into each other as time progresses. For me it was about the interactive. In this stage of the game, I don’t have the interest or the tolerance to punish my mind and body for such a long period of time.
There are always side hubs of activity and refuge happening at every moment.
The Blogger Lounge is one of these hubs. Open all day, it is an oasis where the traffic of who’s who stops in to refuel. At any moment you can connect with the social media elite and with people you never knew existed. Either way is value.
As I write this, I have yet to attend a panel. Instead I have been spending most of my time here. There are many faces I want to meet, and there is work to be done. Depending on the time of day, the lounge can be a silent sanctuary or a rumble of noise.
The first day here I was bombarded by a wave of of individuals clambering behind me. Elbows and knocks to the head. Annoying. With an edge of bitterness, I swung around to see why I was being physically abused. Then I realized the reason for all the noise.
Chris Brogan was behind me.
This made sense. Chris’s presence demands ravenous attention. All were forgiven.
I know Chris, and I am fortunate enough to consider him a friend. So I had no immediate surge to rush forward and stick my hand in his face. Instead, Chris recognized me and embraced me with a large hug. Good people.
We joked for a moment, and then he went back into his curtain of fans.
A quiet and shy girl next to me began to approach Chris with flip camera in hand. I immediately sensed she was hesitant about how to ask for Chris’s attention. I suggested that she simply just go up to him and smile. Chris is incredibly approachable and will always take the time (when he has it) to meet new people.
But Chris Brogan wasn’t the only high life social media star to enter the lounge. Many faces of the web would enter: Jeremiah Owyang, Brian Solis, Darren Rowse, Amber Naslund, Shannon Paul, Terry Starbucker, Guy Kawasaki, Stephanie Agresta, and many more.
All approachable. All accessible. All friendly.
They have to be right? Maybe not, but it is probably in their best interest to be so. Today’s glass house now encompasses everything. Few can hide. Fewer still can pretend the force smile. Today the acceptable sign for dismissal is the immediate flash of the business card. A gentle reminder that your presence is appreciated but not wanted for an extended period of time.
That is fine.
Engagement doesn’t exist between 3.5 x 2 card stock, and most of time after meeting someone you have built a pedestal for you find that there is very little to talk about. Best to leave quickly than drag on false conversation.
But these are isolated incidents.
The blogger lounge is where the true communication happens. It’s here that you get a sense of how these online faces interact and participate in their engagements offline. It is the true revealing mirror of this conference.
Written by David Murray ~@DaveMurr
Tags: bloggers, blogging, blogs, communication, conversation, Detroit, engagement, michigan, networking, South by Southwest, sxsw. #detchevysxsw, transparency
Fear and Loathing In the Chevy Traverse
Posted by Henry | Filed under Detroit MI, travel
Road trips demand a rare breed.
For many the road trip consists of nothing more than the mundane transportation from point A to B. Stopping along the way to gather the useless trinkets or pecan roll. The highwayman’s last export.
This trip was different. There would be no relaxing pleasure cruise. No poetic moments of insight while gazing through the pastoral scenery. Instead this would be nothing more than a mad dash through the gritty turnpike of America. All the way pushing the limits of personal endurance and technological limitations. This would be a true adventure.
My companions consisted of a short Pilipino, a Ryan Seacrest look alike, and the girl. Good people. We all would embrace the madness.
Our trip started in earnest on Monday morning, March 8th. Together we would set out to prove that Detroit still meant something. That there was talent and drive not ready to turn over and die. This would make our home town proud, and a long the way we would indulge ourselves in the energy that would ensue. Living the true Detroit experience.
The vehicle chosen for our travels, was the Chevy Traverse. A beast of a machine full of buttons, dials, and gadgets that no human should ever have access to. We had already packed enough technology with us to maintain our attention level at a relatively safe point. Any additional distractions would surely take us over the edge. Regardless we pressed on.
Stopping at some local haunts, it became immediately apparent that this project was much bigger than ourselves.
Most people were willing to extend their hand and help in any activity that was required of us. Only in a few instances were we asked to not enter. This helpful attitude was shared throughout our trip. Many would stare in wonder, but always with a small smile of curiosity. One could sense that people, regardless of race, gender, or geographic locations, where ready for some levity after the heavy steel blanket they had been wearing for the past few years.
