CaliMANDA
February 5, 2010
Filed under Uncategorized
Tags: 35mm film, Amanda Lopez, Bay Area, Bay Area Photographer, Cali, CaliLove, josh lippi, melina jones, the park, Upper Playground
CaliLOVE-Image of Josh Lippi | Amanda Lopez Photography | source: Juxtapose Magazine http://www.juxtapoz.com/Features/talking-photography-with-amanda-lopez
Affirmative: big upping is in the air and there are many deserving of receiving propers, like this one girl I know—Amanda Lopez. Having a camera does not produce a photographer. A sincere ability to transform images that evoke emotion in people do, while exploiting the many artillery on the camera. I have always admired photographers for their dexterity of utilizing all their tools simultaneously. I see why it’s considered a fine art form and from the moment I viewed Amanda’s work, she held my attention, made me look deeper and inquire more—one of my favorite pastimes. Oh. . .{and} she shoots film (girl crush has commenced). If you are in the Sacramento area on February 13th, you must attend her upcoming show at Upper Playground, where she’ll be exhibiting her latest work CaliLOVE. Feeling very grateful to have Amanda represent our city. Truly. <3
Like You | Like Me | Like Us
January 29, 2010
Filed under To Date
Tags: do d.a.t., hip hop, melina jones, oakland, oakland in blue, san francisco, the bay, the bay bridge, the bridge
I have stepped away from my pledge to keep my social networking (Facebook, Twitter, et al.) down to a minimum for the last week, bombarding most of my social networks with discussion about the following little treat. The weblogs are blowing up with Do D.A.T.’s video “The Bridge”, featuring yours truly. This song was nearly two years in the making. From the moment of conception to its birthday, this ditty has been developed with so much love, and determination to be well-crafted: purging of {thautes}, metaphors, colors, textures, phonics, inflections—constructed—fractured, fondled, beaten, refined, pared down, then assembled into spectacular mathematics. We sweated, melted and threaded to achieve rare beauty which has been tucked underneath the sands of the Bay for a minute. This song will be included on D.A.T.’s full-length album Oakland In Blue, set for this Spring. The channel for delivering this video is {extra} filmmaker Erica Eng. It takes a real genius to translate the complexities of ill mathematics into a universally felt equation of {dope}.
I feel honored to have been asked to carry out this mission. There are so many emcees in San Francisco, yet I was chosen to be the representative (insert “WHAT!!!” in a grizzly Big L voice here). I blush, reveal my teeth every time I ruminate on this. Up next is a gold-miner-49er-end-zone dance. C’est toute!
Love you. Mean it.
MJ
My Friends Are Fresh
January 23, 2010
Filed under To Date
Tags: altered ground, bass lady djs, bay area sistah sound, dj zita, hip hop, joyo velarde, leydis, melina jones, pam the funkstress, photography, poleng lounge, watani fennell, watanifennell.com, zulu nation
In light of administering propers & thanks this month, I’d like to present more of my talented friends. First, inquire about this Bay Area native with as many special combinations as his F-stops. Watani Fennell is what the truth aspires to be and {you} need to know him. Kill it, Fennell!
Next up are some of {the} hardest working magicians in the Bay. DJ Zita and Pam the Funkstress, have facilitated the hugely popular Everlasting B.A.S.S. (Bay Area Sistah Sound) for the past two years. These are not female DJs, the are DJs. They are respected in the Hip-Hop community as professionals who can hold there own weight as well as the attention spans of their fans & spectators. Come celebrate with them TONIGHT (!) as they close out the last days of The Poleng Lounge with special guests, the lovely Joyo Velarde, Ledis (Los Rakas), while you get comforted by the Zuluist hostess—Altered Ground. I’ll see you there, non? Yes, and be on the lookout for the coordinates of their new venue. C’est tout!
Love you. Mean it.
MJ
The Bridge: Ya Heard?
