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EVENT RECAP: SheROCKS 2015 (3/28/15)

Posted by tagdmv on April 5, 2015
Posted in: Art, Comedy, Events, Fashion, Music, Poetry, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

There are a lot of artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and good doers in the world. Some you hear about, and some you don’t. In the arts & entertainment industry, there’s a noticeable group of people that you don’t hear about (either not that often or not at all)…women! Timea Gaines, Founder & CEO of Love Life Media, saw that need & decided to meet it through establishing a community (of both women & men alike)…and on Saturday, March 28, 2015, that community came together (for the 3rd time) to simply say, “SheROCKS“!



SheROCKS is “an event celebrating women who are culture curators, innovative artists and industry moguls dominating the arts world and impacting their communities”, according to the Love Life Media team. For the past 3 years, this event has taken place in the DMV area during Women’s History Month, to honor the women who strive everyday to live out their passions through their art. These are the women who step outside of their personal lives and set trends in arenas that are outwardly dominated by male counterparts. 
The venue was the District Architecture Center in Downtown DC…an openly creative space, which helped to foster the artistic vibes and community environment of the evening. No matter who you were in title, status or years of experience…everyone was on a leveled playing field and all that mattered in that moment was sharing in the creatively genius & talented moments that flowed throughout this community. 



Aisha Graham (Art by Aisha)



There were an array of vendors, from food & sweets bar (compliments of Elle & Emma’s Bake Shop), to accessories (such as jewelry, handbags, makeup, etc.), to books (including  authors such as Natasha T. Brown), to paintings (from artists such as Aisha Graham). While a lot of the community was supporting the vending artists, there was also a stage in which the community was able to listen to and support the performing artists. Hosted by comedienne Tea Love, the range of performing artists included singer/guitarist Danni, poets (such as Canden Webb & Just a Vessel), dancers (such as Queen P & Queenlin), rapper Jazzarae, runway fashions by Gerri Beatty, and other performers from outside of the DMV (including Geminelle Rollins & Good Girl). 



Gerri Beatty Designs





Danni



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Queen P

In addition to these forms of community support, the ultimate show of support is being able to honor these hard working artists. There were 4 SheROCKS 2015 honorees that evening, including Jasmine Crowe (Woman of the Year), Charly & Margaux (Artists of the Year), Jessie Adore (Industry Power Player of the Year), and Neesh Finney (Graphic Designer of the Year). 



Jasmine Crowe (Woman of the Year)



Neesh Finney (Graphic Designer of the Year)



All in all, it was a great time in community and fellowship. The vision of Timea Gaines has definitely come to fruition in ways which will continue to impact not just the DMV artistic community, but the artistic and business communities across the country. You can stay in touch with Love Life Media and their future projects, through Facebook (http://facebook.com/LoveLifeMedia), Instagram & Twitter (@LLM_LoveLife). 



Timea Gaines (Creator of SheROCKS)

-EMW

 

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Titan Arts Awards 2014: Complete List of Winners

Posted by tagdmv on December 15, 2014
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

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Here is the list of all winners from the Titan Arts Awards 2014:

Actress of the Year – Tatyana Scott
Makeup Artist of the Year – Kym Lee
Film Director of the Year – Teresa Davis
Musical Producer of the Year – Tree Gotti
Model of the Year – Lena Chase
DJ of the Year – DJ Mim
Internet Radio Host of the Year – Eddie Kayne
Graphic Designer of the Year – Creative Junk Food
Actor of the Year – Mike Brooks
Fashion Designer of the Year – Original Crackage
Choreographer of the Year – Demarcko “Retro” Price
Painter of the Year – Dez Customz
Female Group of the Year – Bella Donna
Video of the Year – Visto “Witcha”
Host of the Year – Eddie Kayne
Videographer of the Year – Chasity Corset Films
Blogger of the Year – Pat is Dope
Film of the Year – “Run” by Karim Mowatt
Rising Star Award – Main Girl
Male Hip Hop Artist of the Year – Fats Da Big Fella
Best Male Group of the Year – 4EY
Magazine of the Year – DMV Life
Female Vocalist of the Year – Reesa Renee
Male Vocalist of the Year – Pearis J
Fashion Troupe of the Year – Models Inc.
Breakout Artist of the Year – 4EY
Female Hip Hop Artist of the Year – Pinky KillaCorn
Dance Troupe of the Year – RAW Element
Internet Radio of the Year – Listen Vision
Promoter of the Year – Eddie Kane
Photographer of the Year – MidiEast
Special Honors: Nonchalant, Raheem DeVaughm, KAS, Ed the Artist, Anthony Tilghman & Will Rap 4 Food