We wouldn’t be alone on this trip. Seven other groups of individuals were also on the same mission. Along the way communications and activities would be shared online. The general attitude of the other teams was that we had set the bar high right out of the gate. It would then become their mission to take us down. The target was painted, and we knew we were in the firing line. Nothing to do now, but push “Hustle Dragon” to the edge.
This was my 1st experience having wifi in an automobile, and like the distant relative you loathe to visit. It wasn’t always functioning. At times it ceased to exist. Even our back up devices would fail to deliver.
Regardless of these setbacks, our troupe pushed on.
Endless hours of video editing, posting content, and car sickness would not bring us to our knees. But the true source of energy for our trip, was the community back home. You could feel their excitement as we inched closer to the finish line. The support was amazing, and it was the deciding factor of our victory.
Finally, we made it to our destination.
With a large sigh of relief we all took a moment to silently congratulate ourselves for a job well done. We had dodged all the bullets, beat all the odds, ignored the doubters and the swine, represented our home town, and made it in time for the next party. There would be little time to rest. Duty would call to represent Detroit once more.
It was time for South by Southwest.
~David Murray
@DaveMurr
Tags: Chevy, community, Detroit, GM, michigan, networks, people, Royal Oak, social media club detroit, sxsw. #detchevysxsw, Urbane
The Best of Clawson: Black Lotus Brewing Company
Posted by Heather Stallsmith | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Clawson Neighborhood
Fabulous beer, live music and lots of laughs are just a few things you’ll find at Black Lotus Brewery! Located right in Downtown Clawson on the corner of 14 Mile and Main St, this place has tons of space for you and your friends to spread out, jam out to some tunes, grab a board game and throw back a few!
Their Apricot Wheat is absolutely amazing and don’t forget about their signature beer…Detroit Hip Hops. Another favorite is The Gift…which is brewed up right around Christmas Eve all the way through the winter season. All their beers are brewed in house by the best and currently they have 8 different brews on tap for you to choose from! Wine drinker? No prob! You have to try the Chocolate Raspberry Port!
Inside is a very relaxed atmosphere with fun and friendly staff and interaction with all the owners, Jodi, Mark and Mike. (Fun Fact: Mike is married to Mark’s sister!) The seating is totally comfortable and there is some FAB artwork on the walls! The artwork is all done by local artists and is switched up about once per month. If you like a piece you see, then let ‘em know…you can purchase anything you like!
Kerby, one of the waitresses, has been with them for 3 years now and she is great! Her favorite thing about the place is that the people who come there, come on a regular basis and she knows most of the people by name! Black Lotus offers live music a few nights per week and they are very particular about who they invite to perform. Thats how you know you’ll get a good show!
What’s next for Black Lotus Brewery? Well, they are revamping their menu! There menu will have some more items that compliment some of there beers really well. They have lots of options for all your vegans and vegetarians out there and even some great “bar food” after you’ve downed a few!
So we like to call Black Lotus Brewery Company the “Best of Clawson” stamp! Try it once…you’ll love it…you’ll be back for more! www.blacklotusbeer.com
Tags: Black Lotus, Clawson MI, michigan breweries
Energy Vampires…Back Off!
Posted by Heather Stallsmith | Filed under uncategorized
Energy vampires are people who mentally and physically exhaust you with their negative influences. These people can be friends, family, coworkers, or random people you come in contact with. You know that drama queen two offices over…yeah, she’s an EV. And to be honest, I think that at times, I’m guilty of being one myself. Aren’t we all?! The good news is that there are way to recognize and stop ‘em! Besides, if you know what to look for, you may not fall into the same category in moments of negative weakness!
So lets take a look at ways EVs drain that positive energy…
- • Intruding in your life and ignoring boundaries and privacy
- • Making a big deal out of nothing
- • Complaining about themselves…they like to vent!
- • Criticizing your hair, appearance, job, kids, partner, friends, etc…
- • Not taking “No!” for an answer
- • Being negative and encouraging you to do the same
- • Placing the blame for their problems on others
Looks like it’s time to drive a stake through the heart of these vamps! Here are a few ways to get rid of them without getting out the garlic!
- • Limit the time you spend with him/her
- • Learn ways to end convos when they start to go neg
- • Stay calm and detach…don’t let their negative energy consume you
- • Refrain from trying to fix them…they need to do that on their own
- • Practice walking away…the more you do it, the easier it is
- • Limit eye contact
- • Avoid being in close spaces with him/her
Urbane Exclusive: #DETChevySXSW and Auto Tune
Posted by Henry | Filed under uncategorized
Guest post by Henry Balanon
Hey guys!