January 19, 2010
Filed under To Date
Tags: Bay Area, Bay Area Hip Hop, do d.a.t., hip hop, melina jones, oakland, oakland hip hop, oakland in blue, san francisco, san francisco hip hip, somar, the bay bridge, the bridge
My good friend and talented Oakland based lyricist, Do D.A.T., had a superb idea to create a song: the focal point being San Francisco and Oakland, each other’s adoration for one another’s city, and the Bay Bridge assuming the channel which brings us together (as Bay Area folk and artists). I was graciously asked to be the SF component and feel {hella} tickled to have been a part of a project executed with volumes of thaught. I’m not gon’ give anymore away; D.A.T.’ll explain the liner notes in light of those lil’ treasure. For now, listen to the project. Many nuances referencing the 41510. If you blink, you’ll miss them. Then, go to SOMAR in Oakland this Sunday to the “Oakland In Blue” video release party of “The Bridge.” S’gonna be so pretty. C’est tout.
Love you. Mean it.
MJ
Do D.A.T.- The Bridge :: Oakland In Blue Album by FreshVibe Media
Where Were You?
January 18, 2010
Filed under To Date
Tags: dion decibels, king day of service, martin luther king jr, melina, melina jones, mlk, peace
I was eight years old sitting in my living room in Brisbane, watching the footage of the riots and police brutality of African Americans of the ’60s and Martin Luther King’s speech, and his assassination on KTVU, while my mother was making dinner. I remember it feeling like I got hit in the chest as I sat adhered to the TV, then storming into the kitchen and demanding an explanation from my mother: “Why are people so mean, Mommy!” Ain’t been the same since.
In light of my project to give propers all this month, I give {infinite} propers to ‘King’ Martin Luther King, Jr. for the contributions he made to the world and his remarkable legacy, which can be found in the hearts of people on the daily. And just to keep the flame of gratitude lit, our Bay Area beloved disc jock—Dion Decibels—has taken the liberty of redistributing a promotional mix of tracks (circa 2008 Youth Speaks “Bringing The Noise” event) which reflect and celebrate MLK. What a perfect opportunity to download and listen to it, light a candle and reflect quietly (that’s me this day), or bump it in your headphones while you’re on your way to extend yourself for King Day of Service. Either way, hope you’re all celebrating in your own way. Celebrate! Yeeeee! C’est Tout.
Thank you. Mean it.
MJ
Do.
January 13, 2010
Filed under To Date
Tags: assist haiti, donations, donations to haiti, earthquake, haiti, haitians, hip hop, relief for haiti, yele
I had been building many other headlines to talk about, but they quickly got upstaged after I began to follow the developments of the earthquake disaster in Haiti.
My heart goes out to the people of Haiti. I can only imagine the magnitude of despair following the destruction, although I hope some of the effects and tension (death tolls, Parliament collapsed, prisons busted and inmates have escaped, displaced families), will be alleviated by the assistance being offered globally by countries, such as Canada, The U.S., France, Norway, Germany, China, Spain, Iceland, and Mexico. . .these are just a few. Some of these countries have sent millions of dollars, sent aircraft equip with basic supplies & food, and delivered medical relief.
Being alive and well in my city makes me feel {exponentially} blessed, buh-lee-dat! There are many different ways we can fiscally support Haiti. Here are some quick resources:
Wyclefe Jean has set up a disaster relief automatic donation: Text “YELE” to “501501″. You can also make an automatic $10 donation to the Red Cross by texting “HAITI” to 90999.
CNN.com has a pretty comprehensive list provided, if you feel compelled to further assist Haiti. I am doing what I can. I’m hoping that all of you set aside some time to explore how you can as well. C’est tout.
Love you. Mean it.
