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.
MUST HEAR MUSIC: RVA’S GLOWS IN THE DARK FEATURED ON JJ DOOM MIXTAPE [DOWNLOAD NOW]
RVA’s Glows in the DarkWords by Scott Burton (of Glows in the Dark)
Late last year I got a call from my friend Jneiro Jarel, who was hard at work remixing one of our tracks for possible inclusion on a top secret record he was working on with MF DOOM. I was so excited, because up until recently, we’ve been a local secret that’s been relatively well kept, and this would bring so many more ears to our music. That album would eventually become JJ DOOM, and while we didn’t end up on the finished LP, we’re really happy to be on this exclusive mixtape alongside Tears for Fears, Bjork, Gary Numan, JJ, and DOOM himself.
JJ & MF DOOM!
The mixtape is now free to download at JJ Doom’s Facebook page. Check it out and check out more work for our band Glows in the Dark by clicking our bandcamp page HERE.
Keep it locked to the Cheats Movement Blog for the best in RVA creative diversity. WE SEE IT!
THE CHEATS FILES: BEAT BATTLE IX
First and foremost, shouts to my dude Black Reed and Hip Hop VA for the call to come through to Beat Battle IX. There is no doubt that producers are stars now in the hip hop community. Who really gets the credit for this turn of events? Yes, I know Dr. Dre and others like Manny Fresh and even VA’s Timberland were “money” producers before producing was cool but who really gets the credit for making beat makers stars? I’m going to lean heavily to Jay-Z and the Roc-a-Fella Records empire…you’re talking Ye, Just Blaze, No ID, Young Guru, stars were made without ever spitting a rhyme (feel free to debate in the comment section). That star power has transferred to every level of hip hop and it’s growing in places like Richmond. Last Thursday, I took the Cheats Movement camera to The Camel for Hip Hop VA X Charged Up Ent. X The Rebirth’s Beat Battle IX. The event was hosted by my brother Octavion Xcellence and in memory of the late Kelph Dollaz.
Money was raised to get a mural of Kelph Dollaz completed in Richmond
This was my first time covering a beat battle and I did not know exactly what to expect but I was surprised by the large crowd and the enthusiasm of the event. RVA’s hip hop scene is a “growing community.” I use growing because small is borderline inappropriate. From time to time feathers get ruffled and it appears the support within the community breaks down but last Thursday represented the best of the RVA hip hop community. A community that I have truly grown to love because of the support and motivation. Passion is what fuels guys like Noah-O, BC Music 1st, The Honorable Sleaze and Ivory Snow and it’s that same passion that fuels this blog to present RVA differently – positive and diverse.
Mr. Ivory Snow
As far as the battle goes, there was talent all over the place. S/O to Dr. Millionaire (Hovey Benjamin & Isaiah) put in work and so did Ivory Snow but at the end of the day all roads pointed to Denero and Matt Campfield versus NC’s Millie Vaughn.
Millie Vaughn pumping up the crowd.
After a tie in the final round it was Denero and Campfield that took the Beat Battle IX title. Congrats to them – I hope to catch another battle soon. Keep it locked in to The Cheats Movement Blog. A blog truly as diverse as RVA and follow it on Facebook and twitter. This blog will not survive without your follows and support.
Champs Denero and Campfield with the winning play!
Octavion Xcellence
Conrizzle, BC Music 1st, Octavion X
BEHIND THE MUSIC: NOAH-O (DIR. ROBERT ROBY OF SOUL LIVE MEDIA)
It’s going down tonight at The Camel – Beat Battle IX. Tonight’s event will be in memory of the late Kleph Dollaz and will feature performances from Yankee, Chance Fisher, and Noah-O. I first covered the Charged Up Ent. founder Noah-O last year at RVA Music Fest and continued to photograph his camp periodically throughout the year. What I’m sharing today is special. I have long been on record praising one of the best directors/videographers in the central Virginia area – Rob Roby AKA Smoothmatic AKA Soul Live Media. This brother is always on his job and always delivering (check out his vimeo page). Earlier this year he went in-dept with Noah-O to bring this exclusive Behind the Music story. I think today is great day to highlight this piece. If you haven’t noticed, The Cheats Movement Blog is growing and bringing a unique perspective to RVA culture – if you don’t know – check it out and support the blog on Facebook by clicking HERE! WE SEE IT!
Behind The Music: Noah-O from Robert Roby on Vimeo.
