BACK ON MY PHOTOG: HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY LAST TWO PHOTO SHOOTS
I know that hip hop coverage has taken up a lot of my blog post the last week or so but for those of you new to The Cheats Movement Blog – I try to keep it as diverse as my daily life. I have been really working my photography on the low in the last few weeks – shooting some photo shoots for West Coast Kix and stepping up my street photography around town. Check out a preview of my last two West Coast Kix shoots and visit the West Coast Kix Blog to see the all the photos.
Photos shot at Texas Beach, Richmond, VA
Photos shot at Byrd Park, Richmond, VA
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.
SATURDAY PHOTOS FROM DOMINION RIVER ROCKS – CRUSHING THE SCENE!
The crowd far exceeded what was anticipated last Saturday at Dominion River Rocks. There is no doubt the attendance was helped by another glorious RVA day. I must say, as much as RVA is a trending hippster town, there has always been strong support for hiking, climbing, running, and all the outdoor events that River Rocks brought to Browns Island last weekend. I was extremely impressed with the slack line competition. Slack line is definitely a reminder that I’m getting older and there is a generation of kids that are growing up with cool things that I never had. In addition to slack line, competitive wall climbing, and bike jumping, River Rocks brought a ton of cool things to RVA: air dog competition, mud runs, food vendors, and of course, live music. One of the best live bands in the world closed out Saturday night, the one and only Galactic from New Orleans. I was unable to make it back down to the island on Sunday so my photos are from all day Saturday. Check them out and let me know what you think.
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CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE CHEATS MOVEMENT PHOTOS FROM DOMINION RIVER ROCKS SATURDAY
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE CHEATS MOVEMENT PHOTOS FROM DOMINION RIVER ROCKS SATURDAY
WHY I LOVE RVA TODAY: ART 180 PORTRAIT FOUND!!!
Oh the power of Facebook –I’m so glad this portrait was finally found…according to Art 180′s Facebook status. Art 180: It was in the alley behind Grace St. in the fan. A friend of ART 180 left a message on Facebook letting us know where it was! Thank you!
SUNDAY INSPIRATION: WHILE YOU CAN…DO!
Art work by Chris Milk Huburt – Photo by Cheats
It’s been crazy busy of late and haven’t posted any of my Sunday thoughts in all of 2012 but I’ve been feeling a certain way lately and want to share my thoughts with my friends who care to read. It really started about two weeks ago… with my normal Friday night question: Should I go shoot a concert or stay home and rest. That night, something told me to go out and take photos of the Carolina Chocolate Drops on Brown’s Island – I did and had a great time. Last night was kind of the same situation: Should I stay out at River Rocks and shoot Galactic or head home and rest up…well I ultimately hung around and again had an amazing time (photos coming). After I got home last night, I was dead tired – laying in bed and it hit me like a ton of bricks – the feeling that all of this could be over at any minute. Don’t get me wrong, I hope that we all live happy lives forever but I understand that’s never the case. Situations change – people change – and ultimately – we will all be judged by a different standard – no matter if that standard is by your peers – history – a higher power – whatever.
Of course, I don’t live everyday thinking it will be my last – maybe I should – but I don’t. I have been reflecting a lot on the best experiences that I’ve had and how they have come about. And what I’ve figured out is this: WHILE YOU CAN…DO! There is a lot of value in resting. Spending a night at home is sometimes needed and well deserved BUT my great times have always been out enjoying life – with other people (family, friends, and even strangers). Never let your circumstances stop you from really having a great time – you’ve had a bad week – you can’t find someone to go with you – you’re tired…I understand where this comes from – I personally feel those exact feelings way too much but this blog has provided me with the ultimate excuses to put all of that on the back burner and just go. And I’ve had some of my best times when I’m tired, frustrated, alone, and even upset at the world. Bottom line…Don’t wait until it’s too late to really start enjoying yourself. If you’re around my age and like me – have a lot of different things pulling at you – a lot of serious responsibilities – and you may think that you can’t do all the things that you want to do…I hope that you realize that you can – you just need the proper motivation.
Last thing for today, I am someone that is desperately afraid of (and/or hate) rejection in general. I’m talking anything: jobs, risk taking, dates, you name, I’m kinda scared of it and hate if things don’t work out. I won’t go as far a saying being turn down is a good thing – I know some people that would say that. What I will say is: You never know until you try…and most of the time that means putting yourself in an uncomfortable position – for that new job, that new challenge, whatever…All I can say is: just try it. If it doesn’t work – blame me and this blog post. Everyone deserve to live life to the fullest while they can because one day it will be too late.
