Me = slacker. I have 3 weeks of articles to put up…so here they all are…show previews mainly and a movie review…enjoy!
Muhsinah, Philadelphia Citypaper, 3/12/09 issue: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/03/12/soundadvice
With a voice refreshing as soda pop on a summer day, singer-producer Muhsinah has hit the ground running with her fusion of hip-hop, soul and nu-jazz. This D.C. native was featured on Common’s latest project and tour, and was the sole producer on her official debut day.break 2.0 (Rxlngr). She comes to Philly for the first installment of Eavesdrop sessions, a live extension of the radio show run by DJs Junior and Lil’ Dave. —Deesha Dyer
Lyrically Fit Hip-Hop Series, Philadelphia Citypaper, 3/12/09 issue:http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/03/12/soundadvice
Center Stage Promotions continues its Lyrically Fit Hip-Hop series with a slew of local MCs like Curly Castro, JawnZap7 and Kane. The artists and their crews take over the Troc’s Balcony in a night full of performances and freestyle ciphers. It’s also a platform to get your network on, so new artists are encouraged to swing on by. —Deesha Dyer
Idina Menzel, Philadelphia Citypaper, 3/19/09 issue: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/03/19/soundadvice
Nominated for a Tony award for her portrayal of feisty bisexual Maureen in the original Broadway cast of Rent, Idina Menzel has navigated her music past the theater. But not too far. Her latest album, I Stand (Warner), had a little of that dramatic Broadway musical vibe about it. The album made noise on the U.S. and U.K. charts, so I guess not too many fans minded. Take a bow. — Deesha Dyer
Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh,etc., Philadelphia Citypaper, 3/19/09 issue: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/03/19/soundadvice
Old-school hip-hop shows used to be rare; now you can’t throw your hands in the air without knocking off Slick Rick’s eyepatch. That’s fine. Slick and beatbox legend Doug E. Fresh’s classic “The Show” never gets old. They’re bringing with them baritone alliterator Chubb Rock and funny man rapper-turned-author Dana Dane. —Deesha Dyer
Jean Grae, Philadelphia Citypaper, 4/2/09 issue: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/04/02/jean-grae
She’s not in the X-Men but hip-hop MC Jean Grae does have a super power: fresh-to-death rhymes. Despite frequent insistence that she’s ready to hang up the cape, Grae keeps flying in to save the day with stunning solo material and collaborations (with Talib Kweli, The Roots, etc.). Not sure when the new album, Cake or Death, will arrive, but it will be just in time. – Deesha Dyer
Jennifer Hudson, Philadelphia Citypaper, 4/2/09 issue: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/04/02/jennifer-hudson
Simon Cowell said she wouldn’t make it, but there’s Jennifer Hudson with her songs on the radio and that Oscar on her mantel. After dealing with a family tragedy last year, Hudson is back for a nationwide tour with Robin Thicke. Considering most American Idol winners haven’t been able to put butts in the seats the way Hudson has, Cowell must be mad salty. – Deesha Dyer
Milk movie review, GeoClan, March 2009: http://www.geoclan.com/arts/articles/08/GeoReviewMilk.htm
When telling a story about a gay or lesbian political figure, a writer, director and producer has to work extra hard to not feed into the social stereotypes of homosexuality, as well as be sure the story is the essence of the movie, not the sexual orientation. So, when I sat down to watch the movie MILK, a biographical look at the life, accomplishments and untimely death of California politician, Harvey Milk, I was focused completely on his story.
The lead role of MILK was played by the impeccable Sean Penn, who embodied the character so well. Penn became Harvey Milk, getting his mannerisms, facial expressions and laughter down exact. The movie highlights how Harvey Milk became a hero in the 1970 San Francisco gay scene. He fought for gay rights and a chance to represent a culture and people who was often scene as unequal.
The film showed that not only was Milk a soldier for gay rights, he also stood for those who were misrepresented and mistreated. When he became the first openly gay politician in California, Milk knew that he would have more against him, than for him, but he still fought until the day he was shot by a colleague (played by Josh Brolin). The film also brought forth a ‘keep trying’ spirit, showing the numerous times that Milk lost elections. It was on his final try (so, he says) that he won a City Council seat.
MILK is an exceptional movie for a glimpse into not only the politics of that time, but also into how far, but not that far (example, Prop 
the country has come as far as gay rights. The scenes throughout the film were recreated impeccably with a remake of a 70’s San Francisco, as well as the marches that led to the unity in the gay community.
MILK has won the accolades and rewards of press, and film festivals worldwide, and they are all very well deserved. As the credits rolled, there was a need to find out more about the plight of Harvey Milk and the gay activists that have came after him. This was a wonderful, wonderful film.
I give Milk 5 GeoGlobes.
hip-hop
