SnapShot PressBite - Library Loud Days

Get loud! This is a no shushing zone!

“Everybody make some noise!” – That’s one statement nobody ever expects to hear from aficionados at the library. But indeed there was nothing but noise permeating the walls and flowing out onto the streets around Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) Central location, for the first installment of their ‘Library Loud Days’ Series, last Thursday.

The Big event caught CopyWrite’s attention with the headlining act being MKE, popular music collective, New Age Narcissism (NAN). How would such a creatively rambunctious bunch pull this one off and how would one of the quietest places on the planet handle so much sound? Well we just had to find out! We even brought in a young “CopyWrite Connect,” three-year-old Yaya, for her inside perspective.

Walking down Wisconsin Ave. to the front of the Central Library, you would think there was a street festival going on. The smell of food trucks tickled our noses while speakers were banging all those new pop culture tracks. So many faces congregating on the grand steps of the library, like somebody's front porch.

The aura inside was just as active as the one that greeted us on the street. You could find photo booths with music props, get free merchandise repping the band and the library, engage with stations for kids to try out different instruments (Yaya's favorite, the drums), view old school cover art, watch Ted Talks, hear spoken word, play Guitar Hero and visit the super cool green roof…..OMG, to explore, explore, explore! Places in the library you might not even think to go, places you never had a reason to venture to, this was the time. They were all open for the community to experience together. The vibe was everything but normal, which made the contradiction so appropriate.

NAN performed an amazing set, showcasing all of their talents and pulling at some of their more risky arsenal. Siren, you have no shame! Lex was spicy with just the right amount of sweet, as always! Lorde Fred33, we peep the influence, bold with the subliminal (but are they really subliminal?) Webster, just as crowd thrilling as expected. Bo’, funky baby! Chris, feeding us with that much needed “dapper” percussion. Angie Swan, making the guitar cry absolute tears. And don’t forget Q The Sun making it all flow, so naturally, with the dope Pokémon threads (if we may add). With a collective that seemed to unify the space with both the physical platform and social one; the library became the open book for what we hope is change.

Library Loud Days, allowed for people of all ages and all backgrounds to see what CopyWrite gets to experience on an everyday basis, people coming together in a communal way to express talent, culture and learn freely. It was a great community based event that allowed us to enjoy the library and network with two different sides of the spectrum, which may open doors for more oddly amazing opportunities and collaboration in the future.

So what did our young CopyWrite Connect Yaya have to say? Well, for her first concert I think we have a win! Our sources tell us that the next day, that's all she talked about. She said, it was fun playing music and eating popcorn in the library. She will definitely be coming back. (What a great critic! We agree with Yaya, it was fun.)

CopyWrite Connects Lexi & Yaya // IMAGE PROVIDED BY MPL

It is proof that when you step out of your comfort zone, you can create amazing things. We can't wait for the next part of this epic series. Look at some of our photos below.

Love & All things Urban,

CopyWrite

P.S. View our press release via issuu here.

PressBite - Grey Genius

Walking into a warm welcoming spot that feels uncommon from the norm, "Higher Learning that's the team" is being yelled by multiple voices from on stage. Which makes me think, is Hip-Hop back in a pure form on this October night?

Honestly I can say their was only one light that shined from a far in this blue lit room. With such brilliant name, a full beautiful figure and a smile to match the humbleness, that shining light belongs to Grey Genius.

A female MC that also displays lovely vocals, from the city of Milwaukee. Who is also a Marquette graduate I must add. Although she shared the stage with her Higher Learning team, she stands out as Lauryn Hill did to the Fugees. That's right, Lauryn Hill, with all due of respect though. After presenting her brand new HD video to the believers (fans) that attended Lux Lounge on MLK Blvd, proof was in every spoon of the pudding. Her stage presence was un-de-ni-ab-le!!!!

If you’re a true life fan of Hip-Hop, she just may soon be in your digital tape deck. One thing that stood out most to me was how mature her sound is. Nowadays in an era when behavior isn't much of a factor, she's bound to leave a stamp of maturity on the game. I can definitely tell that she's influenced by the recent generations of music, which will lead her to being an original figure from her hometown. I'm not sure if the city will understand how necessary her maturity is needed, but I guess it's up to her and her Higher Learning team to justify that.

From the soul is where her talents are possessed, so from the soul we shall hunger for what's next to come. Till then listen to 'Love Is...' and let us know what you think.

- Kelvin DayNAge Cross

My Love Is...

PressBite: Psychedelic Traphouse (Queen Tut's Release Party)

Psychedelic TrapHouse, this event added another level to what it is to love “Trap” music. Before entering the venue there was a handmade sign on the door that read, Queen Tut's Psychedelic TrapHouse release party. I definitely felt the "TrapHouse” vibe (though no trappers were actually around lol).  As I enter through the doors I was welcomed by two of Queens' close friends who held down the front end of the event. I was escorted in immediately like they had been awaiting my arrival, making me feel all special. Shout out to Queen! There were many familiar faces in the building and the lineup was amazing. Queen Tut’s release party shows her ability to bring out Milwaukee’s growing Urban Cultured community, which not all artist can do. She Shared the stage with other wonderful; Chakra Blu, Abby Jean, and Zed Zenko just to name a few. Not only did the showcase focus on her release but it also celebrated Queen Tut's birthday, and boy was she excited to share her cake that taste like Cinnamon Toast Crunch! Yum! Being entertained and fed at a release party is a win to me. It was awesome.

