NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: ONE ON ONE WITH GROUNDBREAKING ARTIST JUSTIN BUA
Interview by Cheats, Photos provided by BUA Inc.
Justin BUA is a certified legend in the world of underground art and hip hop culture. And when a living legend says he is working on a new project that he calls, “the most-game changing project he has ever done,” it’s worth paying attention. He is set to launch his online art school (BuaArtSchool.com) this summer. The BUA Art School is a brand new interactive project for the NYC born artist. Not only will the online school give people the opportunity to learn directly from BUA, it allows people direct access to BUA for a precedent setting affordable cost.
Speaking from his studio in Cali, in this exclusive Cheats Movement interview, BUA speaks openly about the online school, his motivation, fatherhood, and recent events, like his tribute to Jason Collins. The author of instant classic books “The Beat of Urban Art” and “The Legends of Hip Hop” has always been a groundbreaking renaissance man. He hopes his latest project creates even more opportunities for those looking to blaze their own path.
Cheats: What’s good BUA. I know that your time is short so I will say a quick thanks and jump right into what is new with you. Tell me about your brand new Online Art School?
BUA: It’s all going to happen at: BuaArtSchool.com. And what it is? I’m teaching about 250 lessons, each lesson is going to be about 4 to 8 minutes long and it will cover everything from art fundamentals, to the intermediate level, advanced level, and even Master level lessons. Not only will I teach drawing and painting, I am also going to be teaching about the business of art and art history. It’s going to get very deep into the science of art, the physics of art, into color and value. I’m really going everywhere an artist needs to go. It’s really important and really groundbreaking because it is accessible to everybody. When I was teaching at USC, one class would cost around $4,000. This school for the entire year is around $250. Three months is $99. That has never happened before where lessons are so affordable to be enrolled in a University. On top of that, you get to download all of my lessons. You get to interact with me and all of the other students in the class. So I tell you, “We are doing this study of this figure and we’re doing this crazy head, here is my version of the figure”, I get to see your version, you can send me your version and I will draw on top of it and give you feedback and ideas to consider and I send it back to you all through what we call video exchange. It’s all new technology – video exchange technology – which allows me to one-on-one critique the work and interact with the students in the class.
Cheats: What building blocks led to you to launching the online school?
BUA: It’s a company called ArtistWorks and they have done 24 Universities in the field of music. DJ Qbert teaches DJing, they got some of the best in the world teaching in their fields. But they’ve never done an art program. Qbert introduced me to them and they asked did I want to do their first art program and I said, “Of course.” I said yes because while I liked teaching at USC, USC was an amazing experience, it was not an affordable experience for everybody. This school is for everybody. At USC, if you had a certain amount of money – then you could take my class; and you have to be at USC. If you didn’t have the money or you were not at USC, what could you do? You couldn’t really study with me – you didn’t have access to me. Not to mention, what if you were in Iceland or the Philippines? You couldn’t study with me. So this really creates an access that no one has ever really had before in my teaching.
For students who enroll in the BUA Online School, what experience should they expect?
They are going to get an interactive experience that is going to be game changing and life changing. Drawing is one of the most meditative and beautiful things ever. If you are an artist, you are going to be able to build your portfolio and improve your skills. If you are a hobbyist and you are taking classes for fun, you are going to find yourself more peaceful, more at one with yourself, and getting deeper into the art of not only drawing but truly seeing. Those things will change your experience with everything, if you are a dancer – it will help you be a better dancer, if you are a writer – it will help you be a better writer because drawing is very intuitive and it is very profound. This experience is a game changer. It’s one of the most game-changing things I have ever done.
You mentioned that you will not only will teach about the fundamentals of art but also about the business aspect of art. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about navigating business with success?
You really have to dial into understanding what needs to be done to make a living. So many people say, “I’m going to do this and I’m going to do that,” but they don’t know the operational system. They just jump into it blindly. And you really need to know this information. I will teach everything from how to build a portfolio, to what is the best way to market yourself, how to protect yourself, how to negotiate a deal, should you get an attorney or agent. What field you want to go into…do you want to go into fine art or maybe education. I know this information because I’m doing the same thing. I can dial into what people really need to know and help them focus on being successful.
How did that knowledge base click for you personally? When did you realize you were dealing with more of the business aspect of art?
