B FRESH Photography and Media » City Pages

Wu-Tang Clan

Rebecca McDonald — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:18:26 +0000

Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang Clan talks to City Pages’ Web Editor Jen Boyles in an exclusive video interview backstage at the Wu’s sold-out show at Epic Sunday night. B FRESH Photography and Media was there to film and catch photos of the show.

Born Jason Hunter, he and his large and long-loved clan of New York rap personalities delivered a late-night set of classics with Deck taking the reigns for the first several numbers that included tracks from the group’s best full-length to date, Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers — an album to which he largely contributed.

After the show, Inspectah Deck took a few minutes to talk to City Pages about Minneapolis fans, his upcoming album planned for 2011, and of course, our unique weather.

“This is one of the coldest cities I’ve ever been in, for real,” he says.

Check out the full 2-minute video below, and don’t miss his public service announcement at the end.

Here are some photos by B FRESH Photography and Media:

Check out a slideshow of the opening acts here:

Wu-Tang Clan + MPLS 4eva: Rappers and fans show off their gear

Immortal Technique

Rebecca McDonald — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:54:18 +0000

Immortal Technique in Minneapolis

(FREE MIX)

Originally published on City Pages

Written by Rebecca McDonald, photography by B FRESH Photography and Media

Immortal Technique isn’t your typical rapper. He raps about colonialism and racism rather than about girls and booze. Instead of spending money on chains and rims, he has wisely invested his money and given to humanitarian causes such as opening an orphanage/hospital in Afghanistan with Omeid International.

After returning to the U.S. from his trip to Afghanistan, and hitting up the stage at Soundset ’09, Gimme Noise caught Technique, who was in rare form: on vacation — in Minnesota. We chopped it up about his favorite place to eat in the Twin Cities, how he spends his time off, managing his investments, his love for classical music, and of course, revolution.

B FRESH: So you are taking some time off in MN? Did you catch a case of MN Nice?

Immortal Technique: I took a couple of days off because honestly, I don’t very often get to do that. I work ALL THE TIME. My entire life is built around ‘Objective, objective, mission complete. Objective, objective, mission complete.’ But I’ve been here a bunch of times. The first time I came out to Minnesota, my boys back home were like “You’re going to Minn….esota? Fuck is out there? And I was like, ‘Yo, B, they made the call. I’ll make the trip. I’ll tell you when I get home.” It was mad love. Then the first show I ever did at First Ave was something K Salaam set up-an event with Brother Ali… I like it out here. It’s cool.

BF: What is your favorite place to eat in the Twin Cities?

IT: Pizza Luce.

BF: People have described you as a revolutionary artist, but what does that work really look like?

IT: When you talk about being revolutionary you’re talking about getting things done in an unconventional manner…You are talking about taking an idea and reinventing it, or coming up with a brand new, original idea that you can give to the people. Revolutionary work is difficult because it puts you in direct conflict with the world of a performing artist. It’s almost impossible. It is impossible, I’ll say, to be a rock star and a revolutionary. And rap stars are the new rock stars. So, to go and fight that life, it’s very difficult.

BF: What are some of the challenges?

IT: I am sometimes accused by my peoples as being way too serious, or I’m angry or I bark orders at muthafuckas, but I live in a world where everything is so serious and the stakes are so high that I can’t afford the people around me to make mistakes, just like I can’t afford to make mistakes. I’m so on my business and managing my investments, and putting my money into groups that are helping people…I bought my grandmother a house, I put my sister through college, paid off my father’s car, bought hundreds of acres of land in South America…It’s revolutionary work because we are not trying to do this with some corporation controlling everything. We are trying to do this independently; we are trying to change the actual face of the music industry- a revolution, within the industry itself, to prevent them from controlling the rest of the culture. And it is guerilla war, because I am not fighting this thing to win. I am hopelessly outnumbered, and I am fighting a war with nothing, compared to what they have. And yet, I have managed to stake certain ground and hold it. And be like “Y’all can have all that commercial shit, but this right here, is mine. And you have to act right. And if you don’t, you’ll have to get kicked the fuck out.”

BF: While you are doing all of this traveling, what are you listening to on your most recent road trips?

IT: When I’m driving, I like anything from hip-hop to classical to opera. I’ve had Big L- ‘The Big Picture,’ I had some old DJ Clue mixtapes, Mozart’s opera ‘Don Giovanni.’ I like Classical music- my mother used to play it for me when I was in the womb. I always grew up liking that sort of thing. People be bugged out when I’m in a tour van or some shit, blasting opera, just tearing down the highway. People are like “Yo man, what are you doing.” I tell them, I just like this music, and if you don’t like it, you can get the fuck out- find your own show.

MORE:

B Fresh Photography was in the B96 studio to snap shots of Peter Parker talking to Immortal Technique. Click here for her all-access slideshow.

