R.I.P Mr. James Dewitt Yancey aka "J-Dilla"

Today five years ago legendary (songwriter/Emcee/Producer/Music Pioneer) James Yancey passed leaving a void in Hip-Hop & R&B that will NEVER be filled again. "J-Dilla" worked with the likes of Common, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, Erykah Badu and a host of others....He was also a founding member of Slum Village and produced their acclaimed debut album Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) I stumbled across a great documentary on the Life and times of Mr. Yancey. The doc tells the story of story of Dilla's life through interviews with his family, friends and artists he worked with. Enjoy!

"J.Dilla: Still Shining" from B.Kyle on Vimeo.

Black Star Power!! The Best Black Movies Of The 90s

The 90's were definitely a time of "Black Star Power" in American cinema! Bossip.com has compiled a list of The Best Black Movies of The 1990's. Want to see if one of YOUR favorites made the cut? 

Click the link: http://bossip.com/341817/a-best-black-movie-guide-for-the-90s20132/

2011 HIP-HOP RELEASE PREVIEW!

The good folks over at Hip-HopDX.com complied a list of albums that are set to hit stores this year. Want to see if one of your favorite artist is dropping an L.P. ?

Click the link: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/editorials/id.1642/title.hiphopdxs-2011-release-preview

Soul ARTistry! (Yolonda Lavender)

Yolonda Lavender is an artist on Truth Tone Records. In April of 2010 she headlined at the "World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show" (The Largest Natural Hair show in the WORLD.) She has performed at the world renown Apache' Cafe, and just last month Yolonda opened up for Home School Records recording artist Vaughn Anthony (John Legend's artist and younger brother.) On February 5th, 2010 She will travel back to Atlanta as one of four finalists in the World's Next Top Natural Hair Model Contest check her and the other three contestants at: http://www.naturalhair.org/

When did you decide to really push your music?

"After joining Truth Tone Records in 2006. The way writing and recording makes me feel, it was like I had been looking for this feeling all along and I just didn't know it. God's timing is perfection and everything that has happened to me because of MUSIC is a result of that"

How would you describe yourself as an artist, and what you will contribute to the music community at large? 

"I present who I am, what I've been through and what I see around me in every lyric and every song. When I perform that's what I'm giving you, ME! I'm the kind of artist that's  comfortable, eccentric and all about soul. The soul inside me and the soulfulness of music."

What singles should the audience be looking out for to purchase, and where can they go to find the music? 

"My Man" "Favorite Key" and "I Want You Back" all available at http://www.cdbaby.com/yolonda12 


Define your musical background growing up...Who did you listen to?

"I starting singing in church at age 5, and pretty much only gospel was allowed in my house for a while. There were times I remember hearing Stevie Wonder though. My dad also liked old school Hip-Hop, so I remember learning "Rappers Delight" around age 9 or 10. Then in middle school I was allowed to listen to different genres of music, but I've always had a thing for Old School/Soul Music. James Brown, Parliament and Earth Wind and Fire were favorites of my father, so I was on them around 6th or 7th grade. In the 8th grade my life changed when I got the "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" for Christmas. After that I remember listening to Erykah Badu, Shirley Murdock and Boyz to Men a lot while doing the dishes. From there I was hooked and my interest peaked to Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Big-Band and Soft Rock"

Can you highlight your creation process?

"My creation process is to just let myself, what I'm feeling or going through, what's happening around me, to just fall onto the page just as it's happened to me. I have found that people are able to relate and they appreciate being able to relate."

How does it feel to be surrounded by so much talent of the other artists within your personal connections with Truth Tone and beyond, vocalists, bands...etc?

"It's OVERWHELMING! Everyday I'm grateful to God for the blessings! I figure I must be doing something right if I can be in the same vicinity of all these talented individuals!"

What piece of advice would you give to an up and coming artist?

"Be YOU! Don't ever give that up for ANYTHING...Keep pushing through and never give up even when it seems impossible. Dream big and reach for the highest star because I'm a witness that the Lord will truly do exceedingly and abundantly above all you ask or think!"


*Yolonda will be preforming in Atlanta at the Fro Fashion week http://www.frofashionweek.com/ Feb 18th and at the Apache cafe http://www.apachecafe.info/ on Feb 20th*


Become a fan of Yolonda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/YOLONDA-of-Truth-Tone-Records/369833285641?ref=ts
Follow Yolonda Lavender on twitter: @YOsSOULARTISTRY


Contributing editor: Jason Chapman

Get Tapped In!

Have you been looking for the newest up and coming urban clothing line?....LOOK NO FURTHER!! Established in May 2010, W.I.R.E has used its creative energies and refreshing idealism to create unique pieces of fashion for "Urban Socialites." Thanks to my cousin @ItsNewYitty I have been granted an exclusive interview with the C.E.O of W.I.R.E clothing:


Can you explain what W.I.R.E stands for, and how you came up with that name? Wise Individuals Revolutionizing Everything (W.I.R.E.) is empowerment wear. It’s more than a clothing line, it’s a MOVEMENT. W.I.R.E. is the game plan, the struggle, and the success. W.I.R.E. stands for individuals who inspire greatness in others, demand change for the betterment of their communities, and are willing to do whatever it takes to create possibilities, without being afraid to stand up and stand out for what they believe in, taking something from nothing and laying the foundation for the future. W.I.R.E. is not following a path; it’s building a BRIDGE. 


Name some of the famous people that have worn your clothing:

JAE MILLZ, MICHAEL BEASLEY, KEVIN LOVE, JR SMITH, SHORT DAWG, YUNG STET, MURDER MOOK, KIRKO BANGZ, GUDDA GUDDA, J REAL.

Where do your inspirations for designs come from?

Memorable moments in history, great leaders, and life changing events. Each one of our designs have a meaning and will always offer some sort of inspirational or educational background: (EX. "Meet My Goons Tee" with Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and Obama.)

Is there any advice you would give to up and coming fashion entrepreneurs?

Stay true to your beliefs and everything else will follow. Do what you know is right, even when it seems like no one is listening, and don’t follow a trend… CREATE YOUR OWN !

Whats new for W.I.R.E in the year 2011?

Bigger promotions, by joining forces with other businesses and bringing our clothes to the forefront!!

W.I.R.E. is a movement destined to take the fashion world by storm. When you are seen in a W.I.R.E., know that you have an exclusive piece. To ensure this, all items are hand crafted and produced in limited quantity. Although they have a high demand, they will only release 20 pieces for each custom design. In a world of followers and imitators, W.I.R.E. is constantly coming up with fashion forward pieces to stand out and bring attention to their movement. 


Follow W.I.R.E on twitter:@WISEINDIVIDUALS and don't forget to visit the website and shop for W.I.R.E clothes at:http://get-tapped-in.com/home/

Ye' west on the Complex magazine cover (Jan 2011)

Well people its a New Year...A lot of things will change BUT one thing is for sure...Kanye West will continue to dominate the airwaves. Marc Ecko has decided to place "The Louie-Vuittion Don" on the front cover of his magazine..You want to read what Mr. West has to say? Sure you do....

click here: http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/kanye-west-project-runaway/