Well, I learned the hard way. I have a natural inclination to be a hustler because I’m from New York City (Harlem) so I have a little bit of the hustler mentality, but I’ve been hustled so much. My first go around in both the advertising world and the poster world, I was hustled. So I learned from getting ripped off. Call it what you want, call it the school of hard knocks, but I got taken advantage of. And I didn’t understand what my rights were. I didn’t understand where my rights were and because of that, I made some bad moves. Being an artist is like a game of chess, you move this direction you open yourself up for an attack – you move another direction and you’re being strategic and making a smart business decision that will carry you to the next level.
The DJ
I haven’t heard you comment very much about your drive and motivation. But your grind is such a theme in your work. Where does your drive come from?
It used to be a part of what I called the fuck you energy. All the haters out there that were telling me I could not do it, “you’re not good enough, you’re not skilled enough, you’re art is too street, it’s too unrefined,” and I was like, “fuck you.” All of that energy manifested itself into me trying harder, persevering, and getting better. When I got older, that fuck you energy started to become more positive energy. It became love energy. Now, I do it because I love it. I fell in love with drawing, painting and teaching. It’s a deep way to express myself.
I have seen a shift when it comes to the acceptance of street art. I’ve seen more street art being sponsored by corporations and even the government. Have you noticed this trend? What do attribute it to?
Street art is becoming more normalized. It’s not as underground now and that’s just the way movements go. Jazz was once underground and then it became more normalized. Hip hop was underground and then it became pop. Graffiti was underground and now it’s becoming more accepted. Eventually there will be something else that is more subversive.
How do you feel about these shifts? Do you relish the underground aspect?
I always love the underground element…I was talking this morning with some friends, when Public Enemy came out it was like the new punk rock and no one had ever heard that before…it was so crazy, so puck rock, so radical, and now that level of explosiveness can only last so long and it either fades out or people say, “That’s the cool sound, I want to do that,” and it becomes a little more scripted. People are like, “Let’s do that same type of sound but let’s do the Vanilla Ice/Milli Vanilli version, and that’s just the way it goes these days. It also takes a tremendous about of money, therefore producers, writers, and record labels hedge their bets. They know if they get a David Guetta or Usher they’re going to get a certain number of downloads and make a certain amount of money. It the same with films – if I get this mega star and this producer, I’m going to make this much money in international sales, I’m going get this much of my investment back. It is all safe bets.
From the perspective of someone observing your career from the outside, I would suggest the foundation of your art comes from two (almost competing) elements: a solid formal education ,from the artists in your family, to LaGuardia High, to the Art Center College of Design, and a genuine education of hip hop culture growing up in NYC. How has each of those elements attributed to who you are as an artist?
They are totally opposite movements, street art and classical art, and the reality is that I love both of them. They are harmonized in my work. The more skill you have the better you will be able to express yourself. If you are a good reader, you are going to be a better writer. If you weight train and do more core work in the gym then you’re going to be a better fighter. You have to train. You have to be well rounded with whatever you do.
It’s like having a good offensive line or else your quarterback is going to get killed.
There you go.
How have you changed as an artist and person since becoming a father?
It’s the best thing ever. My daughter keeps me grounded. I learn from her. She’s so smart, she thinks outside the box. She keeps me young, fresh, and thinking.
Do you see a shift from the hustler mentality to family man in your art?
Bua: Definitely I do, but I don’t know exactly how. Not really in how lines are drawn, but fatherhood affects the way that I work. I’m not doing all-nighters anymore. I’m much more disciplined about getting to work when I need to. I don’t smoke weed. I’m just more tuned in. She gives me that grounding feeling and is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life.
You recently posted a tribute painting to Jason Collins on your Facebook page, what role does current events play in your work?
That is an interesting question. I think current events just reflect universal questions of morality. A lot of times you hear about these horrible tragedies. But Jason Collins is a good example because he came out for gay rights, but that is not much different than women’s rights, or apartheid, or all kinds of oppression. He is just a representative of something that is more universal – which is the idea that we have to overcome the mentality of people who are prejudice and backwards. So when I do a painting about him, I’m not only talking about gay rights, I’m talking about women’s rights, Latino and African American rights, I’m talking about a bigger issue – the overall issue that people are equal.
