When you hear the words “Grave Yard Shift” the first thing that probably comes to mind is that late night stretch dreaded by most employees. In some sense that’s the concept behind the six member hip hop clique, who call themselves Grave Yard Shift. I recently caught up with a few of “The Yard” members to talk about their concept of “individual collectivism.”

Just like the groups’ name, the day was dark and the sky threatened rain. When I walked inside of The Landmark, I spotted The Yard members, Skitz, Anonymous, and Noonie holed up at a table near the rear of the eatery.  As I reached the table I waved casually at the trio and made a remark about not wanting to get caught in the rain.  The slim, dark skinned man, who calls himself Anonymous, cracked a joke that was a bit too off color for me to include in this interview. Now, with the ice broken, I smirked and took a seat to begin my round of questions, still concerned about the rain.

TRA:  So how did you guys come up with the name Grave Yard Shift?

Skitz: The name Grave Yard Shift was a result of the hours and time we put into our craft as a collective. When everyone else is asleep we’re making the world spin.

TRA:  I understand the Grave Yard Shift is a collective of six individual artists. How does that work out in terms of projects and releasing your material?

Anonymous:  We are made up of six members, but like you said, we’re individual artists. So we base projects on individual productivity. Your own personal work effort dictates your progress. Then there are certain projects where we might work together for chemistry purposes. Like Skitz and Noonie pair well together. Me and Skitz pair well together, too. It depends on the music we’re working on at the time. Plus we are in different locations, too so that plays a part sometimes.

TRA: What do you mean by different locations?

Anonymous:  Well the other three members you don’t see here today, actually live in upstate New York.

TRA: So how does that work with the three of you here in Atlanta and the other members in New York?

Skitz: Well actually, we have H.B. in South Florida and we got Pretty M Dot and Squad in New York. It works well; it gives us an opportunity to be omnipresent. We can be many places at once as a brand. If H.B. is performing in Miami, it’s Grave Yard, ya dig? It’s the same with us and Pretty M Dot and Squad. Where ever we are, we are under the umbrella of Grave Yard Shift. This is a brand and a movement.

TRA:  O.K., I feel you. So what can listeners and consumers expect to hear music-wise from Grave Yard Shift?

Skitz: We are a collective of greatness. The people can expect to hear art combined with dedication to hip hop, the old and new school. We are artists, not rappers. Make sure you print that. We respect all artists in the game. Our music is such a diverse collective of talent because we all come from different walks in life or different generations of the music. I was born in Florida and raised in New York so I am a combination of both of those elements.  Noonie is from Long Beach and you’ll notice right out the gate his swag is different from the other members as far as appearance. Pretty M Dot is just that new age sickness. His flow is crazy. Basically we got it sewed across the board. We got every genre of hip hop covered.

TRA: That is really awesome! So what’s your latest project?

Skitz: We about to drop That Old Thing Back which is a mix-tape. We got the Eye On the Prize video out right now. Pretty M Dot is about to drop the Pretty Please album. Noonie is finishing up his mix-tape and Anonymous is wearing a lot of hats right now (laughs)… We got a lot coming for the people. I don’t want to be long winded trying to explain everything, but just look for the name Grave Yard Shift to be making an impact in 2010 on many levels.

TRA:  So are you guys signed to a label?

Skitz: No, at this point we are doing everything independently. Like I said earlier, we are spread out which helps out with our distribution. But we are looking for major distribution. We have a good following already. We are just looking to get a good distributor that can get us into the areas where we have a demand but no outlet. With the stream of ring tones flooding the market right now it got everybody trying to be single. Nobody has a relationship with the art or the music anymore. That’s why we are about to put out That Old Thing Back, so the hip hop community can remember it’s roots and see that the growth in hip hop doesn’t have to be limited to one style or one type of music. Hip hop was and still is the voice of the people who need a format for unique or abstract expression.

TRA: I like where you are going with your focus. And I agree with the fact that you say people need to be reminded of where and why hip hop originated. So, how often do you perform and where can people see you live?

Skitz: We perform as often as possible. We hit up showcases for open mics around Atlanta all the time. The best way to find out where we are going to be or what we got going on is to go to our website at www.gysnation.com.  The next big show we are doing is actually going to be in upstate New York in March.

TRA:  Is there anything else you want the people to know?

Noonie: Yeah…we ‘bout to make the world spin backwards…

As I closed out this interview Anonymous continued to flirt with our waitress. I saw the sky had cleared up outside. If the day is any indication to the group’s future, it looks like the dark hours they work into the night will eventually shine through.

