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.
HEY RVA: WE CAN HELP FEED THE CITY! [MONROE PARK NOVEMBER 18 2PM - 5PM]
This will be the 4th annual year for RVA Feed the City and the response so far has been overwhelming! From the volunteers, to the sponsors, the media, even support from our delegates it has definitely grown over the years.
Four years ago on Thanksgiving Day I was stuck in Richmond while my family was away for the holidays. After sitting around for hours I decide to link with a few friends. With all of us wanting to do something to make a difference for the holiday we made a few sandwiches, grabbed some small bags of chips, and took bottled water out to Monroe Park and decide to feed everyone out there…. Well, we ran out of food in 5 minutes and hadn’t even covered a fraction of the park. Even though it was my first time ever doing anything like that there weren’t many things I could think of in that moment better than the feeling of giving back and making a change, big or small.
But it was meeting a guy out there that changed a lot of things. After speaking to him for hours I knew immediately what I wanted to do. Initially, it wasn’t start RVA Feed the City. It was come back for Christmas, which is what I did with my family back in town.
The next year we decided to come back for a 2nd year bringing more food and inviting more people. The amount of help showed us that with the support there was no limit to what we could provide.
Going into our 4th year we now offer full Thanksgiving courses, non-perishable to go boxes, winter clothing for the whole family, haircuts, health screenings, employment opportunities, and other free services that are free way beyond the Monroe Park community. Last year we feed over 600 men, women, and children not counting volunteers. This year we prepare for even more as we also open up to a few groups and organizations.
This year we have request from a few new sponsors but are still working with some of the same ones from previous years including
Sam’s Club, Gold’s Gym, WTVR CBS 6, Hot 100.9 & 103.7 The River, McDonalds, Macy’s, Old Navy and more.
How can you help?
Our official drop off location for winter clothing and canned goods this year will be Gold’s Gym. Drop offs will begin November 1st.
We will have large ‘RVA Feed the City’ bins in all Richmond locations and will accept donations until November 16th. All canned goods and any clean, gently used clothing (men, women, and children) will be accepted including heavy jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, boots, shirts, jeans, thermals, etc. If you are unable to make it to our drop locations we will accept donations at Monroe Park the day of the event until 12pm.
If you would like to volunteer at RVA Feed the City we will have a sign up sheet at www.RVAFeedTheCity.com starting November 1st.
I would like to personally thank everyone who has help with this event the past 3 years and challenge anyone who is in a position to give.
I do no profit from this event, only the satisfaction of being in a position to do so because there’s no better feeling than giving back!
4th Annual RVA Feed the City the week of Thanksgiving – Sunday Nov. 18th | Monroe Park | 2-5pm | Richmond VA.
Tamir is the Founder of RVA Feed the City. 
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.
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!
LIVE AND NATURAL: PHONTE, PHOTOSYNTHESIZERS, DEREK 32ZERO, – PHOTOS FROM THE HAPPILY NATURAL DAY CONCERT
Hip hop heads were out in full force Saturday night for the man they call Tigallo – Phonte of Foreign Exchange (formally of Little Brother). When I spoke to him last week he told me that RVA should expect a good time – he was right. Phonte delivered one hell of a show. He brought high energy, amazing stage presence, and a connection with the crowd on every song. Of course, it helps when your fans are hanging on every word and know every lyric. Phonte’s fans new every track – weather it was from his solo album, Charity Starts at Home, or Foreign Exchange, or Little Brother – they sung almost every word. He could do no wrong Saturday night and represented to the fullest. I commend the organizers of Happily Natural Day for such a perfect selection. Beyond the performance, Phonte appeared to be having a great time doing what he loves. He is fully aware of his place in hip hop and appreciates the support he gets and the fans that came out. He didn’t take too many breaks but during the breaks he did take – he took a moment to talk to the audience about real life. And his chats were mostly hilarious. His best line of the night was, “There are two types of people in the room – people that are sad that the summer is over – and people with kids.” Well, I’m sad that the night had to end but it was well worth it. One of the best shows of the year.
Also holding it down Saturday night was my family: Photosynthesizers. I was glad to hear that Photos had spent all day in the studio recording new tracks. You know how I feel about them as a group (BEST BAND IN RVA). I can’t wait for the new music to come and and kill the RVA scene. Also, they got on the merch grind too – check out and pick up one of their new T-Shirts.