To my big Sis Mel…I love you. S/O to all the Cheats Movement blog readers – Over 6K hits last month. STAY FOCUSED – WE SEE IT! ENJOY YOUR SUNDAY — GO OUT AND ENJOY RVA!!!
EXCLUSIVE: ART WHINO G40 RAP BATTLE
True hip hop was on deck Saturday night at the Art Whino Gallery (115 West Broad Street). Everyone that knows hip hop knows that the rap battle is a core element of being an emcee. Man v. Man – my skills are better than your skills – off the top – no written rhymes - THAT IS WHAT SEPARATES THE REAL. The G40 rap battle was a fun time had by all – Flex Matthews (D.C.) did his thing as the host. DJ MadOne held down the beats. And a combination of emcees (mostly from D.C. and RVA) represented well. Eito, the traveling man (based in NOVA), edged out RVA’s own James Dangle in the finals to claim the battle crown. Just Plain Sounds represented well with Dangle making it to the finals and Damaged Andy battling hard against the eventual champ Eito. Others emcees representing: Chungo Rock, Profit, Tesla, and Spike Mouth aka Ray aka he saved the battle. The photos really show the love in the room. The event was small but well done – all love for G40 and the emcees on this one. S/O Mr. Harden — I see you homie on the coin flip.
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CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTO FROM THE G40 RAP BATTLE!
CHEATS MOVEMENT SPECIAL: ARTS IN THE ALLEY [GUEST POST BY JEANINE GUIDRY]
Style Wars Summer Continues: Check out this great guest post from Jeanine Guidry, Executive Director of Arts in the Alley
With all the mural-painting taking place in Richmond this month, you may have missed one project: Arts in the Alley. Arts in the Alley is a project of local nonprofit Offering, and on April 14-15 we hosted our sixth event in Greater Fulton in Richmond’s East End. During Arts in the Alley, volunteers clean up a run-down alley or block and revitalize it by painting murals on its walls. Usually, we have between 75-125 volunteers – this time, we were blown away with more than 325!
Families are welcome at Arts in the Alley – our youngest volunteer was 24 months old…. she brought a crayon . Our most dedicated one? Near the top must be little Mia – five years old, and already an Arts in the Alley veteran. Mia has been to the past two Arts in the Alleys (with her family, of course) and each time cleaned and primed and painted more than 7 hours. What Mia is teaching me? You are never too young, too old, too…. anything to make a difference.
Paint may not change the world, but people and paint can change things. They can makes dirty buildings prettier. They can make boring walls more interesting. They can make dark places brighter. They make a group of people who have never met before turn into a well-balanced team. They change a little girl into a community worker. Little boys, too. They brighten neighborhood and they brighten hearts. Together, people and paint can turn strangers into friends. Here are some photographic impressions (courtesy of the amazing and generous DJ Glisson at Firefly Imageworks. Want to get involved? Just click HERE.
Jeanine Guidry, Executive Director, Arts in the Alley
What Mia is teaching me? You are never too young, too old, too…. anything to make a difference.
NOAH-O BRINGS HIP HOP TO STYLE WEEKLY’S EARTH DAY [WITH LELA BIZZ]
Yesterday, I dropped by the Earth Day celebration in Manchester to catch Noah-O performing on Style Weekly’s main stage. Noah-O, joined by the lovely Lela Bizz, brought some hip hop and R&B to a stacked musical line-up featuring some of RVA’s most popular indie rock band (The Trillions and Diamond Center – both friends of the blog also preformed).
Noah didn’t disappoint – bringing that Charged Up Ent. energy to the stage – working the crowd – and really representing for hip hop music. Both Noah and Lela Bizz are featured in this week’s Style Weekly music issue. I’m happy to see Style recognizing their talent.
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM NOAH-O AND LELA BIZZ AT EARTH DAY! [COMING SOON]
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FRIDAY RVA HIP HOP DROP….SOME NEW MUSIC
I’ve been so behind with posting new music and videos I just want to drop some new stuff today…here is some music from HaBits, Joe Threat, and OMG. I’m also posting video’s from Noah-O and Doe The Paperboy. Happy Friday! And let’s keep this blog going by liking it on Facebook. CLICK HERE TO LIKE!