Despite the fact that a substantial snowfall blanketed Atlanta on Friday, February 12^th, the originally scheduled date for the Goodie Mob concert, the legendary Hip Hop quartet “made it rain” at 9 PM on Saturday, February 20^th to a packed Tabernacle Music Hall. Fans old and new came out and represented Atlanta and the love they have for the group as they cheered, danced, and rapped along to all of Goodie Mob’s hit songs. Opening the reunion concert was Atlanta native B.o.B. a.k.a. Bobby Ray, with his eclectic mix of rock and rap which set the mood for the upcoming Goodie Mob performance.  B.o.B. and his band rocked out the popular song, “I’ll Be In the Sky” along with a few other well-received songs by the young rapper.

Shortly after B.o.B.’s energetic opener, Goodie Mob burst onto the stage looking dapper and sleek in black outfits of various styles.  As each member of the group took the stage, fans hollered and threw their hands up in hot anticipation of what was coming next by way of musical entertainment offered up by the Goodie Mo-B, as they are sometimes referred to by fans. They wasted no time giving the  audience what they wanted as they launched into “Goodie Bag” from their Soul Food album, sending the crowd into an appreciative frenzy and that was just the beginning.  Goodie Mob performed many songs from their debut album including “Thought Process,” “Live at the O.M.N.I.”, “Sesame Street”, and of course, the unofficial Atlanta anthem, “Dirty South”. The group’s female mix master, DJ Princess Cut, added both a freshness and a unique sound to their classic hits by sampling various songs from other artists.

One of the highlights of the night was during the unselfish shout out made to their Dungeon Family brethren, Outkast, while the group took a short break.  Goodie Mob’s voluptuous dancers and DJ Princess Cut kept the crowd highly engaged as she played songs from Outkast’s legendary albums Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, and Aquemini. Reenergized and ready to finish off the pumped fans the group members T-Mo, Cee-Lo, Khujo, and Big Gipp glided back on the stage dressed in long pastel colored robes and this time, Goodie Mob graced the crowd with “Black Ice,” “Fly Away,” and “Beautiful Skin,” from their Still Standing album.  During “Beautiful Skin,” fans rocked and swayed to the powerful beats as Cee-Lo Goodie rapped about the pride black women should feel for themselves and demand from others. The music didn’t stop there, though. The members of Goodie Mob broadened their performance repertoire by giving their audience a taste of music from their solo projects. Cee-Lo Goodie broke out on the stage under a single spotlight and belted out his Gnarls Barkley hit “Crazy” while T-Mo and Khujo performed some of their duo ventures from the Lumberjacks albums.

For nearly two hours Goodie Mob put their all into performing for their fans that chilly Saturday night.  Even after being on the hip-hop scene for over 15 years, the foursome’s presence was still as fresh as it was in 1995. What was most impressive was the sense of camaraderie that was felt between the men as they moved across the stage. Goodie Mob proved they are still standing as one of the most prolific acts in southern hip hop and that nothing, including last week’s snow fall, can keep them from bringing the lyrical heat.

As per usual, Luckie Food Lounge is in full swing with a full crowd on Wednesday night.  DJ Infamous and co. man the turntables as the star studded, dudded-up crowd bump n’ grind to Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne, and of course, the man of the hour, birthday boy Gorilla Zoe.

The 2009 album Don’t Feed the Animals of this former Boyz n da Hood member crowned the U.S. Rap Chart in 2009, as every car stereo in Atlanta blared the go-hard anthem, Lost, and the hauntingly rhythmic lament, Echo.  In the style distinct to rappers of our fair city, surrounded by an entourage sporting t-shirts boasting his name, Zoe celebrates another year of the good life – popping bottles of Grey Goose Vodka, posing for pictures, and enjoying the attention of many a lovely lady.

To the Luckie staff members, many of whom are inveterate to the club since its 2007 grand opening, serving such renowned faces as Jazze-Pha is now customary for a Wednesday night at one of Atlanta’s premiere hip hop hotspots.  It is at the same time its exclusivity to the stars as well as its accessibility to them that has culminated the notoriety Luckie possesses today.

Its considerable dance floor expands to an equally-spacious dining room.  The high ceilings leftover from the former Mercedes dealership begets an openness that distinguishes the restaurant/club from other similar concepts around town.  For Luckie, the combination goes hand in hand.  Having sustained respectability in both their Sushi and their American-fare menu, Luckie is equally as passionate about their special events, bottle service, and top-notch wait staff.

