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.

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!

Check out the single “Goin’ Out” HERE!

Lyrics Written and Performed By Maria Isa (M.I.Perez, BMI) | Produced, Mixed and Engineered by Eddie Sancho

Interview and photos by Rebecca “B FRESH” McDonald of B FRESH Photography and Media

B FRESH: Eddie, you say music is your life, so how about telling us about your journey through music to where you are now in your career.

Eddie Sancho: In the beginning there was house…..lol…i was listing to Marley Marl (WBLS) and Red Alert (KISS FM) and they were a part of the inspiration to drive me towards becoming a DJ.

Before becoming an engineer I started off as a DJ. Any income I was making at the time would all be gone buying records.  I would vibe off all genres of music and loved to read the credits on them.  I would read the credits and see produced, recorded, engineered and mixed by such and such and I was like, what does this all mean? While looking for answers to all this, I remember hearing a radio commercial for IAR (Institute of Audio Research) and basically the message was “Get involved in the music business, make a future for yourself in audio.” I knew right there and then this is what I wanted and that I was gonna make it happen!

I began interning at D&D and it was rough…..I had to work my way up.  I decided to move my internship hours to night to gain more experience.  There was one engineer, Mike Rogers who was always cool and I learned a lot from him. He became my mentor who taught me a lot and within 6 months, I became assistant engineer at D&D.  Within 2 years, the studio gained confidence in me and I became a staff engineer.  Within that period of time I happened to record a session for Lord Finesse on “Return of the Funky Man” Remix produced by Show Biz with scratches by Premier.  He really liked how I mixed that song, and at that time Premier was looking for a studio to record the next GangStarr album.  He asked me to assist him on the project which later became the “Daily Opperation” album.  I started with him as an assistant, but than eventually was promoted to work as head engineer.  From there, the rest is history.

BF: What are some career highlights?

ES: What can I say? Look at my discography and read the credits…each and everyone has been a highlight. [Editors note: Check out the discography here.  You will be amazed, to say the least.]

BF:  Your discography credits includes some of the greatest talent Hip Hop has seen; everyone from Notorious B.I.G. Gang Starr, NAS, to Jay Z, M.O.P., Rakim, and KRS…Tell us one of your most memorable experiences as Hip Hop’s “Engineer Extraordinaire.”

ES: Premier was out of town and he asked me if I could work on Thanksgiving Day back in 2002. It was for Snoop Dogg’s “The One and Only.” What more can I say, it’s Snoop and Premier…and me on the mix, of course it went well!

BF: What does your creative space look like today, compared to in the 90’s?

ES: Easy! I have a laptop. [Laughs] You wanna go back to the 90’s and have a board? A 2-inch tape machine? That was all great with the analog sound, but I still get that sound in today’s digital world. [Laughs] I love technology!! Sure, Pro-Tools took all of the studios out, but in the long run, it’s been more convienent for me. You gotta keep up with the times.

BF: What is the most enjoyable part of your creative process?

ES: Being determined to create and mix the next sound for the new generation of hip-hop.

BF: What goes on “behind-the-scenes” with engineering?

ES: I sit alone in my four-cornered room staring at Pro-Tools!

BF: So how did you get into producing?

ES: I was influenced by Todd Terry and his work with house music.  Even though I was an engineer, I always wanted to work on my own production.  I had an opportunity that was offered to me from Todd, to start focusing on my production, and from there I began working on both mixing and producing.  History!

BF: Eddie produced 4 tracks and mixed two others on your new mixtape “Sip It.” How did you both meet?

Maria Isa: I was invited by my close-friend and good mentor, Toki Wright, to rep the Twin Cities in NYC at Rhymesayer’s Fresh Air Tour which featured Toki, Evidence, BK-One and Brother Ali. I had an all access pass and happend to bump into Evidence who asked me who I was. I answered back “Toki and Ali’s lil sister…” and Ali responded saying “Our sister who’s repping the movement hard.”  Eddie Sancho was there supporting Evidence and happend to introduce me to him.  I gave him a copy of Street Politics and …..

ES: From there I accepted the copy, checked her music out and it was history!

BF: What makes the work the both of you have collaborated on for “Sip It” any different from what either of you have done in the past?

ES: Maria Isa is the first female rapper I’ve collaborated with, who’s also not from New York.

MI: The work I’ve been doing with Eddie brings me to recognize the influences that the New York sound has had in my life. I’m a child of New York raised in Minnesota…literally..NuyoRico to SotaRico…it feels good to be able to now bite the big apple while repin’ the miny one with St. Paul’s blessing. Sip it!

BF: What should people expect from “Sip It?” What is the vibe of the project?

