EclecticFlavor

Friday Flavor

2010-08-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

Erykah Badu- Incense

From Erykah Badu's 2010 release
New Amerykah Pt.2: Return of the Ankh,
this song is called Incense. This song
is produced by Madlib. This song just
makes you want to sip on some tea and
chill.

-Eclecticflavor

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child

2010-08-22T23:47:00.000-07:00

The Radiant Child is a documentary about the life
of the artist/genius/creator Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Tamra Davis, the director and friend of Basquiat
put together loads of footage of interviews he did and
interviews with a few of his friends to try and give
the world a better understanding and insight into
the life of the man behind the artwork. If this film comes
anywhere near your city I would reccomend you try and
view it. I haven't seen it yet but I will soon, a screening
will be in a close city within a month. I have heard many
positive reviews about this film and from the trailer alone
it looks like it will be worth your time.

Just in case you dont know who Jean Michel Basquiat is,
heres a little info. Jean-Michel Basquiat was a great American
artist who was known for his graffitti and neo-expressionist
style of painting. When doing graffitti he would use the
pseudonym"SAMO." Basquiat was a protege of Andy Warhol
and in a short period of time he gained alot of fame and success.
Unfortunately after his mentor Andy Warhol died, he picked up
a fatal drug addiction and at the age of 27 his life ended.
Although his physical body died, his spirit did not. Posthumously
he recieves a great deal of praise for his works and many
people in the art world revere him.

Basquiat's spirit lives through his paintings that he left us.
Expressing the sentiments and realities of his environment,
his artwork showcases influences of race relations,
music and his own life experiences.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child Website
http://jean-michelbasquiattheradiantchild.com/index.html

Gallery of Jean-Michel Basquiat artwork
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/basquiat/street-to-studio/english/home.php

Film Review: Medicine for Melancholy

2010-07-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

Medicine for Melancholy

Medicine for Melancholy is a film directed and
written by Barry Jenkins. The film chronicles
a day spent between characters Jo(Tracey heggins)
and Micah(Wyatt Cenac) after a one night stand.

(Writer and director Barry Jenkins)

The film exposes diverse thoughts on race, class, and
culture among black americans today that happen
to live and think outside of the stereotypical ideals
that many have about black americans, particularly
in San Fransico. The two discuss interracial dating,
gentrification, and how the "indie" subculture of
San Fransico, California affects those of color.

The most refreshing thing about this film was that
it gave the viewer an insight into the lives of black-
americans that do not follow the "status-quo". The
characters were intellectual while maintaining
relatable qualities. They barely knew each other but
were able to discuss things that most are unable to
speak about with people they have known for years.
The movie wasn't to short or too long. I felt satisfied
after watching it. Its actually one of my new favorite
movies. The music that was played throughout the
film was amazing, I don't have any of the songs but I
found out on a website that one of the songs(which I
love by the way) is called "Through the Backyards" by
Au Revoir Simone. If this film ever comes out with a
soundtrack I will definitely buy it. This film is a
must see...you wont be disappointed.

-EclecticFlavor

"Who Is Nola Darling?"

2010-06-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Nola Darling

Jaq(left) and Alex(right), two ladies with
impeccable style and talent make up a
duo called Nola Darling. They have strong
lyrical and singing capabilities. The two met
while attending NYU. Both are from
two different sides of the country but
manage to fuse together a sound that works
for anyone regardless of where they're from.
Nola Darling has been featured on XXL.com and
in Complex magazine.

Nola Darling is an unforgettable pair.
They make the kind of music that you want to
hear. Music that holds your attention and
forces you to listen without telling you too. In
this time of few female emcees in the mainstream
its nice to be able to find two young women
that have a have sex-appeal while
maintaining class. Their music gives the
world a realistic and witty female perspective
on things.

Nola Darling has a "mini-mixtape" called
Pretty Gritty mini-mixtape. As you listen to one
song you will excitedly anticipate hearing the next
one. They have a true variety in their beats
they chose for the mini mixtape

website: http://noladarling.com/
twitter: http://twitter.com/noladarling

FAHAMU PECOU IS THE SH!T

2010-06-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

Fahamu Pecou

While thumbing through an issue of Essence Magazine
I found the artwork of Fahamu pecou. Fahamu Pecou
is a contemporary artist that definitely has a strong
presence. Pecou's pieces are the definition of bold.