By night Luckie’s fish tanks are incandescent highlights to the dark club, and along with the bamboo-lined walls, evoke Luckie’s sleek, sexy style.  By day, the tanks are a subtle reminder to the employees of CNN, World of Coca-Cola, and Ernst and Young who frequent the lunch spot, of the Georgia Aquarium located directly across Ivan Allen Junior Boulevard.

The Sky Bar upstairs, formerly limited to VIP guests only, has recently opened up to the public, and possesses a beautiful view of the city.  Though not pastoral, watching the sunset reflected off the Ernst and Young building while relaxing on the open-air couches is just as sublime to city-lovers as an endless horizon is to beachcombers.  Look beneath you and the glass tile reveals the dance floor from a story below.  Inside the covered area, you can shoot a game of pool over a couple of cocktails from the full bar, or even a bite from the menu.

After your next visit to the beluga whales at the Aquarium or for your next ballin’ birthday party, make Luckie your destination and treat yourself to a taste of Atlanta culture and the variety it has to offer.  Who knows?  You may get lucky and meet somebody who’s somebody.

*First part of title is a quote borrowed from the song “It’s What You Thinkin,” by rap master, Tech N9ne.  Mad respect.

Remember PM Dawn, Arrested Development, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul?  These were just some of the rap groups who chose to flow about social issues over the more popular “gangsta rap” themes seen in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  As I can recall, although I was very young, there was not much of a southern representation for rappers at that time. That all changed as the mid 1990’s approached and talented artists such as Atlanta based Outkast and Goodie Mob burst on the scene to deliver a whole new brand of hip hop with bone crushing beats, earsplitting highs, and tongue twisting rhymes that carried messages that continue to resonate within me some 15 years later. I can still feel my sternum vibrate from the base!

Showing that they have not disappeared is Goodie Mob, the Southwest Atlanta natives returning to their roots to perform at the Tabernacle on February 12, 2010.  Always a fan of Outkast and the Dungeon Family, I bought my tickets to get my “Soul Food” on with other loyal fans for the upcoming concert.  Although the initial craze of Goodie Mob has progressively died down over the years, as is the case with many music groups, their popularity remains and for me their message is still integral in ways unimaginable.

Goodie Mob, which is an acronym for “Good Die Mostly Over Bull…t,” consists of four fiery members:  T-Mo a.k.a. Robert Barnett (born 1972),  Big Gipp a.k.a. Cameron Gipp (born 1973), Cee-Lo a.k.a. Thomas Callaway (born 1975), and Khujo a.k.a. Willie Knighton (born 1973).  All four of them met while attending Benjamin E. Mays High School in the SWATS or Southwest Atlanta and the magic began.  Their debut album  Soul Food released in 1994 is considered a classic.  This album is chock full of tunes that will make you bob your head as well as use it to think about the subject matter communicated by the members of the group. According to Wikipedia, songs to make the charts included “Cell Therapy,”  “Soul Food,” and “Dirty South” and were heavily rotated on radio stations throughout the country.

Sometimes you have to get past the impressive beats to get to the core of what is being conveyed within the music.  For example, and this is just my take, Wikipedia states that although the album Soul Food dealt with such heavy issues, some songs still carried a lighter tone, such as “Soul Food,” “in which the crew expressed their love for home cooked meals”.  This is true in a sense but places Goodie Mob into the stereotype of black lifestyle in America which is something they have been fighting to get away from.  In actuality, the song and video capture the importance of black unity within the family and the widely spread opinion that this concept is dying in a rapid pace.  The video portais the notion of the difference between the type of detrimental cultural education black Americans  receive from frequenting fast food joints as opposed to the richness of our culture by partaking during a traditional Sunday dinner with family and friends, hence the quote, “Sunday morning, where you eatin’ at?”  Wikipedia definitely attempts to make light of a heavy and under-discussed issue that has been affecting the black American community for a very long time.  This along with other topics such as poverty, educational disparities, and the traps of trappin’ permeate through the existence of this much needed social rap group.

