NOAH-O X TAYLOR WHITELOW “KLEPHNOTE” VIDEO
S/O to the homie Noah-O. RVA, in general, has been dealing with a lot of grief lately…good people leaving us too early. Noah-O hooks up with the homie Taylor Whitelow to remember Kleph Dollaz. The video is directed by another Grindaholic Rob Roby (Soul Live Media). In tough times – I love how these brothers are channeling their energy.
THE TURN UP: CHEATS MOVEMENT RVA HIP HOP MUSIC DROP
There has been so much RVA hip hop coming out lately that I really can’t keep up with it all. I appreciate every artist that sends me their latest work: mixtapes, singles, videos, etc. and I apologize that I can’t get everything posted as fast as I would like BUT keep sending it my way (CheatsMWC@gmail.com). The Cheats Movement Blog will continue to be a outlet for all RVA music and, in particular, RVA hip hop. So with no further delay — Here is what I’m turning up right now:
What can I say about Sweet Petey’s latest joint. Nick F brought it hard on, “Vices.” He is receiving well deserved national attention for the mixtape that features RVA emcees, Radio B and Michael Millions along with his Tokyo Ave Fam, Conrizzle AKA Loochey Lovely, and YMCMB’s Drizzy Drake. Of course, Nick is a beast when it comes to his rhymes and he killed it on Vices. My favorite track on the tape today (it changes all the time) is Pem Pen.
Pem Pen – Sweet Petey ft. Loochey Lovely
Number 15 – Sweet Petey ft. Drake
Octavion X shot by Soul Live Media
The Grindaholic himself Octavion X dropped his latest solo project, “Vigilante” in November of last year. While many folks that I’ve talked to believe “Vigliante” to be his best solo project to date (I believe this as well), it has been a slow build for tape. I sat down with Octavion last week for my Grindaholic series and he agreed that, “Vigilante” is in the process of deliberate and targeted branding effort. He wants everything to be right – the marketing, the videos, etc. because he believes in the music. I agree, the music is very impressive. My favorite track is, Get it How I Live ft. Artik Phreeze, Chance Fischer, BC Music 1st, produced by Mr. Ivory Snow.
We R VA ft Suburban District
Noah-O’s New Video, “Looking Down”
Charged Up General Noah O took it back to the Bay for his latest video, “Looking Down.” Check out the new visual. The upcoming record is called, “Thug Wilders Revenge.” It’s coming soon and RVA is on notice.
I’m a fan on HaBits. I’ve seen them rock a few times live and really appreciate the element of hip hop they bring to RVA. It’s a return to the emcee. Their feel reminds me of the throwback origins of NYC hip hop. The new record is called, “Soul Connection.” It is dropping very soon and here is a new single from the record.
HaBits – I Wanna Be
When I sat down with So !lla for the first ever Grindaholic interview, he made it clear to me that Broad Street Elite is the focus and 2013 is year. I respect his grind. Check out the music and see what BSE is all about. My favorite track? This one is tough because I’ve been sitting back watching what !lla have been going through and because of seeing some of his journey I’m going to post the track, Runnin Too Long.” I feel l like !lla has turned a corner and this track sounds like victory to me.
So !lla – Runnin Too long
There it is for now. There is so much more but again, I can only do so much at a time. Keep supporting The Cheats Movement and I’m going to keep supporting your work and RVA. #WESEEIT!
HEY RVA, I THINK “TOGETHER” WE CAN CHANGE THIS CITY – DO YOU?
It has become very clear that the goal of The Cheats Movement Blog in 2013 is to do something bigger for the RVA community. What do I mean by, “bigger?” I mean the blog, myself, the entire Cheats Movement Family will deliberately take on the task of creating and presenting the type of Richmond community that we want see spread throughout this city. I think that has always been the underling goal of the blog, to present RVA as the positive, diverse, creative community that I see daily but is not reported in the RVA media. With the growth of the blog it has become clear, or should I say even more real, that this blog (with the help of a lot of amazing friends and supporters) can be a driving force to bring Richmond’s community together. If you were not there last month at Gallery 5 when Photosythesizers, JPS, and Glows in the Dark performed on the same stage, you missed the very best of what I’m talking about. The most diverse audenice in the city coming together to enjoy Cheats Movement Family, The Richmond Comedy Coalition and these bands, that may not have been billed together if it wasn’t for a platform like the one we created together.
It happened again last night at WRIR’s Party for the Rest of Us. Seeing such a diverse crowd, in a small room, grooving to the music of Ohbliv, and then turning it up with YFD and The New Juice Crew gives me a feeling that I can’t explain but I know I want to duplicate over and over again. Immediately following the showcase last night, as well as the Richmond Famous show at Gallery 5, and even follow the RVA HOT SAUCE show nearly 2 years ago, strangers come up to me wondering when are we going to do “that” again. How can we get that vibe again. I feel the same way.
HEAR IS THE POINT – I can’t do it – WE can’t do it without everyone playing their part. Step 1 – if you are not following the Cheats Movement Facebook Page – Click HERE and follow, share it with your friends. We need to spread what is happening in the city. Step 2 – If you see that The Cheats Movement Blog is hosting/supporting a event or cause – rest assured that it will be one that is worth attending or supporting. I am very clear that this blog is about positivity, creativity, diversity, and anything that lift up RVA. Feel comfortable knowing that while you may not feel every blog post, it all serves a goal. Step 3 – if you see something that this blog “should” be supporting, send me an email (CheatsMWC@gmail.com) and let me know. If it is positive and good for the RVA community, you have a friend in me.