Jason Collins Tribute by BUA
It is certainly a powerful painting.
It was one of those moments. I normally don’t do stuff like that. My work is usually a little more celebratory about the DJ, the MC, unsung leaders of the movement. Whether it is the legends of hip hop or jazz piano players or dancers, but this resonated with me as very interesting. And looking at him, he has a very interesting face to paint. The painting was very spontaneous.
What advice do you give the young artist you mentor regarding how to maximize their potential?
Do what you love to do. Do not allow any negativity to stop you but at the same time don’t be stupid and think that you are the greatest thing in the world. I tweeted this the other day, once you feel that you’ve arrived as an artist, it’s probably a good idea to starch everything and start all over again. There is a lot of young artist that think they are so dope – they are delusional. Michelangelo was 81 when he said he was just beginning to learn how to draw. How are you dope? How have you arrived?
Do you feel that way about yourself as well?
I’m the biggest student of everybody. I’m always painting with people that are better than me. I’m always looking to learn. How does he do that? How can I be that good? You have to have that attitude because if you don’t – you are fooling yourself. And you don’t want to do that. It’s a dangerous place to be. If you really think that you are that good – that is the time when you have to say, no, something is wrong. You can feel that way for a minute but you have to then say – what’s next. Remember, you are only as good as your next painting. It happened to me – I did The DJ 11 or 12 years ago. Okay – what’s next? Same thing with music, you have a hit record – okay what’s next. You’ve heard it before don’t rest on your lures. It’s a fact. So many people are resting on the lures – look what I did. That mentality will stunt you in every way. You will never get better. The more ego you have the less you will get better.
Sign up for the Bua Art School is available right now at: http://artistworks.com/buaartschool. Thanks to Lisa for making it happen. #WESEEIT Follow the Cheats Movement Blog on Facebook. The most diverse blog in RVA.
A COMMUNITY STANDS TOGETHER: SUB ROSA BENEFIT PHOTO ESSAY
Photos by Cheats – The Cheats Movement Blog – Inspired by the City I Love!
SHEPARD FAIREY IN THE CHEATS MOVEMENT BOOK OF TAGS!
The Cheats Movement Book of Tags just keeps getting better. Last night I went to 1708 Gallery to see if I could add OBEY GIANT himself Shepard Fairey. Fairey is in town for the 1708 Gallery’s 23rd Annual Art Auction called Mixology. He was at the gallery for about an hour and was very cool to chat with. He tagged the book and handed me a few stickers. I was there with Tony Harris of RVA Mag and a few other city do-gooders. I hope Fairey takes some time to see the G40 mural in the city. #WESEEIT
WHY I LOVE RVA TODAY: NILS WESTERGARD (STUFFY’S MURAL – HARRISON ST)
Nils hit me up about his new mural at 411 N. Harrison Street…check it out and let me know what you think. #WESEEIT
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 HAM? FILES: PETER PAUL DEVELOPMENT CENTER MURAL
Words by HAM?, Photos by Cheats
I’m not sure how I keep getting these great opportunities, but my latest mural/installation is yet another example of community inspiration at its finest. A couple of months ago I was approached by the Director of Peter Paul Development Center, Damon Jiggetts, about creating something inspiring in his office. This was a first, as I’ve never been seriously asks to create something in a office setting. After sitting down Damon I quickly realized that we had similar motives. Damon is just one of those guys who really believes in the Peter Paul Development Center and the community he serves. His idea was to create a piece that not only brightened up the space but also be a catalyst that represented why the development center exist; to empower and strengthen the youth in this neighborhood. A big thank you to Damon Jiggets for the inspiration behind this piece, may it be the start to many long conversations.
#PeterPaul #DevelopmentCenter #Inspiration #RVA #BoyWonder #Cape #Whosham #HamiltonGlass #Northside #Super #Community #Love #WeSeeIt
Peter Paul Development Center is located at: 1708 N. 22nd Street, Richmond, VA
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.
TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT: WRIR PARTY FOR THE REST OF US 8
Tonight is the night! WRIR Party for the Rest of Us 8 at The Renaissance, 107 West Broad Street # 300, Richmond, Virginia. Doors open at 7 PM. Get there early – The Cheats Movement Blog is bringing some of the best RVA Hip Hop – we will be in one of the separate ballrooms – not the main state. Starting with the one and only Mad Genius Ohbliv at 9:15 PM. We then have the entire YFD Clothing camp featuring: Artik Phreeze, Ms. Proper, Chris Haskins and Doe, and Flight Crew, then closing out the hour is The New Juice Crew: Black Liq, BC Music 1st, Corey Starks, RT, Emphasys, Lord Slugg, and truly the man of the hour Bandolero, who will be holding down the djing all night. The rest of the night is going to be amazing as well. I’m a fan of both Wolf//Goat and Dead Fame. And Cheats Movement Family the Richmond Comedy Coalition will be holding it down in the same separate ballroom as us. This should be a great night. $10 suggested donation at the door. Cheats Movement Stickers will be on deck and free!
THIS FRIDAY – WRIR X CHEATS MOVEMENT PRESENTS: OHBLIV, YFD, AND THE NEW JUICE CREW!
Yoooooo…the hits just keep on coming for The Cheats Movement Blog in 2013. I’ve wanted to hook up with my brother Ohbliv for a long time now and this Friday it is going down at the WRIR Party for the Rest of Us 8. The mad genius himself will be in the building for a set that start promptly at 9:15 PM. RVA, you don’t want to miss this. Ohbliv has been doing his thing in LA and NYC but will be back in RVA for this set. And that is not all…I have more in store for Friday – much more…
RVA’s Mad Genius Ohbliv will lead off The Cheats Movement set this Friday at WRIR Party for the Rest of Us
Much more indeed in the form of the entire YFD crew. That’s right I’m talking Artik Phreeze, Ms. Proper, Haskins and Doe, all in the building to rock this Friday with the Cheats Movement. YFD has been really making moves this year and this is going to be a very cool opportunity to see the whole crew in one place.
Ms Proper, Haskins, Doe, and more will be in the building on Friday. S/O to DaQuan and Dee.
If you’ve never seen my brother Artik Phreeze rock live – come out Friday 9:15 PM at the Renaissance Ballroom.
Last but not least, the entire New Juice Crew will close out the Cheats Movement set. Fresh off shutting down Face Melt Friday and releasing their new mixtape, the entire crew will be rocking on Friday. All I can say about my brothers Black Liquid, BC Music 1st, Corey Starks, Bandolero, Lord Slugg, RT, Emphasys, Swerve 36, Azreal, and the entire crew is that you have to see them rock live to believe it.
Black Liquid and Corey Starks will be in the building with the entire New Juice Crew
We the New Juice Crew: BC Music 1st, Lord Slugg along with Black Liquid and Brother Starks
So there it is…this Friday WRIR Party with the Rest of Us 8. Cheats Movement Presents…come out at 9:15 PM – don’t be late. And rock with the Cheats Movement Family. Tell a friend – WE-R-VA!
THE HAM? FILES: BINFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL MURAL
Words by HAM?, Photos by Cheats
First, let me start by saying this project is literally the definition of why I do what I do. I like to open up new thresholds of imagination, by creating backdrops for people to live amongst, create and get lost in. It’s amazing when I talk to people and they explain their interpretations of a piece of art. It inspires me to keep creating, knowing that everyone will create their own worlds within each piece. I can’t say specifically what made me choose the hands, or the flowers, or even the colors, it’s something that evolves and when it’s right, I just know it. That is not to say that I am some sort of visionary, but that there’s a feeling that I get when it all comes together. That emotion, inspiration, and energy is what I hope everyone gets from their interaction with a mural or any piece of public art.
Binford Middle school Ham? Mural Summer 2012. #RVA #100ft #Brick #Wall #Mural #kids #play #free in #creative #Recess #garden #Paint #Pink #Blue #BlackandWhite #Yellow #Colors #Hands #Holding #Flowers #Lines #Basketball #Court #schoolyard – What hashtags would you use to describe this mural?
THE CHEATS FILES: TUESDAY VERSES IS THE BEST OPEN MIC IN RVA!