Finally, shout out to the brother Derek 32Zero. This was my first time seeing him perform but he held it down. You could tell he was a seasoned live performer. He kept the crowd engaged, worked the stage, and represented for real hip hop. He put in work to a crowd that wasn’t really familiar with his music (and the music was dope). Always good to see new hip hop talent in VA. I will be looking to see him perform again. He also brought with him VA super producer Nottz. S/O to him for coming through.
A great show and night all the way around…follow the Cheats Movement on FB for more updates. WE SEE IT.
CHEATS MOVEMENT AUDIO: PHONTE INTERVIEW [PART 1]
Last week, I was able to interview the Grammy nominated rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer Phonte of Foreign Exchange and formally of Little Brother. We chopped it up for RVA Mag in support of Phonte’s show this Saturday [August 25] at the 10th Annual Happily Natural Day. The show is at the Canal Club! I hope everyone comes out to support real hip hop. S/O to Brother Manifest, Aimee Flint and RVA Mag for their parts in hooking this up. CLICK HERE to visit RVAMag.com for the full interview. Similar to my interview with Ice-T, I was able to get some cool audio from Phonte – check out part 1 of my interview. WE SEE IT – For real – click HERE and LIKE The Cheats Movement on Facebook It’s the only way we can keep this blog going!
DJ DIZZ X SHHO: THE UNDERDOG TAPE
I meant to post this a minute ago. I’ve listened to the entire Underdog Tape several times now. My man DJ Dizz did his thing mixing together some of the hottest up and coming hip-hop artist in the game. If you’re sleeping on: Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T, Danny Brown, Mr.Muthafuckin eXquire and more – check this tape out. And check out what Dizz is doing with Maplewood Records. They bought Evidence (Dilated People) to RVA a few months ago and always working on something new.
Visit DAZE WITH DIZZ to download this tape!
MURAL ARTIST PIXEL PANCHO IN RVA FOR G40!
If the arrival of Gaia to kick things off didn’t get you interested in the G40 Art Summit, I’m not sure what will. But here is another attempt. The amazing Pixel Pancho is killing his robots on Grace Street this weekend as a part of G40. The Italian artist does all types of work but told me yesterday that murals are where his heart is…check it out. Again, S/O to RVAMag and Art Whino for bringing this project to RVA.
SUPPORT THE CHEATS MOVEMENT BLOG WITH A LIKE ON FACEBOOK.
GAIA! RVA MURAL COMPLETE!
What an amazing project! G40 is underway – again RVA Mag is driving this ship and you gotta give credit where it is due. Here are some of the final photos I took of Gaia. The mural is located at 11 West Grace Street. He is on his way down south, ATL, NOLA, and Memphis, before heading back to B-more. It was a great experience being able to photo this project. Like the Cheats Movement on FB for more…
SHAKA VERSUS THE SHOCKERS [PHOTOS VCU SELECTION SHOW MEDIA DAY]
WHAT??? PORTLAND??? I heard a lot of that as I made my way around the VCU Basketball media room yesterday. I was there working on my next Check The Rhyme column for RVANews.com. CAA Tourney Champs #12 VCU will head out tomorrow to Portland to take on #5 Wichita St. Shockers. It should be a very good game between two powerful mid-major schools and conferences. Here are some photos from Media day.
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM VCU SELECTION SHOW MEDIA DAY
Coach Shaka Smart
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.
SHE LOVES ME – SHE LOVES ME NOT [MY HOOPS VALENTINE'S DAY]
Of course, last night was Valentine’s day and I had BIG plans – nope not sweetheart plans (#stillsingle) BUT HUGE plans nonetheless — tracking my two favorite hoops teams – the Knicks and VCU – both riding amazing waves into last night’s games. Up first was Linsanity! By now you must have heard the legend of Jeremy Lin - the first American born of Asian decent player in the NBA who came out of nowhere to rapid stardom in the Big Apple. For those of you who don’t know – I’m a huge Knicks fans and I have been relatively quiet on Lin – just because it does seem too good to be true. BUT last night Lin struck again – after trailing by 17, Lin lead the Knicks comeback and in the final seconds of the game did this….
It can’t get any better right? Well of course it can – my alma mater VCU was playing our hated CAA rival George Mason in Fairfax. VCU had won 11 straight and a win last night would keep us in a tie with Drexel for first place and move us one game ahead of GMU in a very crowded CAA. As I often do with my dude King, we kept a running text throughout the game mostly as a way to calm our nerves. Both of us started to get the feeling in the second half that VCU should be up by more points — we clearly outplayed Mason the entire game. And just when you thought it was over…disaster struck:
So there you have it – two buzzer beaters — one good – one horrible. The story of my sports Valentine’s Day. It’s obvious that basketball is the best/worst (and in my case only) Valentine’s date ever!
