RIP Prince #RespectTheLegendary

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Prince (born Prince Rogers Nelson) was a legacy.

As a Minneapolis native, musician, singer, style icon and endless creative soul, Prince influenced and changed the way people viewed all types of music; breaking down genres and spreading love all in the same breathe.

Today, Prince died (April 21) at the age of 57 in his Paisley Park home and studio, confirmed by his publicist to the Associated Press.

In his 35-plus-year career, Prince released 39 solo studio albums as he continuously experimented with psychedelic rock, intergalactic funk and everything in-between. His 1978 debut album For You and self-titled second LP, released in October 1979, kicked off an incredibly prolific run of albums that included 1999, Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day, Sign O The Times and Batman, among others, throughout the 1980s at a clip of nearly one per year, evolving with each release.

But we could go on and on about the greatness that was Prince. The world will miss him.

Rest peacefully.

Listen to some of CW's favorite songs from the legacy below. #RespectTheLegendary

Dukalion - Reggie & A Miller

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Dukalion maybe in LA but he definitely hasn't forgot his roots. "Reggie & A Miller" (a great play on words for the NBA legends name) brings back memories of the artist young life in Milwaukee and all the people he shared it with. He name drops some local spots like OG's (Oakland Gyros) and leaks some details on some wild nights. It's good to know he still thinks about home. 

Check out his new track this 4/20, spark one for the homie and anticipate "The Journey Of The Lost Ark" coming soon.

One of my favorite songs, was supposed to be on The Journey Of The Lost Ark, but I'll share this joint with y'all for 4/20 instead. Roll up, twist off and reminisce with ya boy! (Also, apologies on the quality, hopefully the lofi feel compliments the story for you!)

Artwork by the homie Xavier Ruffin. 

Emmitt James - FREE Refills

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We can smell the coffee, hear the grind (literally) and see the coffee shop all in the four tracks.

In "FREE Refills," Emmitt James brings us a project that tells us some love and lust stories he has encountered while his featured artists tells their own love stories to match from love of self, love of culture and love of love lost. We dig it.

Now we tell you to grab your favorite cup of Jo' (almond chai latte if you will) and sip "FREE Refills" below.

The best things in life are FREE. C R E D I T S written by Emmitt J Williams Jr, Ian "Tombo" Tishler, Janiyah Moore recorded, mixed and mastered by David aka "i-Nine" in Los Angeles, CA at JTB Recording with production by Ashton Mc Creight, DARK|HORSE (aka D|H) and nathan hateua

C R E D I T S:  Written by Emmitt J Williams Jr, Ian "Tombo" Tishler, Janiyah Moore. Recorded by mixed and mastered by David aka "i-Nine" in Los Angeles, CA at JTB Recording with production by Ashton Mc Creight, DARK|HORSE (aka D|H) and nathan hateua

Rahn Harper - As of Late (feat. D. Bridge) [Prod. by Mic Kellogg] [MUSIC VIDEO]

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For your viewing pleasure, watch “As of Late” from Rahn Harper (formerly known as RahRah The Savage) featuring the homie D. Bridge.

We can’t get enough of the quality of Mic Kellogg’s production, Rahn’s sultry voice or the consistent dope verses from D. Bridge.

The video, shot and directed by Damien Blue, tells a story by contrasting multiple scenes of vivid and bright locations with somewhat ghostly black and white visuals of a lost love. While it premiered by Milwaukee Mag, the “As of Late” video is no doubt another award winner waiting to happen for Damien (and even his partner-in-crime, Cody LaPlant who assisted on the project).

Watch the video below and if you want more from Rahn Harper check out his project, “Oh My Goodness LP” below and hear him on Pizzle’s “Grand Design” project here.  

Oh My Goodness LP Premiered by @Earmilk: http://bit.ly/1FQ2io2 Free Download: http://bit.ly/OhMyGoodnessDL Stream on Audiomack: http://bit.ly/OhMyGoodnessAM RahRah The Savage @rahrahthesavage twitter.com/RahrahtheSavage facebook.com/Rahrahfromroosevelt instagram.com/rahrahthesavage http://rahrahthesavage.bandcamp.com

Pizzle and his "Grand Design"

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To refrain from starting out like all the other write ups on this project with all the blazay blahhhhhh blahhhhhh on how long awaited and anticipated ( Dammnn! I mentioned it anyway) this collection of tracks by Shar- , I mean Pizzle has released, I will grant you a few perspectives with an idiom and quote:

“In the GRAND scheme of things…” & “Nothing by chance, everything by DESIGN”

If you can interpret those quotes, then you are halfway there. “Grand Design”, has formulated its platform as Pizzle’s plot & position, of becoming the “one”.  As a super fast spitting, ego booming, often mentioned MC from the 414, Pizzle has triggered all of our inquisitive minds to see what he is really packing as a fully developed artist, with nothing but time to lose.

