Strictly Social returns to New York City - Tuesday Nov 18

We are bringing the vibe back to NYC and returning to Sutra!

Nu-Soul Magazine, The Bloom Effect, & Soul Union present a special STRICTLY SOCIAL event in New York City on Tuesday November 18, 2008.

We will be honoring of the beautiful and talented Wayna as we premiere the video of her current Billboard hit "My Love"
www.myspace.com/waynamusic
Download Wayna's music at Itunes

Plus we will have a listening session and CD giveaways for the new Strictly Social Mixed Vol. 2 by DJ Myxzlplix, one of our very own residents.
www.myspace.com/djmyzlplix

Sounds provided by Bagpak Records' Zilvinas and Yellowtail
www.bagpakrecords.com

This is a FREE event
7pm - 10pm
21+

Sutra Lounge
16 First Avenue @ First Street
New York, NY 10009
sutranyc.com

www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com

We Did It!!!

Like everyone else in the world I watched history, no, I created history yesterday.

I watched the American Dream come back to life in the form of Barack Obama.

I saw every group that has been held back within this nation - women, blacks, hispanics, the youth - come together for a single purpose and realize that their collective power could topple the old world.

I watched as America reclaimed its throne as the most progressive nation in the world by elected an African-American President, a feat that just a decade ago none of us thought we would see in our lifetime.

I watched and I cried as I released the pain and struggle that has characterized the last eight years and prepared to enter a new phase of life.

Our goal achieved, the question is what shall we do next?

While this is a moment to celebrate, everyone must hold true to the values that got us here. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is of the utmost importance!

Obama is the president but we all possess the REAL POWER since we put him there. Let's keep this momentum going and continue to be the change that we want in the world.

The Economy is in trouble - Spend less, get out of debt, and find creative ways to supplement our income

The Earth is in danger - Become more green, drive less, use public transportation when it is available, recycle

Our education sucks - Educate yourself, read more, try new things, talk to people outside of your comfort zone, grow

Health Care is in shambles - Be healthy, eat well, exercise, get off your lazy ass

There is so much we can all do to make Obama's dream of a new America into a reality and it starts today!

What are you doing to better yourself?

Nu-Soul Presents Strictly Social w/ Q Dixon, Jamila, Daz - Wed. Nov 19

After a successful October Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union are back with another evening of Eclectic Soul Fusion at Little Temple.

Come join us at STRICTLY SOCIAL on Wednesday November 19, 2008 for the best in progressive soul artists and one of the best vibes in Los Angeles.

Featuring Live Performances by:

Q Dixon
www.qdixon.com

Jamila
www.myspace.com/jamila3

Special Guest DJ DAZ
dazdillinja.podomatic.com

Plus arrive early for a special Video Screening of Wayna's Billboard charting single "My Love"
www.myspace.com/waynamusic

Show begins at 10pm

Our resident DJs Destroyer, Milky Wayne, & Myxzlplix will provide the perfect selection of progressive soul, forward-thinking hip-hop, and future beats

Free with RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com
$5 without

Strictly Social
Wednesday November 19, 2008
Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 660-4540
9pm-2am
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com
www.littletemple.com

Halloween 2008 Photos

Halloween 2008 was something special. More than just an excuse to run around the streets in silly costumes, this year's festivities marked a massive exhale for the American people. On the eve of the biggest election of a generation, we celebrated our freedom to BE! Hundreds of thousands of people descended upon West Hollywood, LA's gayest neighborhood to partake in the massive Halloween carnival. Gay and straight alike sexed it up and let it all hang out! The beauty of Halloween is that you can be as crazy as you want and no one gives a fuck. There is probably someone crazier than you walking around. Enjoy the eye candy!

Janelle Monae Review

Janelle Monae has been steadily building buzz over the last few months. See what all the talk is about. Read our review of her EP and check out the video below.



Artist: Janelle Monae
Title: Metropolis: The Chase Suite
Genre: Soul/Electronica/Experimental
Read the review

I am over Hollywood!

I don't usually use my blog for rants but this time it is earned. Last night I was supposed to cover a Miguel Migs show in Hollywood at a new club called Ecco. It used to be a place called Tokio Bar which was one of the last cool places left on Cahuenga Blvd. They had $5 sake and it was free to get in. The music was always good and people were always dancing. Well that place is gone and now its this place called Ecco.

I can't even say anything about the venue itself. I never made it inside. My friend and I got a weird vibe from the start. There was this crazy chick going down the line taking signatures. And when I say crazy I mean it. She was probably coked out of her mind and she rudely asked everyone for their signature. Her tone of voice suggested that we should be lucky that she was allowing us to sign up for their mailing list because as she put it "This was a hot new club!" Then she had the nerve to be nitpicky about people's handwriting. If this is the first impression that the club was giving I shutter to think what the rest of my night would have been like.

When we got to the door, the door guy said he had no more list and that is going to be $20 to get in. Mind you, it was only 11:30 on a Wednesday night. He also asked me to put my camera in my pocket instead of letting it hang over my shoulder in the handy case that I bought for no other reason than he didn't like it. I have a principal that I like to stick by. If I am going to an event as a journalist or representing Nu-Soul and I have made prior arrangements with the people I needed to, then I don't pay. If I do pay I won't do a story or take pictures, etc. Since I was in direct contact with Caroline Hoste, who works directly with Miguel Migs at his own record label, I consider myself taken care of. I shouldn't need to explain who I am to anyone. If my name is on that list I should be getting in. No questions.