THE MIKEMETIC FILES: HENRY ROLLINS TALKS “CAPITALISM” WITH ART 180
Henry Rollins linked up with Art 180 at the RVA Floodwall
WORDS BY MIKEMETIC – PHOTOS BY CHEATS
RVA is an artist’s town. In spite of all the noise ordinances, CAPS harassment, and venue crackdowns over the past couple of years/decades, the spirit and culture of live music in particular permeates this town in ways that no other city in Virginia can claim. The ever spectacular Richmond Folk Festival is a perfect example of that. And in reality, it’s been that way since before I moved here many moons ago and is one of the reasons that I call RVA my home in 2012.
One of the first things I delved into when I moved to Richmond to attend VCU in 1991 was the punk and hardcore music scene. As a skate kid from Virginia Beach I had been exposed to some punk stuff in the 80s via my older brother Paul and burned holes in his vinyl copy of the soundtrack to the 1984 movie Repo Man. That compilation served as my early gateway to the sounds of The Circle Jerks, Suicidal Tendencies, and Iggy Pop among others while expanding my known-sound parameters in a different but equally dramatic manner as the Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa records I was also listening to at the time.
My freshman year roommate at VCU was a musician from Lynchburg who had played in a variety of different bands in high school and had an amazing collection of punk and hardcore cassettes that I would diligently sift through on a regular basis to discover and consume these new and domestically foreign music styles. Digging through his collection I discovered the sounds of Primus, Gorilla Biscuits, Four Walls Falling (an RVA hardcore band I would later record with), and Corrosion of Conformity amongst a plethora of other less talented and much less inspiring noise bands.
Rollins with Art 180 Program Coordinator Mike “Mikemetic” Williams
One name that would repeatedly pop up in the cassettes was Henry Rollins. I knew him nominally as the frontman of the monstrously influential 80s band Black Flag that is credited with pioneering certain elements within the hardcore, punk and pre-grunge musical sounds. Honestly, I hadn’t really listened to much of his musical work (I had listened to earlier versions of Black Flag before he was involved) and his “spoken word” performances usually left a lot to be desired to a kid who was raised on Gil Scott-Heron and The Last Poets.
In his post-Black Flag days, Rollins has maintained a successful and active career as a public speaker (I hesitate for a variety of different reasons to truly label what he does as “spoken word”), an activist, actor, and hard-edged social commentator that is as well known for his combustible content as his fiery, in-your-face demeanor. The first musical work of his that really caught my attention was 1992′s The End of Silence from The Rollins Band which was a commercially successful release that landed him a spot on the second Lollapalooza tour which is where I saw him live for the first time. From there, I became familiar with his work in reverse order and his recordings soon earned a solid place in my heart for the music’s inherent socio-political edge and lyrical focus on a full spectrum of human conditions.
Because of my evolved level of respect and admiration for Rollins’s honesty, integrity, and unapologetic opinions, I was more than honored at the privilege of representing Art 180 in a meeting / documentary filming with him this past Sunday, October 21st. He was in RVA for a performance at The National and getting footage for his new documentary called “Capitalism” which follows his path through the 50 state capitals to talk to “the people” about the democratic process, voting, and personal accountability among other things.
Myself and the rest of the Art 180 staff met Rollins and his producer at the floodwall murals as he had an interest in knowing more about what our organization does, and the mural the kids created during this year’s RVA Street Art Festival was an accurate reflection of the constructive voice that many of Art 180′s participants find through art. Three of the teens from the Art 180 Teen Alumni group that completed the mural attended the filming as well and were given an opportunity to meet and talk with Rollins about art, the future, and their take on the current State of the Union. The kids, who previously had no idea who Rollins was outside of his appearance in the movie Jackass, took the time before hand to research him so they could be prepared to engage him with knowledge of who he is and what he represents.
Needless to say, they knocked it out of the park! He was so impressed with the dialogue with the kids that he invited one of them to his speaking event at The National that night as his personal guest. And while I am not surprised at the stellar representation of RVA, Art 180, and themselves that the teens provided, I was a little surprised at Rollins’s even-keeled demeanor and his concentration on objectively listening to what everyone had to say. Definitely a jump from the Henry Rollins I was familiar with through urban legend and book lore. One of the things that I had always heard in my early days of uncovering his works was that he was super-aggressive, condescending and always at war with those around him. And while that is nothing new or particularly unusual for 20-somethings in the punk scene, it was a pleasant surprise that he had transcended that characterization that is still thrust upon him in many of his recent television and movie appearances.