Goodie Mob is not just a group though.  They are also individual people with different ideas and concepts.  That is why after the successes of their first three albums, Soul Food,1994, Still Standing, 1998, and World Party, 1999, Cee-Lo, the more outspoken of the group parted company with Goodie Mob in 2000 to work on solo endeavors.  Cee-Lo was successful with the creation of Gnarls Barkley as he collaborated with DJ Danger Mouse and released the hugely popular single, “Crazy.” The remaining group members went on to pursue other interests as well.  Big Gipp made guest appearances on other Dungeon Family albums while T-Mo and Khujo formed a duo called The Lumberjacks.  In the midst of their separation Goodie Mob supported their group mate, Khujo through the difficulties of a below the knee amputation resulting from a car accident in 2002. The group sans Cee-Lo released their fourth album in 2004 called, One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show, whose title illustrates the tension felt from the absence of Cee-Lo Goodie.  However, T-Mo and Khujo apparently wanted to try and display the unity that was such an important part of the group’s essence by releasing their joint effort in 2005 called, Livin’ Life as Lumberjacks. It was released as The Lumberjacks presented by Goodie Mob informing the world that credit was not due to just T-Mo and Khujo for this venture.

With the passage of time comes maturity and the realization that some disagreements and differences are not worth separation and strife.  In September of 2009, after about 7 years of solo projects and personal growth, Goodie Mob got together at the Tabernacle to a packed and highly anticipatory audience of loyal ATL fans. The reunion tour of last fall covered 11 cities and revived the sleepy popularity of the artists who were on everyone’s tongues 15 years ago. Now in 2010 Goodie Mob is back to breathe more life into their fans for another concert also at the Tabernacle in which I will be in attendance.  For me, February 12th cannot come fast enough as some of my favorite songs vibrate through the speakers.  Not only do these songs sound good, it’s the timeless message that I hope some of the younger fans will take a listen to and learn from.

My favorite Goodie Mob Songs:

From Soul Food:

Funeral

Dirty South

Live at the O.M.N.I.

Goodie Bag-great solos by Cee-Lo to get you crunk!

Sesame Street

From Still Standing:

They Don’t Dance No Mo’

Black Ice

Sky High

Fly Away

Beautiful Skin

From World Party:

Get Rich to This

Feel free to comment on this article and let me know what Goodie Mob songs are most important to you …

Martin Crosby of Digital World Music has the creativity, the spunk, the charisma, the experience and the Northern flava to go along with what he has to offer as a producer.

Martin originally from Cincinnati Ohio, now based in Atlanta, creatively displays more than 15 years of experience. As a producer along with engineering skills, Martin has an exceptional talent in writing and creating music. Currently, Martin has 100 music tracks licensed to MTV & affiliated networks worldwide, they include Bravo, VH1, Oxygen, Cartoon Network, etc. He has created music for certain video segments of Essence.com & CNN.com. Co-produced & created music for famous footwear & Pringles commercials along with creating the music of a video game for the Wii game system called, Turbo Trainz. In mentioning a few, he has worked with artists ranging from: Montel Jordan, Gorilla Zoe, D-Rock of Ying Yang Twins, and Rehab. He has done great work with unsigned artists and is currently working with Rock musician Joel Romirre.

Martin speaks with great confidence on the works he has created and the talent that has come his way. “Music to my ear goes a thousand miles, and stretches beyond imagination”, said Martin. He likes to follow the lead of some of our most recognized producers by the name of: L.A. Reid, Babyface, Teddy Riley, Prince, etc.  He loves the sound of John Mayer, Kanye West, Robin Thicke, Lenny Kravitz, The Fray, and Blink 182. Having a diverse mentality and diversity in the type of music he likes, suggests for the “World” in Digital World.

Martin is in the prime of his life. With unlimited amounts of recorded music and tracks waiting to be displayed, he is ready to impact his audience with his gift. He wants to add flava to the music of today. He wants to continue to create great music that will allow our children to find inspiration and common reality out of. He adds, “Music plays an important role in society today. It formulates the thought process of many, all the way to assisting in repairing a broken home. It’s soothing, it’s mind boggling, it makes you move, it makes you snap your fingers, it makes you move your head in a motion that gravitates the beat of sound. Music is forever.”

The goal of Digital World is to consistently create great music and work with artists that display creativity that is evolutional. Martin Crosby wants DW to remain diverse and get involved in as many projects worldwide as possible. Remaining diverse will enable the phenomenal display of music that Digital World has to offer.

Martin describes his mission as, “Take over the world of music.” He says to all his counterparts, “Look out for me at the Grammy’s.”

Contact info: Digital World Music, Martin Crosby digitalworldent@gmail.com,  phone: 678-429-6976

Houston Perry wanted to spoof the 1970’s London punk scene, and what resulted is hardly a laughing matter. The Bloodplums are to be taken very seriously.