I strongly believe that celebrating Richmond’s creative diversity will go a long way in healing some of the lasting bitterness of the past. It’s not the only answer but I can’t solve every problem with a blog post or event. I can take action to create a better city. We can together. I need you to be a part – will you help?
The crowd at Gallery 5 last month was one of the sparks for me that we can do something bigger.
We did it again last night at WRIR – RVA is a diverse city, no need for us to act like the city is bigger than it is – come together and party.
SAME DAY RELEASE: THE NEW JUICE CREW – KNOW THE LEDGE VOL. 1
The New Juice Crew will release their long awaited mixtape, “Know the Ledge Vol 1.” tonight at Face Melt Friday.
Words and Photos by Cheats
So here is the question: Is the New Juice Crew RVA’s very own Wu-Tang Clan? I think the make-up is there, the diversity in style is there, even the drive to succeed is there….only time will tell how this story plays out. Okay Okay…I know they are not RZA, GZA, ODB, Rae and Ghost but let’s face it – NO ONE is - WU-TANG change the game forever. But the brothers known as, “The New Juice Crew,” have the building blocks to follow in the path blazed by those NYC emcee Gods nearly 20 years ago. Tonight is a bit of a coming out party for TNJC. They are releasing their new mixtape, “Know the Ledge Vol. 1″ at Face Melt Friday (Stange Matter, doors open at 7 PM).
The good brother Black Liquid hit me with an advance copy of the tape to drop a few tracks on the Cheats Movement Family. My first read of the tape is really positive. TNJC is not known for studio work – they are known for action-packed live performances, but ”Know the Ledge” plays well in the car - it gives off a lot of energy.
Black Liq brings the energy every time – tonight will be no different.
Your Welcome- BC Music 1st, Lord Slugg, Azrael Onassis, Black Liqud
The Cheats Movement Blog is very familiar with the sounds of Black Liq, Lord Slugg, Emphasys, and my dude Azreal Onassis, and they all brought their usaual heat. However, the tape was a bit of a coming out party for my dudes Bandolero, and Corey Starks. They provide a nice suprise – each fronting their own solo tracks on the tape.
Bandolero is a nice suprise on The New Juice Crew Mixtape.
Don’t Waste my Time – Azreal Onassis, Emphasys, Corey Starks, Black Liq
BC Music 1st made his mark on the tape as the newest “official” member of the crew. Even though he’s been rocking TNJC for a long time now – BC is a grindaholic and I’m glad Richmond will get to hear his voice.
BC was annouced as the newest member of the New Juice Crew – but people in the know – know BC has been rocking with the crew for a long time.
BC Music 1st – Arrogant
And yo, I can’t leave this post without a S/O to Swerve 36. Hey laid it down. Always one to rock the 1s and 2s and keep the party going - Swerve got on the mic on this tape and did his thing with “This Feeling.”
This Feeling – Swerve 36
I can’t name all the brothers on the tape – too many to name - but trust me when I say it worth checking out. Make sure you come out tonight to get a copy of the full mixtape. As well as see some of the best RVA hip hop talent in one place. Face Melt Friday at Strange Matter tonight.
RT, & Emphasys
THE CHEATS FILES: RICHMOND FAMOUS AND THE EPIC ENGAGEMENT
Words by Cheats and Aria; Photos by Patience Salgado & Nick Mastro
When you really think about it, there are only a few days in life that you know you will remember forever. For me, Saturday was that one of those magical days.
I woke up carrying a secret that only four people, my immediate family, knew: I was planning to propose to my amazing girlfriend Aria. And I was planning to propose to her in front of a live audience, including a lot of our family and friends during the Richmond Comedy Coalitions’ Richmond Famous show at Gallery 5.
The morning started with my nerves in knots. I woke up slightly anxious about the proposal but in absolute terror about the attendance of the Richmond Famous show. I was honestly worried that no one would show up that night at Gallery 5. I was worrying Aria sick by asking her, “Babe, what happens if no one comes,” I would ask her every 20 minutes.
ARIA: He was so worried that only 6 people would show up. I constantly assured him that people would show. He is insanely modest; he didn’t understand how much of an impact he had made in the community. I kept telling him that people would come out to support him and RCC.
That morning, I started sharing the secret. I called Aria’s mother and let her know my intentions and, of course, asked for her blessing. Her excitement gave me not only ease but confidence that I was proceeding in the right direction.
ARIA: Who knew I could be so gullible. All of a sudden he had an urgent need to go pull the trash can in from the driveway. It was 8:30 in the morning; most would have thought something was up. Little did I know, he was in full master plan mode.
The next challenge was waiting. I needed to keep my emotions in check and not tip off Aria that I was a little more “worked up” than normal. I was helped by some very quality Starz on Demand, I played, “Beat Rhymes and Life,” the documentary movie featuring A Tribe Called Quest. Aria watched most of it with me and just being with her on the couch further cemented, for me, that I was 100% doing the right thing.
Then the phone rang. It was David, from the RCC, letting me know that we would not be alone tonight, if fact the presales were on their way to 100 and he anticipated a sold out show. It’s a strange emotion to feel relieved and excited at the same time – I was honestly relieved that the night was going to be populated – if not historic.
ARIA: While I had no idea he was planning a proposal, during those few hours on the couch watching the Tribe documentary and then Fade to Black I kept thinking of how amazing it felt to be so connected to him.
So when I was telling my mother “the plan”, I could see the utter panic on her face about the “surprise” element of the proposal. It gave her more than “hesitation.” I have always relied on my mother’s advice and Aria’s personality often reminds me of what, I think, my mom was like before she raised me and my siblings. My mother looked at me and immediately said, “Marc, you can’t do that to a women, you have to give her some time to digest what is happening and you don’t want to do that in front of a lot of people.” I thought about it and agreed with her. So I retooled the plan and adjusted to propose in Church Hill right before our planned dinner at Proper Pie.
