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

Like the track? Click the [↻ Repost] button! --------------------------------------------------------- PLS&TY - Motives (feat. GANZ & Nevve) PLS&TY Facebook: www.facebook.com/plsandty Twitter: www.twitter.com/plsandtybased Soundcloud: @pls-ty Instagram: www.instagram.com/plsandty

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

CyphaDen Music Drops a new Gem this time brining fellow Milwaukee artist Geneis 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

#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!

Jay Holt The Chemist - The Formula (video submission)

Jay Holt The Chemist has the formula when is comes to rapping and he definitely has the rap game cooking up. With his lab coat and hot beat, it is hard to not be intrigued. His video “The Formula”  takes place in a vacant lot with abandoned trucks and buses, the perfect scene to stir things up without anyone seeing a thing. Videographer Gregory Conley displays his creativity with his smooth transitions and special effects that only seems to enhance each beat and verse. Jay Holt The Chemist and G.Conley are like the chemical mixtures of vinegar and baking soda: the only two chemicals that could ignite my grade school volcano during science class. Okay, I’m clearly no chemist, but I know when I looking an explosive mix, and these two have it. Watch out! Too much fire and someone can get burned.

/CW

Jay Holt The Chemist & Greg Conely team up again to bring forth this dope visual called "The Formula" Enjoy! Like, Share, Subscribe, and also download this track on SoundCloud : https://soundcloud.com/jay-holt/the-formula-prod-jhtc

Save The date! RW Fem Fest coming May 26 - June 2

We are excited to be a Media sponsor for Riverwest FemFest and hope to see you there!

Check out rwfemfest.com for more details.

MKE Industry Mixer ( Press Write Up)

Milwaukee has really been trying to step up their networking game lately, and making sure to include the creatives in the city. Every other day I see a new event I’m invited to on Facebook where creatives are coming together to meet and possibly collaborate on projects. The most recent event I went to was the MKE Industry Mixer, hosted by DJ Rickey Allenz from v100.7. This mixer was packed with people in the music industry from popular DJ’s to local artists, radio personalities and more. I tried to talk to a little bit of everybody in each category to see what they thought of the event to really give y’all a good feel for what went down if you missed out!

DJ Rickey Allenz was the mastermind behind this beneficial event, and for this to be his first one, he did a bomb job. He wanted to have the industry mixer because he feels like he’s in tune with a lot of Milwaukee artists, however, some DJ’s just don’t know what’s currently hot in the streets. The point of the mixer is to bring artists together with DJ’s because in hindsight, artists without DJ’s are practically nothing. The DJ is the one who’s going to play your record in clubs, on the radio, etc. They can help spread your music to a wider audience who might not normally get to hear it on a regular basis if, for example, the artist mostly promotes it within their own community. DJ Rickey Allenz is a DJ for v.100.7, WNOV and KBBG 88.1 in Iowa. Other DJ’s have connections in other cities as well, so if they know you and like your music, they can promote your songs in those areas. That is called a PLUG ladies and gentlemen!

Allenz used to be an artist himself, but he didn’t know the game well enough, so he fell off of it. He said some DJ’s will hustle an artist and charge them money to play their music and then possibly not fall through with actually playing it. That’s not what Allenz is about. If he likes it, he’ll play it, simple. He’s always willing to help an artist grow and put them on game if they’re willing to help themselves.

Two artists who I was able to speak with at the industry mixer were @NuMoney2mm and @_sgodjayy. They both came and either performed or had their music played that night. NuMoney performed one of his songs, and he says the DJ/Artist duo is a great relationship. The artist has a product the DJ demands and the DJ can be the start of everything. He says, you never know a connection someone might have with someone else who can get your foot in the door.

@_sgodjayy had one of his songs played and was literally geeked when his song came on lol. Jayy says every platform is a good one, it just depends on how you use it. He gets excited for his music and takes pride in his craft and creativity because “when you take pride in what you do, it shows.” You have to have confidence, he says, or else you’ll limit yourself.

I met the lovely DJ Trustar, aka the Trap Princess and the first female Core DJ in Milwaukee, and she says it’s important for DJ’s to come to events like the mixer. Sometimes DJ’s don’t talk on the mic and artists don’t know who they are so it’s good to get your face out there. For example, a lot of people don’t even know she IS DJ Trustar, since she doesn’t talk on the mic much, if at all. People are usually surprised when they find out she’s a woman, especially since she really knows how to throw down on the 1s and 2s, which usually isn’t expected from a woman DJ (btw, that’s a whole topic for a different day that can be dissected when y’all are ready lol).

Lastly, I spoke to the very personable radio personality, Promise from v.100.7! A few Milwaukee artists might know him from his radio segment, “Heat from The Street.” Promise resurrected the segment when he first came to v.100.7 because he wants to help artist get more exposure. Promise tries to be pretty hands on as far as trying to make sure the city hears different sounds and styles, because a lot of the time people get boxed into whatever part of the city they’re in. He also says social media has ironically made people antisocial. Promise says, “In the music industry everybody wants to be heard, but a lot of people don’t know the right approach.” Networking events like the mixer are a great opportunity for media professionals to interact with artists and put them on game. It gives them a chance to get in front of each other and learn how to talk and be more personable instead of hiding behind a screen. Also, it helps for people in the industry to put a name with a face or a face with a voice.

Overall, I thought the event was a great opportunity for people in the industry to mix and make those connections to further grow their careers. There weren’t just DJ’s in attendance either, club promoters, music producers, sound engineers and other journalists with media platforms came as well, s/o to Brittani and A Sit with Britt.

My only concern was the fact that there weren’t a lot of artists there. The DJ’s did their part and showed up. I was introduced to plenty of them such as, DJ Heathen of v.100.7, DJ devast8 and DJ Cell of the Recordbreakers, etc. I’m not sure if it was the promotion of the event, artists just not wanting to come or what. But, I see a lot of artists complain that there aren’t events like this, then when there is, no one shows up. Like I’ve tried to drill into your brains throughout this entire article, this industry mixer was a great opportunity for everyone involved, so if someone can let me know the reason why more connections weren’t made on the artist side, please enlighten ya girl! Hopefully DJ Rickey Allenz and other DJ’s throw more networking events like this in the future because the concept is great and can really elevate the music culture here in Milwaukee (which you know CW is all for).

/Intern Carrie for CW

Ready RNU - One More Time

This one is for anyone out there missing a loved one; Whether that be a homie, lover or family member.

Ready RNU’s song “One More Time” is about wishing they had one more time to call that person and take one more ride, have one more laugh or just tell them you love them. The vulnerability in this song should speak to everyone about letting their emotions out, but personally, I think it’s most important for the men. A lot of men think it’s not cool or “gay” to tell their homie they love them or show that they care for them. But at the end of the day, if something were to happen, then it’d be too late. So fellas, just know there is nothing wrong with opening up your sensitive side of you because one that person is gone, it’s too late and you’ll wish you did.

“If you got love for your n*gga then you better show it, they could be gone any day and you never know it.” - Ready RNU

Thank you for this much needed reminder.

/CW