HaBits – I’m Rollin
O.M.G – Give a ….
Joe Threat - Peace of Mind
Doe The Paperboy – If I Had It (shot by my dude Smoothmatic)
Noah-O – Oh My
EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: THE HONORABLE SLEAZE: HEAVENLY/DEVILISH IS HERE!
No secret to anyone that follows this site – Just Plain Sounds are my brothers. Even further The Honorable Sleaze – in addition to be one of my RVA HOT SAUCE Co-Host – Sleaze is just that dude. From day 1, he has shown The Cheats Movement Blog love and support. With all of that said – he just happens one of the hardest working Emcees and Producers I have seen in RVA. He just released his long awaited album Heavenly/Devilish and now I will share some of it with you. Support this album, The Honorable, and JPS. Check out the show tomorrow night at ROX. #STAYFOCUSED #WESEEIT
Below The Heaven, Above The Lake (produced by Just Plain Ant)
The Passion of Sleaze (produced by Ohbliv)
G40 MURAL #2: PIXEL PANCHO [KISS FROM THE SPACE] ON W. GRACE
Check out the final photos of Pixel Pancho’s first mural titled, “Kiss From The Space,” as a part of the G40 Art Summit. This mural is on 7th W. Grace Street. I’ve heard that Pixel is doing at least 1 maybe 2 more murals.
2012 G40 ART SUMMIT IS HERE IN RVA! GAIA IS HERE IN RVA!
Art Whino’s third edition of G40 is kicking off right now in RVA. Renowned international artist, Gaia, is here on W. Grace killing one of his signature murals. My brothers at RVAMag is the driving force behind the G40 project coming to RVA. CLICK HERE to see the G40 website. This year’s focus is, “The Art of the Mural.” Some of the most known mural artist from around the world will be in town: El Mac, Roa, and Aryz to name a few. I’ve also been told that some local Richmonder’s will be doing their thing as well and I am very excited to see that. Check out everything about this amazing art project at RVAMag and Art Whino’s websites. Like Gaia on Facebook – he is mad cool.
[FULL PHOTOS] WRIR: PARTY FOR THE REST OF US
Here is the deal – I took a ton of photos at this event. Unfortunately, several of them did not come out due to lighting and “straight up” some personal problems with my flash — if you don’t see a particular photo it is probably because it didn’t come out at all. Since I take a lot of pride in what I post — I’m not posting anything that I really don’t feel at all. With that said…enjoy the photos I do have of a crazy/wonderful night….CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM…WRIR PARTY FOR THE REST OF US!!!
THE CHEATS MOVEMENT BLOG IS PUTTING IN WORK FOR RVA – PLEASE LIKE THE CHEATS MOVEMENT ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW ON TWITTER
The last show – Baby Help Me Forget
T
he Man – Swerve 36
Noah-O and Style Weekly’s Editor Jason Roop
White Laces
A CHEATS MOVEMENT SPECIAL: PHOTOS FROM A FOREIGN LAND
Anyone that has ever worked with me on my day job is fully aware that I have unique (for lack of a better term) relationship with my professional colleagues. It has a lot to do with the fact that I have a hard time taking myself seriously in a setting where people often take themselves “way” too seriously. In the long run – my causal (again, for lack of a better term) attitude has probably hurt me professionally more than it has helped me BUT it has allowed for me to have “special” friendships with certain co-workers long after they have moved on to new jobs because our friendships are just that — friendships.
This professional relationship, or lack thereof, has also applied to the interns that I have worked with over the years. I have been able to meet, and work with, some of the brightest young people in Virginia. One of those “former” interns is Ethan Carroll; who I affectionately call, “Cool E” – who doesn’t love the movie Slackers? Ethan (a recent UVA graduate at the time we met in 2009) and I spent a summer together working on housing policy. Over that time we did the normal boss/intern things – talked about soul music (mostly Otis Redding), played hoops, and even grabbed a drink or two – you do that with your boss all the time right – see my problem?
Anyway – after Ethan’s internship ended he headed to Cambodia as a Princeton-in Asia Fellow working for the World Faiths Development Dialogue. Did I forget to mention that Cool E is crazy smart? He spent that time mostly researching how faith organizations could be relevant in fighting human trafficking in Cambodia. He also spent some time taking photos of his travels through Cambodia and on vacation in Thailand. I met up with Ethan (now a Duke Law Student) over the weekend at Captain Buzzy’s in Church Hill to visit and see some of his pictures. I thought this would be a great post for the blog so here it is — Ethan asked me to share this website for anyone interested: it is the Southeast Asia Investigations into Social and Humanitarian Activities - it is where he worked from July to January. All photos and captions provided by Cool E — Edited by The Cheats Movement in Adobe Lightroom. If you have any questions about Ethan’s work — hit me up at: TheCheatsMovement@gmail.com.