Featuring members of Atlanta’s own hip-hop/funk band, Heavy Mojo, The Bloodplums formed just two years ago and have already developed a sizable following. These guys are slowly sneaking through the back door of our city’s indie/punk scene and stealing the show at staple venues such as Lenny’s, where they most recently played, and Andrews Upstairs, where you can catch their next show.

As for the spoof, well, the band actually did start as a joke, with vocals in a faux British accent and “Iggy Hop” as the lead singer… and they get wackier, with “Sandy Cuhnts” on rhythm guitar, “The Blender” on lead, and “Black Santa” on bass, all backed by “Tone Capone” on drums. However, I urge you not to let these minor details keep you away. The band members are all quite talented and serious musicians on their own, and together create a catchy, garage-punk sound reminiscent of the Sex Pistols, but lyrically similar to The Smithereens or The Only Ones.

Of course, The Bloodplums are not anti-establishment, youth-in-revolt punk rockers fueling angst and rebellion — they’re just pretending to be. In actuality, this band is simply trying to explore other genres of music and the limits of their own individual abilities. With influences such as Block Party and Blur, you can see the vast array of style brought to the table when this group gets together. As Perry says, “My job as a musician is to do and explore everything I can … if there is another avenue to get music out to folks who could potentially enjoy it, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

Despite The Bloodplums originally being a “just-for-fun” side project, there is true heart and finesse in each number, which is why they can get away with being a bit snarky. According to Perry, it’s all about spontaneity, and if any one song takes longer than five or six minutes to develop, they won’t do it. “The thing about the Bloodplums is that it’s all stream of consciousness… It’s nothing I have to think about — it’s so spontaneous, where as Heavy Mojo is very plotted and planned.”

Spoof or not, planned or not, The Bloodplums is a viciously talented live act that shouldn’t be missed. Lucky for us, their next show is right around the corner. Catch them at Andrew Upstairs, on East Andrews Drive in Atlanta, on January 28^th. Visit the band’s MySpace for details and other upcoming shows. http://www.myspace.com/thebloodplums Photos courtesy of Matt Odom, ataricharm photography.

Ghosts of Atlanta Walking Tour
(Every January night at 7:30pm)
Our southern city has been through a lot in its years of existing. In the tour you will experience places where the active spirits are still present. Tours begin at the corner of Ponce De Leon and Peachtree Street at the corner of the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
Reservations

Hip Hop Jam Session at the Apache Café
(5^th at 9:00pm)
The session will include guest DJs and artists, and a chance for everyone to have the mic and jam out with the band. Apache is a very welcoming place, and the cover charge is only five dollars. The café is located at 64 Third St., Atlanta, right in Midtown.
Information

Ladies Night at Loca Luna
(6^th at 8:00pm)
Starting off the night, free salsa lessons will begin at 8:00pm. After that, live salsa and meringue music will be played for your dancing pleasure. It is a free event, but you are welcome to take advantage of their tasty tapas dishes! Loca Luna is located at 550-C Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, 30306.
Directions

First Thursday Downtown Artswalk
(7^th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm)
The first Thursday of every month, downtown holds an open walk through galleries at numerous venues for free. You can move at any pace you would like through the cultural and historical downtown.
Information

Christian Finnegan at The Punchline
(7^th at 8:00pm; 8^th at 8:00pm & 10:00pm; 9^th at 7:00pm, 9:00pm, & 11:00pm; 10^th at 8:00pm)
Mr. Finnegan is well known for being a panelist on VH1’s “Best Week Ever” series. He is continuously making appearances on Comedy Central; you may have even seen him on “Chappelle’s Show”. The Punchline strives to present the best working comedians, and with Christian, they are definitely succeeding! The location is 280 Hilderbrand Drive, ATL, in the Balconies shopping center.
Tickets

Improv Act
(8^th at 10:30pm)
The improv act is titled Ask Dr. Frapples. In this act the audience members guide their questions to this psychiatrist, and get possible solutions to your troubles. Dad’s Garage is located inside Inman Park facing Lake Avenue. The exact address is 280 Elizabeth Street, Suite C-101, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Tickets

Behind the Sun plays at Andrews Upstairs
(9^th at 9:00pm)
Behind the Sun is a tribute band devoting their performances to their love of music by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Detroit Mutant Radio will be rocking out with their alternative hip-hop type music as well. East Andrews prides itself as “Atlanta’s most intimate concert setting”. It is located at 56 East Andrews Drive Suite #10.
Tickets

Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11^th at 8:00pm)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets

There are ticking time bombs in every city, ordinary people capable of doing great things. They wait tables, answer phones, sit in traffic. Unfortunately for some, they tick forever and never explode, but in the case of Ryan Stang and Kid Stuff, the fuse is hot and short. On the brink of blowing up, Kid Stuff already boasts a local draw more sought after than some of Atlanta’s more established bands just months after playing their first show.