Late Monday night, Parker released the mixtape “Mr. Peter Parker Presents How Hard Do You Hustle Vol. 6 ‘The Best of the Worst’ Hosted by Immortal Technique.”

Technique opens the mixtape by saying “…We gon’ machinegun down all that fake-ass hip-hop that shouldn’t even be on the fuckin’ air. This is the best of the worst. Good night muthafucka.”

Chuck U

Rebecca McDonald — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 04:57:57 +0000

Illustrator Chuck U talks Robozoology, inspiration and hippies

Originally published at City Pages

Written by Rebecca McDonald, artwork courtesy of the artist

Chuck U is a Twin Cities-based freelance designer and illustrator, mostly known for his album covers and show posters around town. He doesn’t offer a complex examination of societal ills or provide introspective solutions to life’s problems. What he does offer is something cool to look at. When was the last time you thought about “monkeys as the new people” or an “old hotdog mill (see below)?” Chuck U likes when people to make up their own stories about his work, reminding grownups in a playful way that there isn’t anything wrong with using your imagination once in awhile.

After eight or so group exhibitions, Chuck finally decided to do a solo show at Nickademus Art and Framing called “Robozoology” featuring paintings and posters done over the past year (2009). We wanted to know more, so we hit him up.

BF: You have a new gallery show at Nickademus Art and Framing. Where does the title “Robozoology” come from?

CU: I was originally going to call it “Art is None of my Business” but my brother hated that name. So we sat down and thought about it. The word cryptozoology-ish, came up a few times, but that kinda sucked, then somehow we landed on “Robozoology” since I like to add robot parts to alot of my animals. Not sure which one of us actually coined it, but I’m going to go ahead and take credit anyway.

BF: What inspired this project?

CU: I don’t look at the show as a project. Its more like a collection of little projects. To be honest, I have no idea where my inspiration comes from. I’d would say “everywhere and everything” but that sounds kinda douche-y.

BF: You are known in the Twin Cities music scene for your posters and album covers. What elements in the Robozoology collection are different/similar from that work?

CU: A lot of them are similar in style to some of my more recent album covers (ie: the MN Beatle Project: Vol 1, or Dance Band “Geekadelic”) as far as lots of line work and stuff. The difference is that for these I didn’t have to make anyone happy but myself. No client to please, so I was free to get a little more weird.

BF: What objects are currently on your drawing table?

CU: I actually just cleaned it off the other day. But on my computer desk is a gorilla riding a shark.

BF: Tell us about your most memorable time painting.

By far the live paintings I’ve done at the Bella Music festivals have been the most fun. Nothing like 3 days of camping, music, and hippies for an environment to paint in. All of these stoned hippies would come up to me, and go into these long, ten minute explanations about what they think is going on in a print. That is my favorite shit in the world.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A SLIDESHOW of Chuck U’s art

Chuck on artwork (in order of appearance above):

“Monkeys Are the New People”

I spent an insane amount of time on this one. I had it pretty much how it is after about 2 weeks, but then, like an idiot, I kept trying to add other stuff to it. I did that for over a week, before I realized it looked best how it was.

“The Old Hotdog Mill”

This one started with just the buildings on the top, but it didn’t feel done. I taped another piece of paper to the bottom and kept going in that fashion until it was 4 sketchbook pages taped together. From there I scanned it in, cleaned it up, and colored it.

“Aristo- Trash”

Not sure where the idea came from, but I thought it would be cool if there were some sophisticated gentlemen sipping tea and smoking cigars in their underwear. After that, I added the trailers and the other stuff. I originally wanted them to be wading there feet in a kiddie pool, but it didn’t look right so I added a grill instead.

Playdate

Rebecca McDonald — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:50:26 +0000

Playdate comes to Minneapolis to ‘redefine nightlife’

Originally published at City Pages

Written by Rebecca McDonald, photography by B FRESH Photography and Media

A national movement focused on redefining nightlife has finally come to the Twin Cities, and just in time. “Playdate” gives young adults an option aside from clubbing, a welcome change considering the local nightlife that’s been even more limited after the recent closing of clubs like Visage, Trocaderos, Axis, Element, and Bellanote.

At Playdate, mingling, networking, relaxing and having fun over an adult version of childhood favorite games like Twister, Jenga, musical chairs and Simon Says gets people to interact and talk rather than have to yell over loud music to be heard. And it’s not just for young singles — at Playdate’s opener in Minneapolis,. there were adults in attendance from ages 21 to 60. By filling chairs with hot singles and Simon announcing ‘Drop it like it’s hot,’ a night on the town becomes something entirely unexpected.