Congratulations to all of the winners, and more to come on the Titan Awards 2014 soon!

Artist Spotlight: Rebecca Dupas

Posted by tagdmv on October 24, 2014
Posted in: Events, Photography, Spoken Word. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Poet, host, producer, photographer…and just to think, this is only “A Dose of Dupas”!

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Rebecca Dupas is a multi-talented artist that arrived in the DMV at the age of 6, via the great state of Louisiana. This graduate of Friendly High School (in Prince George’s County, MD), Towson University (undergraduate) & Cappella University (graduate), has taken the Baltimore and DC areas by storm, as a prolific & sought-after poet/spoken word artist and host of numerous open mics.

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Her openly candid, honest and thought provoking storytelling poetic contents have garnered her with the opportunities to host & feature in events/programs, such as Warm Wednesdays in Baltimore and Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville, MD. On top of that, her poetic gifts led her to Centric‘s “Lyric Cafe“.  Click here to check out some of her captivating pieces.

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Rebecca’s assortment of gifts have also led her behind the scenes, founding her own production company, “A Dose of Dupas“, as well as the Rebecca Dupas Photography company (also known as B-Sharp Imaging). Stepping behind the scenes has allowed her to influence others in DMV community as well, especially through hosting an annual gathering called “The Baltimore Host Retreat“, which gathers event hosts from the Baltimore and DC areas to trade and learn best practices, while growing and fostering a level of support for each other (and other artists).

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Rebecca shared more of her story with us, below:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: It’s difficult to decide which part of the DMV I represent. It really depends on who you ask. People introduce me in connection to both [Baltimore & DC]. It depends on where they met me, what venue I was hosting at the time, or where I was featuring. I grew up on the Baltimore City art scene with amazing artists like Lamar Hill and Archie the Messenger…artists who, like me, moved to the city and made a home there. I adore it and do a great deal of work there to include writing and hosting workshops. Most of the events I produced or hosted have been in Baltimore city. Still, I have love and respect for the DC scene as well. As a host of Busboys & Poets, and as a poet who takes the drive up and down I-95 (like it’s a corner-store run), I’ve worked to be sure that I’m connected to the great things happening in both cities.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: My mother and sister encouraged my poetry writing when I was a young girl in Mansura, Louisiana. They are both writers. Friends in high school and college encouraged me to perform. After my first night at an open mic in Baltimore City, I was hooked! I’ve been performing my poetry since 2000, and writing since my middle school years. Things transpired perfectly. I’m pretty sure that I am supposed to be a poet, host, producer, and author, among other things. I’ve recently established myself as a photographer as well.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I find inspiration all around me. Those who follow me on social media, let alone are familiar with my work, know that I turn the most random and unassuming moments into either a post or a poem. However, I also take a great deal of subject matter from my personal life. Surprisingly enough, those that I meet still say that I am telling their story. From the business perspective, I continue to produce events because I know that art saves lives, whether we are expressing it or listening to another do so. The same is true for photography; I appreciate the opportunity to help document people and things in my community, as well as capture moments that help others to feel strong and beautiful.

Q: What other DMV artist(s) have you enjoyed working with the most?
A: My production company houses several live art events. It has afforded me the chance to work with amazing artists and producers. One of my most recent endeavors is the production of a show called “Come On Son“. It is a touring poetry showcase starring myself, LOVE the poet, Shelly Says So & Bria McCormick. It’s always an inspiring experience. I enjoy sharing the stage with these powerful sisters…we always have a great time! Our audiences do too!