…There are ticking time bombs in every city, ordinary people capable of doing great things…

Ryan is an Atlantan at heart, having spent the last few years in Alaska as a bicycle tour guide. He returned last year much to the delight of his friends and family. Since then he’s been a regular all over town at local rock and roll shows from the 529 or The Earl to The Highland Ballroom. A lover of music, Stang’s built friendships with devoted members of the scene including garage folk-pop group The North Trolls, Small Reactions, and This Piano Plays Itself. He calls himself a fan of these bands, but his passion lies in hip-hop and programming beats.

Before moving to Alaska, Ryan was squatting with Kyle Withrow, now in charge of booking at 529, at the Peachtree Hills apartments, which had supposedly been vacated to be leveled and replaced with new housing. While managing free rent, Stang built himself a make shift studio in one the bedrooms where he could program beats over which future Kid Stuff melody-man Tim Kohler would rap using his alias “The Electric Jew”, and record Withrow’s ongoing acoustic projects.

Perhaps because of the illegal nature of the operation, this whole project was kept secret from the world, and eventually was undone when Stang left the state.

… more sought after than some of Atlanta’s more established bands just months after playing their first show …

After returning, Stang struggled to settle back in, waiting tables at multiple restaurants, looking for a place to live with a nice big basement to make music in. Luckily for Atlanta, Ryan found his basement on the east side.

Tim Kohler of Hannah Barbarian soon after hauled his keyboards down to Ryan’s basement and put his contagious pop sensibility to work, writing hooks and vocal melodies over thumping beats. Sam Jacobsen, formerly of Small Reactions joined in with his synthesizer, adding another layer of swagger, dance moves, and impressive skill, never missing a note while wailing on the tiny keys of his Korg.

“The band is just about having fun,” Kohler says, “We just want people to forget about work, girlfriends, boyfriends, finals, and have fun”. The band’s first show was in the basement in which it was born, named, ‘The Funderdome’ by the group. Friends piled in wearing tie-dye t-shirts that had been homemade by Ruti Jones and friends especially for the occasion, and it was a complete mess of a success.

… “The band is just about having fun,” Kohler says, “We just want people to forget about work, girlfriends, boyfriends, finals, and have fun”. …

Ruti Jones became an official member at a Wonder Root show, their first performance outside of the Funderdome, when she was called up to sing back-ups on their cover of Aaliyah’s, “Are You That Somebody” (a 90’s classic). The dynamic between the four was completed as she added harmony, rhythm on tambourine, and most importantly, always a new idea to make the next show as much a visual experience as a musical one. The band makes and wears costumes. They bring in their own light show to venues. They put friends to work, gearing them up in homemade paper mache masks to wear in the crowd. They truly put on a performance.

Beginning the year, Ryan Stang’s social circle knew him as the guy who makes dance music in his basement. Now he’s quickly marking accomplishments off his list, having made people dance behind his mysterious box of beats at The Earl with Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, and 529 headlining a show with Living Rooms, and there’s more to come.

… will work together to make sure the event will force out the troubling emotions caused by real life …

The band is planning a show with The North Trolls to release a split on tape titled, “North Kids Trollin’ Fer Stuff”. The bands, each with an energetic live show, will work together to make sure the event will force out the troubling emotions caused by real life.

By Isha Edwards

Going beyond their individual roles and celebrity status, Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, Corey “CoCo Brother” Condrey,” Canton Jones, and Lil iROCC Williams are among entertainment industry men committed to social change in their communities, nationally, and abroad. While their age and experiences vary, each is using his time, talent, and resources to make a defining difference. In addition to acknowledging their individual achievements, they are celebrated for championing the notion that leading begins with serving

A Firm Foundation

Synonymous to being an actor and recording artist is the passion Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges has for children. A father of one, Bridges’ Atlanta-based, The Ludacris Foundation is a tangible expression of his values and commitment to the community in which he was raised. The foundation also fulfills his vision to “inspire youth to live their dreams, uplift families, and foster economic development in the community.”

