B FRESH Photography and Media » B FRESH News

Hip Hop is Resistance Tour feat. Rosa Clemete | Booking Now!

Rebecca McDonald — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:10:30 +0000

B-Girl Be gallery show

Rebecca McDonald — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 06:58:01 +0000

“B-Girl Be saved my life.” -Rebecca “B FRESH” McDonald

B FRESH Photography and Media in the B-Girl Be gallery show, 2010

INTERMEDIA ARTS PRESENTS:
B-GIRL BE 2010
Fifth Annual International Multimedia Festival
A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN HIP-HOP

The gallery show is at Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
Curated by local artist and photographer Michele Spaise.

It runs from August 6th – September 18th
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10AM – 6PM
Saturday: 12PM – 5PM
Sunday: Closed

Opening Reception: Thursday, August 19; 7-10 PM
Featuring: DJ and Hair-Raising Fundraiser by Moxie Salon
($30 haircuts at the opening reception to raise funds for B-Girl Be)

Descend into the underworld in SIDESHOW, the interactive visual arts exhibition where seven Twin Cities-based artists use the distinct aesthetics of hip-hop to mirror, stencil, sketch, paint and project a multi-dimensional landscape and interactive game gallery exploring power, self, identity, and sexuality.

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Carnivals across the world have used the Sideshow to feature those who are different, who don’t conform, the misfits and oddities whose inner selves go unseen. But shine a light on those hidden selves, and the unique and powerful are revealed. Our interactive multimedia exhibit, featuring six women and one self-proclaimed monster, celebrates unconventional perspectives and connects our kindred spirits.

Women in hip-hop have been marginalized, stereotyped, sexualized and pushed to the sidelines. But we refuse to stay there. We have persevered, knowing ourselves to be masterful artists, creators, and innovators. Our skill and imagination allows us to transform our perspectives, unleash our experiences and connect with our communities with intelligence, love, and inspiration.

No longer just a sideshow and so much more than a freak show, women in hip hop are THE soothsayers, the vandals, the beat contortionists, the ringleaders and the masters of ceremonies…. at B-Girl Be, we are the main event!

The first of its kind worldwide, Intermedia Arts’ B-Girl Be multimedia festival influences and inspires leadership in changing the perceptions and roles of women in hip-hop for current and future generations.

Rest in Freedom Lolita Lebron

Rebecca McDonald — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:12:09 +0000

“Maria Isa Lolita”
From left to right: Ivan Fontanez, Mavin MC, Maria Isa, and Luis Ortega
Make up by Yvette Iris
Photo by: M.Riviere; Emetrece Productions © 2007

Lolira Lebron, an amazing woman and advocate for Puerto Rican independace, passed away this morning in San Juan from complications of respitory disease. Twin Cities/New York recording artist, Maria Isa introduced me to Lolita through her track “Die, Not Kill (Lolita)” in 2006.

I spoke with Maria Isa this morning about the impact Lolita has had in here life:

“I will forever remember waking up on August 1, 2010, to hear the news that Lolita Lebron passed away. I can’t remember a day when I didn’t know who she was–in fact, my first MC name was MC Lolita. I am happy to see all the love from the movement- she has not only stood up for the Puerto Rican Freedom movements, she also represented for the feminist movement. Lolita’s work and legacy lives through my intentions in the movement, empowering me and the next generation of women who stand up and speak up for what we believe in. I am sad because we will no longer feel her heartbeat in the movement, but her legacy lives on through us. Today only inspires me more, and my father said it best: ‘She’s free from all the haters, and her words still live. Que Viva Puerto Rico Libre y Pa’lante siempre. Machetes in the sky! ” -Maria Isa

Click HERE to download “Die, Not Kill (Lolita)”

written by Maria Isabelle Perez

Chorus

No vine pa’ matar, yo vine pa morir

‘cause I didn’t come to kill yo, I came to die

V.1

On that first day of March 1954

She took a stand for her gente being ignored

Got dressed to impress, train ticket purchased,

Gap in her purse, with her flag as a kerchief

Went to disrupt Uncle Sam’s regular shift

They say three men along with a tough bitch

I like to say three believers of a plot made by a woman,

Trying to take a stand when no one wouldn’t

They said that they couldn’t

‘til this day others say that they shouldn’t have

But yo, I tip my hat

For that lady who yelled

“Viva Puerto Rico, Viva Borinquen libre!”