I also enjoy working with the team at Busboys and Poets. I’ve met amazing hosts in the DMV and poets from all over the country.

My favorite photographers to work with and learn from are Tya Anthony, Daryl Taylor and Anthony Tilghman.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I’m quite the introvert. Most assume because I host and perform that I am a social butterfly. I’m such the opposite. I prefer a quiet corner and a view of the action. My shyness and reservation are often misunderstood. Poetry and photography are tools to continuously pull me out of my shell. I’m grateful for both.

Q: What’s next?!
A: My fourth CD, Decade Three, drops this year! I’m excited to share this project and hope people will follow my journey at rebeccadupas.com.

My photography is taking off and I’m excited to dig into this new(er) venture. People can find our more at bexshotit.com!

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Be there to help Rebecca celebrate the release of her new album on Tue., Nov 18th at the Sports Zone in Gerogetown! You can also find her on your favorite social media networks, including Facebook (Rebecca Dupas II), Instagram (@rebeccadupas & @bexshotit), Twitter (@rebeccadupas & @ADoseofDupas), and YouTube. This star is continuing to rise, and we’re looking forward to more artistic Doses of Dupas to come!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer Dunston

Posted by tagdmv on September 12, 2014
Posted in: Fashion, Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

There’s a rising jewel amongst the DMV that will sooth the studios and stages, and slay the runway and magazines. Please meet Jennifer Dunston!

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Jennifer, who has migrated to the D(M)V area within recent years, is a multi-talented artist, who spans both the music and fashion genres. On the music scene, she has been known as a lead vocalist for the band, Sound Connection. She has also recently been working on her solo efforts (including her new single called “Get Lit“, which will be launching really soon), as well as covers of a few recent hits, such as “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys (http://m.soundcloud.com/jenniferdunston/girl-on-fire-alicia-keys) and “Thinkin’ Bout You” by Frank Ocean (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LM7CTMl2bIo&feature=youtube_gdata_player).

On the fashion scene, Jennifer has also been a sought after model. She has been a finalist in the competition to find “the face” of newly releasing local hair care line, House of Bombshell. She has also worked with local veteran photographer, Roy Cox.

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Check out more of what Jennifer has to say about her talents:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I‘m originally from Providence Rhode Island, but for now Maryland is home.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: Every Sunday I sung in the children’s choir and growing up I was inspired by the great Whitney Houston. I just love to sing and I have always had a passion for music!

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I have been influenced by individuals in the community but not by the community as a whole. Maybe as time passes that will change.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I wanted to be a Kindergarten or 1st grade teacher.

Q: Which do you prefer, music or fashion? Why?
A: Music! Music is my heart and it is second nature to me. Fashion is fun for me!

Q: What’s next?!
A: My new single, “Get Lit“, will be released this month, and my EP, Get to Know Me, is forthcoming this fall. “Get to Know Me” more by visiting my new website that will launch on September 19, 2014 at: www.jenniferdunston.com.

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You can also catch up with Jennifer on social media at Jennifer Dunston (on Facebook) and @hollywoodivajd (on Instagram). Keep following…she’s JUST getting started!

– EMW

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Jarrett Hendrix, Brilliant Artistry

Posted by tagdmv on July 31, 2014
Posted in: Photography, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , . 3 Comments

Photography…weddings, families, babies, senior class, sports teams, and selfies can all be forms of pictures that are taken. What about the simple artistic nature of just the environment that surrounds and inspires you each day?! Meet Jarrett Hendrix!

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Jarrett is a native of the DMV area, and a graduate of Largo High School and the University of Maryland College Park. He recently emerged onto the photography scene with a simple, yet common, canvas to display his works…Instagram (known on there as @BrilliantArtistry). Staying true to the original purpose of IG, his style of photography is that which takes the everyday elements (landscape and structural) and catches the beauty of the DC area (as well as other areas) as it exists, better known as street photography.

