D.C. Trio Likeblood Changing Hip-Hop With “#dabiness”

When families come together, reunions happen, old friends reunite, love takes over and lives are never the same. Photos from the past cast off that same effect, allowing the greatest feelings of anxiety and a longing for one another to set in. When families comes together, the lonely, empty feelings of love ones who have passed on have a tendency to be replaced by joy, laughter and happiness which instantly consumes the surroundings. Strangers would be the first to say, “these people are “likeblood”. “I like the atmosphere, the conversation, the surroundings”. I feel just ‘likeblood’ here”. Believe it or not, there are many families who can’t say they experience the kind of welcome and warmth that happens in family reunions, or even family get -togethers, because many have grown too far apart due to small disagreements, which rip at the core of their existence. With all negativity aside, Eric “Yung E.” Mann, Andre “Dre Strong” Strong and Mbea “Mbea Da1” Bassil, better known as “Likeblood”, bring the elements of family back to music, with a Hip-Hop flavor rivaled by few and embraced by many with their Soblu Music Group project “#dabiness”, their latest release.

It’s been a few years since the formation of this soulful Rap trio, but after witnessing their performance and listening to their music, it’s easy to see why people are so in tune to their sound, style and swagger. Although the guys are of no relation to each other, they are Likeblood. Everything about them makes you want to gravitate to their music because they’re representing true chemistry in the purest of forms. “We grew up together”, says Yung E. “Yea, Dre and I met years ago. Dre and I were in the 6^th grade together. Mbea came along in the 5^th grade. We all became friends and started putting this together back in 1998. My brother gave us the name, and we took it to the streets”. Although it took the guys a while to arrive on the scene as a bonified group of emcees, ready, willing and able to take Hip-Hop to a new level, it was not until 2006, that they would catch the eye of Soblu Music Group, who not only liked their music, but cast them in their first film, “ Jazz In The Diamond District”. The film starred actors Wood Harris (“Next Day Air”) and Clifton Powell (“Next Friday”). Likeblood were also heavily involved in creating the music for the film’s soundtrack. “It was great to be apart of the film, “Jazz In The Diamond District”, continues Dre. “ We portrayed members of the band in the film, where the main character joined a Go-Go Band in the area. We also did all of the soundtrack, which was co-produced by Chucky Thompson.”

In March of 2009, the guys dropped their first single from the film’s soundtrack, “ Red Carpet”, which made industry bigwigs take a long look at what the trio was doing. The video garnered airplay on BET’s 106&Park, as the new joint of the day, thereafter receiving airplay on MTV Jams, Music Choice, Fuse, VH-1 and BET.com “The industry is really different right now, “ interjects Yung E. “Back in the day, we made a lot of classy tunes, and now all of that has changed. The music is really different now. The sound is different. A lot of it has to do with technology. Since we’re in the era of Itunes and all the websites, it use to be that you made a album and prayed that a few songs would make it in the top ten. Now all you have to do is release one song and let it sell on something like Itunes, and you’re in the game. And now consumers are more so buying what they want instead of having to purchase a whole album. We’ve always made music that was commercial (mainstream) to touch on subjects that relate to everyone. We find that connection and try to embrace it. We love using the computer because it’s allowing us to reach our fans on a whole different level. Things are changing fast, and the fact that you can produce your own product, and sell it the way you want to sell it is incredible. On the flip side it’s getting harder to get into the industry, so we’re adapting to the new standards- the computer, and websites that allow artists to do what they do best.”

Back in November of 2009, Lifeblood hit the road with legendary rapper Raekwon the Chef (formally of the Wu-tang Clan) on his “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2” Tour, as an opening act. The tour started in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, continuing on to Atlanta, Chicago, New York and various other cities around the country. “It’s been a lot of fun to be on tour”, explains Mbea. We’re really getting to see what people like to listen to, and get into. We can’t put a label on our music. It’s real Hip-Hop, and that’s what our fans are appreciating. The response has been really great. We spit lyrics to the music, and it’s teaching us to be masters of ceremony. The fans are rally embracing us right now. In Washington, DC, everyone goes by where they are from and we do the same”. “We all love different genre’s of music”, adds Dre. “Our material is a mixture of club beats and Hip-Hop and people are really loving us right now. Some people get it twisted when we say Likeblood, but yea we are like family. No gangs. No negative messages, but like a family would be and that’s what we represent”. In the past, the trio has performed with a variety of artists including, LeToya Luckett, Rich Girl, Ace Hood, New Boyz, Dorrough, Rich Boy, Lil Scrappy and Bun B.

