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!
SAME DAY RELEASE: THE NEW JUICE CREW – KNOW THE LEDGE VOL. 1
The New Juice Crew will release their long awaited mixtape, “Know the Ledge Vol 1.” tonight at Face Melt Friday.
Words and Photos by Cheats
So here is the question: Is the New Juice Crew RVA’s very own Wu-Tang Clan? I think the make-up is there, the diversity in style is there, even the drive to succeed is there….only time will tell how this story plays out. Okay Okay…I know they are not RZA, GZA, ODB, Rae and Ghost but let’s face it – NO ONE is - WU-TANG change the game forever. But the brothers known as, “The New Juice Crew,” have the building blocks to follow in the path blazed by those NYC emcee Gods nearly 20 years ago. Tonight is a bit of a coming out party for TNJC. They are releasing their new mixtape, “Know the Ledge Vol. 1″ at Face Melt Friday (Stange Matter, doors open at 7 PM).
The good brother Black Liquid hit me with an advance copy of the tape to drop a few tracks on the Cheats Movement Family. My first read of the tape is really positive. TNJC is not known for studio work – they are known for action-packed live performances, but ”Know the Ledge” plays well in the car - it gives off a lot of energy.
Black Liq brings the energy every time – tonight will be no different.
Your Welcome- BC Music 1st, Lord Slugg, Azrael Onassis, Black Liqud
The Cheats Movement Blog is very familiar with the sounds of Black Liq, Lord Slugg, Emphasys, and my dude Azreal Onassis, and they all brought their usaual heat. However, the tape was a bit of a coming out party for my dudes Bandolero, and Corey Starks. They provide a nice suprise – each fronting their own solo tracks on the tape.
Bandolero is a nice suprise on The New Juice Crew Mixtape.
Don’t Waste my Time – Azreal Onassis, Emphasys, Corey Starks, Black Liq
BC Music 1st made his mark on the tape as the newest “official” member of the crew. Even though he’s been rocking TNJC for a long time now – BC is a grindaholic and I’m glad Richmond will get to hear his voice.
BC was annouced as the newest member of the New Juice Crew – but people in the know – know BC has been rocking with the crew for a long time.
BC Music 1st – Arrogant
And yo, I can’t leave this post without a S/O to Swerve 36. Hey laid it down. Always one to rock the 1s and 2s and keep the party going - Swerve got on the mic on this tape and did his thing with “This Feeling.”
This Feeling – Swerve 36
I can’t name all the brothers on the tape – too many to name - but trust me when I say it worth checking out. Make sure you come out tonight to get a copy of the full mixtape. As well as see some of the best RVA hip hop talent in one place. Face Melt Friday at Strange Matter tonight.
RT, & Emphasys
THIS IS RVA HOT SAUCE [EPISODE 1]
On October 21, 2011, RVA HOT SAUCE was introduced to the city of Richmond. The Cheats Movement, Just Plain Sounds, and The Shop brought together some of the hottest talent in RVA for a night of entertainment, diversity, and fun. RVA HOT SAUCE [Episode 1] features: Brian McDaniel, Black Liquid, The New Juice Crew, The Richmond Comedy Coalition, Ankh Trinity, and more.
RVA HOT SAUCE is how “we” see RVA. Our town is filled with creative talent and positive people. HOT SAUCE had some of the most gifted Richmonders in one room, in-front of a live audience, performing for free. Please support this series. Episode 1 will be the first of at least 3 videos in this series.
PHOTO LEAK: LAST NIGHT’S WRIR PARTY WAS CRAZY!
I loved every minute of last’s night WRIR’s anniversary party — Amazing night. Here is a very small leak of last night’s photos: New Juice Crew, Noah-O, Baby Help Me Forget (last show ever), & White Laces.
Black Liq with the New Juice
Noah-O & Yung Yankee
Charged Up ENT.
Baby Help Me Forget
White Laces
Self portrait of The Cheats Movement and Kristel — HANEW DOWNLOAD: EXCLUSIVE BLACK LIQUID “RHYME” [PRODUCED BY LORD SLUGG]
It’s a new year and The Cheats Movement has a brand new exclusive - ONLY ON THE CHEATS MOVEMENT – the track is called Rhyme by the New Juice Crew dynamic duo of Black Liquid X Lord Slugg. A week from today, Black Liq will be launching his new website — make sure you check out the site for new music, new projects, and new information on shows. WE #RVA
NEW: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “RHYME” NEW: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “RHYME”
RVA HOT SAUCE – The Web Series – December 2011
On October 21, 2011, RVA HOT SAUCE was introduced to the city of Richmond. The Cheats Movement, Just Plain Sounds, and The Shop brought together some of the hottest talent in RVA for a night of entertainment, diversity, and fun. The RVA HOT SAUCE web series is scheduled to debut in December 2011.
Face Melt V [Strange Matter, RVA]
Face Melt Fridays at Strange Matter keeps getting stronger. Face Melt V brought its most enthusiastic crowd to the series. Hosted by Azrael Onassis and Black Liquid, I’ve got a few photos from the part of the night I was there — S/O to the New Juice Crew, OMG, Swordplay killed it, Cameo by Octavion Xcellence. I had a real nice talk with Conrizzle – fresh off of his Big Sean performance — big things coming from him. Click HERE to see all the photos.
FACE MELT V: THE LEAKED 6
Face Melt Friday is always a fun shoot — a lot of love and support for each other and hip-hop. I’ve been crazy busy preparing for RVA HOT SAUCE on Oct 21st! Make sure you come through and support the fam. BUT I did manage to leak a preview of the Face Melt Shoot…for now click here to enjoy the leaked 6.
Grape Cloth X The Cheats Movement: New Juice Crew Freestyle
Just in case you missed this a while back, my man Iain over a Grape Cloth — hooked up this video on the Grape Blog. Check it out – BCMusic1st, Black Liquid, and Emphasys of the Mighty New Juice Crew. RVA Stand Up!
RVA Music Fest: Hip-Hop Hooray at The Camel [History in Photos]
“We have created a historic night in RVA…something years from now I can tell my kids about and the folklore from this night will spread that September 10, 2011 was a great night for RVA Hip-Hop.” –Cain McCoy, Emcee & Slapdash Promotion.
Click HERE to see The Cheats Movement Photos from RVA Music Fest: Hip-Hop Hooray! Featuring: Cain McCoy, Artik Phreeze, Nickelus F, Conrizzle, SwordPlay, Noah-O, Streetz Deep, Young Richmond Outkast, Black Liq, Lord Slugg, The New Juice Crew, BC_Music1st, Emphasys, Lucy Freedom, DJ Dizz & more coming — check back often this week!
The Cheats Movement