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Connecting with fellow photographers, such as IGDC, they have formed a community of like minded individuals that inspire and influence each other to continue building their artistry. One of the things that they bring out of each other is the creativity in which they use to get each shot. In a lot of Jarrett’s shots that you see, you may recognize and see these places/locations everyday. However, sometimes is all about the angle that people usually do not see. Those types of shots take creativity and risk! For example, getting a shot of a well-known street, but from the angle/perspective of the double-yellow lines right in the middle of that street…or going into a popular tourist building, but getting a look at a room/area that the average tourist does not get to see. These risky and awesome shots, coupled with thought provoking quotes, makes Jarrett’s @BrilliantArtistry page one that definitely separates itself from the average page that you would see on IG.

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We caught up with Jarrett to hear his prospective of his work, community, and aspirations:

Q: What part(s) of the DMV are you reppin’?!
A: I’m from DC (Benning Rd Area), but I currently reside in MD.

Q: What inspired you to engage in your artistic abilities?
A: I had a video camera that used a cassette tape about 25 years ago…and I’m 30 now. I just started getting seriously into it recently. I used IG as a way to see if I should pursue photography, it turned out to be a positive thing for me.

Q: How has your community influenced your gifts, and vice versa?
A: There’s 2 types of IG: 1) for photographers that want to network with other photographers (therefore more community based)…with that, I have met people from around the globe! And 2) then there’s IG for people to post selfies all day (like my sister…lol). If I go to NY, I can just reach out to people that I met on IG and we can build a group and shoot. I’m a street photographer, and that’s not an easy thing to do. So, since that community is so small, we tend to band together.

Q: What is your favorite place to shoot?
A: I like shooting NY, because there’s always something to shoot. While I like shooting NY, I like the challenge of shooting DC. In DC you have to keep your eyes open, and look for those pics that stand out amongst other pics. The most favorite thing I’ve ever shot was interior of the Library of Congress.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I do stop photography…so like, if you watch the news and they use file photos, I contribute to them. So, I’m trying to get into photo journalism next.

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Definitely reach out and follow Jarrett’s next level shots on his @brilliantartistry IG page (as well as @IGDC), and also follow him on Twitter (@Focusthenshoot).

– EMW

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Fashion Awards MD 2014 (6/21/14)

Posted by tagdmv on June 23, 2014
Posted in: Events, Fashion. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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High fashion, edge-of-seat entertainment, beautiful atmosphere, even more beautiful people, great times…that is how many would describe the much anticipated 3rd Annual Fashion Awards MD, which took place this past Saturday at The Brown Center (which is a part of MICA – Maryland Institute College of Art).

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The Brown Center at MICA

The upscale, yet intimate, setting provided a night to remember for many that were there. Fashion Awards MD founder & producer, Lana Rae, created this event back in the Spring of 2011, with the mission “to highlight, celebrate and recognize the talents of those who have made contributions to the fashion industry in the state of Maryland and beyond” (www.fashionawardsmd.com). The categories range from designers and stylists, to models and photographers, to accessories and boutiques, to media and bloggers. Anyone who takes a part in the making the fashion industry of the Maryland area a success is notably recognized and appreciated (talk about good vibes!).

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Host Jaslene Gonzalez & Producer Lana Rae

The theme for the 2014 awards program was “Traveling Fashion Circus”. The theme definitely reigned true in all aspects of the program, which featured circus-esque acts throughout the event, the abstract fashions that were featured during the runway portions of the show, and the face-painted (yet high fashioned) models that displayed the nominees and winners of each category. This year’s host/ringmaster, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 8 Winner, Jaslene Gonzalez, not only kept the fashions upscale and true to form (which she was Styled by Thea – Fashion Awards MD EMERGE 2014 award winner for Best Emerging Stylist & TAGDMV Featured Spotlighter), but also kept the crowd entertained with interactive raffle drawings (which included prizes from a new car – toy car that is – to a gift bag provided by event sponsor, Jack Daniels Honey, to “15 minutes of fame” – which was slayed by DMV media blogger & personality, Rich Rocket – to gift cards – which was also won by yours truly :-)!!!