Fast forward a bit to the car ride to Church Hill, I can’t remember if we even talked. ARIA: He was a bit quiet in the car, but I just assumed he was nervous about the show. I just let him be with his thoughts. The ring was in my pocket and I convinced her we had to go to take a few photos of the city for the blog. I really didn’t think that anyone would be at my planned proposal spot, a wonderful view of the city near Richmond Hill, but as we were pulling up, I saw a few people at the spot. As we got closer, it turned out to be a small wedding. A good sign indeed but I was not thinking about that – I was thinking, “Yo! Where am I going to propose?” ARIA: After seeing the wedding at that particular spot, I was thinking cool, maybe we can just go to dinner, I was starving. Luckily I just continued to go with the flow. I made a quick audible to the park with the statue and the great view of the Lucky Strike building. I asked her to take a few photos and then I pulled out the ring. I waited for what felt like a year before she was able to answer; she was too busy being shocked and smiling. ARIA: I honestly have not been more surprised in my entire life. For a split second, I didn’t want to yell out yes, thinking maybe there were just earrings in the box and I’d be embarrassed. Then I quickly realized of course it was a ring and he was proposing; I was so shocked. I didn’t even realize I hadn’t said yes. Once she said, “Yes,” and I can’t really tell you exactly how I felt. It’s not overconfidence when you’re on the same page with the person you love – you just know it’s going to be cool. I knew we were on the same page and asking was bit of a formality to me.
ARIA: I was ecstatic; I was so excited and nervous at the same time. I wanted to tell everyone we encountered that I just got engaged! I loved the man, I loved the ring. It was amazing!
Once the proposal was done, I had to convince Aria to put her, “poker face,” on because no one knew about the proposal but our families and a very special friend, who may or may not, be back in town from Washington D.C. in time for the show.
Just because the “actual” proposal was done, it strangely didn’t make me feel relief about proposing on stage. I – once again – had the ring in my pocket and it hadn’t really registered that she’s just said yes. Once Gallery 5 started filling up with our friends, I started to get distracted – speaking with friends and running around – that took my mind a bit off the show. Aria left her phone at my house in the West End so she drove back to get it – I’m sure the car ride helped her collect her emotions. When she came back the show, she was almost calm.
I got word that the show was sold out around the same time our “special guests” arrived at Gallery 5. I blocked out most emotions immediately before the show and took solace in RCC cast members telling me, “I got your back,” it was awesome.
The moment I pulled out the ring, my world was a flash. I am so grateful for the people quick enough to break out their phones and, of course, my good friends with cameras because I got so many great photos of my on 1 knee. I honestly don’t even remember doing it. ARIA: I think I was just as nervous as he was, I knew it was coming and I had to sit in my seat for about an hour waiting for it to happen. As he went through the story and then pulled out the ring box, I didn’t have to feign excitement or surprise. I was still so excited and probably still a little stunned. Looking back, I am so thankful that I made it up to the stage without falling. As I stood there as he proposed again, it was still amazing. I just focused on him. Plus I got to see my ring again, and this time I got to keep it!
The rest of the night was easily one of the best nights of my life with Just Plain Sounds, Glows in the Dark, and Photosynthesizers. I smiled, hugged, dance, loved and just had the best night. ARIA: It was a great night. We essentially had our engagement party right there. It was so amazing to have been able to share the experience with so many of our friends and family. It was great to get so many well wishes from people I didn’t even know. Everyone was so happy for us and there was just a lot of love and positivity in the air. I loved both of my proposals and I couldn’t have planned it better myself. I am so blessed to have such an amazing and thoughtful fiancé. He aight!
All I can say is, “Thank you RVA,” I love this place some much – but, to me, when I think of, “RVA” I think of more than geography, I think of family and home. I love my Cheats Movement Family and it was such a unreal experience to share this night with you.
My family was in the front row with those “special guest”
Glows in the Dark killed it – I can’t thank them enough.
Photosynthesizers, in my humble opinion, is one of the best live bands ever – not in RVA but ever. So many more photos coming!
The RCC was amazing Saturday night! Please check out one of their shows.
HEY RVA, LET’S START THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER AT RICHMOND FAMOUS! THIS SATURDAY AT GALLERY 5!
Well in 2012 the world did not end and though we are a bit over the fiscal cliff, it looks like we may survive total doom.That’s great news because Saturday night is sure to be one of the best nights in Richmond (so far). Join me, The Richmond Comedy Coalition and the entire Cheats Movement Family for “Richmond Famous” at Gallery 5.
I’m very excited and honored to be a part of the show, the RCC is amazing and well worth the $5 dollar (advance ticket) on their own BUT we are not stopping with just improv comedy, we are showcasing some of RVA’s best bands: Photosynthesizers, who I’ve called on this blog, “The best live band in RVA,” is playing live following the show. Also, Glows in the Dark, one of the most talented and diverse sounds in RVA, will bring their dope style to the night, Wolf//Goat made one of the best records to hit RVA scene in 2012 and is looking to skyrocket in 2013, and the brothers from Just Plain Sounds had an amazing 2012 with records from The Honorable Sleaze, Just Plain Ant, Drano, Damaged Andy, and don’t forget that MF DOOM inspired Mixtape, Weekends in Latveria (James Dangle went hard on that). Also, a good ol’ Cheats Movement cyphers (You know how it goes down). So if you’re a emcee…come out for the show. I hope to see all of Richmond at Gallery 5 Saturday night. I hope YOU (reading this) will join us. It’s going to be a really fun, positive and diverse night – a night that truly represents what this blog and RVA is all about.