There it is…is that definitive enough. I always shy away from making such bold statement simply because when I do there is something out there that proves me wrong — some unturned rock in RVA that I’ve yet to find that makes me reevaluate such a declarative statements BUT, in this case, all I can say is: good luck proving me wrong. Tuesday Verses is the truth and has been for 11 years now. I was first made aware of Tuesday Verses a few years ago – Yes, I said years ago – when it was operating out of Tropical Soul on 2nd street. I went as far as trying to attend one night and remember showing up only to see a line spiraling around the building. At that point, I turned away thinking I would make it another time. Well, months, even years passed before I had the opportunity to meet Lorna “L-Boogie” Pinckney last year at the Happily Natural Day/Tuesday Verses Anniversary concert featuring Phonte. It was there that we first got a chance to talk and I told her I would love to bring the Cheats Movement camera through in 2013.
JeRoyd Dyore Strother introduced new work to the Verses crowd last week.
So what exactly happens at Tuesday Verses? Well, the thing is – you never know. Every week is different but you will ultimately see and combination of spoken word, talented singing (not your weekly karaoke talent – much better), live musicians, and if your lucky something special. Last week that something special was violist Eric Stanley who blessed the crowd with a few gems. In addition to JeRoyd Dyore Strother, Narrator, Nickey McMullen, the list could go on an on.
Eric Stanley was in the building last Tuesday night.
I would say equal to the Verses talent, what makes it the best open mic in RVA is the family atmosphere. Once you walk in – you are no longer a stranger. As someone that prides this blog as Cheats Movement family – I can tell you Tuesday Verses is a family atmosphere that is inviting and supporting. Lorna and her team gets a lot of credit for that – they set that warm mood from the jump.
Tuesday Verses vet Narrator blessed the crowd last Tuesday.
Tuesday Verses is every Tuesday at Addis Ethiopian restaurant 9 N. 17th St, Richmond, VA. Doors open at 8 PM – Open mic from 9 PM to midnight. Make sure you support Tuesday Verses on Facebook and of course The Cheats Movement Blog on Facebook. Without those followers on social media we may not have to opportunity to do what we do. It’s very important to like both our pages to keep this momentum going.
GRINDAHOLIC #1 – SO !LLA
Words & Photos by Cheats
What does it take to be a Grindaholic? Well, the simple is answer is that you have to be addicted to the grind. A Grindaholic wakes up every day determined to make moves and goes to bed wondering what’s the next move to make. Grindaholics don’t sleep very much – it’s a waste of their time. Grindaholics set goals, and by the time they reach them, they have set 10 more. Broad Street Elites’ So !lla is a Grindaholic. Matter of fact, he is the first Grindaholic that I’m featuring in this new series. Over the last year, So !lla has gone from homeless to the one of the driving forces in the RVA Hip Hop community. And he has done it by sheer determination. With the help of his BSE family and a new self awareness – there is no limit in 2013 for the man I call !lla. WE SEE IT.
Cheats: If a man walked up to you on the street and asked you what you did for a living you would say?
So !lla: I work at Kingdom night club. I do all the bookings and promotions there. And I’m a rapper, that is what I do.
Cheats: But that’s not all you do – go ahead and tell me all the hats you wear.
So !lla: I’m heading up a clothing line that will be dropping sometime this year. I work on music video with the team at Aura HD. We do graphics and designs. When it comes down to music Broad Street Elite does it all.
Cheats: Tell me about Broad Street Elite?
So !lla: Everything starts with Broad Street Elite (BSE). That’s the team – that’s the family. That’s what I have tattooed in my skin. They are my brothers who have the same goals as me, the same visions as me, and the same work ethic as me. We are all just a bunch of hooligans. A group of people that were misjudged and outcast – we raise hell and have fun.
Cheats: When did BSE start?
So !lla: I was in 11th grade – 2006 or so.
Cheats: So if I’m on the outside looking at BSE, I’m I just looking at rappers?
So !lla: No. You’re looking a family – for real. There are a few rappers – a few fashion gurus – and there are dudes like Avery (sitting beside So !lla) who just kick it with the team.
So for people that don’t know exactly what happened, did BSE merge with So Proper Ent.?
So !lla: So Proper Ent. is still their own independent company. Not to take anything away from them – that’s my family – Ms. Proper is my sister. Actually, Ms. Proper and Concise rock with BSE. Coming up I had my own supporting cast – my own circle – and we want to do our own thing and take that vision to the next level.
Cheats: So I think I was under the wrong impression – I was under the impression that there was a bit of a merger.
