THE CHEATS FILES: WRIR – WHAT A PARTY!
Words by Cheats, Photos by Greg Garner (BlueGoo Studios)
WRIR threw one heck of a party last Friday night. The independent radio station packed out the Renaissance Ballroom for their 8th annual benefit, “Party for the Rest of Us.” This is easily becoming one of my favorite annual events because of its extremely diverse, and RVA based, line up of performers which included some of my favorite bands like: Wolf/Goat and Dead Fame. And it introduced me to ”my” surprise of the night, The Upper East Side Big Band (pictured above), who were flat out amazing.
Last year, I was able to cover the benefit for The Cheats Movement Blog and had a great time running around, taking photos, hanging with friends, and meeting bands. This year it was my honor to curate a Cheats Movement Presents Showcase for the Adams Room. I was asked by my main man Shannon Cleary (WRIR, Commonwealth of Notions) to present some of my favorite artist from RVA’s hip hop community and it was my honor to do so. Right away, I made three calls, Ohbliv, Artik Phreeze, and Black Liquid. I didn’t know exactly how I was going to pull it off but I knew I wanted to work with these hardworking artist and their teams. Ultimately, the showcase turned out even better than I could have imagined because we were able to expand the performers to include team YFD Clothing (Doe, Chris Haskins, Destiny Da Chef, and Flight Crew), and The New Juice Crew.
There is not much I can say about my brother Ohbliv. RVA’s Mad Genius did it again. He had the crowd stunned with his beats and was the perfect lead off to a unreal hour of hip hop.
RVA’s Mad Genius Ohbiv
If you are not familar with YFD Clothing, The Williams brothers, along with emcee Artik Phreeze, are really making an impact in both RVA fashion and music. Their music roster includes, Phreeze, who is really becoming a star in the RVA hip hop scene, Doe & Chris Haskins, who often perform together but both can carry a strong set indivdually, newcomers Flight Crew, Ms. Proper (who was under the weather last Friday but well worth seeing live), and Destiny Da Chef, who did her thang and killed her set on short notice.
Doe rockin “YFD” clothing
Artik Phreeze, Chris Haskins, Destiny Da Chef holding it down for YFD.
Once the crowd was turned up by YFD, then came the show-stoppers known as The New Juice Crew. Led by the one and only Black Liquid, The New Juice Crew took the stage and, as they say, “melted faces.” My good friend from the RCC Matt Newman said it best, “There is no middle ground with The New Juice Crew. No one ever leaves their show and says, ‘They really didn’t bring it tonight.” They bring it every night and I’m glad the WRIR crowd got to see if first hand. Special S/O to my man Bandolero for holding down the dj set all night, as well as performing with TNJC. My brother Corey Starks has a track, “Wurk Wit It” that stands out on the mixtape, “Know The Ledge” but hearing that track live proves it’s clearly a fan favorite. Also the song, “Trackaholic” really showcases all that is TNJC. It was great to see the team on that track.
Bandolero of TNJC, held it down by djing the set and performing.
After the Cheats Movement Showcase was complete, I was able to relax a bit and enjoy one of my favorite bands Dead Fame. I first saw Dead Fame perform live at the RVA Playlist Birthday Bash, last year. They are fantastic. And their live show comes with great music, balloons, and a crazy light show. I just love it.
Who digs Dead Fame? This guy.
I will close by mentioning the amazing performances from Wolf/Goat and “my’ surprise of the night The Upper East Side Big Band. Wolf/Goat is just cool to see play. Who doesn’t like a band with a banjo and violin? They have a great sound and perform well live. Their record, “In Watermelon Sugar,” was on of the best RVA records of last year. I truly believe they can go a long way.
Do yourself a favor - check out Wolf/Goat.
WRIR always seem to hit me with pleasant surprise every year. And this year’s surprise was major, “The Upper East Side Big Band.” The are amazing and just left me wondering, “Why haven’t I seen this before?” It’s huge, it’s modern, it’s jazz, it’s everything amazing. I can’t wait to see them again. I loved it.
An amazing set of photos from the night were taken by my friend Greg Garner. Greg runs BueGoo Studios and as you can see does amazing work. Click HERE to check out Greg’s photos and portfolio.