For Bridges, community service entails providing financial support as well as investing more than 3,500 hours to changing the lives of young people across the nation. Since 2001, The Ludacris Foundation has donated over $1 million to nonprofit organizations. These figures translate to impacting more than 7,000 lives. From developing healthy eating habits and financial literacy to providing supplies to those in need and reaching runaway youth, Bridges “shows young people they are the architects of their future…”

True to his commitment, Bridges is personally involved with and actively participates in running the foundation. “I was taught as a child to help others in need. When I had little I gave what I could. When I acquired more and formed my foundation, I gave more–not just monetarily but also by using my celebrity status to help others. Giving back is not what we do it is who we are,” Bridges commented.

Self-esteem, spirituality, communication, education, leadership, goal setting, physical activity, and community service are eight attributes Bridges learned at an early age. In addition to demonstrating these core values personally, the eight attributes also serve as the foundation’s Principles of Success.

With an eye towards the future, Bridges’ outlook is positive. “As time goes on I hope that we are able to influence and positively affect the lives of young people everywhere,” he said.

Bridging the Gap

Being able to rise above homelessness, alcoholism, and suicide attempts is Cory “CoCo Brother” Condrey’s testimony. Each Sunday, ten million listeners tune in to Condrey’s The Spirit of Hip-Hop (TSOHH) radio broadcast on Radio One’s Hot 107.9 in Atlanta. In between his Hip-Hop infused praise and worship sets, listeners of all ages call in or visit the station to share testimonies, express gratitude, pray, sing, “clown”, and even cry. When appropriate, Condrey reciprocates in the form of financial and other donations–a concept he relates to “pay[ing] it forward.”

Although Condrey has been on the radio since 1995, his career-defining moment came in 2003. Going against program protocol, Condrey sought to meet the need of a homeless caller in the midst of a suicide attempt. “You are not going to kill yourself,” Condrey told the caller. “Your mess [will be] your message.” Within an hour, listeners flooded the phone lines offering to assist where needed. The experience changed Condrey’s life as well as his program format.

Where he once was the guy on the bridge who understood the church and the streets but did not know how to balance having faith in God and having fun, Condrey now provides balance in an entertaining yet relevant way. As a result, lives are changing daily. “We accept everyone for who they are and we walk with them,” he advised.

The vision of TSOHH is to “bridge the gap between the church and the streets worldwide.” This entails providing listeners with inspiring music and messages from celebrities, Hip-Hop personalities, and leading pastors. “Radio is for the community and the people. We are supposed to service their needs,” Condrey noted.

Through TSOHH Condrey hosts annual toy give-a-ways. Exodus is another annual event geared toward young people. Last year, Exodus drew over 8,000 children, youth, and young adults to church on a frigid Thursday night. Celebrity guests, Fabo, Rodney Jerkins, Detrick Haddon, Fonzworth Bentley, and Crime Mob’s Diamond and Princess were among those to lend their support.

Among other efforts, this summer, Condrey will launch Stand 2007. Backed by Atlanta mayor, Shirley Franklin, young people of all ages will be led in a charge to be righteous, pure, and to pray.

Currently, TSOHH is nationally syndicated in 15 Radio One markets including Atlanta, Dallas, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Detroit, and St. Louis. The program also airs live on the station’s website.

Love by Example

For two-time Grammy Award nominee, Canton Jones, music is simply an expression of love set to music. “I cultivate the love of God in my life so when I come in contact with people they can actually feel genuine love.” According to Jones, his third album, which was named for daughter, Love Angel, also reflects the fact that God is love. Rather than book tour dates by contract or schedule, Jones tours where he is led. At times he turns down paid bookings to go into schools and community centers across the nation. Often, Jones uses his own resources to cover concert expenses in rural and urban areas. In addition to feeding attendees and providing school supplies, Jones spends countless hours talking to concertgoers one-on-one after each show. He also uses these opportunities to impart wisdom, discuss values, motivate as well as counsel. Jones says he does this because “saving and enriching lives is just that important.” When he is not on tour, the Morehouse College alum oversees CAJO International, which is the business arm for his community outreach. Jones also mentors a number of independent artists in his charge–many of whom he has known since they were teenagers.

“The work that God has blessed me to do in the community is like breathing. I do it without thinking or hesitation. It’s not just the ‘hood it’s the neighborhood as a whole that needs to know that God loves them,” Jones said. Moved by his passion for the betterment of young people, Jones does not mind being a living, loving example.