If your style is a bit more competitive, impress all of the ladies with your Wii bowling skills or resurrect your hula hoop talent to woo the gentleman. Either way, you won’t regret skipping a night of barhopping just once.

Sarah White

Rebecca McDonald — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:11:36 +0000

Sarah White talks to Gimme Noise about leaving the Twin Cities for Brooklyn

Listen to C Train by Sarah White HERE

“I’ve learned you have to know what you want. If you don’t, you will never get it.” -Sarah White

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

(Short version originally published on citypages.com)

Sarah White in the studio

You might remember her as one of the first female lyricists putting it down in the Twin Cities Hip Hop scene, working with the likes of Black Blondie, Kanser, and countless other artists and groups. Sarah White is a mother, singer, emcee, photographer, writer, blogstress and wifey with a keen sense for social networking, marketing and design. After living in the Twin Cities for most of her life, she and her family decided to move to Brooklyn several years ago, to continue feeding their already-thriving music and artistic careers. White’s current fusion sound mixes up a bit of soul, hiphop, triphop, nujazz, rock and even folk. The streets of New York inspire her to stay on her game more than ever, and she has a brag list to prove it. City Pages took the C train to Brooklyn to see what she has been up to since relocating, and caught a behind the scenes glimpse of her recording in the studio with Rico/Dj Don Cuco.

B FRESH: I know of your work in many different facets, so you know I have to ask: What do you do? How do you describe yourself?

Sarah White: I am a mother, singer, emcee, photographer, writer, blogstress and wifey with a been itch for social networking, marketing and design.

BF: I’m curious, what did you want to be when you were little?

SW: First an obstetrician. Like Bill Cosby played on the Cosby Show. Then a movie star. Then a singer.

BF: Of course, a singer! And what inspires you?

SW: People around me doing what the love to the fullest with no regrets. My people in Minneap still holding it down inspire me with their creativity and dedication (like RSE, I cant believe the EMPIRE they have created and how much it impacts the scene even in NYC). The people in Brooklyn inspire me to always try harder. There seems to always be someone down the block doing what I do but tighter. Keeps you on your game! The community out here really works togther though, which inspires me for the things we can build for the future.

BF: For those that aren’t familiar with your work in the Twin Cities, tell us some folks you worked with?

SW: I’ve worked in [the group] Kanser, I was a member of Traditional Methods, Black Blondie (I started that shit with Sam- it was her and I in the beginning), Desdamona, I Self Divine, M.anifest, Kelsey Crawford, Booka B, Pee Wee Dread, Dj Don Cuco aka Rico Simon Mendez, Maria Isa, Felipe, Ike, Andy Gillespie, and so many more. I performed with tons of others, and Jon Jon helped alot with booking and promotion.

BF: What are some bragging points while living in the Twin Cities?

SW: I felt like I came into the music scene at the perfect time to help put Minneap on the map. First, with Traditional Methods we played and opened for great acts like Fishbone, Lyrics Born, Camplo, Atmosphere, Sage Francis, etc playing everything from political rallies to straight up hip-hop shows in Dinkytown. Then, as Black Blondie got off to a great start, we opened for some big names like Jill Scott, Amy Winehouse, The Coup, The Roots, Alice Smith, the list goes on. We were nominated for the MN Music Awards, took second place for best band for City Pages in 2007?2006?, and even landed a spot in the Black Lily Music Festival in Philly. In the beggining of my solo career, I opened for K-OS and ?ueslove thanks to Jon Jon at Foundation before it closed down. I also helped to curate the first and second B-Girl Be festival.

BF: After moving to Brooklyn, how was it adjusting to NY after living in the Twin Cities for so long? 26 years, right?

SW: Yes, easier than I expected. Brooklyn is really inviting and I met amazing people right away, that made me feel home. The rats and “waterbugs” were the hardest part to swallow.

BF: What have you been up to since you left the Twin Cities for Brooklyn?

SW: So much. I have been releasing music, working on new projects, networking, building, dreaming… and trying to keep a balance with the family life in BK. When we first moved to Brooklyn, I hit the ground running and basically jumped right into the scene with music and photography. There was so much new to see, so many people to build with and learn from… I felt unstoppable, but exhausted!

BF: Who have you work with since living in New York?

SW: I’ve been working with Rico/Dj Don Cuco, Dhundee, Arch_typ, JTodd, Yellowtail, Busy, Altered Natives, M.anifest, Nicholas Ryan Grant, Kiva, Daru Jones, Imani Uzuri, Matt Shadtek, Kassiano, Rucyl, Andrew Edward Brown, Hadyn & more and I have performed with Ursula Rucker, EricRico, Eagle Nebula, Imani Uzuri, King Britt, Afta-1, RasG, Taylor McFerrin, Bobbito, Waajeed, TK Wonder, Jose James, Dj Moni, Rep Life, The Beatards, Caitlin Meissner, and so many more.