So !lla: Well I still co-manage Ms. Proper and I help Concise but So Proper Ent, that is her own label. Let me just be clear, she had been on the scene – she took me in and under her wing – ya know. And now I’m starting to follow through with my own visions. She never holds me back with any of that.
Cheats: So you enjoy the business aspect of hip hop – the cutting deals – the moving and shaking?
So !lla: I love it. I’m the a**hole in the group too. So I’m the one that puts my foot down and says the stuff that no one wants to say.
Cheats; So do you feel like you have turned the corner in 2012?
So !lla: Oh yeah. Last year, I was homeless. In 2011, I was homeless – nobody really knows that. I was struggling and I would say I turned a huge corner. I just got my head together and really go on my grind.
Cheats: What would you say was the biggest shift for you?
So !lla: My team. Absolutely. Dudes like Avery telling me to get my s**t together. They kept pointing me in the right direction and supporting me. They let me know when I wasn’t on my game and they pushed me to be better. The really helped me get through a lot of tough times.
Cheats: Avery, what have you seen?
Avery: I’m not sure if he has, “changed,” every time I’ve seen him, even when he was homeless - he was always working hard. He was always grinding.
Cheats: Let me ask a different way. What was the break that changed everything for you?
So !lla: Working at Kingdom. My boss there – kind of manages me too – but just his belief in me. We were doing shows and we were selling tickets all the time and he was like, “Why are you doing it this way when you should be doing it that way. You could stop being a pawn and start making moves.” Then he told me that he would teach me. He took me under his wing and helped me book a few shows. And after that, I ran with it.
Cheats: What have you learned about booking shows in the last few months that you would tell others?
So !lla: Don’t just book your friends – that never works. Keep it 100% professional, don’t slide on your paperwork. If you want a good show, you have to put in the work yourself, you cannot rely on the artist. You need to get a fan base of your own – people that pay attention to what you do and will support you.
Cheats: What are your grind goals for 2013?
So !lla: Well everything is Broad Street Elite from me right now – to me there is nothing else. We want to do the shows twice as big. We are going to push the Mixtape that just dropped. We got a new album coming out with some secret features – I’m really excited about it. The goal is to make good music and host big shows.
Cheats: Who do you think is going to have a break out year in 2013?
So !lla: I say this every year but Chance Fischer is possibly the next Kanye (West). He’s on a different level. Of course, Ms. Proper, BSE, shout out to Octavion (Xcellence) he just dropped, what I think, is his best project to date – The Vigilante Mixtape, HaBits is going to have a great project, and Rich P.
Cheats: So who is signed to BSE?
So !lla: No one. No one is signed. We pay each other with loyalty.
!lla considers the new mixtape #FortheF***ofit a redefinition of himself. “In the past, I was making music but it really wasn’t everything I wanted to do. Ms. Proper once asked me, ‘What type of artist are you,’ and I didn’t really have an answer for her.” !lla considers this time period a new level of discovery for him and plans to continue that grind in 2013.
CLICK HERE: Download So !lla’s new mixtape for FREE by clicking here!
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.
NEW YEAR…NEW RVA MUSIC IS HERE!
Here at The Cheats Movement – we love the new year. A new year brings new music, new videos, new art, and most importantly new energy. This year is going to be even better than ever. The goal is to be even more on the ground in RVA – presenting even more positive aspects of RVA’s diverse culture. We are going to break new content and new ground, while working with our longtime friends and adding new partners and contributors. The Cheats Movement Family is going be front and center in the streets and as long as you are positive, motivated, and up lifting to our community – I got you.
In this new year, I will NEED your support! Help spread the Cheats Movement logo (take some stickers) – support the projects (starting Saturday night at Gallery 5), support the Facebook page (690 Likes right now), support on twitter, tell a friend – the Cheats Movement is going to run with the support we currently have and build – build – build for 2013! But I’m not going to stop there – national interviews are coming too. Last year it was Ice T, Bobbito Garcia, Phonte (etc) – this year will be more of the same.
I’m excited to start the new year off with some new RVA music. RVA hip hop is the backbone of this blog and I will never turn my back on it. RVA hip hop has always showed this blog love and I appreciate the support and will continue to give back.
