Happy 414 Day!
/We love our city. Our community. Our Home. 414 for Life!
Happy 414 day Milwaukee!
#SupportTheLocal #CopyWriteMag #Milwaukee #414
Young Deuces - Run of Harriet
/“Run of Harriet is the 4th video from Young Deuces solo project 'My Unapologetic Black Thoughts." The song is said to be what Young Deuces imagined would be playing during the run on the underground railroad, similar to when you run in the gym and you play a song to get your adrenaline up. The music video plays off of that theme and shows a young Harriet Tubman, on a mission to wake up the lost ones in today's world in the Black Community. Come watch as Harriet Tubman wakes up Stacey Dash, Ben Carson, Omarosa, Floyd Mayweather and deal with Kanye West w/Donald Trump.”
First of all, let me just say yasssssss to the creativity of this project! I love the concept behind it and it’s originality. Nowadays artists kinda talk about the same things, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just extremely refreshing to see new quality content. The illustrations were dope and I love how in the beginning Harriet puts on some airpods (#flex lol) and has a playlist of conscious artists to choose from like Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar and Meek Mill. The “woke juice” she shoots at the lost ones to come with her was a cool addition, and I can definitely picture her having this song playing to amp her up and get her adrenaline pumping because listen... I was in fact HYPE lol.
Hopefully this video inspires others to challenge their own concepts/ideas and think outside the box. Shoutout to Young Deuces for sending this over to us...keep your creativity flowing!
/CW
TG - Out In The Cold ( feat King Iso & Rambunxious ) prod by Ill Brown
/“TG, an up and coming lyricist from Madison Wisconsin, has been grinding over the last couple years. He started that grind by doing a EP with CyphaDen Music artist Rambunxious who also hails from Madison by way of Phoenix Arizona. Then TG reached out and worked with Strange Music's own MayDay and now he got The word chopper from Omaha King Iso.
“King Iso starts the song off with a strong but fast Tech 9ish type of flow & style. His lyrics are very clear where you are able to hear the bars and lyrics that do punch. Rambunxious fills in the hook space with a melodic melody carrying the Cold.... over into his verse where he uses his canvas to show you his mix of style , lyrics and personality.
“TG finishes the song off and shows you that he is only going up from here. He puts a ending to the track that will make you want to rewind the track and listen all over again. The track was produced by team backpack producer hailing from Chicago Ill Brown.”
TG’s new single “Out in the Cold”, has some of the fastest bars that I’ve heard since Twista! Each artist get their chance to shine in this track, and they all make sure to use it to their advantage. Keep your eyes out for these three.
/CW
The Splitz - Mortality Curve
/Now y’all know at CopyWrite we don’t discriminate not nann genre of music because we get it, everyone’s preference isn’t the same. Since we’ve been on a big rap kick lately, and we can’t become too predictable ;), we thought it would be dope to switch it up a bit and highlight an alternative old school band! The Splitz is a Milwaukee based group that formed in 1986 until 1992, but was recently revamped by two members of the original group, Jaco and Berendt.
“Jaco and Berendt combined their talents on this new recording titled “Mortality Curve”, which finds the duo in solid form. The effort is focused on modern social divide, the maladies/pitfalls of humanity, and government corruption.Marrying the sub-genres of Power Pop/Prog Rock with synth elements hearkening back to the Post Punk New Wave era, The Splitz create their own Alternative niche.
The band is currently offering streaming/download of Mortality Curve on Bandcamp and
Reverbnation. CD’s are available through the band and eBay.”
If alternative is your thing, or you’re just into trying new music, this one's for you! Let us know what other genres you think we should feature on the blog.
/CW
PLS&TY - Motives
/This is how PLS&TY explains his new release “Motives”, featuring Dutch producer GANZ (multiple releases on Dim Mak, and, just recently, on Nettwerk) and LA-based singer/songwriter Nevve (releases on Hexagon, Circus, Warner, Monstercat): “‘Motives’' is about one partner wanting so desperately to feel love, no matter how hard the fall or heartbreak, in spite of the other partner's lack of commitment. One person ultimately ends up the 'friend,' and the other the 'fool,' for developing true feelings amongst the partner's indifference. Yet, as genuine 'motives' always surface, I believe it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."