BF: What are some bragging points while living in Brooklyn?

SW: I released my solo EP, Hiding Blind in 2008 with distribution by Bagpak Records. That release was a very grassroots recording, most of it in my studio in Minneapolis and bedroom studio in NYC. I was also on a CD compilation by Dj Moni released by Toy Factory, and in Luire Mag in stores in Japan and online. That compilation featured one song by me, and other artist like Waajeed, Bilal, Little Dragon, Zaki Ibrahim, Dhundee, Coultrain, etc. We also have had tracks released in Italy, UK, Paris and music for sale in shops in Barcelona. I have been blessed to get a lot of press love, being featured in Luire Magazine in Japan, Parlour & Clutch Magazine, and tons of other online music sites and blogs. It has really helped to get the word out. I released a single (I WANNA BE WITH YOU Original and Rucyl remix) on King Britt’s label (FIVESIXMEDIA) in 2009 and they have been getting international play on dance floors. Rico and I have been a part of Saturn Never Sleeps (curated by King Britt and Rucyl Mills - http://saturnneversleeps.com/about) which brought me back to Philly to play. I also was honored to be a part of Imani Uzuri’s “A Black Girls Rock Opera” singing with her and other amazing musicians at the Apollo in 2008. The biggest thing so far, was winning the Scion Electronic Vocalist Competition, playing the “Friends We Love” Music Festival and being on stage with Muhsinah @ the Sonar Festival in Barcelona.

BF: Tell us more about winning the Scion Electronic Vocalist Competition, and what you did.

SW: First off, I have to give love to C-Rocka for pushing me to enter it. I’m not one for competitions, but I figured, what the ^&%$ do I have to loose? Basically, they started out with tons of singers and narrowed it down to 30. I had to write 3 original songs in 1 week, and perform them live with no effects, on camera and in front of industry judges, and be the best. Lucky for me, I won : ) I got a fat check (which bought Rico and I tickets to Barcelona for a month), recording equipment and a trip to Cali to record a track for a Scion AV Compilation. It drops next month. It was a huge blessing.

BF: What lessons have you learned since living in Brooklyn?

SW: I’ve learned you have to know what you want. If you don’t, you will never get it. Also, I’ve learned how to network my ass off. Its a business, really.

BF: How would you describe your sound, and how has it evolved since living in Minneapolis?

SW: I’ve have have difficulty describing my sound because its a fusion of so many, but people have called it soul, hiphop, triphop, nujazz, rock and even folk. I feel like since I moved to NY I have done more experimenting and genre-pushing, so Ive branched into more house, harder rock, grimier hiphop (is that a word?) and more soulful melodies. Just kind of turned it up a notch.

BF: Are there any places you frequent, or things that you do when you are missing the Twin Cities?

SW: Yes. That happens very often lately. I have found a few spots ran by Minneapolis people out in NYC, so I go eat there to get that Midwest vibe when I need it most. When I’m missing the music scene, I stalk everyone’s Myspace pages and videos, in complete shock at how dope everyone looks in Minneap. I still think musicians in Minneap are far more experimental and emotional than most cities. They push the art in the music and I love it. Miss it. So.. I google it.

BF: What can’t you live without from the Twin Cities?

SW: The wedge, Tao Foods, Bryant Lake Bowl’s granola pancakes and egg sandwich with veggie sausage, Origami Sushi, Drea and Emerson, My family!!!, Lava Lounge, Smitten Kitten, block parties, backyards and discounted shopping. I’m drooling right now…

BF: What are your plans for 2010? Any new projects? What should we expect from Sarah White?

SW: Everyday I’m hustin’. Expect to see more music! I will be releasing an EP from my new acoustic project, Via Barcelona, along with my full length album, coming soon. Also watch out for the project with M.anifest (S & M) which I’m recording as we speak, and a few singles/remixes. I am also excited to dive back into Hip Hop and getting back on my flows in 2010.

BF: If you could work with anyone in the industry right now, who would it be, and why?

SW: Wow! So many people. I guess I would love to do a track with Yukimi from Little Dragon. I love that band! They remind me of Minneapolis but turned up 100 notches. I would also love to work with the BLK JKS– they blow me away.

BF: Anything else you would like to say? Any shoutouts?

SW: Thanks to B FRESH for being so FRESH. Also check me out on Wronglips & Twitter! Shoutouts to Interlock, the Southside, White-Mendez-Johnson-Hughes Fam, and all my people in NY & Philly that keep inspiring me day to day! Thanks to Bagpak, SNS and my boo Rico!

For more information, please visit:

sarahwhite.bandcamp.com

www.mysarahwhite.com

wronglips.blogspot.com

fotosforbarcelona.blogspot.com