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Other judges and presenters included Christopher Schafer, of Christopher Schafer Clothier and former President of the Baltimore Fashion Alliance, who was paired with Caprece Jackson-Garrett, who is the current President of the BFA, Sen. Catherine Pugh, who is also the Founder of the Baltimore Design School, Theresa & Joe Dyer, Producers of MD Fashion Week, and Isis King, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 11 contestant, fashion designer and motivational speaker. Both nominees and winners were equally excited to just be in the building and participate in this program that acknowledges their hard work.

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Sen. Catherine Pugh, Christopher Schafer & Caprece Jackson-Garrett, and Isis King

Check out @TAGDMV & @FashionAwardsMD Instagram page for more pictures, and be sure to visit the www.FashionAwardsMD.com website for more info on the judges, presenters, past winners & and to keep up with more events and pics going forward! Many thanks to Lana Rae and her team for not just giving back to her community, but also paying it forward!

– EMW

ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: DMVME

Posted by tagdmv on May 20, 2014
Posted in: Art, Comedy, Events, Music, Spoken Word. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In the DMV, there are numerous concerts, performances, events, festivals, etc. Often times, the performers/artists are a combination of locals and non-locals, or they’re limited to one type of artistic genre. What if there was an organization made in the DMV, whose sole purpose was to showcase the great artistic talents of the DMV?! Meet DMVME!

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The DMV Music & Entertainment (DMVME) brand provides a unique opportunity for Washington DC metro area artists, songwriters, producers, DJs, managers, music industry professionals and fans to meet, network and further their careers. They introduce some of the hottest up and coming urban music and entertainment artists; from Hip-Hop, R&B, Go-Go, Spoken Word and Comedy. The DMVME team consists of: Janey (Founder of DMVME), Shea Atkins (Event Operations Manager), Ray Williams (Social Media Manager), Alethena McCoy (Sponsorship Coordinator), and TaKeyia Monique (Public Relations, Haute Hipsters Media).

The DMVME team has hit the ground running since their recent initial creation, and has made great strides to set up their initial expo weekend in just the past month, which is set to take place on June 6-8, 2014. “We had to do something different. If you want change, be the change,” said Janey…and that’s exactly what they did! The DMV Music & Entertainment Expo modifies the Hip-Hop shows we’re accustomed to and merges those rap performances with other urban media entertainment (R&B, Go-Go, Spoken Word, etc.) in addition to bridging the gap with artists and their potential fans.

Each night of the expo will focus on various genres, and here’s what you have to look forward to:
Friday, June 6th – Pre-Expo Kick Off Party (Doors open at 10pm) at DaLuft Lounge, hosted by RaRa the Party Starter & music by Mr. Primetime DJ Ron + DJ Naph.
Saturday, June 7th – DMV Music & Entertainment Expo (9pm-3am) at Twelve Lounge, which features artists such as Visto, B. Blunt, Demi Rose, Detroit Boat, Black Passion Band, and more; with an opening reception hosted by comedian Tony Woods.
Sunday, June 8th – Farewell Brunch (11am-3pm) + Day Party (3pm-7pm) at Smith Commons, featuring live performances by spoken word artists DMVPoet, Orville the Poet and more, live painting by Michelle Izquierdo & Music by DJ Zyon.

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We were able to catch up with Janey & Social Media Manager, Ray Williams, to learn a little more about what makes their team!