The works of art defy the design of your everyday art,
they are so eyecatching because of the format. At first
glance you may be thinking you are looking at the cover
of a magazine but if you take a closer look you will see
that it is the artist himself painted in it.

The Atlanta Based Artist says:
"My work can be viewed as meditations on contemporary
popular culture. I began my career experimenting with
practices employed in contemporary branding strategies,
particularly as they pertained to hip-hop music. These
experiments ultimately led me to question not only the
stereotypes that drive consumerism, fame, celebrity-worship
etc. but how an unspoken racial and cultural divide often
influenced these factors. I appear in my work not in an
autobiographical sense, but as an allegory."

Pecou's Work Strives to allow the viewer to gain
a more broad perspective of the way in which "black
masculinity" (particulartly in hip-hop)is portrayed
in society.

Fahamu Pecou has a Book which showcases
a large portion of his artwork called FAHAMANON

Website of Fahamu Pecou: http://www.fahamupecouart.com/
Fahamu Pecou Twitter: http://twitter.com/FPTHESHIT

Friday Flavor

2010-04-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

M.I.A-Come Around

This song comes from M.I.A's second album Kala, which
was released in 2007. The song has a fusion of traditional
drums and hip hop produced by and featuring Timbaland.

Enjoy!

-EclecticFlavor

Interview With Naledge of Kidz In The Hall

2010-03-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

Interview With Naledge of Kidz In The Hall from EclecticFlavor on Vimeo.

I did an interview with the emcee of the Hip-Hop
duo; Kidz In The Hall, Naledge. We discuss the
new release Land of Make Believe, the climate
of the music industry, and how they got their start.

I hope you enjoy

-EclecticFlavor

Providing You With "Something Different"

2010-03-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Crystal Newsome

Today we live in a society that is full of people trying
to find there place. So alot of times we come accross
people that claim to be so different...or so out of this
world. With so many people trying to be so different,
its hard to find people that are truly THEMSELVES.

Crystal Newsome is a great example of a person that
is truly secure with herself and expresses it in many
creative ways. Crystal has a youtube channel called
misskrissnew. Crystal has over 9,000 subscribers that
tune in to watch her videos that give insightful tutorials
on how to style and maintain healthy natural kinky/curly
hair. Her videos also showcase makeup totorials, and
she also has moments where she discusses her
life experiences and opinions on certain issues.
Whether or not a person aggrees with what she
thinks or says, she always delivers each message
with GRACE and CLASS.

This picture shows Crystal wearing one of her items from her
vintageBLUE collection.

One major venture she also mentions on her channel is
her online store called BEANIE4MEPLUSURBANWEAR.
The website started off with simply beanies and scarves
but in a short period of time it has grown to have
very unique pieces of jewelry such as earrings, bracelets,
pant chains, and other items. The website also has a
new collection called vintageBLUE that showcases even
more of a variety.

This is the WeLoveHaiti Bracelete. One of the charities the proceeds go
is Doctors without Borders.

The website has UNIQUE pieces of jewelry that will allow
you to truly feel like an individual, you wont see these
pieces on every person you pass in the street.
Crystal's jewelry line even started a fundraiser for the
victims of the earthquake that hit Haiti in January.
The bracelets are called WeLoveHaiti Bracelets.
Each bracelet that gets sold, half of the proceeds
go to to two legitimate charitable organizations.

Crystal is an example of using her energy for
something creative and fun. She promotes self
confidence and like her website says. She gives
the world, "Something Different"

Jewelry Website: http://beanie4meplusurban.bigcartel.com/
Youtube Website: http://www.youtube.com/user/misskrisnew
Twitter: http://twitter.com/misskrisnew

Santos...Making a Change

2010-02-16T16:17:00.000-08:00

Mahatma Ghandi once said, “be the change you
wish to see in the world.” After a listen to music
by Santos, one can clearly tell that he lives by
that sentiment. He’s a one man show with simply
a guitar and a voice to be heard. Santos clearly
has an understanding of how powerful a voice is.