MI:  Sip it…it’s a flava that describes a cultural movement and fusion- Something that I think no matter where you are from, what you listen to, you’ll have a good time bumping it in your speakers. I wrote the majority of this project in between acting in RENT and traveling back and forth from NYC to the TCs. I wanted to showcase more of the MC in me…but I still throw on the vocals It’s like Hip-Hop meets Rita Moreno.

ES: In regards to my productions on “Sip It,” expect the truth from Maria. She’s really a true artist, who believes in her craft and songwriting. All I can say is that Maria took our songs to another level, and soon all of those who listen to our work will experience that feeling.

BF: So Eddie, what is it like to work with Maria Isa? What makes her stand out from other artists?

ES:  Her work ethic. Maria’s always ready to rip up the mic and always determined to finish a song once we start. We’re always bouncing back ideas, while the both of us are willing to respect and hear out positive criticism.

BF: And Maria,  what is it like to work with Eddie Sancho? What makes it different working with Eddie, compared to other producers/engineers?

MI: It’s very tribal. He’s willing to expand his creativity and enjoys to venture with many different styles and sounds. I think that’s why we work well together.  I’ve also never worked with a producer who’s been a die hard METS fan. I lost a bet with Eddie when the Twins lost the series to the METS last June. So I had to wear a METS hat…hard for a die hard TWINS fan to do, but I’m a lady who keeps her word!

ES: Haha!

BF: Do you see collaborative projects happening in the future?

ES:Yeah of course! We’re working on the next set of hits…so stay tuned!

MI: Sip-it!

Hurt is more than a filmmaker- He is a media activist, writer, commentator, lecturer/speaker, husband and father. He is a published writer with work in publications like the New York Times. He is an anti-sexism activist and is most widely known for his documentary film work, often playing on PBS’ Independent Lens series.  Since 1993 he has appeared or been seen/heard on  CNN, Access Hollywood, MTV, BET, ABC News World Tonight and The Montel Williams Show.  Hurt uses his creative voice in film and written word to speak out about issues that so many are afraid to address, such as gender, racism, sexism and violence.
We sat down with Hurt in his New Jersey home to talk about his work, life and upcoming project, Soul Food Junkies.
B FRESH: How did you get started in documentary filmmaking?

Byron Hurt: I made my first documentary video, Moving Memories:  The Black Senior Video Yearbook, when I was a senior at Northeastern University in Boston in 1993.  Moving Memories is about the trials and tribulations of being a black college student at a predominantly white university in New England.  It took me about 6 months to make, and I shot it with my first video camera, a Canovision E250 Hi-8 video camera that my parents bought me for Christmas.  The journalism department at NU gave me $300 to make it.

BF: As a filmmaker, what is the most exciting part of the process for you?

BH: I enjoy shooting and then logging the footage we shot.  I love interviewing my subjects and I love to see what’s in the can so I can begin to figure out what’s actually there to use in the film.

BF: What does a “Day in the Life of Byron Hurt” look like?

BH: It depends on the day.  I travel a lot, so think “Trains, Planes, and Automobiles.”  I spend a lot of time taking off my shoes at security checkpoints at various airports around the country.  When I am home and not in production, I spend a lot of time returning emails, phone calls, or writing.  When I am in production, a typical day is being out in the field shooting interviews and b-roll for a video project.

BF:  Describe your creation process, in relation to your upcoming project Soul Food Junkies.

BH: I decided on the topic of Soul Food Junkies during the time when my father was sick with pancreatic cancer.  I had issues with my father’s eating habits and wished that he ate healthier. When he died in 2007, I decided that I wanted to make a film that focused on health and wellness issues facing black Americans.  I have radically changed my eating habits over the past 10 years and I am very interested in food consumption, the food industry, health and so on. I hope to get my audience to think more critically about the kind of food we eat and feed our families, and I hope the film reaches as many people as humanly possible.

I am currently staffing my crew for the film and I want to have a strong, creative, intelligent team to help me make an extraordinary film.  I go into production in early May.

BF: I first saw your work Beyond Beats and Rhymes while in a communication class in college. When you started planning and filming for this project, did you imagine it would reach people like me in classrooms across the country?

BH: Yes I did actually.  I knew that if we made a great film, it would have a huge impact and would reach a lot of people around the world.  So I stayed focused on that goal and communicated that with my editor, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon, throughout the process.  She did a great job of organizing the footage and helped to figure out the structure of the film.  The film took almost six years to make but when it was finished the public was ready to embrace it.

BF:  Can you share a few of your most memorable responses to your films?

BH: After a screening in Washington, DC, a young African-American man stood up during the Q&A, and said that he identified with the aspiring rappers who were rhyming about violence, misogyny, and homophobia just to get a record deal.  ”After watching the film,” he said, “I am going to make music from my heart, not to impress a record executive.”  It was a powerful moment, and as the creator of the film, his comments meant a lot to me.