MJ
Elbo Greece
January 8, 2010
Filed under To Date
Tags: melina jones, melina, hip hop, richie cunning, elbo room, Melina Mercouri, Stella, B-Cause, 40neFunk, TGIF, BFF
As a freelancer, you’d think I would be leading a life of being luxurious and schlepping around. Such is not the case; I am putting in {hella} elbow grease. And I have been waiting all week for the upcoming breaky-pooh. Somma y’all are acquainted with the term TGIF, non? Well yes: thank god it is, although I declare today BFF{F} @ ER (Best Friends Forever Friday at Elbo Room). This is a ritual that has been practiced with my crew for years, which includes a modest consumption of malted rye libations, the kindest hospitality from the nicest bartenders, sonic indulgences from B-Cause (4OneFunk) and—as my brother would say—a healthy dose of talking smack & tellin’ lies. Come through for happy hour this night and engage in the bafoonary! 
Then come through again next Friday, January 15th, for the album release party for San Francisco Giant, Richie Cunning! Deedot and I will be performing live!
And here’s a side note. The other day, someone asked me about the origins of my name. A’ight, Melina is Greek. The root word is meli, which means honey. Purdy {sweet}, huh? Well, I am not Greek, but Melina Mercouri was and she is who my mother named me after. What a giant she was. Anyway, just a lil’ background. C’est Tout!
MJ
Blueprints
January 7, 2010
Filed under To Date
Tags: elbo room, fly routine, january, january 15th, melina jones, muni, night train, q&m rec league, richie cunning, san francisco
This is how it should be done. You are a giant, Richie! See you at Elbo Room – January 15th.
Move. Meant.
January 4, 2010
Filed under Uncategorized
Tags: melina jones, hip hop, dj, dj dmadness, disc jockey, records, music, mixtape, 2009 in review, 2009, reggae, soul, hip hop music, reggae music, soul music
I need to give huge shouts to kinfolk who have inspired me to step in the name of {work}. I will be administering a series of props throughout this month, beginning with the {one} Deejay DMADNESS.
I arose – unfrozen – this morning at 4:30 ante meridian – with my {work} heavy on my mind. Ran down the list of today’s tasks in my head, put on my workout uniform, got my Sun prepared for that ‘cooley’ high grind, then slid the 2009 Year-In-Review from DJ DMADNESS in my stereo – ready for some Kim Kardashian-inspired butt blasts and of course, Mos Def & Georgia Anne Muldrow BLAST from my speakers chanting Roses. The song is ridic, indeed, and has personal meaning to me. I wrote a letter recently, which originated from some heavy doses of truuf and love, then {nearly} second guessed my words last night. Gasp!
After listening to Roses, I got over myself; it was just what I needed to arrest my fear (so fresh how artists can inspire that). What follows is, as DMADNESS says, “The returns of Maxwell, Sade, Goapele & Souls of Mischief, dope Bay productions from Trackademicks, lots of extracurricular woodshedding from ?uestlove and Mighty Mos, next gen cats like Kid Sister, Wale and Jay Electronica (that’s Jay ElectRamadaan Muhammad Asalaamica Rasoul Allah Supana Watallah through your monitor to you!), African voices via Nneka & K’naan….” This mix is SO-DAMN-GOOD. I’m geeking out to it all day today. It’s well thaute out and knows when to get down, when to slow up (ya hoooeart & ya bo-dy). By default, I give all the artists thanks for having the audacity to fondle my ears & hoooeart by their work, but I’m giving DMADNESS exponential (^3) propers for personally handing me this mixtape on NYE with hierarchy being so appropriately considered in the mix.
So as I MUNI to the studio to work with the {one} producer Deedot (who don’t cease to surprise and inspire me on the daily), I am extra {hella} looking forward to the ride to discover more surprises in hopes to move around my ink. *siiiigh*
:: The Mathematics ::
The function of a mixtape is to brutalize you with ‘ugghhh’. . . to the point where you cannot resist the urge to search the track listing to discover the artists who are tugging at you – or get re-introduced to them – seducing you to purchase their art! This one has me.