Ms. Proper teamed up with one of my favorite directors Rob Roby (Soul Live Media) for the first visual of her upcoming album, “Escaping Reality.” Ms. Proper is off to a great start – if Prop and Rob can do work equal to the visuals that he did for Doe The Paperboy last year – watch out RVA- the game may be crushed already. S/O to some of my homies in the video: Artik Phreeze, The Williams Brothers from YFD, So !lla and the BSE crew, and Doe. Rob, Where was my call (haha)? I can shoot behind the scenes.
Next up is the homie Noah-O (S/O Charged Up Ent.). He teamed up with producer Taylor Whitelow (make sure to check out his latest solo work Armsrace) and drop a new track, “Klephnote” from the upcoming, “Monument Avenue.” You gotta feel “with” Noah during this period. This is one of the most heartfelt tracks I’ve heard from him – the range and diverse skill set he continues to show as an artist puts him in a special category. “What’s a few dollars/if you ain’t got honor” Word!
I’m really excited to share this latest drop from my brothers Nint3ndo. They blessed me with their new bootleg, remix, edit pack and I appreciate it more than ever because it just shows the diversity of the city. These brothers have always been great to the blog. Check out “Trapocalypse.” Also, I see how they are reppin some true hip hop hard with some of these remixes. #Salute
Last of the day…my brother Dank D released his new work, “SMOG OF WAR.” The homie is showing more and more growth with every record. I know how hard he works and I’m happy to see it paying off. S/O to my homie Joe Threat who is also featured on the album. You can’t find two artist more motivated to put in work.
http://dankd.bandcamp.com/album/smog-of-war
That’s it for today but I got more waiting to post later this week. My email is CheatsMWC@gmail.com if you want me to check something out. Check the site, it doesn’t have to be all music or hip hop anything positive in the city – hit me up.
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!
THE CHEATS FILES: THE BEST PHOTOS OF 2012 [PART II]
This year has bees so amazing that Part I simply not enough…The Cheats Movement Blog best photos of 2012 Part II – WE SEE IT! Click the link to Like the Cheats Movement Facebook Page! Even better in 2013!
The Ohbliv article I did for RVA Mag was one of my highlights of the year. For one, Ohbliv deserved the ink for his constant contributions to the RVA music scene and second, take a minute to read the article, it’s not your average hip hop article – we go deep and it was really dope experience.
I shot my first music video this year and it was for my brother, The Honorable Sleaze. I was so proud to work on this video for such a well deserving artist.
Bottom line – dope parents mold dope children – some of my favorite people. Shot at the Shadrock Music Festival.
Richmond Magazine hooked the Cheats Movement Blog up this year. I’m so proud that RVA is taking notice. This photo was shot by my dude Nick Mastro and featured in the article. S/O Mike and PJ Sykes.
I focused a lot on Black and White photos this year. This is one of my favorites of Ms. Proper shot at Epic Fest.
A rare group shot of the artist of the RVA Street Art Festival, with my man Ed Trask raising his arms in victory.
With much peace to my dudes BC Music 1st and Soul Live Media – who just always do their thing – not a lot of blogs photograph local hip hop like the Cheats Movement – no matter what – RVA hip hop is the backbone of this blog. Conrizzle, Octavion, Isaiah, Fair, rocking the stage.
Futura 2000 tagged my book of tags. He put in work and did this right in front of me….crazy. Check those edges, he burnt them with a lighter.
At River Rocks – RVA’s own BossHogg Monk
Aryz on Aryz right on main street
RVA’s hip hop community came together to honor Kleph Dollarz – some of the best in RVA!
WPA Bakery in Church Hill!
I loved branching out of hip hop to cover other types of shows this year, Diamond Center is one of my favorite Richmond bands.
Who else go this…a photo with some of the best (clearly elusive) street artist in the world…chillin while in town for the G40 Art Summit.
I took this photos at a rally for Tim Kaine for Senate. I love this photo – that young man was so excited to see the future Senator of Virginia.
THE CHEATS FILES: THE BEST PHOTOS OF 2012 [PART I]
This year was such an amazing year for the Cheats Movement Blog and 2013 is only going to be bigger and better. I really pride myself on the photos that are posted on the blog and this is just a sample of some of my favorite photos of the year. Richmond, VA has so much to offer…I hope seeing these photos will get you excited about what’s going on in RVA and encourage you to keep pushing our amazing scene in 2013! Part I…WE SEE IT!