I could not have asked for a better night to be a part of in RVA. The WRIR Party is truly one of the best Richmond events of the year. Thanks to Shannon and Lindsey for inviting me to be a part of the evening. #WESEEIT
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!
NEW MUSIC FROM OHBLIV! OFF HIS HW&W DEBUT “UP”
My brother Ohbliv is putting in work! He blessed me a few weeks back with his HW&W debut “Up.” I held on to it for a few weeks because I wanted the RVA Mag article that we linked up on to drop in stores (click here to read). Also, I didn’t want him to get into any issues with his label for hitting me with up. Now that everything is clear, I just have to say that Brad O outdid himself. 16 tracks of soul, groove, everything that makes Ohbliv great. Go get the album! Check out the RVA Mag article and see below for some unreleased photos of Ohbliv from the RVA Mag photo shoot. The photos were done at The Shop by yours truly. WE SEE IT !
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FREESTYLE: J.P.S. – P.S.A [James Dangle X Ohbliv]
A fall freestyle from my brother James Dangle. A Just Plain Sounds Public Service Announcement with beat by Ohbliv.
RVA MUSIC LOVER WEEKEND: ORIGINAL P, WHITE LACES, OHBLIV, WOLF//GOAT
No doubt about it – 2012 has been an amazing summer in RVA for live music, festivals, public events, etc. And though the summer is coming to an end, RVA doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Last weekend I broke the Cheats Movement camera back out for a surprisingly fun weekend of live music. Here’s a quick recap of what was seen: WE SEE IT!
Ohbliv – Friday -Balliceaux – 10:40 PM
White Laces – Friday – Balliceaux – 11:06 PM
White Laces – Friday – Balliceaux – 11:20 PM
Saturday – Steady Sounds – Wolf//Goat – 4:32 PM
Saturday – Steady Sounds – Wolf//Goat
Saturday – Steady Sounds – White Laces
Saturday – Steady Sounds – White Laces
Saturday – Abner Clay Park – Original P – 10:37 PM
Saturday – Abner Clay Park – Original P
THE EPIC FEST PHOTO VAULT IS NOW OPEN [VAULT PHOTOS OF DAY 1]
The Epic Fest photo vault is now open! This is only photos of Day 1. Photos of Day 2 are done but I need about 10 more likes of Facebook before I post them. So make sure you CLICK HERE to like the Cheats Movement on Facebook. Please share these photos online. I got some real special photos from a very special night. Enjoy – and like the FB Page. I can only keep this blog going with your support and support for content I’m posting.
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM DAY 1 OF EPIC FEST! #WE SEE IT!
WHY I LOVE RVA TODAY: THE PASSION OF THE SLEAZE [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
It’s been a long time coming but I finally decided to direct, shoot and edit my first full length music video. I could not work with better more dedicated artists than The Honorable Sleaze and Ohbliv. I hope that you find the video quality and unique for the RVA hip hop music scene. HUGE S/O to The Shop – I’m so happy to be a part of the creative community down there – luv that place. HUGE S/O to Just Plain Sounds – JPS is the click. This is video number 1 – trust me – it’s only going to get better from here. #WESEEIT If you like this video – hit me up with a like on The Cheats Movement Facebook Page.
Track: The Passion of The Sleaze Artist: The Honorable Sleaze Producer: Ohbliv Video: The Cheats Movement
SUNDAY INSPIRATION: UNDERSTANDING VALUE [SPECIAL HELP FROM OHBLIV]
Recently I have been thinking a lot about understanding my value – knowing my place – and playing my position. Weather it be with The Cheats Movement Blog in RVA, at work, or even within my family. There is no doubt that I have a lot of self confidence. But I’ve been trying to dig deeper into the root of that confidence and the source of that foundation. Mos Def once said on a record (I think it’s the intro to Black on Both Sides) that every person must understand that they are valuable – and that they are valuable for the simple reason that they are created by GOD. I truly believe that. I also believe that knowledge of self – understanding who you are and where you come from is one of the most important lessons a young person can be taught. A few days ago, I sat down with one of may favorite people, RVA’s musical genius Ohbliv. We sat down for a must read interview (S/O RVA Mag) and we got into a few deep topics. I asked him, what is the most important lesson that he can to teach his young son. Without hesitation, Brad O said, “to always be yourself,” he would teach him his worth. That answer blew me away. I think if a young person is taught that important lesson early in their life – the fact that they are valuable – it has a significant impact on that person’s entire life. I know that lesson was taught to me by my mother and it’s a lesson that has stuck with me.