One man can truly spark change in someone’s life.
His songs are filled with positive messages and
advice on how we should look at the world.
One of the best things in his music is the concept
of “looking at the man in the mirror.”

In his LP titled, “Changing the World by Changing Me”,
the songs have a strong element of how one
should engage in self reflection without giving
you a sermon. Santos has a rawness in his voice,
you can almost feel the emotion in each song he performs.

One song called "Critical Thinking" tells the listener
to just take a step back and look at the world
around them to build a broader perspective of what
is truly important. Another song called "My Mantra",
the intro to the LP discusses progression and how
to clear your mind to be successful.

Ultimately the music by Santos is about building
and making yourself a better person.
The music is timeless because the messages will
always be relevant. So next time you hear someone
talking about how the music of today no longer
has any real meaning direct them to Santos,
they will not be disappointed.

Myspace: www.myspace.com/globallocalsoul

-Eclecticflavor

Friday Flavor

2010-02-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Foreign Exchange-Daykeeper(feat. Musinah)

This grammy nominated group has all of the key components
of the eclectic vibe we love here at eclecticflavor. Hypnotic vocals
an unforgettable beat, and piercing lyrics. Take a listen.

-EclecticFlavor

KESH...The Epitome of Fresh

2010-01-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Kesh K.

I know you've heard the old cliche', "one man's
trash is another mans treasure." Well it seems to
when it comes to fashion Kesh most definitely
is the X that marks the spot. She could literally wear
a potato sack and make it look fly.

Based off of Kesh's Myspace
she calls this "The Kesh Dress"

Kesh is known for wearing extremely stylish outfits
from second-hand clothes that she finds in
thrift/vintage shops. Over the yearsshe has worn
many different dresses and pieces of clothing that
she has formed (in a matter of minutes) from a pair
of scissors and some safety pins.

One word comes to mind when thinking of her style,
BOLD. Many people would never be brave enough to
wear some of the things that she wears out of fear of
what others might say or think but Kesh is an example of
truly expressing herself through her apparel. She also
inspires others to wear/do/be whatever they want.

This picture is an example of both of her shirts that are on sale
at her online store. They are only on sale for a limited time so get them fast.

The clothes she wears are just one example of her
creativity. Kesh is also a DJ, and a Fashion designer with
her own line of shirts with graphics on them that she
designed herself. Celebrities such as Kanye West, Mariah
Carey, and Lupe Fiasco have been seen wearing her clothing.

Kesh is a UK native with family roots from Malaysia
and Trinidad. So she has alot of different cultural inflences
in her life which help to make her the person she is today
She also has a very entertaining blog in which she
posts pictures and stories from her coloful life.
Kesh is well rounded and well travelled; she is an
example of a true jetsetter and from looking at her blog
she truly understands how to work hard and have fun
at the same time and to always make the best out of
everything you have.

Website: http://www.myspace.com/that_girl_kesshia
Blog: http://therealkesh.blogspot.com/
Clothing Line: http://www.inaworldofherown.com/

-Eclecticflavor

Friday Flavor

2010-01-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

Electric Relaxation- A Tribe Called Quest

This song is truly amazing. It showcases one
of hip hops best groups with smooth lyrics and a nice
beat. Classic Hip hop.

Enjoy!

-Eclecticflavor

An Artistic "Concep"

2010-01-13T21:34:00.001-08:00

About two years ago when browsing the internet
I stumbled upon the artist Known as Concep.
He is an amazing artist with a special gift.
Whatever he does, it breathes the essence
of hip hop. DJ Africa Bambaataa once said the
five elements of hip hop are; MCing, DJing,
breaking, graffiti writing, and knowledge.
Concep’s art allows you to see and feel each
element with his work. Each piece is filled with
vivrant (word courtesy of q-tip circa 99..lol) colors
and images which create a dramatic view into his
perspective and take your mind on a journey
into new thoughts and even ideas.