Riverside street in Kampong Cham
Bayon Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Skulls in a memorial at the Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh
Not all dogs are Buddhist – On Vacation in Thailand
Sunrise at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Cool E himself – Ethan Carrol.
LIVING HISTORY: RCC RICHMOND FAMOUS X YOUNG HOUSE LOVE [SHERRY & JOHN]
I really couldn’t believe it – I’d never seen this before – there was a line wrapped around the front of Gallery 5 – people waiting to get into the building. I spoke to two young couples sitting in the front row — one drove in from Norfolk, the other from DC. This was their first improv show and they were incredibly excited to see Sherry and John in person. I must admit — I was unfamiliar with Young House Love – the daily adventures of Sherry and John Petersik, their baby girl, and their old house right here in RVA — but it’s clear that I was in the minority Friday night. One lady actually screamed like she was at a rock concert when John and Sherry walked from the back of the room to the side stage.
If John and Sherry were nervous – I could not tell at all. They did an amazing job telling personal stories and providing the RCC with plenty of improv ammunition. John even join the RCC team on stage for one of the funniest bits of the night, “knit cop.” After some hesitation, Sherry told the best (and most embarrassing) story of the night, “The carebear underwear” story. If you weren’t there, I’ll just say, “it was kind of a joke she had with herself.” I will also add, after the show Sherry and John met every fan waiting in line to meet them and were amazingly nice to everyone. And some inside scoop – Sherry is a hugger
The Richmond Comedy Coalition is the best improv troupe in the city. If you have never been to a RCC show — trust me — it’s worth the “cheap” price to attend.
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CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM RICHMOND FAMOUS FT YOUNG HOUSE LOVE!
Young House Love: Sherry and John Petersik
RCC’s Patrick, Katie, and Blue
John “Knit Cop” in action
Raise your hand if this is your first improv show
RVA HISTORY: RICHMOND COMEDY COALITION X THE SHOP – THE LAB [OPEN MIC IMPROV]
Last week at The Shop, the Richmond Comedy Coalition debuted The Lab; RVA’s first open mic improv show. This is a brand new opportunity for local improv crews to do their thing – in front of a live audience – FOR FREE. That’s right — this is a free show! Don’t have a improv crew? No problem – just volunteer for improv games as part of the open improv jam. It’s a great night of free comedy. The inagrual night featured two new acts; College for Bears & Faking it. The night also featured the RCC improv crew Karate Practice followed by a “open improv jam” Below are some photos from the successful night. CLICK HERE (or the phot0s below) to see all the photos from the debut of The LAB.
FAKING IT [Kristin Kirkley, Rachel Weatherly, Emilie Tweeddale & Townsend - not pictured] Side note: Faking it are four of the funniest girls I know — I was lucky enough to be in an RCC improv class with them last year — so proud of y0u!
College for Bears: Steve Howze & Josh Blubaugh. Both Steve and Josh are what I call duel threats — the are great at improv and also very funny stand-up comics. Laugh at Josh and Steve at Cafe Diem’s Open Mic Comedy Night.
The night ended with a open improv jam. My buddy John volunteer for a short form game — just for fun. S/O to Katie Holcomb for hosting the night.
DECAYED RICHMOND: THE INTERVIEW
“It seems like with abandoned buildings – they sort of take on a life of their own – a different life – a different type of community takes over when a building is left behind. An unseen community – the homeless – the artist – the explorers – bondage photographers.” — Decayed Richmond
Last week, I sat down with Decayed Richmond to talk about their amazing urban exploration project. Decayed Richmond has been killing RVA’s art-culture scene since they launched their website last spring. Documenting urban exploration has really skyrocketed in popularity with the growth of affordable cameras and the rise of the internet. Richmond, with all of its history, and unique appreciation for historic relevance, makes it a perfect backdrop for a state-of-the-art urban exploration project. Decayed Richmond is that project – but they need your help. Support them at: decayedrichmond.com
Below is only a snapshot of THE INTERVIEW. Click HERE (or the main menu tab) to read the full interview with Decayed Richmond.