BF: In all of your films, what do you aim to accomplish?

BH: I want to make my audience think, cry, and laugh.  I hope that they walk away from my film transformed in some way.

BF: Have you had any life-changing experiences while doing research for or filming one of your projects?

BH: When doctors diagnosed my father with pancreatic cancer while I was in the editing process, my life changed forever.  It was very difficult to finish the film while he was sick — probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do.

BF: You are a filmmaker, activist, writer, lecturer/speaker, husband and father. How do you balance all of these roles?

BH: It’s hard to balance being all of the above, especially now that I am a father.  But I do my best to stay focused and on point.  But I will admit, I need a personal assistant!

BF: Any shout-outs or last words?

BH: Big shout out to my wife, mother, sister, and daughter.  They support me and always have my back.  Also, to everyone who has supported me and my work: thank you, thank you, thank you!

To find out more about Byron Hurt, please visit his website: www.bhurt.com or find him on Facebook.

B FRESH: How long have you lived in the Twin Cities?
Aja: I was born and raised here. I grew up in the ‘burbs so I had a quiet childhood. I think all those squirrels and birds and ability to see the stars at night kind of stuff let me really tune into my inner artist throughout the years.

BF: Aja Interesting Facts?:

I love shoes! My mother taught me and my older sisters to always match your purse with your shoes and to have matching undergarments, just in case. I love reading psychology books and adore the color Orange.
I am obsessed with Orbit gum. I always have a minimum of 5 packs of Orbit gum in my purse. I think it’s the commercials.

BF: Can you describe to readers what you do? It sounds like you do so much.
A: I’m predominantly a singer, or song stylist rather . I sing, act, write poetry, dance an occasional dance, and Facepaint in the summer. I also teach voice lessons.

BF: When you were little, what did you dream of? How has your journey to where you are currently connected with these dreams?
A: Since I was little, I’ve wanted to do nothing more than music. To learn things in school I would often put them to music such as colors, days of the week, etc. to learn them faster. I was a goofy kid, but I think I am finally coming into myself. I have always done music but God didn’t give me the go-ahead until I was absolutely ready…

BF: How would you describe your work, what you do, and your musical sound?
A: I see the art in everything around it and put it in my music that I write and covers that I seek to sing. I do a lot of covers because I am inspired by music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Now since I have started really recording my own stuff, I have noticed how much those have influenced me. Music is my vehicle for emotion. I don’t think I will ever be put in just one category of music. I draw from the people I meet, the food I eat, the love I feel sometimes fake and sometimes real.

BF:  How do you balance all of these things you do?
A: I try to find things that all contain music or involve music somehow.

BF: What inspires you?
A: The things that inspire me are the random music I hear, sounds around me, and the people I encounter. I often find myself expressing myself through music more easily than I can with regular conversation. I may feel something for one person that opens up the door to my creative mind and one emotion can turn into a four minute song…

BF: Are there any places you frequent, or things that you do that you can ONLY do in the Twin Cities?
A: I frequently go to the Blue Nile. I love that place. I don’t much travel as much as I used to but I haven’t seen many open mics with a live band and such popularity. I love working with Des and Kevin. We are the only place aside from New York that has some kind of arts everywhere you turn.

BF: What are some bragging points for you while living in the Twin Cities?
A: I was recently in the TOO BIG FOR MY SKIN video, a video laid over a piece Desdamona wrote. In 2002, I got to sing the National Anthem for a very well populated Monster truck Rally, I’ve performed at some festivals during the summer with my Fathers band, Urban Cadence, and have been on cable access I think for the past 9 months or so [laughs]. I was also in two operas with the Minnesota Opera chorus and that’s probably it.

BF: That’s fantastic! So, what are your plans for 2010? Any new projects? What should we expect from Aja?
A: Right now my life is one big music project. I am collaborating with Carnage on some music, both for myself and for an album he has coming up. My website is being built and I had a photoshoot with one of the best photographers in the twin Cities, B Fresh. I have about 12 songs and 25 pieces written and want to copyright them all and get them out this summer. Stay tuned!

BF: What piece of advice do you have for people?
A: My advice to anyone is love and be happy. Just open your heart to new experiences. One of the things that has kept me sane through years of trials is keeping a smile on my face and always laughing. You never know when someone might be gone so share your joy and love with everyone you encounter. I’ve always taken one thing from each person I’ve met so that would be another piece of advice I would give as well. Learn from others and appreciate, don’t block out their wisdom and try to hate. Love, laugh, smile, eat Orbit Gum [laughs].