And shot a blast

Si se puede! ‘til this day yo yes we can

Got me doing what she did man

In front of a band

I reside on a block full of snow and not sand

But I’m reppin’ the same

Wanting to claim back our land!

V.2

Let’s release those imprisoned for wanting independence

From these inconsiderate devils in suits

Handcuffing our hands not giving a damn

My phone’s tapped, trying to give us the

Red, white and blue boot

I’m shooting my bullets outside the studio booth

A romper las caras, of those corrupting our youth

My winds blowing the truth, let me check

You a priest yes, ‘cause the girl’s ready

And I’m here to confess

I don’t want no blood shed,

I don’t want no mess,

I’m telling those putting my flag between their legs

Que me tiren un movimiento pa’ ayudar

Los que no tienen na, los que todavian suenan

Striking for a better life with no defense

Of the amendments, ‘cause they don’t know of their given rights

Like you know I rep la de Lares and the 5 stripes

1 star, 3 red and 2 of them white!

V.3

Having pride for my ancestry of the NY

Baruch project, yo the Lower East Side

All the way to the light blue

Vega Baja, Santurce, Bayamon,

Si Senor, the Ponce skies

Let the drums, cua,

Maracas ride, dancers at the side,

The curanderos, santeros

To clear my mind

Along with the turn tables

Boricuas been Rock Steady Crewin’

Like Pop Master Fabel

Hip-hop Rokafela

Now el reggaeton se explode

Afuera de la isla and no one is stable

Securing that the culture won’t get knocked down like Babel

Emetrece con la Isa bringing knowledge to the table

Que leen el periodico de ayer

Signaling with the Smokes

Y tengo la llave

Keep bumping Fania All-Stars

On the calle, no one hit wonder here

I ain’t Rico Suave!

Blame It On Hip Hop $500 scholarship

Rebecca McDonald — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:55:45 +0000

Meet Blame It On Hip Hop:

The “Big Question” Hip Hop Scholarship Essay Contest

Blame It On Hip Hop (BIOHH), a Twin Cities-based apparel company, hit the scene in 2002 with a positive message. Marcus Manning, Richard Strong and Michael Livingston are still pushing that message, providing a fresh and concious alternative to other urban wear, and supporting the advancement of Hip Hop culture. With the violent end of the Twin Cities Hip Hop Awards this year, BIOHH finds it more important than ever to continue the dialogue about Hip Hop, and support the educational opportunity of youth in the Hip Hop movement.

BIOHH is offering the chance to win $500 through a educational scholarship essay contest for high school seniors and college students nationwide. Two winners will be selected this March by a Hip Hop all-star advisory panel, based on students’ answers to one of the following “Big Questions”:

1) What is the importance of hip-hop culture and it’s foundations, and what active role are you taking to give back to hip-hop? or
2) What do you think the world would look like without hip-hop, and what significance does hip-hop have in your life?

Applications have been pouring in, as students across the nation express their experiences and opinions about Hip Hop. Essay details can be found on Blame It On Hip Hop’s website, and applications will be accepted through March 15, 2010. I sat down with Marcus Manning for a briefing on the company and their national scholarship contest.

B FRESH: First of all, what is “Blame It On Hip Hop?”
Marcus Manning: Blame It On Hip-Hop (BIOHH) is an apparel company based in the Twin Cities, but we are about more than hot clothes—we are a movement dedicated to fusing three elements: one, highlighting the positive aspects of Hip-Hop, two, giving back to the community, and three, looking fresh while doing it! We are committed to highlighting the great strengths and positive aspects of the Hip Hop culture, and you can see us out in the community putting in work.

BF: So where did the idea for Blame It On Hip Hop come from?
Actually, I woke up one morning fed up with Hip Hop continually being blamed for societal ills. I decided to make a t-shirt saying just that–“Blame it on Hip Hop.” However, we flipped it, and the so-called “blame” is on the fact that Hip Hop has brought people from all cultures together. Hip Hop has given our kids opportunities, got them off the streets and on the stage and so on. That is the only blame we can put on Hip Hop.

BF: That is an interesting approach. But what do you think the general public’s perception is when they hear your name “Blame It On Hip Hop without hearing your story and background?”
MM: The assumption is that we’re saying “F-Hip Hop, it’s to blame for anything and everything wrong.” However, the slogan creates conversation, which is a starting place for greater understanding–That’s what the phrase invites. People always ask, “Wait a minute, what do you mean by that?” Then, we get the chance to build and educate.