Cheats Movement: Decayed Richmond really jumped on the scene last year. Tell me a little about the creation of Decayed Richmond?
Decayed Richmond: It started around the spring of last year. We basically started the site because we saw other sites about exploring abandoned buildings and wanted to start something of our own. We had a stock of pictures that have been collected over the years. We knew the photos would fit well on a website. So we went up with Decayed Richmond and it really blew up. Over the course of two or three days the site got like 200 to 300 followers. And that’s when we decided we wanted to shoot a movie about it.
Cheats Movement: There is defiantly an element of surprise every time that you explore a new building. What are some of the most unique things that have happened on site?
Decayed Richmond: The most unique, and the most recent, is the last time we went out – we ran into some other people doing bondage photography (fetish photography). We kind of spooked each other out. They ended up being very helpful. They showed us some different ways to get in and out of the building – but it was weird.
Cheats Movement: So when you go into a new building – what is the goal?
Decayed Richmond: It really varies. Going into a new building, we shoot photos and video. We try to explore all the ends and outs of the building. We try to learn a little bit of the history of the building before we go in so we have a better understanding of what a room could have been used for. One of the main goals is to always reach the roof of the building – seeing the rooftop.
Cheats Movement: What is the most interesting building that you’ve been in so far?
Decayed Richmond: It’s hard to pick one but the 25th street theater in Church Hill is really cool. Another would be Innerbake, the old cookie factory on Belvidere and Broad. Every time in that building is a new experience.
Cheats Movement: This seems like way more than just a website and movie to the Decayed Richmond team.
Decayed Richmond: It is. It’s something that we will do forever. Whenever we travel, any city, any town, we try to find something (to explore). You would be surprised how many places are just completely neglected. I feel like so many of these places would be great to give back to the community.
Cheats Movement: I feel like Richmond is one of the worst offenders of that – we have so many great opportunities to restore history here. Even the laws in Richmond, in regards to restoring abandoned properties are very tough.
Decayed Richmond: Yeah. That’s fortunate for us and what we are doing but tough for the city. There are so many places that can be turned into cool venues, artspaces, etc.
Check out and support Decayed Richmond on their site: decayedrichmond.com and read the full interview by clicking HERE.
RVA’S MAD SCIENTIST: A BLESSING FROM BRAD OHBLIV (JPS)
I’m still pretty sick today — so I couldn’t work on new stuff last night. However, I’ve been holding some gems that were dropped on me by RVA Super Producer Brad Ohbliv. And since I’m feeling a little down — might as well pick up my spirits with some new boom bap. If you don’t know about Ohbliv — you are missing one of RVA’s most talented producers. The dude is a throwback to when hip hop was a little more simpler yet a little more real. I first met Ohbliv early last year when I tracking the collective Just Plain Sounds, which he is a member, and we just hit it off — then after I met him I heard Yellow Gold – his collaboration with RVA Emcee Nick F - and I was hooked. I reached out to Ohbiv a few weeks ago when I decided that I was going to start posting Cheats Movement Club Picks and he dropped these beats on me. Check them out – more official club picks coming this week.
freekphone – By Ohbliv
tete-a-tete – By Ohbliv
SUNDAY INSPIRATION IS BACK: AVOID THE FLOOD — TAKE A WALK
January 8, 2012: Trust me I understand the new year – new attitude mentality. I’m a strong believer in that concept — people (myself included) need to hit the reset button from time to time and focus on change and self-improvement. However, it’s never good to make a “FLOOD” of new year changes — flooding yourself with pressure will only burst your pipes — and before you know it — everything has gotten away from you. So my advice for myself — and anyone who cares — is to to take a walk. An actual walk is the best — but if you can’t physically get away — a mental walk of relaxation will do too. Take 20-30 minutes a day to control the flood of what’s going on around you. Don’t try to do too much change all at once — focus and “stay focused” on achieving your goals. It can be done! 
[JANUARY 7, 2012] WHY I LOVE RVA TODAY: BOOKS AND RECORDS FOR SALE
Why I love RVA today: Unseasonable warm day in January — might as well have a books and records sell while hanging with friends. That’s exactly what Ren, an advertising grad student at VCU, did today near her home at the corner of Floyd and Lombardy.