Wow! Now who hasn’t been there? Even if you haven’t, this type of love is something that you’ve either dealt with personally, helped a loved one through, read in a book or watched in a movie. Simple as that! This electric pop song speaks to the lonely and broken hearted. Nevve sings, “I can see the hearts of the lonely. Come with me, I could use the company.” Well here I come girl! Like I said, we’ve all been there (or just me), but if you haven't, this song definitely takes you there. The chill but electronic beat is paired with soft exotic vocals, creating the perfect balance of an upbeat but sensual vibe, depicting the ups and downs of this rollercoaster called love.
“Motives” is PLS&TY’s follow-up release to “Rebel Love” (which went #1 on iTunes Electronic Charts & was later Remixed by Rusko).”
We can’t wait to see what PLS&TY has coming for us next in the future. Whatever it is, we can be sure to expect his “unique sound: languid bass, captivating vocals and enough upbeat melodies to make anybody feel good.”
Check him out!
/CW
Carvd N Stone Inc. Authors of Color Book Drive
/*Information Provided By Carvd N Stone*
Carvd N Stone Inc.—a media company that’s dedicated to providing the news that major news outlets overlook—is hosting their first book drive entitled Authors of Color Book Drive which runs until June 1. All books given to Authors of Color Book Drive will be donated to Milwaukee Public Schools. By June 1, the goal is to reach 1,000 books all written by authors of color. All books must be either gently used or new and be written by authors of color.
Authors of Color Book Drive was created to provide MPS students with books written by people that look like, talk like and have been through similar situations as them. With our media company being founded by an MPS alumni, we understand the importance of literacy and being able to see and read about someone who mirrors ourselves. Those who donate will be helping our students reach a brighter future.
“I’ve always had a love for reading and to be able to provide that to our youth is something I look forward to doing,” said President of Carvd N Stone Inc., Nyesha Stone. “Our students deserve more, and CNS will continue to find ways to encourage and inspire our youth.” Stone was inspired by 14-year-old Marley Dias to do her own book drive through Carvd N Stone Inc.
Milwaukee is the number one most segregated city in the U.S. and that’s even true inside of our schools. The system is broken, and the students aren’t being taught their full histories, so it’s our job to give them the opportunities to learn about who they truly are. MPS has been ridiculed, underfunded and left behind, especially when it comes to resources such as books.
Authors of Color Book Drive is a continuous effort to hopefully inspire other organizations, community members and individuals to find their own ways to give back.
For more information or to find out the drop-off location, contact Nyesha Stone via email at carvdnstone.cns@gmail.com
-more-
Carvd N Stone Inc. www.carvdnstone.com
About Carvd N Stone Inc.
Carvd N Stone Inc. is a media company that was founded by Nyesha Stone on Jan. 21, 2017. Carvd N Stone is a platform for untold talents to tell their stories. Whether it’s through words, visuals or one of our many community events, we’re giving a voice to individuals. Carvd N Stone not only stands as a source for news, but a brand that makes an impact in the community. We are dedicated to telling the truth and being the ones to initiate action that creates change.
CNS’ mission is to educate, inform and give the people a spotlight through a different lens of the media, while using different initiatives to give back to low-income communities to bring impactful change.
Together: Views of Sherman Phoenix
/Together, we make US better.
Right now, a large percentage of the developed world’s population is obsessed with borderline narcissism and self-promotion, so it’s a gasp of fresh air to be able to catch a vibe in Sherman Phoenix where everyone seems to be there to somehow make somebody else’s life better.
From the tenants who provide services to the community, produced BY the community; to the community leaders who host meetings there, discussing best practices to add value to the lives of others....
On any given day, you can walk in that building, that formerly served as a bank, and witness the beauty of unity. And while I admire it in all forms, I’d be concealing a big part of who I am if I didn’t express my admiration for black unity. The never-ending family reunion type vibe I get in here is a feeling that I crave every day.
Community members enjoying the vibe on a Tuesday afternoon.
When Sherman Park State Bank was built in 1927 (according to wisconsinsinhistory.org), I’m pretty sure no one imagined that the establishment would survive a near brush with complete destruction and transform into an entirely different kind of financial establishment.
It became an institution that will increase the economic health of a community that has had its fair share of struggles. One that would provide real estate space for close to 30 businesses of color, in a community of color, to serve that same community, as well as people across many demographics who walk through there each day.
A List of Sherman Phoenix businesses at the front entrance.