While at the same time, it’s true that I openly struggle with some new challenges closely associated with understand my worth and carving out my place. I don’t have a hidden agenda – I want The Cheats Movement Blog to be an important part of RVA’s creative community. It doesn’t have to be the best blog in Richmond (though if it was consider that – I wouldn’t bet mad lol). I just want it to have it’s place…I don’t know how to measure that…I won’t pretend to know how. I do know that thanks to my foundation – and the lesson that were taught to me – I know that my existence has value and is worth something. And I hope that anyone who cares to take the time to read this blog (or post) knows that too. It’s never too late to gain more knowledge of self – never to late to understand your value – and know that your position is yours…play it to the best of your ability. We’re going to keep going. S/O to my man Brad O…your clip is a great lesson for everyone. #WE SEE IT
AN INSIDE LOOK AT GRIND DATE FRIDAY WITH: SLEAZE, OHBLIV, HAM?, & THE RICHMOND COMEDY COALITION!
IT’S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! SMILE, DRINK, BE MERRY…IT’S A CELEBRATION!!!
I kicked off my holiday weekend in a big way. Here is an inside look at my Grind Date Friday: Dropped The Passion of (The) Sleaze video trailer. I’m so excited to be shooting, directing, and editing a video from start to finish. I could not be working with better brothers than The Honorable Sleaze and Brad Ohbliv. S/O Just Plain Sounds. Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.
After the trailer dropped, I headed out to The Shop to meet Sleaze and Ohbliv to finish the video. It’s not done yet but we got most of the work done. Watch out for the full video in June!
7:00 PM It was time to hit West Coast Kix in Carytown to see more Cheats Movement Fam, the very talented Hamilton Glass AKA HAM?. HAM? was kicking off his Last Friday Art Show. I’d been looking forward to the show for about a month and it was great to see RVA come out to support. I also met the lovely Shannon Santiago. Shannon is a photographer extraordinaire that collaborated with HAM? for the show. She also comes with a very funny bodyguard – S/O Cindy (JRT). S/O to the amazing Glass family – Taekia and Sanaa I see you. And my man Distant Dee!
8:30 PM Off to Gallery 5 to catch the Richmond Comedy Coalition (Voted Best Comedy Group in RVA for the 2nd year in a row). Richmond Famous is one of my favorite shows because the RCC takes great stories from some of RVA’s most interesting peeps and do improv motivated by the stories. Last night’s featured guest were the ladies from Rumors Boutique. I’ve always been a huge fan of Casey Longyear and Marshe Wyche since I heard their story years ago. I met them both before but I’ve haven’t been able to land a The Cheats Movement profile with them just yet… but I have not given up hope 
. The show was great – The RCC is always awesome. S/O to Dirty Richmond and Bree El – spoiler alert: the much missed (by me) Sunday Cypher will return! And word on the street…there will be a great comedy night coming up a Pie (on Lombardy). S/O to Kristen – Have fun in France.
11:00 PM Final stop of the night was at Belly Timber to meet up with Bar Codez and J. Bryant from Photosynthesizers. Photos had just played Friday Night Cheers earlier in the evening. I also caught up with the lovely Maat Free (2011 Vegi Iron Chief)…big plans in the works! All this and not to mention, I just spoke with Black Liquid and he said another great Face Melt Friday went down last night
RVA has some crazy energy right night now. And it’s all love. Go out and see it all – WE SEE IT! Enjoy your holiday weekend.
PHOTOS: LUGGAGE & OHBLIV AT THE NILE, RVA
Fresh off their RVA Mag spread (in stores now) – Luggage joined up with my man Ohbliv to do a show at the Nile Friday night. Unfortunately — the sound really didn’t allow for Ohbliv to do his thing but Luggage went in backed by DJ Josh P. It was my first time seeing Luggage live and though the crowd was small — it was truly the place to be Friday night. Sometime a real show of creditability is not – how many people are in the room BUT who are the people in the room. Luggage and Ohbliv brought out some of the most creative people in Richmond to see them do their thing. Click HERE for all the photos.
The Cheats Movement