In many ways, Henry Rollins represents an evolution that many people and places go through in an ongoing challenge to define one’s true identity in a world of mass media, stereotypes, and unforgiving pre-judices. A lot of that applies to an evolving RVA as well: while the Capital City has spent many decades trying to re-define itself in the shadow of an ominous and troublesome past, our musical and artistic voice has spoken up in a manner that must be noticed. Credit that to the artisans, musicians, thinkers and everyday people that believe in and support one of the best little music towns on the East Coast. Our art matters and we are putting it up and playing it loud for everyone to experience. Because most of the time, that’s the only way you will ever be heard.
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NEW RVA MUSIC: CHANCE FISCHER – “SALUTATIONS”
The new track “Salutations”by Chance Fischer is making the rounds. I’ve covered Chance a couple of times at live shows in RVA and his live performances are impressive. His Passport to Nowhere album released last year and produced by the late Kleph Dollaz was my introduction to his musical vibe – the record is well worth a listen. In addition to his rhyme skills Chance also did some guest blogging on the Grape Cloth website back in the day and I can honestly say when I ran across him a while back at West Coast Kix…he was just a laid back cool brother. Humble and hard working – any dude like that I’m happy to share their new stuff on The Cheats Movement.
CHANGE AGENTS: A VERY SPECIAL MEETING OF RVA’S CREATIVE MINDS!
A very special group of Richmonders gathered for the first time on Friday night in Shockoe Bottom. The group was pulled together by Melody Joy Short (Artisan Cafe) and organized to meet a new friend to RVA, activist and writer, Kevin Powell. Though Kevin has been to RVA in the past, he has recently accepted a guest teaching position at Virginia State and will be traveling from his home in NYC to Richmond on a regular basis.
It was an honor for The Cheats Movement be in the room with such great community leaders. Every once in a while, there is an evening that motivates me to keep pushing forward. Being surrounded by so many successful Richmonders, everyone with the goal of improving the city’s arts, culture, creativity, education, health, etc. is just what I needed to push through the dog days of fall. Check out the photos from this great night. MAKE SURE TO LIKE THE CHEATS MOVEMENT OF FACEBOOK – CLICK HERE!
(Left to Right) DJ Prolific, Lenise Robinson, Nadira Chase, Melody Joy Short, DJ Nobe, Kevin Powell, Shaunn Casselle, Duron “Brother Manifest” Chavis, Heaven Hewlett, Amy “Mimi” Wentz. Photo by Cheats – Not pictured but attended the event, Tamir Rock, Angela Patton, Dr. Shawn Utsey.
DRAGON BOATS BACK ON THE JAMES [ROCKETTS LANDING, RVA]
I love the annual Richmond International Dragon Festival! This was the second year that I was able to take some photos of the event. The dragon boat festival is a photographer’s dream, it has it all: tailgating, performances, diverse culture, and of course dragon boats. Last weekend was amazing for festivals and event. Unfortunately, I was not able to make a lot of them but I was not going to miss this one.
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A POWER STATEMENT IN RVA: DON’T HURT WOMEN! [PHOTOS FROM RVA'S ABOLISH THE BLAME WALK]
A large group gathered in Monroe Park on Saturday afternoon to participate in the 1st ever Abolish the Blame walk against sexual assault and victim blaming.
The message was simple and clear, no one deserves being sexually assaulted against their will, no matter how they are dressed or if they are intoxicated.
Organized by a survivor of sexual assault Helen Rogers and sponsored by Taboo the crowd was diverse and wide ranging in gender and age. It was a strong inaugural event ending in Byrd Park. I can only hope that this tradition continues in Richmond until the day when these horrible crimes are not an issue in society.
My favorite sign of the day!