92 years ago, I bet the architects of that building never imagined that 90 years later, the site they constructed would become an incubator for talent and business cultivation in the heart of a Milwaukee neighborhood that many would consider “troubled”.
However, many of us don’t see “troubled” when we think of the Sherman Park neighborhood.
At least I don’t. I think of being a kid, and playful walks to the corner store from at my aunt’s house on 34th and Auer.
A lot of us remember playing “carpet pool” with cousins, siblings, and friends at Mary Ryan Boys and Girls Club; or trying to sneak in the teen room, to see what the “big kids” were doing.
We think of BBQ smoke, our elders bumpin’ Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “Before I Let Go”, and family picnics at Sherman Park. Most of all, many of us think RESILIENCY!
Back in the Summer of 2016, the Sherman Park neighborhood was put to the test after a series of unfortunate circumstances that lead to unsettling tension between some of the community members, and the Milwaukee Police Department.
I asked Joanna Brooks, owner and CEO of Embody Yoga at Sherman Phoenix where she was when she first heard about the backlash that occurred after the killing of one of the community members, by a Milwaukee Police Officer.
This is what she said:
“I don’t quite remember where I was, but I remember exactly how I felt. I didn’t check the news that night, but I remember seeing it on people’s Facebook live, and feeling like I was there too. I couldn’t stop thinking about what I had seen, and I woke up the next morning to drive down and see it for myself. I was sad, but hopeful at the same time, because of how the community came together.”
I was curious to know what Sherman Phoenix represents to Joanna, and she told me that “it represents an opportunity for true ownership, growth and an opportunity to help me legitimize my business.”
Hearing her response brought extreme joy to my heart. It’s inspiring to see how far she’s come, and, as she stated, “be given the opportunity to normalize the practice of yoga in the black community”. Joanna is revolutionizing how Yoga is practiced and is thinking outside the box about how she offers it to her Yogi’s.
I’ve been given the honor of being Embody Yoga’s official DJ, and have been part of some pretty fly events, providing a hard-hitting hip-hop soundtrack, while they’re on the mats.
Joanna Brooks, Owner and CEO of Embody Yoga instructs a class during one of her sold out special events.
Embody Yoga, along with the 26 other businesses in Sherman Phoenix are doing something for our city that hasn’t been seen, since a portion of the original Bronzeville neighborhood was demolished in the 60’s to make room for the construction of the freeway.
Sherman Phoenix represents the resurrection of two giants! That fateful summer night in 2016 was no match for the power behind Sherman Phoenix’s rise: and neither was the systematic destruction of the original Bronzeville, which served as the hub of black business, economy and culture in Milwaukee.
If you appreciate a good comeback story, then you have to be inspired by how that old BMO Harris Bank building withstood the fiery beatdown it took; to return not only to be operational again, but as a symbolic representation of community strength. This can easily be ranked as one of the best “rise from the ashes” stories ever.
"Sherman Rising" poster, located in Shindig Coffee.
Yep, I said EVER!
Just think about the amount of talent that’s being developed within the confines of that space at any given moment. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear Sherman Phoenix getting a lot of credit in the future, for being the place that incubated some of the most talented individuals to come from Milwaukee.
I imagine someone giving an award acceptance speech for a notable worldwide achievement, accepting a Grammy, Oscar, etc. and telling a story that points to Sherman Phoenix as being the place that provided the inspiration for whatever they worked on to receive that acknowledgment.
Creativity just feels so free flowing and natural in here.
Think of how many dollars are being circulated back into the hands of the gatekeepers of this beloved community, instead of being sucked out and poured somewhere that won’t have any direct benefit to the people whose hands it came out of.
Something else that blows my mind, is how amazing each of the businesses at Sherman Phoenix are in their own respective right, but then as a unit, they give off an aura of superhero like strength, creating a thriving sense of livelihood in the community.
That “superpower” seems to rub off too, because whenever I’m at Sherman Phoenix, I feel a sense of invincibility, and inspiration, and belief that I can accomplish anything.
One of my favorite places to hang out at Sherman Phoenix, when I’m not shaking things up at Embody, is Shindig Coffee, formerly known as The Juice Kitchen. I’m a huge Hip Hop fan, and every time I’m in there, I sit as close as I can to the Wu-Tang Clan picture hanging up, because looking at it reminds me that I belong there. This is the only coffee shop I can go to, where I know I don’t need headphones, because the conversations are always ones I’m interested in, and the soundtrack is always right up my alley.
