#DirtyShoutOuts - January Edition: "Tribe Uncovered"

“Before this, did you really know what live was?

Comprehend to the track, for it's why cuz,

Gettin measures on the tip of the vibers.” ( “Can I kick it?”- Tribe Called Quest)

If you are using your eyes, feeding your brain, and vibing with your soul, you have already come to the realization that 2017 will be epic, in more ways than one. Politics are Boiling, society is becoming Bolder, and the culture is BOOMING!

Note: It’s only January.

With that being said, Milwaukee’s music scene has even set the precedent for the Epic executions, and grandeur of performance for 2017, in the greatest musical collaboration I have seen thus far. (And we all know I have seen my fair share of local acts).

“Tribe Uncovered”, A reinterpretations of A Tribe Called Quest, curated by Klassik and produced by David Ravel, on January 20th at Turner Hall, was “THAT” performance, and if you missed it...well you just have to chuck it up as an L.

Klassik // Photo by Pabst / Riverside / Turner Hall

Before you get all side-eyed, this is not a review. CopyWrite attended this event as true fans of the culture, indulging in the creativity, the killer rhymes, and the unity that “kicked it”, across the stage. We actually were standing right in front of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s, Piet Levy, as he jot down his notes to speak on his perspective of the event. (I’m sure he was oblivious to our presence, but yet and still it was nice to see him there).

“Before this, did you really know what live was?”

Clearly not! Why was everyone, and I mean everyone, so LIT?

Every EmCee, Every musician, Every singer...Every DJ...killing it….collectively and separately... Harmony and melody...Punch lines and wordplay...Sound quality and energy...it was fire, drenched in hot sauce sizzling on the grill...

And now I want more!

How clever to take a very respected and iconic “hip-hop” group (Tribe), composed of EmCee’s, Producers and DJ’s, and reinterpret their artistry in way that is relevant to our times, our lives, and our city, performed by those same elements of creatives, but pulling out jazzy elements that gave a very rich quality, to the thematic, classics… like Bonita Applebum.

And most importantly...the crowd loved it. There were so many different faces in the mix: young, old, colored, non-melanated, you name it. It was refreshing.

I salute my peers, Klassik, AR, Blizz, James, Chris, Kyndal J, (other) James, Deb.On.Air, B-Free, Regal, Jordan...and all those I did not name because, A.) I have short term memory loss or B.) You won't read this anyways.

Photo by Karvell Jones

You all have shown that together, amazing things can be created and that talent dwells heavy in the 414.

Now like I said before, the precedent has been set. 2017 standards are sky high. History (in this case musical history) is key.

Be inspired and don’t settle for the norm. Ya locals have spoken!

Love & All Things Urban,

/Dirty

Editor-IN-Chief of CopyWrite Magazine

Photo by Ben Wick

Industrial Revolution // Spring Fashion Inspiration

We know it's winter but we've been daydreaming about spring and with that, Spring Fashion.

That's why we're in love with Fashionable Demand's conceptual shoot, Industrial Revolution. We love the contrast between the pinks and softness of the florals with the urban environment in the background. And yes, once again florals are a must-have this Spring season.

Fashionable Demand, if you're unfamiliar, "is a fashion collective founded in 2012 by Michael Holt, Brittany Johnson and Michelle Gill. Our core value is creating aesthetically satisfying images per wardrobe styling, creative consulting and direction through various media forms. Since our inception our talents have been showcased on three feature films, most recently in the independent comedy feature, "Civilian Life", on web-series, "Mad Black Men" and several conceptual photo shoots featured on AfroPunk. As well as numerous music videos and short films."

And while the ladies of Fashionable Demand kill visuals, they're talents "have expanded into blogging and contributing writer for national fashion publication, Kontrol Magazine."

Fashionable Demand would also like to "give a huge shout-out to all of the creatives [they] have worked with in the past. Additionally, to all of the talented women that gave their gifts to this shoot; Photographer: Darianne Edwards, Model: Adela Raicu and HMUA: Glinda Dotson." 

We see you ladies.

"In our current times there are influences and ideals surrounding us that leave us cold and industrially sterile. Yet, in the midst of it all there can still be found some softness,solace and hope."

Check out there shoot below and if you want more, visit fashionabledemand.com to read more.

Instagram : @Fashionable__Demand Facebook: Fashionable Demand

All photos owned and provided by Fashionable Demand.

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society Rings In Kwanzaa

With Christmas winding down Kwanzaa is going up! The weeklong celebration honors African heritage, unity, and culture through food, community, gifts and the seven principles Nguzu Saba (seven principles of African heritage).

This week the Wisconsin Black Historical Society will be holding festivities Monday and Friday in honor of the Kwanzaa holiday. I got the pleasure of attending the umoja-unity, opening ceremonies this past Monday. During such a turbulent time in Black America and our city itself, it was inspiring and refreshing to see so many beautiful black and brown faces in one room gathering to celebrate African-American heritage.

Black vendors from every corner of the city filled my eyes with colorful dashikis, fabrics, jewelry and some of Africa's most treasured imports (like shea butter, my favorite). My nose was greeted with the aroma of a buffet that stretched from wall to wall and my ears were surrounded with the sound of African drums; the crowd cheering on young the dancers. On top of the entertainment we also engaged in important discussion surrounding the black community and solutions to improving the issues faced. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience, I promise you will leave feeling energized, lifted and liberated.

So I know you're thinking "aye, this sounds dope how can I get involved?" Luckily Monday was not the last Kwanzaa event, you still have your chance to attend today, Friday the 30th at 6pm! Located at The Wisconsin Black Historical Society on 26th and Center Street.