Likeblood is currently promoting “ Money Over Here”, which is a street savvy tune ready to rock radio and the club scene. The song features R&B Singer, Bobby V. “Yea we went to Patch Works Studios to do this one”, says Dre in Closing. “The track was already done. He did the hook and it came out well. It’s also doing very well in sales”. Check out www.likeblood.com to see photos and video clips from behind the scenes at the making of “Money Over Here”. Likeblood’s album “#dabiness” comes out in the Spring.

Antonio Fargas: The Journey From Blaxploritation to “Safari Song”

Black American has always had an enormous appetite for the arts and entertainment. For years, Hollywood only recognized one side of that desire, which was that of White America. In appreciation for legendary pioneers such as Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones, Flip Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Bill Cosby, Cab Calloway, Cicely Tyson, Melvin Van Peebles, Redd Foxx, and so many others, today’s generation of African American actors, actresses and musicians have worked hard to position themselves for the opportunity to not only amaze us on camera and records, but behind the scenes, on stage, on film and in literacy works that have made our hearts skip a beat. Since 1964, acting Legend Antonio Fargas has graced our presence in a series of projects for television, stage, film, and most recently as a contributor on literary work, “Safari Song”, written by Catherine Owens-Herrmann.

For sure the face of Antonio Fargas is a familiar one as he’s made us laugh due to his colorful attire on many accounts, and say “um”, but over all, he made us take notice. Many remember him for his role in the Blaxploritation film spoof “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka”, (where he’s also appeared in “Shaft”, “Car Wash”, “ Pretty Baby”, “Next Stop”, “Greenwich Village”, “ Le Bell Anglaise”, Whore”, “Conrack”, “The Howling VI”, “The Borrower” and others), but he’s most popular for the character of Huggy Bear on television series “Starkey & Hutch”, which dominated television during the 1970’s. “I had no idea that even now people still watch the show in reruns”, says Fargas. “ Barry Shear, was the director and he asked me to come by and read for the part. I got it, and the rest is history. I feel very blessed to have been part of that team. People always tell me when I travel they grew up watching that show. Those years were so great. It was a lot of fun back then. Today, television is very different and I miss the stories. There are no more situation comedy shows like “Cheers”, “All In The Family”, “The Cosby Show”, shows like that. Everything now is reality television. And there’s just to much animation. In my day, the powerful stories were the simple ones that really got you. The shows don’t get developed like they use to, so it’s just a different day and time.”

Fargas grew up as one of eleven children. His mother was from Trinidad, and his father was Puerto Rican. He speaks on how different it is today to raise children. “You don’t see large families now like you use to, “ he says. “ People can’t afford it. But we had a lot of good times back then. I was born in the Bronx and raised on the Lower West Side of Manhattan, which was called Chelsea. So it was perfect timing. I remember, my father was a garbage man and we worked hard for things. My parents taught us to work hard to make it in life. I helped raise my sisters and brothers. Today a lot of these kids don’t have that. Back then the community was a big part of your life. There was a very strong sense of family in the neighborhood. People were very friendly toward each other and really cared about working together and helping each other. Same thing with the industry back then, it was about family coming together to help each other. I came along during the birth of Black Theater off Broadway. The Negro Ensemble Company. We were the pastors of artistic form. Art was a mirror to life. And White America was very much part of what we we’re doing. They were very supportive. I have a lot of memories. It was also the right time for theater, poetry and all that. The closest thing I see to our family today is Hip-Hop. Being from the past generation, I feel very honored that a lot of our Rap Artists, Hip-Hop artists come to me and my peers and say they have always been open to what we did creatively. They say we older artists inspired them. I love all forms of music, but Rap brought back the passion for the music”. Fargas is also a musician who plays Trumpet, among other instruments.