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.
DAY ONE EXCLUSIVE: MIX BREED “COOLEST IN AMERICA” MIXTAPE
By now I hope it’s clear that Cheats Movement Blog supports those that support the site and support RVA in a positive way. My goal is to have a strong relationship with all sides of RVA’s creative community. Doing that requires me to spend a lot of my time meeting new people and starting new relationship. I really enjoy that aspect of the blog. However, this post is a rare occasion — through this site and the RVA creative community, I was able to reconnect with a friend that I met a few years back and now I’m able to see him moving full circle. That someone is local hip hop artist Charles Diamond. A part of the hip hop collective Mix Breed. I met Charles a few years ago at a summer camp designed for young people that were leaders in their high schools. Charles along with his Mix Breed family are now striving to be leaders in the RVA hip-hop scene.
Their latest mixtape, that dropped at midnight, is called, Coolest in America (Click to download). Charles blessed me with the link and RVA Mag just posted the dope video Where I am (also below). Support Charles Diamond and Mix Breed on Facebook and twitter. And of course, check them out performing live in and around RVA.
Backstabbers
Where I am
ON THE WILD STYLE SET WITH MIZZ UNDASTOOD!
Tuesday night I may have found my new calling. I’ve often been told that I have a face for radio but I finally got to put it to the test (okay predictable joke — won’t happen again). I was the guest host on Wild Style with Mizz Undastood AKA the lovely Sam Sea. We talked about just about everything – The Cheats Movement Blog – The RVA music scene – even LA Weekly’s top 20 artist of all time. It was a great time and it just flew by. I was asked to bring in two tracks to be played on the show. I brought in Naima by James Dangle ft. Bar Codez and a Big K.R.I.T track.
Wild Style is streamed live through Global Scale Radio every Tuesday night. And Mizz Undastood has not one but two local shows: Wild Style on Tuesdays at 9:30 PM and R&R on WDCE 90.1 FM (University or Richmond Radio) Thursday night (early Friday Morning) at 1AM. You can also keep up with Mizz Undastood on her blog JustMizz.com. Check her out — she is doing big things in RVA and above all she has a passion for helping people. Check out my photos of the event she co-sponsored over the winter holiday: Hip Hop for the Hungry.
SECRETS OUT: “THE AWESOME” KEELEY LAURES IS GRAFFITI RICHMOND
The article posted on Facebook last night and most will see it this week in the print edition of Style Weekly but one of RVA’s biggest unsolved mysteries is no more. That is because Keeley Laures decided it was time to end the mystery and talk about her amazing site Graffiti Richmond. I met Keeley last year while she was displaying art at Steady Sounds. We just started talking and became friends. I’m proud to say that she is a friend of the site and was instrumental in the 3 Part Graffiti Adventures photo series posted last year. I’m going to spend the rest of the week begging her to do an interview with me. I’ll keep you posted – Congrats Keeley!
CLICK HERE TO READ KEELY’S STYLE WEEKLY ARTICLE — AND FOLLOW GRAFFITI RICHMOND
CHEATS MOVEMENT CLUB PICKS JAN 16 – 22
THE CHEATS MOVEMENT CLUB IS BACK! Bringing you the new, the fresh, the def in RVA music, art, and video. This week I got music from Just Plain Sounds’ Drano, The New Juice Crew’s Lord Slugg, my dude Chris Ryan, and Antagonist Dragonspit. I got videos from HaBitS, Luggage and this new video I saw yesterday from Carytown Cupcakes!
Keep sending your music, art, videos to: THECHEATSMOVEMENT@GMAIL.COM — It may take me a minute to get you on but if you hooked me up — I will return the favor. Stay Focused.
ARTIST: DRANO ALBUM: THE NIGHT DRIVER TRACK: THE GOOCH WHY: Just released last Friday you know I have to represent for my brothers at Just Plain Sounds. In my humble opinion, one of the most talented collectives in the Cap City. Drano brings the Emcee element to the production happy crew. Check out and download The Night Driver.
ARTIST: LORD SLUGG ALBUM: THE SLUGG TAPE 2 TRACK: 20 SLUGGS FT. BEAST SONNIE BOSS TONE LUV WHY: The Slugg Tape 2 drop was one of the hottest local drops of last year. BUT it dropped in a crowded field (everyone dropped a tape at the end of last year) and with the New Juice Crew being all over the place. I think the Slugg Tape and this track 20 Sluggs got lost a bit. The production on this track is a smash. Click here to download The Slugg Tape 2.