A Lil Different

Lil iROCC Williams is a multi-hyphenate in the making. Unlike his peers and unique to the New Orleans born emcee, Williams is an actor, model, recording artist, and co-owner of Authority Music–a recording company he started with his father, Big ROCC, when he was 14. Since his 2003 debut album, Williams has garnered three Stellar Awards and a Dove nomination. A high school graduate (at age 16), Williams is currently producing his third album while considering scholarship options for college and working on a number of nonprofit initiatives. “The media would have people to believe that young black brothers my age are all about the wrong things–doing whatever and living without regard. Well, I have committed to do the direct opposite and be a lil’ different,” Williams, commented.

In partnership with his father, Williams plans to implement a program that will inspire and enhance father-son relationships. A joint venture with Third Day International Ministries entails building and maintaining a school and dormitory for disabled children in Ghana, West Africa. Currently, Williams is working to raise $20,000 to fund a 10-day mission trip to Ghana where he will help with the school’s completion, teach, and speak to the country’s youth. Another nonprofit venture Williams is involved with is a scholarship foundation spearheaded by Higher Dimension Ministries in Houston, Texas. The scholarship provides quality education and nurturing in a safe and productive environment for displaced and orphaned children affected by hurricane Katrina.

Williams’ 2007 objective involves doing more to “help poor kids right here at home.” “There are kids in this country that look like me. They are my age and younger and go to sleep hungry–that shouldn’t be and I have to do something about that,” Williams advised.

The compassion Williams has for serving others also extends to his fans. In addition to challenging his fans to “adhere to a higher standard of positive living,” Williams shows interest in their well being. Williams believes in developing a relationship that includes being touchable, open, and supportive. Between singing engagements, Williams visits public schools where he performs then talks with students about career goals, life issues, and how to “get through moment by moment.”

“Young folks look to [each other]. We want to see ourselves doing some amazing and out of the ordinary things because it helps us feel like the dreams we keep to ourselves aren’t so crazy,” he said.

While much work remains, a path has been paved and the fruits of labor can be seen in the lives these men touch. As history is written, the pages will note how these men and others like them led the effort to do the most good.

Watch the Celebrating the Men that Lead video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i99XxTABCjY

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By Hampton Jackson

For those who don’t know much about the artist Gucci Mane, he was raised in Atlanta Georgia from a young age, but came from Birmingham, Alabama. He wanted to take the name of Gucci Mane as his performing name because the nickname of his dad was “Gucci Man” and he wanted to keep the memory alive. Even though his dad was not around for him growing up, he still idolized his dad because he was a hustler in the streets.

His real name is Radric Davis and he was born in 1980 in Birmingham and raised mostly by his mother. He got started with writing poetry and self-expression when he was about ten years old. He started making rap music in 1997, but always looked up to artists like Lil Flip, 8 Ball, and MJG who were having a lot of success for the south. Eventually, he would follow suit and end up having just as much success, if not more success, than all of the people he looked up to.

Before his rap career, he got his first job at a local bakery and said that he actually liked it. However, he knew that there was more money to be made by doing what he refers to as “hustling” on the streets. When you really want to have financial success coming from a difficult place, it takes a lot more than putting in work at a low paying job. Radric worked with a lot of people out on the streets and got his money to the level that he needed.

The road to success was not easy for him, though, as he was faced with many legal troubles. He ended up getting locked up in 2005 because he was involved with a shooting of someone that attempted to rob him; he fired shots in self-defense. He turned himself in to the police, but there was not enough evidence to convict Radric for his crime. He would end up in and out of jail several more times for things like gun charges, possession of drugs, and a probation violation that kept him locked up until 2009. He is now free on the streets and making music with some superstars like Mariah Carey and Lil Wayne.

His musical perspective as a rapper reflects his life as a hustler on the streets, which is why so many people can relate and enjoy his songs. He is considered a legend in the South; especially East Atlanta Zone 6 where he continuously represents in his music. He also currently owns and manages his own entertainment label called “So Icey Entertainment.” On the “So Icey” label you can find artists like OJ Da Juiceman, the highly-acclaimed producer Zaytoven, as well as the up-and-coming artists like Wooh Da Kid, Frenchie, Waka Flocka Flame, and Chilla Pertilla.

Hampton heard Gucci Mane music on his radio and wanted people to know more about Gucci Mane.

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