CopyWrite would love to know what is next to come from Queen Tut. We shall be watching. 

Listen to the EP here. Leave a comment & let us know what you think.

Queen Tut's dark whimsical dream fantasy in the form of words and sound. Cover Art By Sara Carter Executive Produced by Abby Jean Rebel Love Producers : Q The Sun, Brandeaux Calrissian, Elijah Jamal Asani, Abby Jean Rebel Love Rest In Peace Shavey. Everything I do is for you.

PressBite: Quinton Maurice of O2G (Sip & Shop)

Instagram Like! Going!

Quinton Maurice, Stylist & Designer, has been forming his mark on the industry. Recently (October 3rd, 2015) he unveiled a new venture, O2G’s Sip & Shop, with an event in his home town of MKE. The event ran from 4pm to 11pm but I arrived around 7pm. As I walked in to the O2G’s Sip & Shop, there were already announcements and acknowledgements being given. Quinton shared with the crowd of people about his journey thus far in the fashion industry. He also showed his front cover on J.Marie Magazine, another form of media here in Milwaukee, WI. The location of the event was held at the freshly opened local shoe store Trusted Kicks,  located on the fashion district of Water Street. As I continued to browse around I noticed some clothing that caught my eye, customized ripped t shirts and personalized graphic sweatshirts. Trust me when I say the items where one of a kind. For entertainment he gave out unlimited supply of Absolut Vodka, and a DJ on the 1s and 2s. Many people appeared to share the moment with O2G in Milwaukee. I walked up to get a photo with Quinton who was already surrounded by many others who wanted to talk and take pictures with the man of the night. This showed me the love his city has for him. Though he no longer lives here his presence is definitely noted. Quinton’s relevancy can be seen by his stylistic works with the multiple “celebrities” he has worked with such as Sammie, Will from Day 26, Mimi Faust, and Milwaukee’s own Jacob Latimore.

Quinton will definitely be coming back to his hometown and share more of his journey with his city, and of course we will be watching.

SnapShot PressBite: The Function

CopyWrite was recently invited to “The Function”, a showcase by Rebel Nxtion, with headlining act Reggie Bonds hosting. As the music community in Milwaukee increases, so does the demand for showcase events. Reggie, in the hopes of building and branding on this, has set the tone for a Tuesday night outing of raw talent & varied styles of Hip-Hop. “The Function” brought in a different crowd than what we are used to seeing at most local events. This assorted crowd included clothing designers, videographers, trap rappers, conscious rappers, alternative artists, fashion bloggers, members of local entrepreneurial organizations and fans of all backgrounds...and we mean ALL.

“The Function” promised to be “Lit” with special appearances from a multitude of artist. Some of the feedback we received noted that the event was under promoted, and behind schedule, which left us craving more stage acts and less turn up. However, the night did featured local fashion brand High Rollers Club. This form of communal collaboration gives us hope that as one side of Urban Culture expands in the city, so will the other components. Rebel Nxtion’s expanding its showcase to feature another form of art and culture (fashion) is commendable.

Though the first event had its bumps, Reggie is not one to give up. Tonight, Tuesday 10/20/15, he will be hosting “The Function Reloaded”. This time we are to expect a more stacked list of appearances, including a few female MC’s on the bill, (something that was not included in the last). We hope it turns out to be a great night. If first you don't succeed, try try again...somebody has to.

Also we'll share some shots from CopyWrite's own Vato Vergara of the event.

Love & All Things Urban,
CopyWrite

SnapShot PressBite: Emmitt James Hunger Pains

Recently, CopyWrite was asked to sponsor a MKE stop on Emmitt James, Hunger Pains tour.

View fullsize

The now Cali based, Milwaukee native, House of Renji artist, shared the showcase with PC the Real, AR. Wesley, CamB, and Weekend Neely. With True Skool inc. on the 1's & 2's receiving 25% of the proceeds for their organization.

The stylistically quirky human that is Emmitt blessed the crowd with tracks from his EP, Hunger Pains, that reflect the true nature of grind and Le' Struggle. But be clear, his execution on the topic is unorthodox and simply refreshing. Expressing thoughts that most of us have wanted to say but didn't have the right words to formulate it.

Songs like ATM Fees, where he bluntly ask "Why I gotta pay to take my own money out?", will make you yeen out loud as if he was giving a testimony in church. PREEEEACH!

Ramen Noodles & Red Wine feat. Genesis Renji, speaks on the hardships of being an adult & trying to make a way. The uncertainty of stability but grasping at dreams reflects  on Emmitt's own journey  for greatness with his move to L.A. to be a fashion intern & supposedly a barista as well. Making Ramen as a cheap substitute for pasta, fitting a red wine thirst.

As always, Emmitt's relations or situationships with reality or fictional being that is counter part, are questioned from his own conscious. His perspective of "love loss" or "change gains", play through his thoughts in LeftOver Burnt Rice.

As he even performed the tracks with a live band, his jazzy beats and humble subject matter evoked intimacy between him and the crowd. He also released a special aura of comfort, goof and artistry we like to think only a Mil-towner can produce.

Check out Emmitt James Hunger Pains EP and let us know what you think.

Love & All things Urban, CopyWrite

#StayHungryMKE