Avant

Sat., Aug. 22, 8 p.m., $38.50, with K’Jon and Melonie Fiona, Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, 215-572-7650, keswicktheatre.com.

by Deesha Dyer

Unfortunately for Avant, the R&B singer emerged at a time when the market was flooded with male voices. Still, his early 2000 hits “Separated” and “My First Love” charted and built him a solid reputation. After that, his stuff started to sound alike, blending into the rotation of radio monotony. His latest album, Avant (Capitol), is more of the same, but at least he can actually sing.

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http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/20/jaguar-wright

Jaguar Wright

Wed., Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m., $25-$40, with taragirl, The Rebel Yell, Dannis Anderson, Jessy Kyle, A. Dot, DJ Randy Flash and DJ Imperial B, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

by Deesha Dyer

A survivor of the local neo-soul movement, the fierce Jaguar Wright has been flicking ears ever since she showed up on an MTV stage with the Roots and Jay-Z. Although her last album came out in 2005, she’s been a regular at live shows and continues to give the people what they want — a raw taste of soul.

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/13/john-legend

It always feels good to welcome home a superstar. Although not originally from Philly, UPenn alum John Legend perfected his talent on local stages. His third release, Evolver (Sony), is a chunky bit of upbeat soul goodness including “It’s Over” featuring Kayne West and “Green Light” featuring Andre 3000. Internationally, Legend is one of the most recognizable voices in music, and he’s just getting started.

hip-hop

With the funny viral hit “I Love College,” Asher Roth did a huge belly flop into hip-pop. Crafted for the average kid who still actually buys music, the song made Roth nationally recognizable and Asleep in the Bread Aisle (SRC/Universal Motown) got ranked on several charts. Maybe his 15 minutes are stretching into an hour, but let’s let the local kid be. Philly represent! I mean, Morrisville. My bad.

Thu., Aug. 6, 8:30 p.m., $25, with Kid Cudi, Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St., ticketmaster.com.

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/06/sneaker-pimps-tour

Sneaker Pimps Tour

Sat., Aug. 8, 8 p.m., $18, with The Clipse, They Live, J. Cole, Stalley and Hustle Simmons, Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. Ninth St., sneakerpimps.net.

by Deesha Dyer

hip-hop

Sneakers are hip-hop’s most persistent fashion statement. From the days of “My Adidas” to now, when you’re stepping out to a show or party, your foot game has got to be on point. Australian Peter Fahey helped bind the music, art and kicks cultures together when he founded the annual Sneaker Pimps Tour in 2003. Co-headlining with 1,500 fancy pairs of sneakers at the Starlight Ballroom on Saturday are the fine and fashionable duo The Clipse. They have a solid fan base, but have yet to recapture the success of their 2002 debut, Lord Willin’, which featured hits like “Grindin” and “Cot Damn.” They’ve been working on a new album for what seems like forever, but kept ears wet with a series of mixtapes showcasing their Southern Virginia lyrical ability. Joining them will be Carolina rapper/producer J. Cole and Philly’s own Hustle Simmons. Come funky fresh and dress to impress.

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/07/02/erik-rico

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/06/18/anthony-hamilton

Anthony Hamilton

Tue., June 23, 8 p.m., $39.50-$65, with Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, ticketmaster.com.

Are you a man who messed up with your lady? This is the chance to make it right. Anthony Hamilton is bringing his gritty soul sounds to the receiving ears of women in the tri-state. Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele will be there to share the love, too. If this concert doesn’t get you out of the doghouse, there isn’t much hope. – Deesha Dyer

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/06/18/bee-eater-showcase

Bee Eater showcase

Wed., June 24, 9 p.m., $5, with Ethel Cee, Hustle Simmons, Fel Sweetenberg, DJ Akshun, Keziah, Leah Nicole, Hezekiah, U City, Reef the Lost Cauze, DJ Ultraviolet, hosted by Mars Five, Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., beeeaterrecords.com.

Waiting around has never been DJ Ultraviolet’s thing. That’s what attracted her to Bee Eater Records, the Philly-based digital-only label that houses acts like Hustle Simmons, Ethel Cee and Fel Sweetenberg. While each has carved out their own reputation, Ultraviolet is counting on the label pushing the city’s hip-hop to new heights. “I did it because it needed to be done.” – Deesha Dyer

Roots Picnic, KRS One, Dancin’ In the Streets: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/05/21/june

Adele, Philadelphia Citypaper, 4/30/09: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/04/30/adele

With a retro-soul voice echoing Joni Mitchell, Britain’s Adele is taking a victory lap to confirm her Stateside success. Her 2008 hit, “Chasing Pavements,” exposed her range of vocals and emotions, while her cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” proved she could hold her own on classics. Get used to her America — Adele isn’t going anywhere.

Sun., May 3, 8 p.m., $29.50, Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St., 215-627-1332, ticketmaster.com.

Del the Funkee Homosapien, 4/30/09: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/04/30/del-tha-funkee-homosapien

The Monkees-inspired “Mistadobalina” carried his 1991 debut album, and “Clint Eastwood” made that Gorillaz CD a must-have in 2001. But Oakland MC Del the Funky Homosapien trajectory has gradually been slipping over the past two decades, thanks to some dull recordings and lackluster live shows. Regardless, fans still come out to get a glimpse of what hip-hop used to be.

Sun, May 3, 7:30 p.m., $14, all ages, with Bukue One and Mike Relm, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

Reef the Lost Cauze/King Magnetic, 4/16/09: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/04/16/reef-the-lost-cauze–king-magnetic

Between their zillion other projects and tour dates, MCs Reef the Lost Cauze and King Magnetic found time to make Shadyville, a mixtape with walk-ons by Brother Ali and Edo G. Says Reef: “We heard the ’80s were back but all we saw was the nerd version of the ’80s, so this is our contribution to the retro movement — the birth of gangster rap.”

Fri., April 17, 9 p.m., $10 (free for ladies before 10 p.m.), with E-Life, Capo, Scholar and more, Tacony Billiards, 6201 Keystone St., 215-338-4733, taconybilliards.com.

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.

Alice Russell Philly Show:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/03/05/soundadvice (scroll down)

Foreign Exchange Philly Show:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/03/05/soundadvice (scroll down)

Haj of Dumhi, Flowers Review:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/03/05/home-records (scroll down)

U.City, The Fall Review:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/03/05/home-records (scroll down)

215hiphop.com with Jonene Taddei:

http://215hiphop.com/category/wordplay/

Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant

In the ’80s, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant made their bones as the voices of hood romance in New Edition. Since the group’s split, reunion, split and reunion, the solo careers of each have moved women to tears with hits like “Tenderoni,” “My My My” and “Sensitivity.” The trio’s Valentine’s Day concert at the Keswick will set you back $60, but the laugh you’ll get seeing Bobby Brown gyrate is priceless.

—Deesha Dyer

Sat., Feb. 14, 8 p.m., $59.50, Keswick Theater, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside, 215-572-1894, keswicktheatre.com.

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Heltah Skeltah

The name Sean Price can stand alone in hip-hop, but when you add it with his Boot Camp Clik cohort Rock, well, it’s nuts. With several albums under their belt, Heltah Skeltah are bringing their energetic, rhyme-infested show to the Khyber. They’ll be joined by Silent Law, Skyzoo, MAGr and more.

—Deesha Dyer

Fri., Feb. 13, 9 p.m., $20, with DJ Gravity, DJ Jim Redz and Big O, Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888, thekhyber.com.