Q: What part(s) of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: Janey – Ft. Washington & SE for a short time also; Alethena – grew up NW DC, currently resides in Oxon Hill; Shea – NE DC; Ray – Forestville; and TaKeyia – Washington, DC

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: (Janey) I’ve been a rapper, and I’ve had a lot of difficulty getting material out. I had a label in 2006, and the hip hop was always separated. I want to bring everything together so that we can make enough noise to get out there. Why would you up root yourself and leave the area, when you have success?! Everyone thus far has been on-board and lending a hand in the process, and we’ve received nothing but undeniable support from the DMV community.
(Ray) I’m a fan of hip hop, and I believe that there’s a great means of artists in the area, but they don’t know how to get seen and heard.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about your organization (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: (Janey) Our tagline is: connect, network, advance! Even though our tagline is on our site, sometimes it can get lost in the brand, and I wanted to throw it out there just to reinforce our purpose.
(Ray) Something that everyone may not know about me is that…I love different types of whiskey…lol!

Q: What’s next?!
A: (Janey) We will have another EXPO in Sept, and will add a producers battle on a separate night. Also, we will have a monthly industry HH, which starts Friday (5/30) at Pure Lounge, to keep the momentum going from the EXPO and we will more than likely pick a specific artist to perform for each HH as a preview to the next EXPO. DJ DNITTY from Ripped Radio will be the DJ on those events.
(Ray) Even for something that we started a month ago, we had people from Pittsburg to LA to Canada willing to come out and participate. Even though we’re only targeting DMV artists, I think that says a lot about how much we’ve grown and made and impact thus far!

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Be sure to check out their website for more up-to-date info & to purchase your tickets for the Expo on Saturday night: www.dmvmeexpo.com. Also, be sure to follow them on their social media pages also, including FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. This is going to be a weekend to remember, and you don’t want to miss the action!

Artist Spotlight: Queen Aishah

Posted by tagdmv on April 14, 2014
Posted in: Acting, Events, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A renaissance woman of many talents and gifts: Comedienne, Actress, Producer, Radio Personality and Humanitarian. She is best known for her frank, high energy and hilarious style of comedy: “She says what many are thinking but dare not say”. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet Queen Aishah!

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Comedienne Queen Aishah is known nationally, and internationally! Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, she has made the DMV her home turf for about 23 years! She is known for her Momma, Auntie, Sister, Friend personality, as she shares personal stories and life events with her unique style and twist.

Queen Aisha has been spreading laughter for many years, starting her professional comedy career in the DC metropolitan area 19 years ago. She has hosted and headlined countless comedy shows in the United States and abroad including several trips to entertain our troops in Japan, S. Korea, Europe, as well as Haiti (for a fundraiser after the 2010 earthquake). Always expanding her talents, Queen Aishah has been featured in Verizon Communications commercials, as well as print and radio ads. She has been seen on television programs such as, VH-1 series Awesomely Bad, BET ComicView, and ShowTime @ The Apollo; she has also been a celebrity guest and mentor on several episodes of Ricki Lake and Judge Hattchet, as well as doing an impromptu performance at The OPRAH Winfrey Show!

Queen Aishah is currently also the Executive Producer of the hit, All Female, Diverse Comedy Tour, “Comedienne Queen Aishah presents Funny-n-Stilettos”. The tour showcases female comedians of all cultures and backgrounds, and was most recently featured at the Howard Theater. The show is an awesome experience, receiving rave reviews from the U.S. to England, with audience members in their 80’s enjoying the show!

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She has worked with noted comedians, such as Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps and Rickey Smiley to name a few. She has also shared the stage with vocal artists, such as the late Chuck Brown, Yolanda Adams, Heather Headley, Howard Hewitt, Tyrese, Jaheim, K-CI and Jo Jo. Her comedic flair gained the attention of several stage producers, such as YYP’s tours where she was lead actress of “The Vagina Monologues” and “Pocketbook Monologues”. These tours offered the opportunity to work with extraordinary actresses and entertainers as Sherri Sheppard, LisaRaye McCoy, Star Jones, Ella Royce, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Vanessa L. Williams, and a host of other remarkable personalities. Queen Aishah was also casted in the stage play, “Love Under New Management”. She’s received numerous accolades from her peers but is most proud of remarks made by Comedian and Activist Dick Gregory who said of her performance in the “Vagina Monologues”, “Outstanding”!

