Art & Music

Culture Connection: August Wilson

Listen in as Brother Malcolm gives a brief history lesson about one of the most influential playwrights of our time, August Wilson.

Culture Connection: Cultural Appreciation

Listen in as Brother Malcolm challenges us to be more mindful of free cultural events around the city.

Movers & Shakers: Greg Smith and LASAE

Listen in as KC talks to Greg Smith, president of the Believe Foundation, about his push to open an arts and entertainment charter school in the city of Inglewood.

Movers & Shakers: A Chat With Open Mike Eagle (AUDIO)

Listen up as KC chats with indy rap phenom Open Mike Eagle.

BLACKis ONLINE: UNIQUE 74

DJ A-ski is a brother whose name you hear around here frequently. He is a friend and a great Los Angeles born and bred DJ whose events we publicize as often as possible. A-ski is not only a DJ, but a music historian, and his blog UNIQUE 74 is always packed with good music musings, amazing downloads, interviews and info about his upcoming events. Most recently, A-ski sat with Foreign Exchange members Phonte and Nicolay for an exclusive interview about their recent Grammy nomination and what the future holds for them in this music game.

While you are in A-ski’s world, don’t miss his podcast, Dirty Milk Radio. It’s an eargasm experience.

BLACKis ONLINE: Cookin Soul

Alright y’all, as you know one of the most anticipated albums dropped last Tuesday. That album was Drake’s Thank Me Later. After dealing with a leak two weeks prior and so-so reviews of the album, Drake is still set to sell between 425-475K in his first week. Not bad for a kid from Toronto, who you either love or hate. I, for one thinks he has talent, but talent alone does not always produce a great product.

I stumbled upon a website called Cookin Soul that linked up with Don Cannon of DJ Drama fame and remixed the album.  Some songs have added vocals from the late, great 2Pac and Notorious B.I.G., along with current artists like Jay-z, Alicia Keys, and Lil Wayne.  They also took the liberty of remixing some tracks with live instruments to give songs a new twist and added flavor. So for those fans who were disappointed in the original album, this might be more your speed.

The site is also a resource for mash ups and remix albums such as Big Dilla, a compilation of J Dilla and Big Pun and The Red Album, a series of mash ups between Jay-Z and Game.  There are also tribute albums to Michael Jackson and Teddy Pendergrass.

So check out Cookin Soul and see what’s cookin’.