Reminiscing about his past in New York, in Broadway productions and other acting gigs, Fargas speaks on meeting the greats. “ I remember I was 22 years old when I met James Earl Jones on Broadway, “as he continues. “ I was offered a role in “The Great White Hope”, in which he was the star. I remember Tyrone Power. I remember meeting the Legendary Jimmy Hendricks in a bathroom in Manhattan. I remember Isaac Hayes and so many others. Those were the good days”. And his thoughts about today’s Internet craze. “ No question can go unanswered. Today it’s all about instant technology, music and everything. I appreciate having this available to me”. And what about his roles in television today? Many people are familiar with him from “Everyone Loves Chris”, which is Executive Produced by Chris Rock. “ That is one of the relationships that I made along time ago”, says Fargas. “ Over the years I’ve met a lot of different people, and we’ve become friends, and that show is just a result of that”. In past years Fargas has also appeared in television shows such as in a recurring role on “Miami Vice”, ABC’s “All My Children”, as the father to Debbi Morgan’s Character, Angie Hubbard; movies of the week including ABC’s “Huggy Bear And The Turkey”, “PBS’s Denmark Veresy”, ABC’s Huckleberry Finn” and the CBS movie “Ambush Murder”.

His current project is “Safari Song”, which Fargas says was a delight to participate in. “I get to share my experiences with Cathy. To lend a hand in their efforts to bring this book to life. You can have all the talent in the world, but you need packaging, product, media and all that to make it a success. So I want to see this project go from book to play to television movie. This is a simple story of survival. Because my name can give credibility to a project to accomplish some of these things, I was glad to take part. We’ve been friends for a long time and I saw this as a very worthwhile project take part in”. “Safari Song” was first born as a series of whimsical and witty songs and later a series of books (Safari’s Song and Safari’s Dream). The journey of Safari has birthed such creativity in Catherine that, in partnership with her technically-gifted husband and fellow animal lover Bill, they have formed Owens-Herrmann Entertainment. The general purpose of this creatively diverse arts-based company is to take the message of Safari—one of determination, self-worth and hope—to kids, young adults and even parents around the world. You can learn more about “Safari Song” at http://owens-herrmannentertainment.com. In the future look for Antonio Fargas acting in a stage play in Europe and he’s also writing a book. You can learn more about Antonio Fargas at http://www.antoniofargas.net.

Bishop E. Bernard Jordan- Technology And The “Zoe” Effect

Teaching biblical principles and ethnic essentials to sustain a successful life has been the mission of Bishop E. Bernard Jordan from the start. As founder and Senior Pastor of Zoe Ministries, a national and international movement that has captivated the likes of businessmen, political officials, celebrities, churches, among others, Bishop Jordan has perfected his calling of “Prophesy”, which many view as a person who reveals a vision of divine inspiration. The world financial situations, a state of emergency for the federal government, disaster at the World Trade Center Towers, and a long list of other concerns have gave way to leaders around the world to call on the skill and talent of Bishop Jordan. Because of the Internet, and major media organizations, Bishop Jordan’s ministry has become one of the leading movements in religion and prophecy. His creation of The Prophetic Network allows him to give back and share his gift like never before.

“I want to see all people economically empowered, “ says Bishop Jordan. “I am very concerned with where we’re headed in terms of our people, and their awareness of the Internet and all that it can do for their lives. We have less than 25% of our people who are connected to the Internet. We have a new literacy challenge among us and it’s that of the Internet. So we’re loosing a lot of our people, African American men, women and children to the system- the Welfare System, the Prison System. We have financial dependence to the system. It’s easy to become dependent on the system. Many of us have forgotten that help comes from within ourselves. We should be producers and not just consumers. That’s where our strength lies”. Keeping true to his teachings, Bishop Jordan is the author of over 40 books, including the New York Times Best Seller, “The Laws Of Thinking”, and the founder of Zoe Ministries, a spiritual calling, catering to the cyber community. “At age 15, I knew I had a calling to prophesy to the people”, continues Bishop Jordan. “I came into a greater level of awareness about myself and what I felt God was leading me to do. I was born to do what I’m doing”. Bishop Jordan’s belief in self has led him to build quite a following as he’s been embraced by viewers from around the world on television networks such as the Word Network and Black Entertainment Television. The live streaming webcast allows the Bishop and his company of prophets to predict occurrences in the lives of his viewers 2 nights and 1 day per week.