Yet time and time again I have been forced to deal with assholes who work at these clubs surrounding Hollywood Blvd who think their brand new club is so awesome just becuase they slapped some new paint on the walls and booked a big name DJ for their opening night. Who fucking cares. I didn't come to see your club. I came to support Miguel Migs and provide a service to him because I would like more people to know who he is!

Needless to say, I did not go into the club. Instead we went to Denny's and fed ourselves on pancakes. Hollywood is a shithole of lame ass losers and dumb ass clubs with corny people in the same Ed Hardy shirt and spiky faux hawks. They can all suck it. Long live Downtown LA!

Nu-Soul Two-Year Anniversary Party Photos

Strictly Social and Nu-Soul Magazine have done it again! On October 22nd Strictly Social returned to its new home at Little Temple for a very special evening celebrating two years on Nu-Soul magazine. The house was packed to witness the talented artists and DJs on display.

The night began with the selections of DJ Myxzlplix, fresh off his dope Strictly Social mixed CD. Les Brown & the Now took to the stage with their unique blend of soul, funk and rock. Les' energetic stage presence to passionate vocals had the crowd cheering. Stay tuned for this guy! DJ Kaleem was up on deck next and he rocked the house with an eclectic set that had the ladies moving. Then it was over to the lovely and talented Michelle Shaprow. The pixie-ish diva delivered a set that moved from chilled out electro pop to full on disco funk!

The performances were topped off by Oakland's Replife. This incredibly talented MC led the crowd in call and response chants, put himself in the thick of the audience and exuded a tremendous amount of stage presence and energy. Not to mention his beats are from another planet fusing the best in hip-hop, future soul, afro-beat, and broken beat. Resident DJ Destroyer kept things hot until they kicked us out.

Overall this was a very important night for Nu-Soul magazine and Strictly Social. Little Temple embraced us and we will be doing shows there on the third Wednesday of every month. Special thanks to everyone who came out and supported including Fusicology, Universal Rhythm, Aside Worldwide, Social Butterfly and Wendy for hosting her birthday party with us, and all the talented artists who graced out stage. Stay tuned for November 19.









Check out all the photos

Strictly Social on myspace

nu-soulmag.com

Love Fest 2008 photos

Ok, so I know this took me forever to post seeing as how the 2008 San Francisco Love Fest was a few weeks ago, but better late than never. So here are some photos from on of the highlights of the year. This event is a giant rave and parade right in the heart of downtown San Francisco in the middle of the day! Only in SF. Check out all the madness, craziness, and sexy people then link to the rest of the phtos on my flickr page!










See all the photos and videos

Buff 1 and Beatspoke reviews for Nu-Soul

Check out the newest reviews I wrote for my site Nu-Soul. Broken beats meet spoken word to create Beatspoke and their debut album. Buff 1 returns with his second session of feel good hip-hop.


Artist: Beatspoke
Title: No Rush
Genre: Soul/Broken Beat/Spoken Word
Read the review


Artist: Buff 1
Title: There's Only One
Genre: Hip-Hop/Soul
Read the review

Justin Monroe Book Release Party in LA Dec 5

So I am really excited about Justin Monroe's new book, especially since I shot with him. Whether or not my shots are used in the book is another story, but no matter. It was still exciting to be a part of the magic he creates. I had a lot of fun doing it too. I will be there on December 5th to show my support for this amazing artist!

I am hosting a NIkka Costa party in Hollywood

Nikka Costa is about to drop her new album Pebble To A Pearl on October 14 on Stax Records. Nu-Soul is celebrating this hot new soul release with a special album release and listening party at the brand new Kress Nightclub in Hollywood on Thursday October 9.

The party starts at 10pm so get there early. We'll be previewing the new album from 10pm-11pm and we definitely have several copies of the album to give away to those early birds.

Admission is FREE! Just arrive early since is the newest club in Hollywood and bring a female or two so you can get in faster. Don't forget to drop Nu-Soul or Norman's name at the door so you can get in!

We'll be partying in the downstairs area of this plush new club until 2am.



Nikka Costa Album Release @ Kress
6608 Hollywood Blvd
(At Hollywood and Schrader across from Geisha House. Enter on Schrader)

Check out Kress: www.myspace.com/kressthenightclub
Check out Nikka Costa: www.myspace.com/nikkacosta

Art Effect Thursday Sept 25

Nu-Soul Presents Art Effect, a bi-weekly event for lovers of art & music. Join us as we present to you some of the hottest DJs in the Gothic environment of Silverlake's Medusa Lounge.

Dance and drink to 2am with DJs LP & the Ghost.

Entry is FREE!Just drop Nu-Soul editor Norman's name at the door!

Art Effect Thursdays
Thursday Sept 25
Medusa Lounge
3211 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90057
www.medusaloungela.com

Solange review

Beyonce's little sister Solange has a new album out with a dope sound that is more Amy Winehouse than bootylicious. Check out my review below and listen to 3 full tracks!


Artist: Solange
Title: Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams
Genre: Soul/Pop/Electronica
Read the review

My trip to Atlanta 2008

This past weekend I went to Atlanta to attend the International Soul Music Summit. It was pretty cool sicne this year I was much more involved. I was actually on two of the panels, one on Music Media, the other for Soul Promoters. So I got to talk to a captive audience about my experiences in the industry and offer some advice.

BUt the best part was that I was able to promote Nu-Soul. We had a Strictly Social party in Atlanta. Despite some drama and hiccups everything went over pretty well. We had a nice crowd and the performances were great!!

Surfer, Dude

On Saturday I worked as a promotional model for the new movie Surfer, Dude with Matthew McConaughey. Basically i got to walk around in my board shorts, take pictures, and pass out some promo cards to promote the movie. My partner in crime was a lovely girl named Sarah from Brazil. Fun times!