RICHMOND MAGAZINE + THE SUMMER THAT WAS…
There is no doubt that this summer has been amazing for The Cheats Movement Blog. The readership growth, the events, the projects, the interviews, the new opportunities, and all the new friends have motivated me beyond belief to keep building, keep reaching, and maintaining a level of blog post that are worthy of this great city and the creative friends that I spend time highlighting. I’ve made a few sacrifices, mistakes, and had to take a few step backs in 2012 just to put everything in perspective and make sure that I’m doing the right things to achieve my goal of highlighting RVA’s creative community in a diversity and positive light. I can’t say for sure that it’s working 100% because I still meet people that honestly ask me, “Is there anything to do in this city?” But with that, I’m really humbled and appreciative of the progress and positive response to what the blog is doing and just overwhelmed with warm feelings when I get a nice note from a friend or and email from someone asking for The Cheats Movement to cover an event. It’s a bit crazy to me…I still call my sister or mom or someone just to be like, “Yo…guess what just happened.” So you could imagine how I felt this week, with summer coming to an end, and me feeling a bit overwhelmed with projects and a demanding day job that the Richmond Magazine article hit the stands. I can’t thank Richmond Magazine’s Editor Kate Andrews enough for taking time to highlight The Cheats Movement in Richmond Magazine. She was so great to come out to the Epic Group Photo to see exactly what “The Family ” is all about. Her write up is so spot on. It’s great feeling to see that and I’m not too cool for school to say publicly — articles in places like Richmond Magazine is a big deal to me and motivates me beyond belief. I don’t get many of them and I don’t take any of them for granted. As the summer comes to end…there is no stop in me – can’t stop/won’t stop/don’t know how to stop – Bad Bay 1995. Stay tuned…new stuff – BIG STUFF is coming. Make sure you pick up Richmond Magazine this month. WE SEE IT!
LIVING HISTORY: RVA MAG X SUBURBAN DISTRICT X CHEATS MOVEMENT
FIRST BLACK LIQ IN PRINT – NOW THE DISTRICT….THAT CHEATS X RVA MAG TAG LINE IS BACK AT IT. #WE SEE IT!
WHERE MY DOGS AT? DMX ROCKS THE NATIONAL [PHOTOS]
“Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood, Ruff Ryders, and of course, This is not a F-in Game,” all chants synonymous with the legendary rapper DMX. The Grand Champ took the National stage last night to a very enthusiastic crowd. X did not waste any time going right into the string of hits that made him one of the biggest emcees of the late 90′s and early 2000′s. He performed nearly all of his popular songs from his 7 albums, normally performing one or two verses from each song while the DJ kept the pace moving. X, the ultimate showman, showed tons of energy – despite saying that he had just gotten off of 3 planes. He interacted with the crowd, often joking with members in the audience, pulling women on stage (yes he did), and he even poured a bottle of Hennessy on the front row. To the dismay of National security, at one point X climbed on the large speaker system on the side of the stage to launch into the Ruff Ryder Anthem.
He controlled the stage at every moment with ease. He ripped through songs like: “Get At Me Dog,” “Who We Be,” and “Party Up.” He slowed it down with, “Slippin.” As always, X ended the show with a prayer and left the crowd chanting for more. Also, S/O to the homie Black Liq and The New Juice Crew for always representing RVA on stage. The man works hard.
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
InLieu WINS 1st i. e. START-UP COMPETITION [VIDEO]
Congrats to Kaliey Raymond and Geoff Weathersby on winning the 1st i. e. start-up competition. Their company InLieu provides a socially conscious alternative to gift giving. Their company provides a platform for people to direct monetary gifts to good causes in need of support InLieu of a regular gift.
THE CHEATS MOVEMENT BOOK OF STREET ARTIST TAGS! [PART I]
RVA Mini Mag Street Heat is here! You can get it at West Coast Kix and all over Richmond. Go out and get that free mini mag asap. It will go fast and it is a collectors item. Yes, I said collectors item. It documents the transformational Style Wars Summer happening in this city. It’s a dope mag – more on that tomorrow. Today, I have a special treat for RVA Street Art fans. Inspired by the kids I saw at the G40 Art Summit and RVA Street Arts Festival with their own tag books. I decided to buy my own book and get it tagged up. Here are some of the photos in my personal Street Art Festival – The Cheats Movement Book of Tags.
Dalek (RVA)
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.
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!!!
RVA HOT SAUCE FRIDAY: CHRIS RYAN [VIDEO]
The other week I dropped the ManlyMan RVA HOT SAUCE video with a promise to post more — well I’m posting more – and hopefully most Fridays until my clips are done I will be posting videos from RVA HOT SAUCE.
