The Japanese-American MC and Durham native has found his niche in Los Angeles.
Tag: hip-hop
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Album review: ‘’Baggage’ by Sk, the Novelist
While ‘Baggage’ has relatively little connection to classic hard bop jazz of the previous century, its cover design shows that Sk has a sense of history and an interest in finding his own place within it.
Video premiere: “Alabaster” by Spaceman Jones and The Motherships
“We wanted a video that bubbles darkly and tells the story of someone who is striving for a different life. A better life,” says Cliff B. Worsham of Spaceman Jones and The Motherships.
Spaceman Jones & The Motherships launch a second EP
The duo’s approach to live performance is adapting to this less-is-more philosophy. “We’ve learned that features don’t really work — it’s enough with just [Davaion Bristol] and me,” Cliff Worsham says.
Letter: Where can teens go for hip-hop in Asheville?
“Let’s name it. Discrimination based on race, based on social class, based on capitalism. That’s what’s going on with hip-hop in this ‘socially progressive’ town.”
Video release: “Nobody Knows (But You)” by Po’Folk
In his latest project, Asheville-based rapper Larry “Po’Folk” Williams blends hip-hop and gospel to talk about the belief in himself and a higher power that helped him through his hardest times.
Asheville rappers Po’folk and Spaceman Jones battle at Sol Bar
Larry “Po’folk” Williams discusses his musical journey and the significance of going head-to-head with an MC he greatly respects.
Single release: “Mommy Love to Dance” by FTO
It’s been a busy summer for Boone-based hip-hop collective Free the Optimus. The group recently released two tracks, back-to-back.
VIDEO RELEASE: “Realize (Real Lies)” by Mook
In rapid-fire verses, Mook attacks fair-weather friendships and inauthenticity in all of its forms.
Black Violin brings a musical hybrid to the Diana Wortham Theatre
“Our goal for our kids’ show is the same as the adult shows,” Kev Marcus says. “It’s to entertain, educate and inspire, simultaneously. You’re teaching them something, but they don’t even know that they’re learning.”
LOCAL VIDEO RELEASE: “Doin the Most” by The Gift
R&B artist Ty Young, aka The Gift, recently dropped a video for his song “Doin the Most.” Featuring KJ Carter, is was shot on Wall Street in downtown Asheville.
Spaceman Jones and Chachillie release a collaborative EP
The soul-searching and beat-savvy four-song collection came out of four- or five-day writing and recording session. Spaceman Jones and Chachillie perform a show at The Odditorium on Saturday, Jan. 21.
MUSIC VIDEO: Natural Born Leaders
The band recently released two videos that showcase energy and funk, and a creative mashing of styles into something that feels fresh.
Acoustic Asheville: Story Daniels
The band got together in downtown Swannanoa on a smoky day to give an exclusive three-song performance for Xpress.
Smart bets: 11:11 Awaken Asheville
Bryan Divisions will host the event alongside hip-hop performers The MadScientist, Siyah, Edmond Ivory and MNMK and electronic musicians Guilty Pleasure and WiZo at Timo’s House on Friday, Nov. 11
Sound track: Twenty Sixteens by C. Shreve
Local hip-hop artist C. Shreve the Professor is prolific. He’s constantly turning out new work as well as performing onstage and contributing to efforts like Cypher Univercity. His latest release, Twenty Sixteens is almost a double album, weighing in at 18 tracks.
Unapologetically Southern
For all of the obvious sonic reverence and Southern hip-hop lineage, Big K.R.I.T. is first and foremost one ferocious rapper. The Meridian, Miss.-based MC performs at The Orange Peel Wednesday, Dec. 9.
DJ Rekha spins bhangra, hip-hop and leads master class at UNCA
DJ Rekha makes her Western North Carolina debut with a performance Thursday, Nov. 12, in UNC Asheville’s Justice Gym — complete with a dance instructor to demonstrate some moves — and a master class Friday at Lipinsky Auditorium.
Asheville native Chance the Artist headlines Goombay’s Sunday gospel celebration
Gospel-rapper Chance the Artist, an Asheville native currently based in Atlanta, headlines the Goombay on Sunday, Sept. 13. After turning his life around an devoting himself to positive rhymes, Chance finds himself on the cusp of some potentially major turning points, including the forthcoming debut of an official website, a DJ to enhance his live shows and a team to assist him on the business side.
N.C.-based Cypher Univercity movement grows in Asheville
Cypher Univercity was started in 2010 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh by MC Mike L!ve. The five year anniversary of the movement will be celebrated — along with the release of FTOLive, a new album from Free the Optimus — at The Orange Peel on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Re-introducing Asheville’s Ponkinhead Entertainment
While the do-it-yourself ethic in music is often associated with punk bands, in Asheville, there is a hip-hop label that fully embodies that spirit.