Milwaukee, despite its issues, has a rich African-American heritage; many are unaware of the very gems that are hidden in their backyard. To stay connected like the WBHS on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/WIBlackhistoricalsociety or visit the website at http://www.wbhsm.org

/Bria

Quron Payne - NO (Official Video) [prod. By DJ Royalty]

When life gets you down, there's usually only two options: get back up or stay down. It's a path that many of us will face and that some are consistently going thru. It never really gets easier but you learn from those lessons and continue to build.

In Quron Payne's, "NO," he speaks on his experiences of being a victim of fraud (which CopyWrite has seen proof of), his family life, mental capacity and just the life of being an artist. Consistently marked with higher expectations, lust, want and just the hustle and drive that says 'No, I'm not giving up now.'

While the over 3-minute song might not have a hook, Quron flows over a DJ Royalty produced beat telling his story bolding and strongly; switching up the flow when he wants. The official video directed by videographer Brenend, showcases an interesting contrast of light and dark just like the song.

Watch the video below.

TEZJay - Ugly Duckling feat. YL64 & Will theGlide prod. Lytton Scott

We all know the story; a young duckling who doesn't appear to fit in with or look like the rest of the group becomes the baddest of them all.

It's a great metaphor for the music industry and sticking to the lane you think is right, not what others seem to want.

And while transformation for the better is often the goal of all artists, these rappers brought the bad and the 'ugly' to "Ugly Duckling" killing the track. Over an harmonic beat that flips, the artists TEZJay of Blaq Anjilz, YL64 and Will theGlide come together to perfectly blend there unique sounds on a Lytton Scott produced beat and a Mammyth mixed and mastered track. (We can hear the difference. LOL)

Peep the track below.

Second and final release of the day enjoy Written & Preformed by: Gerard "Tezjay" johnson Mix & Mastered by: Charles "Mammyth" Forsberg Produced by: Lytton Scott

Lit-Mas // 12 Days of Christmas & Other Things We Love

Get into the Christmas spirit with some of our favorite Christmas tracks for the season... Some old and some really new but guaranteed to get you in the spirit.

& Shout Out to DJ Whyte Nite for his "12 Days of Christmas Mixes" that brought together some of Milwaukee's best DJs to murder these Christmas mixes.

Also if you need something to get your favorite local for your Christmas, order your copy of Issue Seven: The Art of Perspective here. 

Happy Holla-days y'all.

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For Chicago

Def Loaf? Kodak Black? Christmas record? Something you wouldn't expect! I thought it would be dope to get Kodak Black on this record so I reached out and he was with it! So we put together something special for you. This is such a special time of the year. The time when you get to express gratitude and show love. So that's what we did. I hope y'all enjoy it. Happy Holidays!

Pre-order Automatic Now! iTunes: http://smarturl.it/KaskadeAutomatic_IT Amazon: http://smarturl.it/KaskadeAutomatic_AZ Google Play: http://smarturl.it/KaskadeAutomatic_GP Did this remix in 2005 and always break it back out for the Holiday Season. It has appeared on a few random compilations here and there so some of you might have heard it. I only had the 2 track to work with so I had to get tricky but it's fun and I got to put my slant on this classic, enjoy!

Sienna Jones: CW Featured Fashion Idol of the Day

Sleigh your winter fashion looks all season long with neutrals and of course our favorite, fur.

Our featured model and fashion idol, Sienna Jones is wearing a white turtleneck bodysuit with a golden bandage skirt. To add more fashion to the mix, she added a blazer cape with a fur scarf, and nude heels to set off the look that is perfect for any occasion.

We love her look.

**CW Tip** Add shear tights and boots when adapting this look for colder days. 

/CW Fashion

Photography by Dexter Williams Williams Photography

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WANT TO BE FEATURED FOR YOUR STYLE or FASHION BUSINESS?

E-mail us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com to get featured in our next Style of the Day.

Dee Phr3sh - FireStyle [Prod. Golden Child]

Sometimes to get to the next level in your craft, you as artist need to change your approach, maybe even redirecting your focus and cutting out things that will effect the way you want to move forward.

Dee Phr3sh, 23-year old Milwaukee native, has done just that. Going into the dark to come back to the light with FIRE.

"FireStyle" produced by Golden Child, is another extension of the heat that will be coming on "Trap Card [EP]" from the artist real soon. Fast-paced bars over sharp 808 kicks, Dee takes the track to show off different stylistic approaches in his "arsenal." 

And we couldn't help but notice Dee's cover art, inspired by manga; contrasting city landscapes and traditional Japanese characters. DOPE!

Peep the track below. 

Written and Performed by D. Miller Produced by D. Williams Trap Card Dec. 2016

Then peep this other freestyle featuring his homie "CT."

To say thank you for your patience. Now it begins.

Xavier Ruffin- Recognition of False Prophets

J.Cole has hit us with another one! This time it ricocheted through the media into the hands of multi-talented creative, Xavier Ruffin.

Here he takes the "False Prophets" beat, paring it with his personal bars, and creating a video montage inspired by his family and friends. He edits his-story to portray the times he has shared and the things he has missed on his quest for greatness, including (his younger brothers graduation) the things he can not get back. His "Recognition", is to the reality of it all, and the sacrifice that is life.

His growth, his understanding, and his exploration of self, resonates with so many, we post this not only because it is a great spin on a very "controversial" track, with a creative visual, but to reassure X, he is not in this alone.  We have all seen, false prophets.