Let’s see what this renaissance woman has to say about her journey into her gifts/talents:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: Well, when I first came to the DMV from my hometown of Newark, NJ area 23 years ago I lived in NW with family. Near Takoma Park. Red line ;-). It was the only metro line I knew for a very long time. I lived in Lewisdale/Adelphi, MD, and now I reside in Bowie. I came back to DC when I got my first apartment in DC off of Georgia Avenue. My rent was $245.00. They wanted $250.00, but I told the leasing company that extra $5.00 wasn’t in the budget.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: Wow, I was working in retail and co-workers and customers commented on the things I would say. Saying they were funny and asked if I did comedy or thought about doing it. I brushed it off and a few years later new people in my life asked if I thought of doing comedy. I’m a true believer of messages coming to us through people and life experiences. So, I prepared myself for the stage and started studying my craft: reading books, watching stand-up comedy shows and attending comedy shows. I spoke with my mom about being afraid of going on stage. Yes, I was shy and some more stuff. She encouraged me to do some volunteer work with a local radio station to build up my confidence. Not only did I gain confidence. I met some of my greatest friends and was hired on the Russ Parr Morning where I learned a lot about comedy through radio and much more.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I love what I do. If I’m having a not some great day and can put a smile on one persons face it lifts my spirits. I believe we are all here to assist one another in reaching and experiencing our greatest joy, whether its in front of a huge crowd or one on one.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I am inspired by both my peers and supporters. Watching fellow comedians do their thing gets me hyped. The best show for me is a great line-up and an audience that came to laugh because in the end we all achieved funny together.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I’m working on getting my all female diverse comedy tour Comedienne Queen Aishah presents Funny-n-Stilettos on television and a major world tour.

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Queen Aishah currently manages her own company, QA Enterprises, LLC, as well as engages in philanthropic ventures. She is the founder of THE M.A.R.R.K.(Massive Action to Reach and Rescue Our Kids) FOUNDATION, based out of her hometown of Newark. The foundation was established to support and promote leadership in the inner city, where stewardship can be aspired. Queen Aishah also makes it a priority to lend her support to youth around the country through various speaking engagements at schools and youth outreach programs. She currently works with the Michael Walton Foundation: Speak out to Reach Out tour based in Washington, DC.

Most recently, she was a featured comedian with the Radio One: Family Comedy Tour in Detroit, appearing with other artists such as Joe Clair (from WHUR‘s The Frank Ski Show) & and Marcus D. Wiley (from Praise‘s Yolanda Adams Morning Show). Coming up next, you can catch her back in the DM[V], headlining a show in Richmond this coming Thursday, April 17th! To continue following Queen Aishah and figuring out your next opportunity to see her live, follow her at these social media avenues: Facebook (Queen Aishah), Instagram & Twitter (@QueenAishah & @funnynstilettos).

– EMW

Artist Spotlight – Emperess

Posted by tagdmv on April 11, 2014
Posted in: Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . 1 Comment

The bold and conscious verses & flow of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot and MC Lyte; the smooth hip-hop groves likened to those of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Leaders of the New School; this, ladies and gentlemen, is Emperess!
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Emperess is a DMV native of Prince George’s County, and a graduate of Central High School. Coming from a musical family, she honed her skills as an emcee starting at the age of 14, following in her brother’s footsteps. She has always had, and will continue to have, a style that is unique to herself, and is a lover of things abstract artistic (especially photography), old-school music and all things that are just plain dope!
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By 2010, Emperess had released 2 mixtapes, A Verse a Day Keeps the Posers Away and FairyTaleWorld (FTW). While A Verse a Day… establishes her traditional sound, which is early 90’s hip-hop meets jazz meets Neo-Retro-Soul and proves that she’s no where near a sucka emcee, FTW explores more of the current sounds of 21st century hip-hop and experimental sounds. However, FTW does still include classic samples, such as “Lady in My Life” by the late, great Michael Jackson, which is used on her track, “…Like This…”. She also has a track dedicated to one of her biggest production influences, called “Dear Mr. Mosley”, aka super-producer, Timbaland.