With plenty of time to let this concoction simmer Pizzle has presented a body of work that has a personality. Un like earlier projects, such as Insomnia II (even though very well received and executed), Grand Design finally reveals the content that listeners have been waiting for: Pizzle talking about Pizzle.

From learning how to write his first bars, conflicted emotions on poverty breaking down his family structure, with a mother in need and a father falling for the trap of systematic incarceration, plus his own profession of fear and love to his son(s), the content needs no wizardry of a fast tongue. But for those of you who like his speedy style & Manish behavior,  don't trip, he has combination of those too, paired with outstanding production (that elevate the projects potency) and some well rounded features ( Did you guys charge him for those?).

As the facade cracks, the respect for his talents and aspirations grow in his favor, and the more his arrogance of claiming his right to the “movements” thrown seems suitable. Through this project he reverberates the ideology of being someone Milwaukee will/does/can look up to. Putting his design on expo, for all the world to see, we can only hope that its functionality will prove him a worthy leader and not a sell out to his own grand scheme.

It's good a listen. Check it out and let us know what you think.

With all the shade, kudos, and congratulations due…

#WeSeeYou Pizzle & can't wait to see how your next chapter in life unfolds.

Love & All things Urban,

/CW

(Personal Analysis from Editor-in-Chief Lexi/“Dirty” S. Brunson)

Life and times in Milwaukee..

Kyndal J. - Ghetto Adolescents (prod. by Fasol)

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Maybe its her strong voice, the profound message or the vibrant beat, but we can't stop listening (and humming) Kyndal J.'s newest song, "Ghetto Adolescents".

Her soulful vibe on the track reminds us of a good summer night when your windows are down and you drive through the city thinking about life and the wonders of it all. Super deep, right? 

Though the single is not connected to any approaching project; we'll just sit back and appreciate the track for what it is until next time we hear from Kyndal J.

Listen below.

#WCW Gabriela Riveros (Chanchita Riveros Illustration)

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Meet our #WCW Gabriela Riveros, a Paraguayan-American illustrator of Chanchita Riveros Illustration. As an artist she takes inspiration from her heritage, art history and everyday life to make colorful and playful illustrations and textile designs. 

Gabriela's expressive style pairs best with the intricate details that come with every design, pattern and illustration; showcasing her overall passion for what she creates.

Check out her work below and like her Facebook page here for more updates on this WCW.

P.S. Find one of her latest designs on your favorite coffee cup at Colectivo for their recent collaboration with MIAD. 

AR Wesley - The Self Portrait Pt 1

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The reflection of self is arguably one of the most intricate and liberating subjects in art that a creative can explore. To pull components out of your own perspective to display who “you” are and what symbolizes “you” is as vulnerable as you can get. Who dares to take that risk? AR Wesley has decided to take on the challenge, with the release of “The Self Portrait pt 1”.

This project reflects the attributes that make up AR’s distinction as artist. Where the instrumentals are soulful, lining up with soulful voice features like Fivy, Kendall J, and Jackie B, to caress the ears while his storytelling and wordplay reverberate the tones of OG hustlers, pimps and players.

Context plays a key in “The Self Portrait pt 1”. The first track and it's radio station call In intro is a recurring theme in hip-hop. Formulating the juxtaposition between audience and artist, it promotes the idea of who is listening? And why? A bit cliche but it sets the tone for “street radio”. As you bump AR, deeper concepts are projected like the realities of being black in America and the social inequalities, head butted by survival mentalities. On personal notes, he reveals how perspective is subjective, using the identity of a drugged out uncle that symbolizes all the things wrong with society but from AR’s view, he was the one listening, teaching, showing him he could be better, and where the hustle goes in “Time is Millmatic”.

This project seems like a request to enlighten the people regardless of what capacity of life they are living. This time around I see the portrait being painted from the inside out, those things done in the dark have been given some air, leaving no room to hide guilt and much room for growth. AR has made a subconscious but voluntary act to spill his soul out for all to listen, which is hard to judge. What will your story reveal about you?

We can't wait to see how far AR will take us in and what comes next. We have some sources that tells CW that Pt. 2 will be sooner then you think. Listen below. /CW

Vote Today Wisconsin!

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Today is primary day, Wisconsin!

CopyWrite can’t urge you enough to use your right to vote. Today’s primary elections determine who will be on the final presidential ballot. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) We can’t talk about how we will change the world if we don’t decide to vote.

How do you register to vote? To vote in Wisconsin you need to be registered. You can register any time up to and including election day. On election day, you can register at your polling place with ID and proof of address.

Where do you vote? Use the link here to find your polling place.

Now it's time to vote. Comment if you have any questions and then SHARE this link with your friends and family to remind them to vote today in the Wisconsin primary! Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.