Manaan Sabir, Owner of Shindig Coffee, posing in front of the Wu-Tang poster.
Wu-Tang is one of my favorite groups ever, and I see so many similarities between them and Sherman Phoenix. For example, together, the group functions as a cohesive unit, achieving unparalleled success. But also, individually, each member has had success outside the group. Sherman Phoenix is similar in that way!
When I’m there, I feel like I can succeed as my authentic self, because I see everybody else there doing it!
At Sherman Phoenix, I’m compelled to be the best that I’m capable of being, and I’m moved to continue finding ways to add value to the lives of others. There’s an unexplainable sense of encouragement that comes from feeling good energy and seeing good ideas being exchanged by the people in that building.
At the beginning of 2019, I did something I should’ve done a long time ago and wrote out what my core values are in life. Even though those values were always on my mind, it wasn’t until I actually wrote them down and saw them on paper, that I was able to better identify with others who share the same ones as me.
Authenticity
Unity
Freedom
Creativity
Integrity
Discipline
Respect
This is what I wrote down, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I see an expression of all of them at Sherman Phoenix, and I’m sure I’m not alone.
CW Connect /Adam Xander
Meet our NEW CopyWrite Connect, Adam Xander
/We are always looking for members of our community to add to the conversation & #SupportTheLocal to become apart of the CopyWrite Family. For this spring we are teaming up with a creative to tell new stories from a new perspective.
SAY WHAT’S UP TO ADAM!
Born Joshua Adam Harwell, in Milwaukee, WI, Adam Xander is hard to describe in just a few words.
The several aliases he goes by is a dead giveaway to his multi-layered mind, and his different talents he attempts to figure out ways to make intersect.
Adam is a dedicated father before anything else, and to best capture what his life represents, he combined his middle name with his son's middle name and became known as Adam Xander; formerly known as DJ Adamocity to many since 2006.
He believes creativity has no boundaries, and that no one should feel confined to only being able to satisfy a limited number of the things that bring joy to their lives.
As mentioned above, Adam wears several creative hats. DJ’ing has been his primary creative outlet for the past decade, but he found his passion for creative writing in college. He’s always loved the art of writing, but it was during graduate school that he saw how influential a well written publication can be for moving a group of people toward achieving a common goal. Whether that goal is to get others to take action on something, or to deliver a different perspective on an idea.
Adam also produces original music, and uses his ability as a connector, to assists nonprofit organizations and small businesses with their brand strategy and talent acquisition needs.
/CW
Taiyamo Denku - Filthy (Ft. Genesis Renji)
/*ALERT FROM OUR PARTNERS AT THE HOUSE OF RENJI*
90’s style hip hop cyphers seemed have been under wraps in this new day and age, as if it went into extinct under the new age hip hop and rap culture. Old school hip hop seemed to express a certain rawness and purity through the lyrics, rhymes and aggression from the rappers. This style of rap is not for the lighthearted nor amateur, which are two things that Taiyamo Denku and Genesis Renji are NOT. Taiyamo Denku’s track “Filthy”, featuring Genesis Renji, is a new bop that takes us back to this time. This track puts a spin on a “new age style production” with an old school rap beat and lyrical flow, unleashing the perfect mixture of pure passion, skill and authenticity that is rare for our time.
"CyphaDen Music Drops a new Gem this time bringing fellow Milwaukee artist Genesis Renji of House of Renji with him. Denku the Milwaukee Native emcee starts out with a heavy hard verse full of bars , lyrics and punchlines. Denku then boasts on the hook " Im Better than You" . Genesis then stylizes on the track with a good flow and delivery. Dcypha spins a new age style of production with his signature boom bap steez to make for a great one off single from Cypha den Music"
Taiyamo Denku spits his verses with a rough flow that delivers his lyrics with force. Similarly, Genesis Renji adds his own creative spin to the mix with his smooth flow and lyrical puns. This track definitely goes hard and it proves that pure hip hop still exists.
/CW
#SupportTheLocal - Blaze Pizza Fundraiser for Jazale's Art Studio
/“Everybody eats B!”
So why not do it while supporting a good cause! Help us spread the work and make sure you get your Blaze Pizza While using this flyer on April 2nd, 2019 to help support Jazale’s Art Studio!
