September 3, 2014

All things Made In America


The 3rd installment of one of the youngest music festival in recent years appears to be headed for a long shelf life after closing out Summer 2014, despite the East Coast showers, the Labor Day Weekend music fest was pretty exciting. Curation and logistical placement of performers have been a success marriage judging from reported attendance numbers in the 90s of thousands not including livestreaming audience. The new bi-coastal share of locations (East and West coast) and live simulcast component was mostly a success considering the impromptu announcement that the East Coast (City of Brotherly Love) would lose its exclusivity to Big bad Hollywolf;). Every artist, known and not, were perfect inclusions to a roster that had something for everyone. I think it may be what woodstock was like, only better.
The Best things about Phiadelphia and the best things about Los Angeles were clearly on dispay and evident, thanks to live streams. Philadelphia or "Philly" knows a lot about community. exemplified by the unabashed celebration of fans towards their artist. Diversity was not an issue. Its rumored that Philly had the first block party back in the William Penn days. And there is no doubt they started the line dance. Which is where the best of Los Angeles "L A" showed up. As Philly is to community is Los Angeles to entertainment, with the experience and technology to make the dream work. They are the original facilitators of the illusions. When Kanye West told audience to make a circle, the Angelenos opened a circle on reflex, while the same quest to the "Phillies" was met with a bit of confusion and hesitance, of course until they realized it meant group fun, aye even some group dancing. When West performed in L.A. Day 2 of concert, he didn't have to give as much lighting and sound instruction to the production crew as in Philly. And because technically, all stars, live in the Los Angeles area, there is sometimes a strained or reserved jaded response to incredible performances. For example, Cypress Hill would have shut Philly down in the afternoon had they gave the same performance as in L.A. West did in both cities had they performed on East Coast who have much more respect and appreciation for legends Well East Coast can appreciate a major summer music festival and in return will show L.A. how to let hair down and groove together

July 31, 2014

West Coast sound Winning

West Coast Flavor: Jhene Aiko and Kendrick Lamar Stay Ready.  Chris, Lil Wayne and Frenchmon share their collective angst about un-Loyal  rich girls. Tinashe and Schoolboy Q turning up to get 2 On and Ne Yo and Young Jeezy reminiscing about the things money just can't buy.
Really? The music coming from the west side residents are winning right now. Lyrically, musically, composition, collaboration, entertainment. The issues and or situation expressed through the songs Loyal and 2 On may be risky behavior, the tempo and beat is some of the best dance music. Like most conundrums, you may not agree with what being said but it can be danced out. Stay Ready has the kind of lyrics that make you notice the void of karaoke rappers, and Nicki Minaj continues to evolve into Nicki Minaj with simple answer like pills and potions. Is Nicki saying that in spite of the spite she still loves but the the pills and potions are necessary? Young Jeezy, when this thug cries and when he "...looks into your eyes...", even the least romantic will feel that pang of a love only love can bring.

Anchor Confessions


News anchors should be extended the courtesy to break one's own story.