Because of the Bishop’s popularity and accuracy in exercising his gift, he’s been asked by a variety of celebrities, world leaders, major corporations and others to prophesy their futures. “I proclaim myself as a man of God, and I’m using what God has given me to help others”, continues Bishop Jordan. “I am often asked to speak to all kinds of people, including politicians, but that doesn’t mean that I have to become that person. Prophecy is my passion, and I believe that once you find that passion, you never work another day in your life”. Bishop Jordan’s passion has allowed him to travel to Swaziland, Africa to deliver a word of The Lord to the Queen and the Royal Family. He’s also traveled to Germany, Canada, Korea and the Caribbean. He was also invited to address a special assembly of ambassadors and diplomats at the United Nations concerning the oppressive racism in South Africa, as well addressing in February of 1992, the impending liberation of South Africa.

In the world of entertainment, Bishop Jordan is most noted as a religious confidant to the Reverend Al Sharpton, who’s welcomed his unique gift on several occasions, including the recent conversations with the Jackson Family surrounding the sudden death of Pop Star Michael Jackson. Bishop Jordan has also been featured in a variety of publications such as The New York Times, The New York Post, and The Daily News. He’s also been featured in television on NBC’s Today Show, Fox 5, Good Day New York, CNN and many others. Also to his credit, he’s published an extensive library of cassette and videotapes geared to impact the “Zoe- God Kind of Life” Christian Philosophy. In addition to all his accomplishments in the professional arena, he’s also a husband, married to Pastor Debra Jordan, and proud father of 5 children. “I’ve been married for 30 years”, he says graciously. “And I love my wife and children dearly. The man is the head of the family and the family is only as strong as the head. God designed it for men to bring direction to the family structure. Men are the producers of the future through their children”. And his thoughts on education- “it is vital to the society that we live in this day and time to have a good education. The bible says my people will perish for the lack of knowledge. A lot of our people are uneducated and miseducated, which is more dangerous. And many of us are fanatically illiterate. In order to compete, we must become fanatically empowered. If not, you become indebted to society. The saying is that money makes the world go round, but that saying needs to be turned around to knowledge makes the world go round. Money is just a part of that.”

In closing Bishop Jordan says he will continue to bless the world by way of his Internet ministries and teachings to help people gain fanatical independence. “The Internet is the most effective way in the current economy to impact the world”, explains Jordan in closing. “This technology allows us to affect people’s lives everywhere, and we’ve (Zoe Ministries) enjoyed that success thus far. We’re seeing the end of the brick and mortar age, and the new literacy is through technology. The computer puts all of us on the same page, giving all people an opportunity to make a difference”. For more on Bishop E. Bernard Jordan, visit www.bishopjordan.com

Dr. Hairston/Kirk Franklin Set To Celebrate Haiti At "Gospel Heritage Conference"

Believe it or not, visionary Teresa Hairston built her dream career with $300.00, creating the premiere Gospel music publication, “Gospel Today”. After years of making her share of mistakes, working insane hours and believing that through faith anything was possible in Jesus Christ, she’s created an empire in which many have come to know as a place of peace, tranquility and prosperity as the founder and chairperson of The Gospel Heritage Foundation. In light of the recent earthquake in Haiti, she felt very moved to dedicate her upcoming venture, “The Gospel Heritage Worship and Praise Conference” to survivors of the Haiti tragedy. In conjunction with this event, she’ll also welcome Minister Kirk Franklin, who will perform at the event, and address his latest project “Are You Listening- A Love Song For Haiti”, which features an all-star line up of Contemporary Gospel and Christian Artist who make up the bulk of the industry. Together, the two visions are guaranteed to set a precedent in Gospel Music many have never seen before.