BF: How did you decide to start up a scholarship? What did that process look like?
MM: We value education and always have. We were trying to decide what we could do that would be impactful to potential students. BIOHH wanted to make sure that we created opportunity and encouragement for first time college students, and increased the probability for students to stay in school. We carefully chose an advisory panelists that are not only lovers of the Hip Hop culture but who are currently active in various ventures designed around keeping the culture rolling. We developed engaging questions for the essay, criteria for the contest, locating potential sources to assist in spreading the word, contacting media outlets, getting on the radio and doing interviews to spread the word. So far, we have received many essays from across the country from young people who are passionate about elevating Hip Hop culture.

BF: So the reception to the scholarship has been good so far?
MM: It’s been pretty steady, but we’d still like to see a lot more essays! The reason being is that the more people can speak, write, rap etc. about how Hip Hop is affecting them, the deeper the meaning. Sometimes, putting your thoughts on paper can have a crazy effect on your views.

BF: What new message/ideas do you want consumers to walk away with after they purchase your product?
MM: We want people to know that it’s important to invest in brands and products that are concerned with doing good. An investment in the BIOHH brand means that we’re able to produce more shirts, which in turn, allows us to develop more scholarships and make education a real option for people around the world.

BF: What makes you message different from FUBU or Sean Jean? How do you distinguish yourself from the rest of the clothing lines out there?
MM: We’ve all worn Sean John and Fubu and countless other brands. Sean John was my joint. Our goal is to consistently bring highly moving aspects of the Hip Hop culture to the forefront. When we uplift the community through the work on the ground everyday, it’s beneficial to everyone involved in Hip Hop. It’s not so much for self-promotion. Yes, we are a for-profit company but our road to the top is different.

BF: When developing your product, what are the main elements that you keep in mind?
MM: When developing our product, we must create apparel that is aligned with the values of our company: movement, fashion and advancement. We hold ourselves to a high standard. As a social entrepreneurship venture, we are intimately allied with Hip-Hop, and we stand behind the idea that people come before product. We strive to make sure the quality of the product compliments the quality of the conversation.

BF: How does the fashion statement with your t-shirts you are making match the mission of the company?
Over the years, we’ve had tons of designs. From wild break dancing shirts to straight text. Just like Hip Hop, there are so many facets, styles and ways of expressing your individuality.

BF: In the end, what does success for BIOHH look like?
MM: Our goal is to become the leading company producing thought-provoking t-shirts worldwide. That means that people all over globe are wearing the BIOHH brand– they become part of the movement, fashion, and advancement of the Hip Hop culture.

B FRESH Photography and Media coming to New York!

Rebecca McDonald — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:49:01 +0000

Rebecca “B FRESH” McDonald is a new media specialist working in the arts, the Hip Hop community and politics, specializing in photography (headshots, events, concerts, photojournalism), and new media branding/identity/marketing.

Now booking:
New York (December 28- January 31)
Minneapolis (February 1-13)
New York (February 14-March 9)

Are you in need of some creative headshots?
Have you been wanting to update your bio?
Interested in developing your online identity/branding?
Need coverage of your next event?

Holler at Rebecca for all of your photography and media services, starting at $150 for a limited time!

Through her photography and journalism she has photographed, interviewed and worked with notable figures in our cultural lanscape, ranging from Davey D, KRS One , Madonna, Rosa Clemente, Afrika Bambaataa, Spinderella, Brother Ali, Immortal Technique, Lady of Rage, Ralph Nader, as well as countless artists, activists, politicians and musicians.

Her work is frequently featured on www.daveyd.com, and as a freelance photographer and journalist, she is a part of the Minneapolis Village Voice team (City Pages) specializing in coverage of the Hip Hop community. Her work has also appeared in such publication as ColorLines Magazine, The Nation, The SOURCE, VIBE Magazine, Wax Poetics, IMPOSE Magazine, urb.com, and on the cover of The Liberator Magazine and Anattitude Magazine.

B FRESH’s work aims to mobilize public consciousness and incite community power development. She is passionate about social justice, collaboration, and creative communication.

Interested in booking? Contact bfreshphotography@gmail.com

New Logo

Rebecca McDonald — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:09:21 +0000

Check out the new logo, designed by KupiArt.