Saturday, November 15, 2008

Check MC Yogi




What's up people? I just wanted folks to take a look at this video. MC Yogi is worth checking out. His lyrics are always inclusive, thoughtful, and positive. The production values are pretty tight too, keeping that bay area flavor alive and well.

What's also notable about this artist is that his life is centered around his yoga practice. I guess that's why his lyrics are all about peace, change, and spiritual growth... Nonetheless he knows how to make hip hop well enough that his message comes across in a credible vehicle that even cynical apocalyptic types can appreciate.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Shomi Noise's Queer Band Picks

Shomi Noise reporting for duty. So I was asked to make a couple of reviews for the TMJ blog about queer artists/bands that I am into. I was very excited about this, because I love the queers, and I especially love the queers who are making some sort of noise and putting it out there. These are some bands/artists that are queertastic and who totally rock.



SGT. SASS
So i'm currently obsessed with this band. They're a Fag Duo from Philly who list their influences as follows: "Salt-N-Pepa, Lil' Kim, the Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Remy Ma, Missy Elliott, Foxy Brown, Courtney Love, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bikini Kill." I mean, hip-hop fags who love Lil' Kim AND Bikini Kill? I wanna be best friends with these dudes. But you have to hear their rhymes, they are SOLID. Check out the track "faggot snappin (Japattack Remix)" on their myspace, that shit is FIRE.
http://www.myspace.com/herecumdemfags



OMG MICHELLE
This is a local BK queer girl group i adore, not only are these girls awesome and full of passion, they are hella nice too and full of sass. Their track "You Don't Know Michelle" produced by Kingdom, is already a classic in my mind.
http://www.myspace.com/michellethegroup

BALLS to THE WALL
This band is made up of two very rad queers doing awesome lo-fi D.I.Y. experimental post-punk electro music. If you are into Tracy and The Plastics, you are sure to dig em. I am all about this.
http://www.myspace.com/ballstothewalljm

DESIGNER IMPOSTER
She is fierce and has DJed many awesome queer parties, including the first TMJ, but did you know she also makes her own music? And it is hella awesome/radical. Listen to Jaguar, I love that track.
http://www.myspace.com/djdesignerimposter



ANNIE AND THE DREAMBOATS
This band is not electro or hip/hop, they actually kick it back to old school riot grrrl queercore punk. These girls are from Portland and they are totally fun/amazing. The songs on their myspace are live recordings and not as great, but listen close enough and they’ll get stuck in your head. I can’t wait till they put up better recordings and tour the east coast.
http://www.myspace.com/anniethedreamboats



NEW BLOODS
Another Portland band that I adore. Their sound is very unique. Drums, bass, violin and harmonious vocals. It brings me back to the days when all I would listen to was late 70s women punk bands. You’ll definitely hear some Raincoats & Liliput/Kleenex influences in their music.
http://www.myspace.com/thenewbloods



THE SHONDES
This is another queer rock band that incorporates violin to their sound. Hailing from Brooklyn and comprised of 4 radical queer Jews, The Shondes are passionately dedicated to their art and it shows. This is for all of you who are into very developed and intense post-punk/post riot grrrl indie rock sounds. I am a huge fan.
http://www.myspace.com/theshondes



MKNG FRIENDZ & CROOKEDLEGS
So my co-DJ for the night, Tami Hart, is a musical genius. I always loved her solo stuff from way back then, and fell completely in love with her now defunct punk band/duo Winning Looks. Her current projects are just as exciting. Making Friendz are here to put the queer in R&B hardcore and their songs are incredibly catchy and heartfelt. If you are in the NYC/BK area make sure to catch their live shows, they are tons of fun. CrookedLEGS only has one track up online, but it’s pretty amazing and danceable. If Crystal Castles and M.I.A. had a baby, it would sound like CrookedLEGS.
http://www.myspace.com/crookedlegsmusic
http://www.myspace.com/makingfriendz



YO! MAJESTY
Of course, how could I write about queer bands/artists and not mention Yo! Majesty? I remember seeing them almost 2 years ago at some loft party in BK when they were still a trio and the buzz on them still wasn't as huge. I was completely blown away by how passionate and tight their set was. It was just so refreshing to see 3 female rappers who were totally out dykes and rapping about loving the ladies. They are now a duo and have finally put out a great full-length album out titled "Futuristically Speaking...Never Be Afraid." I actually really hope they go mainstream in that big chart-toppin kinda way because that would be huge, like Obama's election.
http://www.myspace.com/yomajesty4life


So That’s My Jam # 3 is this Saturday and I am extremely excited. This party is just so much fun and it’s a total honor for me to DJ for you all.

Here is a small list of some of the songs I’ll be playing:

1. Crystal Castles – Crimewave (Crystal Castles vs. Health Remix)
2. Lady Gaga – Just Dance (Akon & Kardinal Offishall Remix)
3. The Count & Sinden featuring Kid Sister – Beeper
4. KillaQueenz – Sweaty Wet
5. Hotstylz – Go Looney
6. Beyonce – Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)
7. Ivy Queen – Yo Quiero Saber
8. Young Dro – Shoulder Lean
9. Young Jeezy ft. Kanye West – I put on
10. Catcall – Chicky Babe (Spruce Lee Remix)

So put on your best dancing shoes and outfits and come around on Saturday. Tami Hart and Tikka Massala will be DJing as well. Sputnik Bar, 9pm - 4am. $5 cover! Free coat check! $3 PBR all night! $ 3vodka special from 9-12! 1 block from Pratt 262 Taaffe Place. Take the G to Classon Ave.

Hello Brooklyn!

Party people, look what you have done!

From Press