The show is Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Gallery 5 (200 W. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA). Doors open at 7 PM – show starts at 8 PM. Music starts around 10 PM. Advance tickets are just $5 ($10 at the door) so get them early. RSVP BY CLICKING HERE!
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: SAVE THE DATE JANUARY 5TH – RICHMOND FAMOUS RVA HOT SAUCE EDITION!
The entire HOT SAUCE VIBE will be in Gallery 5 on January 5th – come out and support RVA! (Photo by Marc Schmidt)
I’m so happy to get the ball rolling on this EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT – Friends please save the date: Saturday, January 5, 2013. It is sure to go down as one of the best nights of early 2013. My friends at the Richmond Comedy Coalition has asked me to be their guest for their Richmond Famous improv show. If you’re not familiar with Richmond Famous, the RCC selects someone in RVA that’s doing good things and making a name in the community and they have that guest tell stories about their life, the RCC then does live improv based off the stories told. It’s such a fun show and such an honor to be asked to be their guest (joining a great group of host like: Brian McDaniel, NO BS BRASS, Young House Love, and Ryan Nobles). I’m very excited about it. However, I did not stop there – since RCC is truly family to me – I feel I have to bring something very speical to the table on January 5th. They have supported The Cheats Movement Blog since the beginning and have been some of my best friends over the last two years. So we are bringing the entire HOT SAUCE VIBE to the show with live performances from 4 amazing Richmond bands: Photosynthesizers, Glows in the Dark, Wolf//Goat, and Just Plain Sounds. There will also be a Hardywood Beer takeover which means Hardywood will be selling their locally brewed beers at Gallery 5 that night. I really hope that every friend of the blog and of these great bands comes out and supports this night. Again here are the details.
Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Gallery 5 (200 West Marshall Street, Richmond, VA)
Richmond Comedy Coalition Richmond Famous: RVA HOT SAUCE EDITION featuring Cheats of the Cheats Movement Blog
Following the live improv – Live performances by: Photosynthesizers, Glows in the Dark, Wolf//Goat and Just Plain Sounds
Doors will open around 8 PM
WE SEE IT!
FREE DOWNLOAD – RVA HOT SAUCE THE MIXTAPE VOLUME 1
The results are already in….this is one of the best compilations of RVA area hip hop artist ever! Download the mixtape for free and see why. And make sure you support the most diverse blog in RVA – The Cheats Movement Blog. WE SEE IT!
Like the Cheats Movement on Facebook – Click HERE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD RVA HOT SAUCE THE MIXTAPE VOLUME 1
THE YEAR THAT WAS IN RVA HIP HOP….
AN INTERVIEW WITH CHEATS OF THE CHEATS MOVEMENT BLOG
Words by Roger Tyler (RT) and Marc Cheatham (CHEATS)
ALL PHOTOS BY CHEATS (WITH THAT CHEATS MOVEMENT LOGO)
2012 appeared to be a bit of a rebuilding year for the Richmond area hip hop scene. While Street Art made unprecedented moves in our city’s mainstream with the G40 Street Art Festival and RVA Street Art Festival, RVA hip hop struggled to grab widespread public attention, while also dealing with the tragic loss of one of its own, super-producer Kleph Dollaz. “This year hasn’t had the media hype I expected following a groundbreaking 2011 but overall it has been a solid year for a lot of Richmond area hip hop artist,” said Marc Cheatham AKA Cheats of the ever-expanding Cheats Movement Blog. I sat down with Cheats in his living room, in a quiet neighborhood on the West End of Henrico, to discuss his new mixtape project with RVA Mag, the influence of his blog, and his views on the year that was in RVA hip hop.
Cheats just recently completed his first RVA focused hip hop mixtape titled, “RVA HOT SAUCE THE MIXTAPE, Vol. 1.” It features 11 songs from Richmond-area hip hop artists such as, Artik Phreeze, Noah-O, Michael Millions, Ms. Proper, Suburban District, Black Liquid and more, it also has Cheats’ own voice on the intro, interlude, and outro yelling, his blog’s catch phrase, “We See It.”
Black Liquid, Ms. Proper, Suburban District, and Artik Phreeze are all on the HOT SAUCE mixtape.
In just over a year of covering the Richmond’s hip hop scene, Cheats has become one of its most trusted writers, bloggers, and photographers. You know you’re in the right spot if you see the short guy with a backwards cap and camera strapped around his neck. Or just look at your Facebook newsfeed the day after he covers a live event – photos with the Cheats Movement Logo are everywhere. This year it even stretched to the mainstream – North Carolina rapper Phonte (who Cheats interviewed for RVA Mag) used a Cheats Movement concert photo for his twitter profile photo. And while his blog highlights RVA’s diversity – RVA hip hop has embraced his blog as one of its go to sites for reports on the best local shows in town.
Phonte (Little Brother & Foreign Exchange) used this photo as his twitter profile pic following the Happily Natural Day/Tuesday Verses Concert
Being a hip hop artist myself, attempting to interview Cheats is a challenge because before you know it – he’s asking the questions and I’m giving the answers but we had a fun and free-flowing discussion and below are some of the highlights:
ON THE RVA HOT SAUCE MIXTAPE (Cheats in his own words):
“This is just my opinion but the mixtape represents what I see as the best elements of RVA hip hop. I say that knowing full well that I don’t cover every live show or listen to every album or mixtape (though I promise to listen to every song or mixtape that is sent to me directly via email or Facebook). I don’t know it all and that’s why this is just Volume 1, there will be a Volume 2 and probably 3, until I feel like I’ve captured the culture.”