Today I am posting a clip from singer/songwriter Chris Ryan. Chris has been one of my favorites for a while now. I first saw him bringing down the house with Beast Wellington. Then I heard his fantastic solo album, “Pray for Rain.” Chris came by The Shop to helps us at RVA HOT SAUCE. Not only did he play some songs from the album but he also played a pretty sweet jam session with Mike Kemitic and Chuck Dawson. RVA HOT SAUCE was one of the most diverse nights of last year. I’m so glad Chris was a part of it. Check it out and make sure to buy his album “Pray for Rain” on itunes.
RVA HOT SAUCE Flyer by: No Name No Brain
THE CHEATS MOVEMENT CRUSHES THE SHADROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL!
First and foremost – a huge shout out to Don Harrison, Toni Stevens, Jason Roop, anyone and everyone at Style Weekly for granting The Cheats Movement Blog press access to let me do what I do yesterday at the first ever Shadrock Music Festival. It really gives me a good feeling that my blog (one guy with a camera) can really start to grow something positive in RVA. I can’t put into words how great everything is going for The Cheats Movement Blog this year…
With that – The Shadrock Festival was really dope! Here is what’s going to happen – a few years from now, everyone is going to say they were there for the first Shadrock Music Festival and De La Soul. That’s what’s going to happen but the truth is….poor weather made a significant impact on the attendance. Not just the rain – which it rained really hard in pockets – but it was cold. It was a bad weather day – no way around it but Style Weekly did an amazing job with the bill. The bill was fantastic! And the decision to headline the show with Yo La Tengo and De La Soul was perfect.
Both Yo La Tengo and De La Soul brought completely different sounds and fan bases to the festival but there is something special about RVA that made it work well – it was such a RVA experience last night and it was perfect. 
Also, Shabazz Palaces and Dum Dum Girls both did an amazing job. I first heard of Shabazz Palaces about a week ago from a friend. I downloaded their album “Black Up” and love it. They performed a great live show with some serious improv and just crazy beats and flow. 
Dum Dum Girls, made the biggest impression on me – I can’t deny they are very easy to look at but beyond that – their live show was great. Much better than the albums songs that I heard leading up to the festival. They were so great – they took so many photos after the show (including one with yours truly) and they stood in the crowd to enjoy the rest of the headliners. They were just mad cool rockstars – I loved it. I also got to chat with Plug 1 (Pos) and Plug 2 (Dave) after they tore down the stage. Unfortunately, Maseo couldn’t make the show last night but it didn’t slow down the fast pace show. De La’s music catalog is so amazing – every song they played was a hit (Grind Date, Potholes in my Lawn, Saturday, on and on) and I walked away thinking of so many songs they still could have played. Funny story – after De La got off stage all they were talking about was the Knicks loss to the Heat. They are NYC through and through. Loved it. They were very gracious and glad to be back in RVA. Pos (who’s voice was gone after the show) said they hadn’t been to RVA in about 10 years and loved the vibe. I have so many photos…I will be posting all week.
Last but actually performing first was Cheats Movement Fam, Photosynthesizers…don’t worry – I’m working on something special in regards to their amazing performance.
I’m sure moving forward everyone will have amazing coverage from last night — visit it all – view it all – it’s well worth it but keep checking the Cheats Movement this all this week — I have so much stuff coming. Also – Like the Cheats Movement on Facebook!!!
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!
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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[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!!!
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The last show – Baby Help Me Forget
T
he Man – Swerve 36
Noah-O and Style Weekly’s Editor Jason Roop
White Laces
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT: THE CHEATS MOVEMENT IS GOING TO THE WEST COAST….
West Coast Kix that is — I’m very please to announce that starting February 1, 2012 I will be joining the blog team at West Coast Kix in Carytown. As a blogger for WCK, I hope to bring many elements of the Cheats Movement Blog to the WCK blog. I believe this is a perfect fit for me and the Cheats Movement. I am thankful for the opportunity and very excited to get started. I will still continue be as active as every on Cheats Movement Blog. The Movement is growing – I have to thank my dude, Ben Margolis for this new opportunity. My optimism about the creative community in RVA is truly at an all time high. I can’t wait to document all the great things that will happen this year. RVA STAY FOCUS – GOOD THINGS WILL COME!
THE DECAYED RICHMOND KICKSTARTER & TRAILER
My friends over at Decayed Richmond sent me the link to their extended trailer and new Kickstarter campaign. Please visit their KICKSTARTER page by clicking HERE and view the extended trailer below. Also, if you haven’t check it out read the Cheats Movement X Decayed Richmond: THE INTERVIEW from earlier this month.
The Cheats Movement