I called my wife while on the road with #DetChevySXSW. This is what happened…
Urbane Exclusive: #DETChevySXSW and Auto Tune from Brandon Chesnutt on Vimeo.
Big thanks to Urbane Apartments for being such a huge supporter of our community. I can’t thank you enough Eric and team. We super appreciate it.
Tags: #DetChevySXSW, Henry Balanon, South by Southwest, SxSw
Tune Tuesdays 3-9-10
Posted by WEKetchum | Filed under uncategorized
Detroit hip-hop veterans do a commendable job of showing their consistency from year to year, but recent weeks have shown how the city’s young rap scene is preserving the future to be as strong as its past. The next two music columns will speak on the high quality releases from these up-and-comers.
JYoung The General & Nick Speed, Black History Year: Installment One
The first release of this week is a from an artist that this blogger manages, JYoung The General. Black History Year is an installment of EPs executive produced by Nick Speed - a Detroit musician who works with G-Unit, Talib Kweli, and others - that looks to educate about black history through song. I won’t offer a review of my opinion since I manage JYoung, but song concepts include a conversation between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., an ode to black comedians, Haiti’s fight for independence, and more. The disc has gotten rave reviews so far, so if you’re interested, give it a listen and download!
DOWNLOAD HERE
Nametag & Black Bethoven, The Soul System EP
Nametag has previously gotten some help from his cousin Black Milk and other noteworthy emcees from Detroit, but The Soul System EP sees him striking out on his own, and to great results. His pen game is on point, with songs like “Beast Mode” (feat. Kopelli of Cold Men Young) showcasing punchlines and wordplay, and “Can We Try” and “About You (Part 2)” chronicling the highs and lows of relationships. Tag also shows that his ear for beats isn’t limited to his cousin by enlisting producer Black Bethoven for the EP’s six songs. The fellow Detroiter shows his worth, using minimalistic bangers like “The Product” to highlight Nametag’s braggadocio and the soulful, sample-based “Visionz” to help pay respects to Tag’s mother. If Nametag continues working on his own while not relying on others as a crutch, he’s sure to be one of the most formidable emcees in the city.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Young Scolla, Escaping Reality EP
After becoming a member of URB magazine’s annually lauded “Next 100” list and a feature with fledgling Atlanta emcee Pill, Scolla has come a long way since dropping his The Block Obama mixtape a year ago. A listen to Escaping Reality helps newcomers realize what the hype is about. The Detroit native’s penchant for choosing beats is fantastic, as each song has the polish of a major league product while still complimenting his concepts. Lyrically, Scolla tackles universal subjects—the heavy “Decisions” speaks on the choices that a drug dealer, a stripper, and a recession-burdened college graduate make to get their dough, and “Get By” focuses on persevering through struggles to reach success. The production occasionally outshines Scolla, but otherwise, Escaping Reality is a quality project from a Detroit artist who has a bright future ahead of him.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Urbane #DetChevySXSW Exclusive: Henry Balanon vs. Channel 7 WXYZ
Posted by Henry | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI
Guest post by Henry Balanon
Earlier this evening, our #DetChevySXSW team was covered by Channel 7 WXYZ by Stephen Clark. This is the outtake you missed.
Urbane #DetChevySXSW Exclusive: Henry Balanon vs. Channel 7 WXYZ from Henry Balanon on Vimeo.
Big thanks to Urbane Apartments for being such a huge supporter of our community. I can’t thank you enough Eric and team. We super appreciate it.
Tags: #DetChevySXSW, Audrey Walker, Channel 7 WXYZ Stephen Clark, Dave Murray and Brandon Chesnutt, Henry Balanon, South by Southwest, SxSw, Team Chevy
SxSW…Safe Travels Team Detroit!
Posted by Heather Stallsmith | Filed under uncategorized
And they’re off! Henry Balanon, Audrey Walker, Dave Murray and Brandon Chesnutt or on their way to South by Southwest in Austin, TX! This trip is sponsored by Chevy as well as Urbane Apartments!
Along the way, they will have to face 50 challenges in order to receive clues on where they SxSW reception will be! Winning team will receive a Chevy sponsored tweetup in their hometown…ours being DETROIT!
Follow the team on twitter… @balanon, @bchesnut, @davemurr, @walkerau And cheer them on with the hash tag #DETChevySXSW!
For more info, visit http://detroitsxsw.com