ON HOW THE IDEA FOR THE MIXTAPE STARTED (Cheats in his own words):
“RVA Magazine’s owner Tony Harris told me that he was doing a series of mixtapes with different bloggers and asked me about doing a mixtape collaboration between The Cheats Movement Blog and RVA Mag. I have a lot of respect for Tony and RVA Mag so working on a mixtape seemed natural. I never felt that I was in the position to do a Hip Hop 101 introduction article because I haven’t seen all the hip hop RVA has to offer but the way RVA Mag presented the opportunity – it gave me the opportunity to highlight what I have seen and highlight who I go out and cover regularly.”
ON HOW THE ARTIST AND TRACKS WERE SELECTED (Cheats in his own words):
“Most of the tracks on the mixtape are not new tracks but a compilation of songs that have been in my rotation throughout 2012. I picked 11 songs for volume 1 and reached out to everyone to see if it was cool that I use their work. Black Liquid, Sleaze, Michael Millions, Doe The Paperboy, Ms. Proper, Arktik Phreeze, Chance Fischer, Suburban District, Drano, Noah-O, are all on the tape. The late Kleph Dollaz has an influence on the tape through Noah-O and Chance Fischer. Though I didn’t know Kleph personally, you can’t cover RVA hip hop and not be aware of the difficulty the community is still going through with the losses of Kleph and another friend of mine Mr. Mason Jones.
The RVA community is still struggling with the loss of Kleph Dollaz and Mr. Mason Jones ( in color)
ON WHO MADE AN IMPACT ON THE RVA HIP HOP SCENE IN 2012 (Cheats in his own words):
“This is tricky because I’m going to leave people out but understanding that I can’t name everyone (I can’t name everyone) I will say, Suburban District as a group should be proud of the year they’ve had and individually, Octavion Xcellence. Tim Porter, and Fair, should be proud of what they did as solo artist as well. They headlined Epic Fest, released “Beer for Breakfast”, killed features and mixtapes, and performed at SXSW, it was a huge year for the Smooth Dirty Camp. Doe The Paperboy killed it this year and not just with his music, DoeNation 2 was released in 2012, he was everywhere, making an impact with his live performances, his videos are great (S/O Soul Live Media) and his merch game is crazy. My JPS brothers Sleaze and Drano should be really happy with the feedback on their albums – both, “Heavenly Devilish” by Sleaze and “City of God” by Drano are being slept on by RVA — come on now! WE SEE IT! They are both great albums. I think Big League and their crew should be real proud of what they did…I don’t know them well but T-Mac and Bravo, that whole crew, put in some major work. RT, I know you really like what Memph 10, So!lla, and Ms. Proper did this year, I agree. And Black Liquid’s album, “The Black Experience” was his best studio album to date, not to mention opening for a ton of big acts including DMX. I could go on and on but I won’t.
It’s hard to think of a camp that had a better year than Smooth Dirty…Suburban District (Octavion X, Tim Porter, and Fair) were everywhere…. Kleos and Phreeze – the entire camp did it big in 2012.
Doe The Paperboy had a huge year and not just in music, videos and merch game is crazy.
Just Plain Sounds and a great year but still underrated…Sleaze (pictured with James Dangle and Ohbliv) and Drano had great records this year.
Cheats and I sat down and talked the year in review – here is what we came up with – before the hate starts – this is just a list of what we came up with – we know we left some folks out….tell us who – make us notice.
Favorite shows of 2012:
- Epic Fest (2-Day Event) at The Kingdom presented by SlapDash
- Phonte (From Little Brother) Happily Natural Day/Tuesday Verses at The Canal Club
- The Klubhouse Krew Presents: The Kleph Dollaz! Music Charity Show at Canal Club
Epic Fest brought a great crowd to Kingdom for 2 night -despite the weather trouble – one of the best events of the year.
Must listen to Album(s) Of 2012:
- Sleaze- Heavenly Devilish
- Suburban District- Beer For Breakfast
- Black Liquid – The Black Experience
The Black Experience by Black Liquid is his best album to date.
Artist we are checking for in 2013:
- Chi Chi The Kidd
- Chance Fischer
- Bravo (The Big League)
- Dr. Millionaire
- Yung Yankee
Chance Fischer is one to watch in 2013
Must See Videos:
- -Bravo- “Harlot”
- -Doe The PaperBoy- “If I Had It”
- -Young Rell- “Letter to God”
DoeThePaperBoy: If I had It from Robert Roby on Vimeo.
Videographers on top of the RVA game:
- Aura HD and Imagery (Jay Aura)
- Soul Live Media (Robert Roby)
- No Name No Brain (Arya “Pat” Rossman)
Best RVA Blog covering local hip hop:
- Well….WE SEE IT – Cheats Movement Blog!
This article was written by Cheats and RT. If you disagree – don’t hate – email me and tell me why: TheCheatsMovement@gmail.com
RT is a hip hop contributor to RVA MAG and a hip hop artist. Check his work and see him with The New Juice Crew and UCubed. Click here for RT’s DatPiff profile.
COVER AND ARTIST LIST: RVA HOT SAUCE THE MIXTAPE VOL. 1
It’s done, the Cheats Movement X RVA Mag mixtpae: RVA HOT SAUCE THE MIXTAPE VOLUME 1 will be released – FOR FREE – in the coming days exclusively on RVA Mag’s Bandcamp page.
The cover art was done by Hamilton Glass. There will be a special article coming out by Roger Tyler and yours truly about the mixtape and the year that was in RVA hip hop.
Final artist list: Micheal Millions, Noah-O & Kleph Dollaz, Chance Fischer, Artik Phreeze, Ms. Proper, Doe The Paperboy, Black Liquid, The Honorable Sleaze, Drano, Nickelus F, & Suburban District. Intro by Cheats and outro by James Dangle.