The paintings are full of whimsical interpretations
of music and life. They are full of kinesthetic energy.
I find these paintings way more interesting than
anything I’ve watched on t v in a long time.lol.
You know as children we are forced to go to museums
and look at different art exhibits from artists of up to
400 years ago. I have much respect for these artists
because they are in many ways catalysts for what
many do today but unfortunately; even today with a
more mature eye, I find myself slightly disconnected
or even bored when looking. Concep’s work allows you
to actively watch. I feel as if the work of Concep’ connects
with THE PEOPLE, it speaks to US.

Unfortunately I’ve never had a chance to go up to
New York and view any of them in person
(hopefully I will one day), but I frequent his
website and myspace to look at his paintings
for INSPIRATION and PERSPECTIVE. To be honest
the paintings are so interesting I have caught myself
turning my head sideways to fully understand
what I’m viewing.

Concep has been an artist for a long time but he
gained a major following after winning MTV’s 07’
“Art Battles” competition. Concep’s talent has
allotted him to work with the likes of Timbaland,
Mos Def, Eric Sermon, and the group Sa Ra.
Concep is also a dancer, his electrifying moves
exude the passion he has for self expression.
Concep also gives back to the community by
being a part of a program called summit on
the stoop in which students are placed with
working artists and business professionals.
It’s good to see that he is truly trying to change
the world by exposing the youth to his work.
Ultimately Concep has the full understanding
of how to create engaging work that can catch
your eye and keep it there. I will always look
forward to anything he puts his signature on.
I am sure that his name will be in history books
Everyone in America should know about the
phenomenal “Negro Artist” known as Concep’.

Looking at a painting by Concep will inject
your spirit with a need to create, to dream,
to express. He truly understands what art truly is.
It comes from the soul, pure self expression.

I got to meet him in DC during inauguration weekend. he was selling
shirts and I just walked up to him(acting all excited) he was so humble
and friendly which is a plus. He has character.

If you want to see more from Concep check him out at these websites
website: www.concepmakelove.com
myspace: www.myspace.com/concepcompany

-EclecticFlavor

Va$htie Kola...".More Than A Woman"

2009-08-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

Va$htie Kola?

Va$htie Kola is the definition of ambitious,
she is a film director, fashion designer,
party host, and creative director.
Whenever you see one of her projects
you will always see her distinctive stamp
of creativity show through.

Her style is subtly confident with a splash of
ambiguously loud accents that catch your attention
she truly allows you to see art from her perspective .

She has recently released a clothing line
called Viollette in 2008 with a line of
tees that are simplistic but yet showcase
an upscale flair. Ultimately they "Bridge the
gap." Viollette can be found in boutiques in
France, Japan, New York, and online.

Some of her most popular videos she has
directed are; T.O.N.Y by Solange Knowles,
Futuristic Love by Yung LA, & an independant
video she did for the collective CRS(Child
Rebel Soldiers) that consists of Kanye West,
Lupe Fiasco, and Pharrell Williams for their
collaborative song called Us Placers.

I truly recommend you go and look up some
of her stuff she truly is amazing. Along with
the talent it is said she also has an amazing
down to earth personality with makes it
all even better...with that being said I see why
she is called "Downtown's Sweetheart"

Check her out!
Website: http://www.vashtie.com/
Clothing Line: http://www.violettenewyork.com/

-EclecticFlavor

"I'd Like to Introduce Myself"

2009-08-04T01:42:00.000-07:00

Hi!,

I just want to welcome you to EclecticFlavor,
a place that combines music, life, culture, art, love,
and peace. EclecticFlavor is just a little something
to coat your mental pallete with interesting people
and things that might expand your horizons.

Throughout life we come in contact with many
people and create many connections . Through
these connections so many things happen, conversations
are being had, thoughts are being created. Major
moves are being made, like packages being delivered
from one corner of the world to another, money is being
spent, all sorts of things are going on.

With all of these things going on one of the most
amazing things is how little people realize that they have
a role in everything that is going on around them.
The world is changing, and growing because of every
little move and step we take.

The goal is to help inspire both myself
and anyone reading to want to experience new and better
things to make life even better than what it already is.

So anytime you want to come and sample something
new or simply get a different perspective on something you
already have in your consciousness.....slide on over to
EclecticFlavor,

Im sure you'll digg it

-EclecticFlavor