BF: Anything else you would like to say?
A: I love collab-ing with various artists so if anyone out there wants a little something different on their project, hit me up! I read music and have a really good ear so I’m a good addition to projects!

BF: Any shout outs?
A: I need to give a shout out to Carnage because he taught me a lot and helped me come out of my classical music shell. He helped me get immersed into the hip-hop scene and learn more about it. Desdamona is my lyrical idol! She is amazing! My mother and father, for their support and for allowing me to be creative. I want to shout out everyone who supports me in what I do or has been touched by my music! Thanks!

Contact Aja here aja.darrah@gmail.com and listen to more of Aja’s musical stylings here: Myspace, YouTube, Facebook

Live on stage for the first time in the Twin Cities, the production of  RENT at the Lab Theater was a moving story of AIDS, heartbreak and love, as seen on Broadway. The difference is, Rent Minneapolis LIVE gave the big-city story a small-town feel.  Led by director Andrew Rasmussen, with directing  credits everywhere from the Chanhassen Dinner Theater to Radio City Music Hall, they accomplished the task of  inviting the sometimes-apprehensive  Minnesota audience to escape from the cold winter winds into their world.  With familiar Twin Cities faces,  the production showcased the enormous talent of local musicians Maria Isa and Harley Wood, playing the leading characters, Mimi and Roger.  The intimate setting of the Lab and the live band, paired with the ground-level stage made theater-goers feel as if they were watching the saga unfold right in their back yard. The production had costume changes with an unchanging set which worked to the actor’s benefit. Other local actors Reid Harmsen (who’s credits include High School Musical) and Kinaundrae Lee as the cross-dressing Angel, brought unique elements to the production.  The combination of powerful performances and the Lab Theater’s intimate setting left RENT’s haunting message with me long after I left the theater: “No day but today.”

Check out the behind the scenes photos by Rebecca McDonald of B FRESH Photography and Media:

For more information about the production, please visit: www.rentminneapolislive.com

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?

I sat down with Wright to explore the connection he is making between the local and global community. See video slideshow below.

B FRESH: With the benefit for Haiti that Rhymesayers organized and your new project where all proceeds will go to the same cause, tell us about the importance of connecting the local with the global community. How do you stay active and engaged in this connection?
Toki Wright: The world is a lot smaller place than we think. We have a lot more in common with our global neighbors than we think. Our music travels across the world and effects many people. As long as you are telling a true story you can connect with others everywhere.

BF: With your organizing and activist hat on, what would you tell people about the struggle or obstacles in making these local/global connections?
TW: The struggle is to make sure that your words find their way into all communities and they are backed up by action.

BF: Your new project touches on similar issues: From your travels around the world to the experiences of a simple day in the barber shop. What should fans and supporters expect from BlackMale and of Toki Wright for 2010?
TW: People should expect a very well thought-out project in BlackMale. Every song on the project is significant to me. It shows my growth as an artist and a person since releasing A Different Mirror. In 2010, I have no plans of slowing down or stopping. I have my first headlining tour coming up (the Black Belt Tour) starting February 25th. I’m going to keep pushing my released projects while working on features and my new album.

BF: What is your inspiration for the project?
TW: I was inspired to add to the documentation of the African-American experience. As we advance technologically we also lose much of our storytelling. If people dig up the United States 1,000 years from now and all they hear are tales of violence and partying, it will make sense why we were led to our own destruction. I want to be able to add some other answers.

BF: Give me your most memorable line from this project off the top:
TW: Off of the track Time Zones-”You wont make it to see 25/they tell us in the hood but they aint tell the kids at Columbine.”

BF: What is your creative process like?
TW: Stress and relief.

BF: What is a habit you have or something quirky that you do while creating?
TW: I keep a pen and pad next to my bed and try to always write my first thoughts when waking up.

BF: After coming off of tour and setting into your new position over at McNally, what has changed about your lifestyle, music etc, and what has stayed the same?
TW: I’m much more focused. I’ve been challenging myself to write in different ways. I don’t think I’m too much different from before the exposure though people may look at me in a different way.

BF: Do you have any other show coming up?
TW: Me and Sims from Doomtree had to make the decision of whether or not to play this benefit show because we are both playing at Sauce on Saturday, February 13th. The Haiti Benefit will be a lot shorter performances, but we knew we had to be present. I look forward to having a party with people both Tuesday and Saturday.

BF: If you could work with anyone this year who would it be and why?
TW: Me, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and J Dilla on the production. Why not?

BF: Is there anything else you want the world to know about Toki Wright?
TW: “BlackMale” will be available online next Tuesday February 16th. Twitter me. @mrwrighttc

Exclusive track: \Out of Nothing\ by Toki Wright