The mixtape is unique opportunity to get a sample of some of the best local hip hop artist, done let this tape pass you by. WE SEE IT!
RVA HOT SAUCE MIXTAPE INTRO by Cheats [Produced by The Honorable Sleaze]
THE CHEATS FILES: WINTERFEST 2012
There is no doubt that Kingdom has become one of the leading venues for hip hop in Richond over the last few months. I credit this to the hard work of Broad Street Elite caption So !lla who has been putting in work all over Richmond in 2012. Last Friday, I took the Cheats Movement camera to Winterfest 2012 to catch a strong collection on local hip hop in one place.
Ms. Proper rocking the stage with the entire click. BSE X So Proper Ent is under one umbrella and ready to ride in 2013
Though Winterfest ultimately met the same “key” hiccup as most RVA hip hop shows, either too many acts or not enough time. I was pleased to see a nice size crowd of hip hop fans when I arrived. Though I was upset that I showed up right after my dude Octavion Xcellence finished his set, the crowd was still buzzing and it’s clear I may have missed one of the best performances of the night. Octavion just released his mixtape “Vigilante” and he has some fire on it (Check the track: Get It How You Live).
Octavion and Artik Phreeze
I did arrive in time to see Broad Street Elite turn it up. Ms. Proper, So !lla, Conci$e, WhopDaSquire, Rich P, were laced up and ready to go. I’ve said this before but it bears repeating…I would need to hit the gym for about 3 years straight to join that click – where do they find the time. I’ve also said this before (and I’m sure I will say again), Ms. Proper is the truth on stage, it’s another level. She commands the stage – rocks the mic – and does her thing and bounces, I’m always happy to catch her on set.
I then saw Petersburg spitta Rockstarr Gunna. This was my first time seeing him rock live and I must say, I was impressed with his performance. The performance was high energy with strong lyrical flow. I genuinely like the music so I’m not sure if he needed to highlight the “guitar” element of the show as much as he did. The guitar was dope but until they really got into it – at the very end of the set due to some mic issue (not their fault), the guitar just seemed to be more of a distraction for the fans then a real strong part of the live performance. With that said, I would attend another Rockstarr Gunna performance, absolutely. It’s worth seeing and I have a feeling only going to get better.
Rockstarr Gunna and the guitar (FYI – that dude can really play the guitar, he got busy at the end of the set)
Next to perform were HaBitS and I’m a fan of their work. I’ve covered a few of their performances in the past (and missed a few more – my bad). I’m a fan of what I call “true east coast hip hop.” Don’t get me wrong – I like a lot of music – but there is nothing like that Eric B and Rakim type flow, that Nas type flow, that a pull out a milk carton or have you man make a beat on a cafeteria table type flow – Habits has it – and a lot of that is missing or won’t pop off in 2012 hip hop. There are some exceptions – Stalley comes to mind but HaBitS seems to bring that type of flow and I’m rooting for them to have big 2013.
HaBits ready for a break out year.
The final act I covered were my brothers the New Juice Crew. If you read this blog – you know TNJC is family to me so you really have to see their set for yourself to get a unbiased opinion BUT I will say Black Liq is poised to have huge 2013. I spoke to him at the show and the stuff he has planned will get you excited for RVA hip hop as a whole. BC Music 1st deserves mention in this posted because he is really putting in work with, photos, videos, and music. BC’s grind has caught up to Black’s and along with Lord Slugg, Brother Starks, Bandolero, and RT I’m really looking forward to seeing what the TNJC can pull off in 2013.
BC has showed Liquid type grind in recent months and now locked and loaded for 2013 the TNJC focus’ is on a trillion.
Finally, I have to give some love to YFD Clothing – my man DaQuan Williams and Artik Phreeze. I’m not sure if Phreeze took the stage late but he’s on the The Cheats Movement X RVA Mag mixtape: RVA HOT SAUCE Volume 1 coming out real soon on the RVA Mag Bandcamp page. I don’t know – never met – DJ Gringo but he held it down Friday night – #Salute. I saw Rah Srcilla – DoeBoydaDude – and the crew from Natural Talent (those brothers are always working) in building. Overall, a good reprentation of RVA hip hop – always glad to be in the building. WE SEE IT!
RVA HOT SAUCE FRIDAY: CHRIS RYAN [VIDEO]
The other week I dropped the ManlyMan RVA HOT SAUCE video with a promise to post more — well I’m posting more – and hopefully most Fridays until my clips are done I will be posting videos from RVA HOT SAUCE.
Today I am posting a clip from singer/songwriter Chris Ryan. Chris has been one of my favorites for a while now. I first saw him bringing down the house with Beast Wellington. Then I heard his fantastic solo album, “Pray for Rain.” Chris came by The Shop to helps us at RVA HOT SAUCE. Not only did he play some songs from the album but he also played a pretty sweet jam session with Mike Kemitic and Chuck Dawson. RVA HOT SAUCE was one of the most diverse nights of last year. I’m so glad Chris was a part of it. Check it out and make sure to buy his album “Pray for Rain” on itunes.
RVA HOT SAUCE Flyer by: No Name No Brain
PROPER ATTENTION: MS. PROPER “SAY IT”
True story, I’ve been asking Ms. Proper to send me a new track for a minute. I’m a fan. Honestly, I do not notice very many female emcees killin the RVA rap scene these days and I see even less rockin live shows. No disrespect to other female emcees working hard (I do know a few that on the grind) but Ms. Proper seems to be cut from a different cloth. I was able to spend some time with her for a piece I’m developing about females in hip hop and it’s clear that while music comes first – Proper has the additional responsibilities of making sure her entire team at So Proper Ent. is moving in the right direction and holding down Rated R Radio. She is on the grind as a musician and a boss. Check out her latest track, “Say It” and CLICK HERE to visit to her website.