“It’s a great thing to be able to present the Gospel Heritage Conference”, says Hairston. “This event gives the Gospel and Christian communities an opportunity to come together. We have a good time, good music and seminars and different events take place. This year, in dedication of the Earthquake in Haiti, we are dedicating the event to the survivors of Haiti. Kirk Franklin is also involved”. During this years Stellar Awards taping a few weeks ago in Nashville, TN, Franklin organized a choir comprised of over 150 different artists, to sing on his self penned “Are You Listening- A Song For Haiti”. The list of appearances include the who’s who of Gospel Music such as BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Shirley Caesar, Jeremy Camp, Marvin Winans, J. Moss, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kiki Sheard, Bishop Paul Morton, Donald Lawrence (as producer) and Micah Stampley and James Fortune (as choir members), among others participated.

The Gospel Heritage Praise and Worship Conference will take place at the Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fl, on February 18^th and 19^th. There are several artists scheduled to perform including Franklin, Byron Cage, Bishop Paul Morton, Donald Lawrence, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Jonathan Nelson, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor Dwayne Harvey, Bishop Rudolph McKissick (Pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church), with a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter Elder Bernice King. Dr. Hairston will lead the congregation in a fifteen minute prayer, where after all in attendance will get to see “Are You Listening”, the video presentation. Hairston talks about the Franklin Project, “When Kirk came to everyone with this idea, everyone responded and was ready to do whatever needed to be done. This was indeed an opportunity to unite in a way in which many had never done before. So it was an exciting time to be able to give back and that's what this project does.”

Dr. Teresa Hairston is founder of “Gospel Today Magazine”, The Gospel Heritage Foundation”, “ The Gospel Heritage Praise and Worship Conference”, “The Gospel Today Television Show” (which airs on the Word Network via Direct TV), “Gospel Today Update” Show on the ABC Radio Network and The Light Radio Network. Her enterprises are currently based out of Fairburn, Ga. For more information visit www.gospeltoday.com.

K-Boo- Taking “Grown Man” To The Streets and Beyond

Reality has it that seven out of ten young Black males will experience some form of racial stereotyping in their teens leading to adult hood. While some escape the negativity of the streets and live another day, many do not. K-Boo was a product of the streets who refused to give up, refused to take no for an answer and end result is “Grown Man”, a collection of versatile, creative and intelligent rhymes that captivate your thoughts and open your mind to the realities of street life, relationships and growth into an adult.

As a native of Jackson, Tennessee, artist, rapper, writer, and producer K-Boo plans to write his own history with “Grown Man”, his new release soon to hit stores on Mlyricsmusic4u/Sony Red Distribution. The album has a flair and charisma that’s guaranteed to get your attention. For sure Three Six Mafia made history when they captivated the small screen at the Academy Awards for the Hustle & Flow Single “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp”, and K-Boo generates that same energy and spark as he enlightens Rap and Hip-Hop fans with his smooth and relaxing style of Ghetto slang. “Yes growing up I listened to all of them, “ he says. “ UGK, Pimp C., 8 Ball, Scarface, Outkast, KRS-1, and all the guys. “ and I was heavily influenced by all kinds of music. Actually when I was younger I didn’t really focus like I should have and was just having fun. Then one day I began looking around at all those around me doing their thing, and I said to myself, I have to get myself together. So I started singing, then rapping, writing, and producing other artists around the area. I even did management of local artist and one thing turned into something else and I just kept doing it.”

Listening to “Grown Man”, it’s hard not to get up and get your boogie on. The album has a variety of singles that will take you by surprise. “The title of this album celebrates me being a grown up”, continues K-Boo. “Being a man and being myself. I’ve got several singles here that I really put a lot of thought into. “Grindin” refers to my life and how I’m a hard worker. I look at where I started and where I am now and I just tell people, I’ve been Grindin’ to make it to the top. The single “Victim Of The Streets”, says that I’m trying to get out of the streets and do better. I’m working on changing me and what I use to do. This is not on the album, but I also have a single entitled “Hot”, in which I may put on a mix tape to be released in a few months. So to be real, there are a number of songs on the album that deal with everything from relationships, to the streets and the club. You have to do something for the ladies. A big part of putting out this music is the Internet. Technology is great these days because it allows new artists, and established artists and others the opportunity to get exposure that normally they would not get.”