NEW YEAR – NEW LOGO: HAM X THE CHEATS MOVEMENT
I think most people will agree that RVA is a close knit town — and that there are many positives (and negatives) about that aspect of our city. A positive is the close connection of talented people. Often I will be doing a project for The Cheats Movement and someone will ask, “have you seen my friend’s art work or have you heard my friend’s cd?” That is pretty normal and I love it. It is the best way to connect to what’s hot on the street.
Since I started this blog, the name Hamilton Glass has come up over and over from my friends and other artist. Though I was familiar with his mural work, I had never met HAM until a about a week ago. HAM’s talent is truly world class. I was instantly drawn in by the visual ascetic of his art and also the powerful messages he displays. I agreed that HAM would be perfect for a profile on the site but then I thought — PROFILES ARE NOT ENOUGH IN 2012.
I really want this site to be a part of RVA’s creative community. Instead of just profiles, I want to build real relationships with the talented people I highlight doing work in the city. So this post is just a start of my new goal.
HAM has blessed the site with a brand new 2012 logo and I will continue to highlight HAM’s work on this site. CHECKOUT HAM’S WEBSITE: www.whosham.com and hit him up for work.
Let me know what you think of the new logo by comment, facebook, twitter, or email. I want to know — and the first ever Cheats Movement stickers are coming later this month.
HAM X THE CHEATS MOVEMENT 2012
WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT? BLACK SCIENCE SESSION: PHOTOSYNTHESIZERS, AMUL9, JAMES DANGLE, & THE WITCH DOCTOR [BALLICEAUX, RVA]
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM BLACK SCIENCE SESSION
It’s not often that I leave a local show wondering exactly what just happened — last night was one of those nights. Presented by AudioMassTransit and Photosynthesizers the final Black Science Session of 2011 went down last night at Balliceaux. The show was headlined by Photosynthesizers and as usual they did not disappoint – another amazing live show. Through this blog, I have met several members of Photos and they know how much I love their music so here is my brief assessment of me mid-way through every Photos live show — Damn, they are really good! Why aren’t they signed and traveling all over the world? I know, easier said than done but here is to all the Photos crew — much success in 2012. My personal favorite local live performing act of 2011 (next year I take off the local).
Bar Codez & Samsun 1:07 AM
Now here is the part that left me scratching my head a bit — I saw the really famous and amazing documentary Afro-Punk by James Spooner a few years ago and really liked it but I had never seen a “Afro-Punk” style performance live until last night. Amul9 from ATL blessed RVA with their hardcore talent last night. Though I thought I was ready — I was not fully ready. The energy — the excitement — it was a bit shock but hats off to those brothers. If you like that Bad Brains (original Afro Punk) sound – check out their debut album Elevated Beings. They even worked with the pioneer Earl Hudson of Bad Brains on the project.
AMUL9 (Atlanta, GA) 12:26 AM
Opening the show was my dude, Just Plain Sounds representative James Dangle. He hit the stage early (and late) with some tracks from his album One Time I Knew. I’ve said it before and will say it again – Naima is my favorite local track of 2011.
James Dangle (JPS) 11:35 PM
Also spinning his unique fusion of old soul and “Lord knows what” but it’s amazing was The Witch Doctor.
The Witch Doctor Brewing
Overall, a great night.
I see you RVA!
ANOTHER YEAR OLDER — WHY I LOVE BIRTHDAYS
It’s true — I love birthdays! And though birthdays in your 30′s can be a bit tricky — I’m still a huge fan. The thing about birthdays is that it’s a really good time to assess your personal standing in life — figure out exactly where you are — where you thought you would be — and of course, where you want to go. I’m just like everyone else when it comes to this — I often take my birthday to reflect on the past year, figure out what has made me happy, assess my relationships and career, and all sorts of stuff. Through it all I can truly say that — I’ve been truly blessed with the best family a person can ask for — my mom, dad, big sister, and big brother have loved and supported me in everything I’ve ever done. They are amazing! I’ve got some amazing friends — from high school (JRT), VCU, my job, to my newest friends from The Cheats Movement — It’s been a really special year. Looking forward — there are things that I do want to change and need to change — no one can stand still – you have to keep growing and moving. But – I’m really looking forward to the future! I’m looking forward to new challenges and goals – meeting new people and highlighting RVA. I hope that all of you will join me for the ride. Thanks for making this past year so special and for the birthday wishes! Stay Focused – Cheats
The best birthday present ever would be 400 Likes on Facebook! CLICK HERE to help a brother out!
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.
The Cheats Movement