THIS IS RVA HOT SAUCE [EPISODE 1]
On October 21, 2011, RVA HOT SAUCE was introduced to the city of Richmond. The Cheats Movement, Just Plain Sounds, and The Shop brought together some of the hottest talent in RVA for a night of entertainment, diversity, and fun. RVA HOT SAUCE [Episode 1] features: Brian McDaniel, Black Liquid, The New Juice Crew, The Richmond Comedy Coalition, Ankh Trinity, and more.
RVA HOT SAUCE is how “we” see RVA. Our town is filled with creative talent and positive people. HOT SAUCE had some of the most gifted Richmonders in one room, in-front of a live audience, performing for free. Please support this series. Episode 1 will be the first of at least 3 videos in this series.
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Email me at: TheCheatsMovement@gmail.com and I will send you a sticker no problem!
Logo by Hamilton Glass – Stickers printed by RVA Stickers
RVA HOT SAUCE IS RETURNING & VIDEOS ARE COMING.
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon
Well, I know that I’ve been stalling on the release of the first RVA HOT SAUCE videos and stalling even more on the plans for the next RVA HOT SAUCE. Full disclosure time – The task is a bit more challenging than I ever thought it would be – The first HOT SAUCE was such a great event for anyone that was there or watched online. Coming back for a squeal really gave me some hesitation BUT fear not - the wait is over – RVA HOT SAUCE will return in April 2012 and it will be bigger and better than every before. I’ve been in talks with my dudes Jason Moore (The Shop) and James Dangle (JPS) and we already have some really crazy ideas for something real special for RVA.
In regards to the short vids from the first HOT SAUCE — I’m currently working on 2 major projects right now — and I’m posting this as much to motivate me as to notify you. Project 1 is a Cheats Movement Zine Project – highlighting all the work of the blog’s first year through photos and interviews. Project 2 is the HOT SAUCE short vids. I will be working on both of these projects at the same time and hope to have something to show everyone very soon. If you have no idea what I’m talking about — check out the 1st trailer from RVA HOT SAUCE below.
CHEATS MOVEMENT CLUB PICKS JAN 16 – 22
THE CHEATS MOVEMENT CLUB IS BACK! Bringing you the new, the fresh, the def in RVA music, art, and video. This week I got music from Just Plain Sounds’ Drano, The New Juice Crew’s Lord Slugg, my dude Chris Ryan, and Antagonist Dragonspit. I got videos from HaBitS, Luggage and this new video I saw yesterday from Carytown Cupcakes!
Keep sending your music, art, videos to: THECHEATSMOVEMENT@GMAIL.COM — It may take me a minute to get you on but if you hooked me up — I will return the favor. Stay Focused.
ARTIST: DRANO ALBUM: THE NIGHT DRIVER TRACK: THE GOOCH WHY: Just released last Friday you know I have to represent for my brothers at Just Plain Sounds. In my humble opinion, one of the most talented collectives in the Cap City. Drano brings the Emcee element to the production happy crew. Check out and download The Night Driver.
ARTIST: LORD SLUGG ALBUM: THE SLUGG TAPE 2 TRACK: 20 SLUGGS FT. BEAST SONNIE BOSS TONE LUV WHY: The Slugg Tape 2 drop was one of the hottest local drops of last year. BUT it dropped in a crowded field (everyone dropped a tape at the end of last year) and with the New Juice Crew being all over the place. I think the Slugg Tape and this track 20 Sluggs got lost a bit. The production on this track is a smash. Click here to download The Slugg Tape 2.
ARTIST: CHRIS RYAN ALBUM: PRAY FOR RAIN TRACK: TABLE FOR TWO WHY: I first saw Chris killing it on lead gutiar with one of my favorite RVA Bands Beast Wellington. I had now idea he could sing – but sing he can. Chris dropped Pray for Rain last year and was great enough to play a couple of tracks last October at the first ever RVA HOT SAUCE Table for Two was one of the songs Chris played — check it out and check out Pray for Rain now available on Itunes.
Click the link below to hear Table for Two!
ARTIST: ANTAGONIST DRAGONSPIT ALBUM: BACK ON THE MAP TRACK: KEEP IT MOVIN INTRO WHY: Good music – simple as that. I heard the Keep It Movin Intro and thought – The Curtis Mayfield loop is crazy and – I got to post this on the site. I met Drangonspit last year at Soul Live in RVA (S/O to The Shop). He’s grindin and the album is dope. Check out what he is doing in the 757.
ARTIST: LUGGAGE VIDEO: 2 UP, 2 DOWN WHY: I saw Luggage for the first time at the Nile with Ohbliv over the holiday. I got the feeling from the show (and their feature RVA Mag Article) that they are back to having fun. That wasn’t always the case dealing with hip-hop in RVA. I enjoy seeing the space they are in now and love the video S/O to my tweeter buddy VanWilderLife.
ARTIST: HaBitS VIDEO: RIDE IT OUT SMOOTH WHY: I’ve notice HaBitS grid. I think the first time I saw them was at a Rebirth at the Camel. They are working hard and it’s good to see hard workers dropping videos and getting bigger sets a bigger show (like the January 26 Beat Battle at The Camel) . I appreciate their work ethic. Big things for them in 2012.
ARTIST: CARYTOWN CUPCAKES VIDEO: CUPCAKE WARS WHY: UM – THEY ARE DELICIOUS — HATE IF YOU WANT! S/O Carytown Cupcakes! Best of luck getting on Cupcake Wars!