In the future look for K- Boo in a variety of projects. He would like to also work with the likes of the who’s who of Rap Music, all awhile reserving his credibility as a streetwise poetic lyricist on the grind. For more information on K-Boo, visit http://www.mlyricsmusic4u.com/

Pamela Williams “Jazz Saxtress Celebrating Her Independence”

Jazz music for the longest time has been an art form that has always taken a back seat to more popular and commercialized music, and the pioneers who crafted the sounds that so many of us love are becoming as extinct as the art form itself. But thanks to people like Pamela Williams, sax player to the stars (known for her featured live work with Patti Labelle and Tina Marie, to name a few), Jazz music is making a come back. Williams and her horn have graced the stage with a variety of music icons, including Baby Face and Shelia E., as well as featured guest artist on the Arsenio Hall Show. Like many, Williams is a multitalented artist who also writes, producers, sings and paints, creating irrestiable grooves on and off the canvas. Her stellar career has paved way for her current project “Elixir”, which is as tempting and sensual look as the artist herself, allowing her to showcase all her talents.

Music has always provided a service of creating smiles, laughter, romance, and more, and it’s not everyday that campaigns are being built around trying to save a struggling art form such as Jazz, but Williams is doing her part to remind people- Jazz is still around and she’s one of the best to contribute. “I’ve been in this business for 14 years”, says Williams. “ And it hasn’t always been easy, but I’m glad that I was given an opportunity to show I do have what it takes. One of the greatest challenges is being a female and having to prove myself over and over again. When it comes to being an artist and producer, I’ve been a musician longer than I have been producing, and I believe that I’m better live. It’s funny, but women in the Industry have a hard time sometimes because people don’t like to take them serious. When I got the gig for Patti Labelle, I was ecstatic because Patty was one of my idols and it was for sure a dream come true. Her musical director called me. I auditioned and got the gig and went to Japan with her. I then traveled with her band for 8 years, and she’s an extraordinary artist. Very professional, very into her music and one of the best that I know when it comes to what she does. The impact of her sound has really changed the game for women in the industry.”

For sure the name Pamela Williams is not a household name yet, but all good things come in due time. Her current project is “ Elixir”, which gives her an opportunity to show some of her creativity and stamina as a sax player. “ It’s funny how one of my idols, Grover Washington, Jr. was also my teacher in school”, she continues. “I use to play all of his records and copy what he was doing, which is how I really learned to play saxophone. I loved how he would blend smooth Jazz with R&B. Today, Jazz is slowly dying out and you don’t have a lot of Jazz artists releasing records now. So in my release of this project, I’m equally as proud because it’s a completely independent project, and this is my 8^th CD project. I have all creative control. I got to write it the way I wanted and play the way I wanted to play it. All the money goes to the record company and not ten or twenty other people or companies. That’s what I like about the Internet as well. It doesn’t take a lot of people to put your dream out there anymore. You can practically do it all yourself. And the Internet is playing such a major role in distribution right now. I love it because it gives the small man the advantage, and not have to spend a lot doing it.”

If you like smooth Jazz, “Elixir” is jammed with hits, including “Forbidden Fruit”, “Positive Vibe”, “A Jam For Pam”, “ A Toast To Eternity”, “In The Cut”, “Say Yes”, “ Rise”, “Give Me What You Got” and “Rejuvination”. “I’m from the era where all artists were unique”, says Williams in closing. “ Nothing sounded the same, and now everything sounds the same. So I’m attempting to bring back the old school, in some ways. With the Internet as a marketing tool, you can do anything and place yourself and your skills just about anywhere. I use My Space and market myself and I don’t need a record company for that. Record companies really took advantage of artists over the years, and now that the little man has the power to put his own image out, the playing ground for the first time in history is even. And your sales numbers don’t have to be as big now. You can afford to press far fewer copies and live comfortable as an independent artist”. Overall, “ Elixir” is filled with happy jams that will relax and soothe you, incorporating a variety of instruments beyond the saxophone.”

For more on Pamela Williams, visit www.pamelawlliamsthesaxtress.com and www.myspace.com/thesaxtress.