ARTIST: CHRIS RYAN ALBUM: PRAY FOR RAIN TRACK: TABLE FOR TWO WHY: I first saw Chris killing it on lead gutiar with one of my favorite RVA Bands Beast Wellington. I had now idea he could sing – but sing he can. Chris dropped Pray for Rain last year and was great enough to play a couple of tracks last October at the first ever RVA HOT SAUCE Table for Two was one of the songs Chris played — check it out and check out Pray for Rain now available on Itunes.
Click the link below to hear Table for Two!
ARTIST: ANTAGONIST DRAGONSPIT ALBUM: BACK ON THE MAP TRACK: KEEP IT MOVIN INTRO WHY: Good music – simple as that. I heard the Keep It Movin Intro and thought – The Curtis Mayfield loop is crazy and – I got to post this on the site. I met Drangonspit last year at Soul Live in RVA (S/O to The Shop). He’s grindin and the album is dope. Check out what he is doing in the 757.
ARTIST: LUGGAGE VIDEO: 2 UP, 2 DOWN WHY: I saw Luggage for the first time at the Nile with Ohbliv over the holiday. I got the feeling from the show (and their feature RVA Mag Article) that they are back to having fun. That wasn’t always the case dealing with hip-hop in RVA. I enjoy seeing the space they are in now and love the video S/O to my tweeter buddy VanWilderLife.
ARTIST: HaBitS VIDEO: RIDE IT OUT SMOOTH WHY: I’ve notice HaBitS grid. I think the first time I saw them was at a Rebirth at the Camel. They are working hard and it’s good to see hard workers dropping videos and getting bigger sets a bigger show (like the January 26 Beat Battle at The Camel) . I appreciate their work ethic. Big things for them in 2012.
ARTIST: CARYTOWN CUPCAKES VIDEO: CUPCAKE WARS WHY: UM – THEY ARE DELICIOUS — HATE IF YOU WANT! S/O Carytown Cupcakes! Best of luck getting on Cupcake Wars!
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.
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.
WELCOME TO THE CHEATS MOVEMENT CLUB [NEW MUSIC - ART- VIDEOS]
A 2012 Cheats Movement project is to post new music, artwork, and videos from RVA’s creative community. Therefore, I’m starting The Cheats Movement Club. A series of picks from “friends” of the Cheats Movement. If you are an artist and would like you new work considered for the club, send it to TheCheatsMovement@gmail.com.
THIS WEEK IN THE CLUB: DAMAGED ANDY, SUPERSTAR SPITAZ, ARTIK PHREEZE, SMOOTHMATIC, RYAN EASTER
ARTIST: DAMAGED ANDY ALBUM: PSYCHOSIS TRACK: ROMANS WHY: Damaged Andy is a RVA hip-hop vet. He took some time off to focus on what he wanted to accomplish in music and the result of his internal joureny was Psychosis. Check out the track Romans below and check out the album by clicking here.
Damaged Andy – Psychosis – Romans
ARTIST: SUPERSTAR SPITAZ X ARTIK PHREEZE VIDEO: YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS WHY: What’s next in RVA hip-hip? You can never tell but these two gentleman, Phreeze and Spitaz are working hard to carve out their spot. They were kind enough to invite me down to West Coast Kix to shoot some behind the scenes – check that out by clicking here. Below is the official video.
ARTIST: SMOOTHMATIC VIDEO: 2011 YEAR END PROMO WHY: I give credit where credit due and Robert Roby AKA SmoothMatic absolutely killed the 2nd half of 2011 with video after video. He is always doing quality work for RVA artist. Check out his year end promo below.
ARTIST: RYAN EASTER VIDEO: RORSCHACH’S JOURNAL WHY: I’ve only met Ryan Easter one time (and it was brief) - after he killed a show at the camel last year before he went to Berklee College of Music. I ran across this video on my facebook feed and really loved the RVA visuals and the groove. Salute to Ryan Easter reppin RVA.
Again, if you want your work considered for the club send it to: TheCheatsMovement@gmail.com — all art, music and videos.
THE MIND OF MIKE KEMETIC: HELLO 2012
Hello 2012! The Cheats Movement is back with the first Mind of Mike Kemetic of the year. In this episode, Mike talks about what the new year has in store for RVA. Check it out!
The Cheats Movement