THE CHEATS MOVEMENT X BLACK LIQUID [RVA MAG PHOTO SHOOT]
If you haven’t picked up the latest RVA Mag — make sure you do that (if you can find any) and check out my article with Black Liquid titled The State of the (Richmond Hip-Hop) Union. The is not your average interview with a local hip hop artist. Black Liq goes in on the current state of RVA hip-hop and what needs to be done for RVA to reach it’s full potential as a hip-hop community. I feel that we pushed the envelope with this interview and this is only the begining. Along with conducting the interview the good folks at RVA Mag asked me to organize and shoot the photography for the story. S/O to The Shop for letting me shoot at the spot. The Shop is one of the fasting growing creative hubs in RVA — always something creative going on and S/O to the Capitol Police for allowing me to get a few shots at the capitol w/o a permit. Check out the entire shoot by clicking HERE.
VIDEO: THE CHEATS MOVEMENT – YEAR ONE
This year has been amazing for the Cheats Movement Blog. I would have never imagined when I started in January that nearly a year later I would be having so much fun covering the creative community in RVA. This blog started as strictly a photoblog — and because of the support and the inspiration of Richmond — it has become so much more. From RVA Profiles to RVA Hot Sauce — The Cheats Movement is committed to presenting content that supports the RVA community – and I will keep that commitment in 2012. There is no doubt that the site will continue to grow — but I can’t do it without your support. Make sure you do your part to spread the word about this blog on facebook and twitter– and I will continue to make sure it’s the best blog that I can do — WE R-VA!
Now with that– check out my quick holiday present — The Cheats Movement – Year One.
PHOTOS: MIDNIGHT SUGGESTIONS #7 W/JAMES ADOMIAN [STEADY SOUNDS, RVA]
Wednesday night I stopped by Steady Sounds to check out Midnight Suggestions. The featured comic was the hilarious James Adomian. He was amazing! He gave a set worthy of a big time comedy club. Also performing were – friends of the Cheats Movement – the very funny ManlyMan! It’s always a great time to see them perform, and James Paulk. If you have never been to a Midnight Suggestions, it’s truly a can’t miss show. Johnny Hugel and the team does a great job and it’s a very fun time. CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS OF THE SHOW - PICTURED BELOW ARE JAMES ADOMIAN AND MANLYMAN
RVA HOT SAUCE – The Web Series – December 2011
On October 21, 2011, RVA HOT SAUCE was introduced to the city of Richmond. The Cheats Movement, Just Plain Sounds, and The Shop brought together some of the hottest talent in RVA for a night of entertainment, diversity, and fun. The RVA HOT SAUCE web series is scheduled to debut in December 2011.
Dear RVA: The Cheats Movement Blog is Growing…
And you can help…Click HERE and Like the Cheats Movement Blog on Facebook! Follow CheatsMWC on Twitter.
INSTANT CLASSIC RVA HOT SAUCE PHOTO! [www.JohnnyHugel.com]
RVA creative blog maestro Johnny Hugel took this photo at RVA HOT SAUCE last Friday night. This photo really captures the vibe of the night: Brian McDaniel (Dirty Richmond Blog) freestyle rapping with The Honorable Sleaze (Just Plain Sounds) – In the background D. J. Williams (Def poet), ManlyMan (amazing comedy duo) and the young entrepreneurs from AUK/NT – and YES that is the one and only Mikemetic on drums. So much RVA talent – and everyone is together – under one venue – having a blast. What a great shot! Check out Hugel’s site HERE (Johnny was also a guest at RVA HOT SAUCE talking about the amazing project Feast RVA). Please if you have more photos or video sent them my way – Cheatsmwc@gmail.com.
THE OFFICIAL RVA HOT SAUCE THANK YOU!
There is not a picture that I could post this week to express my true feelings about RVA HOT SAUCE Friday night. I am still overwhelmed with emotion when I reflect on what went down. I know that there is a lot of work left to do regarding the web series but let me briefly explain why I have such strong feelings about what happened Friday night. For me, it goes back a very long time to when I was a Freshman at Tucker High School and I went to a summer retreat for students (from different backgrounds) that taught us about understanding diversity, gender issues, tolerance and race relations. This experience really changed my life and I started to understand — that the only way people will really understand each other is if they meet each other and spend time with each other. That is honestly one of the foundations of how I live my life; I have a real passion for bringing people together and letting them get to know each other.
My take away from RVA HOT SAUCE is the number of people that told me after the event how much they loved the diversity of the line-up; from the RCC to Black Liquid, to ManlyMan to Chris Ryan…Richmond really enjoyed coming together sharing the experience together. That truly makes me feel like the night was success and we all did our part to make RVA that much of a better place.
I thank James Dangle and Jason Moore for not only being 100% supportive of the concept but for working their ***es off to make the event happen. I thank the Honorable Sleaze for performing and hosting — his catalog is extensive. The entire family at Just Plain Sounds….support this team. To everyone that came by The Shop to perform or support the effort: THANK YOU SO MUCH. We did something very special Friday night — think back through all your nights in RVA — and see if you can find a single event with such diversity and fun. I honestly don’t know if or when there will be another HOT SAUCE. Again, there is still a lot of work to be done BUT everyone can play their part moving forward by supporting the guests and performers that came thru Friday night – supporting the Shop (what a wonderful venue) and supporting each other…don’t ever be “too cool” to try something new. It only means that you will probably miss out on something amazing. Keep checking The Cheats Movement — I appreciate all of you…and ya know Stay Focused! WE R-VA!!!
The Cheats Movement