You. Must. Inquire.
This is no official review, rather my honest thautes as an inspired artist. My appreciation for deejay messengers of the truth is for real. And if it are emcees and vocalists who break the hearts of fanatics, it is the deejay who assumes the role of the hoooeart beat which pumps those breaks, ya dig? C’est tout!
{Thank} you. {Mean} it.
MJ
Meddy New Yeeah!
January 2, 2010
Filed under To Date
Tags: elbo room, exodus, hip hop, jones, melina, melina jones, new year's eve, nye, richie cunning, work
In light of this new decade, and Nenge Mboko, I am sharing some of my food for all-o-y’all. Yeee!
:: HERE GOES SOME FOOD FOR YOUR SENSES ::
One of Sucka Free’s flowest – the mighty Richie Cunning – is releasing his highly anticipated album Night Train (g’head, RC)! Yours truly been asked to represent at the release party of this giant. If you do not know Richie Cunning, you need to walk to the nearest mirror, look in it and slap yourself, then download his Late Night Special Mixtape. The kid is super heavy on his craft and his presence is thunder & lightning. Elbo Room is about to get a dose of nutcase this night. I’ll be performing songs circa Swearing Off Busters as well as a few from my latest {work} that’s hella late, Heroine. Also performing is Delmon, while the legendary pioneer of wax, Kevvy Kev (yeeee!) will be present on deck. See you there, non? Don’t say no.
:: HERE GOES SOME FOOD FOR THAUTE ::
Two weeks ago, my landlord brought me up the Oprah magazine that the neighbor left when she moved out. Not a fan of the magazine, but I flipped through it, surpassing all of the uninteresting images and ads. About to throw it in my recycle bin, an image snatched my attention compelling me to take a second look. It was an article about getting unstuck, written by Daniel H. Pink. I don’t know who he heck Daniel H. Pink is, but I am very much aware of the formula for making moves: creativity and {action}! Of course I bugged out. I was like, “Hmmm, snaps to me for knowing this already, but dayum, thanks for confirming!!!” For those of y’all who felt that 2009 was the year of being stuck, this is a must read (and apply to your exodus)! Don’t. Sleep.
How to Break Free
By Daniel H. Pink
Trapped
“Getting unstuck requires serious innovation. Here’s a snazzy little trick from Oprah’s favorite right-brain creativity expert, Daniel H. Pink, to get your creativity flowing.
There are lots of methods to spark creativity, but I like one used by the founders of an Australian software company: They set aside a day for their engineers to work on any problem they want, so long as it’s not part of their regular job. These are called FedEx Days, because the participants have to “deliver” something overnight, and they’ve resulted in an array of software fixes that might otherwise never have emerged. Why shouldn’t this idea be picked up by someone who’s looking to switch careers or even just redecorate the living room? People underestimate how much a wildly varied group can accomplish in a short time. So enlist your own team with these ground rules: They can work on anything they want, but at the end of 24 hours everyone must deliver something—whether it’s a list of fields where your skills might translate or a sketch of how the room could look. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Worry about making it, period. And have fun. If you’re not laughing during your FedEx Day, you’re doing it wrong.”
MJ Notes: Some larger, more intimate tasks than rearranging your living room may involve some tears & sweat, a few curse words & such. As long as you are {doing} it with the intent to reach a your destination, then you are doing it right. C’est tout!
:: HERE GOES SOME FOOD FOR YOUR TUMMY ::
Among the many various dishes to bring in the New Year, Hoppin’ John & Cornbread are most appealing to me. They are so country and humble, yet immersed in a myriad of flava! A tradition for some to ensure a year thick with luck. If you are in the mood for some serious low-country-down-home-good-luck cooking, I highly recommend Marvin Woods’ recipes: his cookbook stays perched on my kitchen shelf, Sun!
… and good juju for you & yours all year.
Love you. Mean it.
MJ