Emperess spent a few years in Philly, building on her craft and performing gigs with some of the hottest up-and-coming/underground hip-hop artists. She notes that her biggest gig was opening for fellow hip-hop artists Jean Grae and Roc Marciano. She has recently moved back to the DMV, and is ready to take over the hip-hop scene!
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Let’s hear some more about Emperess on a personal level:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I am the oddball of PG County.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: I come from a very musical family. Dad was a DJ, granddad, aunts, uncles and a slew of cousins are singers, but my brother was the emcee. So a lot of the influence came from him.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I’ve always been outside of the norm and I try to stay that way. My community has pretty much influenced me to not settle and follow a trend.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I’m starting to come out of hiding a little bit more as of late but I would like folks to know that silence doesn’t equal complacence. Everybody is about to be bum rushed with a ton of stuff from me. Lol!

Q: What’s next?!
A: Hopefully an actual album…finally…
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In 2014, Emperess has launched 2 more single tracks, “Leave it Up to Me…” & “The Other…”, which have burned up to social media waves, including having a feature of “The Other…” published on the This is Real Music blog site. Keep up with her on her social media sites: Facebook (Emperess Michelle), Instagram (@Emperess_), Twitter (@Emperess), SoundCloud, ReverbNation, and BandCamp (emperess.bandcamp.com). Also, if you so happen to be in the Philly area this weekend, she will be performing this Sat. night, April, 12th during The Phlight Plan, at The Fire!

– EMW

New Album Spotlight – Time Machine, by J. Baylor

Posted by tagdmv on April 9, 2014
Posted in: Album Review, Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

The sounds of the future of R&B have just been released on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. Those sounds have been encapsulated in the indie album Time Machine, by J. Baylor.

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Baylor is a DMV native, hailing from Prince George’s County, MD. His initial endeavors into music came through mastering the percussive sounds of the drum sticks and snare kicks. He has also proven himself as a singer/songwriter that has an ear for vocal arrangement. Whom has he proven himself to? Try his previous creation of the dynamic Christian band, Vertical Band, as well as other successful artists, such as Chrisette Michele, Brian Courtney Wilson, Trinitee 5:7, Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard, and more, with whom he has had the privilege to work with, thus far!

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Now, J. Baylor has released his debut EP project on indie label, GMG World Media Entertainment, which will establish his career going forward. Here’s what we heard from the album:

TRACK 1- “Walking On Air”: This was his first single, which was released Aug. 6, 2013; this production combines light and airy futuristic sounds with hard hitting base and smooth harmonies of R&B.
TRACK 2 – “Better Off”: This overall arrangement is similar to the previous track in terms of the feel, but also makes good use of his falsetto range during his transitions into the hook.
TRACK 3 – “Time Machine”: Baylor makes the best use of futuristic sounds to drive the overall theme of the track; the percussive rhythm merges R&B and Hip-Hop sounds seamlessly, while his falsetto use in the hook keeps you grounded into the true R&B feel.
TRACK 4 – “Love Die”: This track is a smooth, straight ballad, with only piano accompaniment, which provides for a very intimate feel.
TRACK 5 – “Push It”: This is our personal favorite track! This is the most uptempo, Neo-retro-soul, led by a funky electric guitar rift, and smooth electric bass accompaniment; the melodic and percussive transitions within the hook is everything, and can definitely be a party favorite!

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Go now to iTunes and download the Time Machine album! You can also keep up with J. Baylor on his site (www.iamjbaylor.com), your nearest social networking site, including ReverbNation, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (IAMJBAYLOR is the handle on all sites). You can also find him on YouTube, where he also covers hit songs, including “Without You” by Usher, “Thinking About You” by Frank Ocean, and even “Pure Imagination” from the classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory movie. This young artist is just getting started, and we want to follow this “time machine” all the way into the future!

– EMW
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