I have to start with the man himself…I took this photo right in my backyard – Henrico County. I stood in the pouring rain for about 2 hours and I would do it again just to photograph the leader if the free world – a few blocks away from my house.
Henry Rollins came to RVA for a show at the National and during his free time, he visited students from Art 180 at the RVA Street Festival wall. Though most of the kids were too young to know anything about Rollins, it was cool for old folks like myself and my brother Mikemetic to hang with him.
It was called RVA’s first Slutwalk but despite the “attention grabbing” title the message is something we should all support and this young man’s sign said it best, “Don’t Hurt Women!”
The G40 Art Summit brought some of the best intentional street artist to RVA. Aryz is one of the best in the world and here is a photo of Aryz taking a photo of his work! He was such a cool guy to follow around for the week. RVA Mag and Art Whino did a great job bringing in the best from around the world to RVA.
A Giving Heart sponsors the best Thanksgiving Dinner in RVA. This year was bigger than ever and it was an honor for the Cheats Movement Blog to be apart of such a great event. FYI: This was just half of the Richmond Convention Center floor.
Style Weekly brought in one of my favorite bands of all-time De La Soul to headline the Shadrock Music Fest. Despite the weather, De La rocked the crowd for one of the best performances of the year.
Surprise show of the year…Alabama Shakes at Friday Cheers. It was an epic show! S/O to Stephen for the hook up.
One of the highlights of my year was going to NYC to meet one of my heroes Bobbito Garcia AKA Kool Bob Love. Legendary NYC DJ and sneaker legend. I was able to hang with Bobbito in Brooklyn and photograph him playing hoops.
I was backstage with Trombone Shorty at the Richmond Jazz Festival.
One of the best shows of the year, Phonte (of Little Brother and Foreign Exchange) rocked the Happily Natural Day Concert at the Canal Club. S/O to Happily Natural and Tuesday Verses for one of the best events of the year.
The Cheats Movement Epic Dinner Party was a huge success! This photo shot by Nick Mastro! We had a wonderful day in Byrd Park and just an amazing time. I can’t wait for next year’s dinner.
Stay tune for part II.
RICHMOND FAMOUS POSTER – JANUARY 5, 2013
Check out the Richmond Famous Poster for January 5th. This will be a really fun night – please come out and support. It’s the Richmond Comedy Coalition – Cheats Movement – Photosynthesizers – Glows in the Dark – Wolf//Goat – and Just Plain Sounds. What more can you ask for…
Poster by David Pijor
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!
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: THE ARTISAN CAFE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WRAP-UP
There is no doubt this has been a huge year for Melody Joy Short and Adrienne Cole, the curators of the Artisan Cafe. Last Friday, the Artisan Cafe celebrated its 1 year anniversary with their final event of 2012 at the Dovetail Construction’s Emerald Barn. The Artisan Cafe has really found a niche in RVA. It brings together Artisans, shoppers and friends, in friendly environment, along with live music and even a little food. I must admit the best part of the Artisan Cafe is being in the environment. Everyone is hustling, laughing, and having a good time. It’s always a welcoming feeling and a chance to be with friends. To see all the Cheats Movement photos from the Artisan Cafe – Click HERE. Also, make sure you like The Cheats Movement Blog on Facebook for even more photos and updates.
Melody and Adrienne, the curators of the Artisan Cafe
Cheats Movement Fam – Sam Reed rocking the crowd. Click HERE to hear her new single, “Hypnotize”
My man Julian Greene – This one is for Chris B, Aaron L, and Lauren C. CS for life.
Ty Jones stunnin on em – but he’s not the best looking person in this photo – WE SEE IT!
TasteMakers Revenge: DJ Prolific and DJ NoBe
I finally met the wonderful MaReesa Dawn – S/O to the fam Brother Manifest
Cheats Movement Fam in the building – Natural Talent!
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!
THE CHEATS FILES: TWO ART KARMA PHOTOS FROM TONIGHT!
Photos by Cheats – Follow the most diverse blog in Richmond on Facebook. CLICK HERE
Tonight’s Art Karma fundraiser was amazing. Don’t take my word for it check out these two photos from tonight - more photos coming. WE SEE IT!
Great performances all night!
And a great crowd all night!
The Cheats Movement
