Featured Article
Introducing...
The Dubber
Breath a.k.a THE Dubber The word Dub means to redo or rework; it is something one does when it is necessary to make alterations. This is what Breath a.k.a THE Dubber has been doing since the age of thirteen. For over two decades the Washington, DC native has played guitar and encompasses the sounds of funk, rock, reggae, go-go and hip-hop to create a unique musical stew, all his own. Breaths innovative musical spirit was enlivened through his travels and experiences, particularly in Los Angeles, CA. From 1988 to 1997 he wrote for and performed and recorded with some of the top musicians and bands in LAs rock music scene. Some of his ventures had interested major labels such as MCA, A.M and Geffen Records. Said to transcend time and be far too experimental, he and the projects with which he was involved never received due recognition. Feeling frustrated and rejected, Breath did what came naturally. He dubbed. In 1994 he began reflecting on his life, his music and his relationship with the Most High. He spent five years recapturing the essence of his enriched roots and uncovering the True. From the years he spent being hardened by aggressive, hardcore rock and being immersed in the culture of hip-hop, he longed for the soothing sounds of funk and the spiritual healing of roots reggae. As a result, he retreated to those humble beginnings and began to fuse his diverse musical influences. It was then that he rediscovered, Breath, and then that his musical style was forged. Although he continued to maintain a positive attitude and an elevated level of consciousness, Breath still felt something was missing. He knew that like his music, it was important for his soul to be renewed. So he prayed to the Most high and He answered. He, as the Ancient of Days, Allah, Jah, Yahweh, reflected his answers through Rasta, Moorish Priests, LA gangsters, Water Witches, the homeless, Africans in America, Mom and Dad, Martin Luther King Jr., Ol Dirty Bastard, Thelonious Monk, Chris Rock and Breaths guitar. The answer was revolution. The Revolution continued through Breath who by 1994 had become a member of The Dubbers of King Selassie I. The group in which Breath was elected, leader, included: two poets, Brother Rack and Lord King David, a vocalist, Brother Regis Bell and a rhythm section with Ras Gooch on drums, Prince Pepe on bass and Brother Breath on guitar. The musical movement had a powerful sound and a divine message with Rastafarian themes. However, it needed work. The Dubbers spent a year playing at LA clubs and festivals. By 1995 the group had a regular gig called The Fine Arts Workshop at The First Church of Rasta in South Central, Los Angeles. The event was held every Friday night and gave members a chance to hone their skills. At the Workshop the band spent more than a year playing with some of the most talented reggae musicians in LA. In 1997 The Dubbers of King Selassie I was hopeful and embraced the opportunity to move to the east coast. The band members packed up and headed to Washington, DC. From September 1997 to February 1998 The Dubbers played twenty out of twenty-one scheduled shows. Unfortunately, as time drew on optimism and money began to run low, and the group was forced to disband. It recorded one album, The Sufferers Party, but it was never released. Finally, Breath found himself home alone, and without a group. He heeded the compliments of those who had heard The Dubbers in its divine pageantry and those who said, The band is dope and ahead of its time. He knew that he had nothing to lose so with nothing more than his story and his guitar, he went solo. And now the world is being introduced to: THE Dubber
What is being said about The Dubber's Music and Skills:
First impressions make you aware that an incomparable artist has taken his position in time. THE Dubber treats listeners to a hypnotic, prophetic and soulful display of acoustics and lyricism. Traces of Simon & Garfunkle mixed with Misty in Roots emerge into a musical world view. A mystical mix of acoustics holds your full attention throughout each track. The instrumentals alone are fantastic.
Max Parthas ~NWO Reviews www.MaximumImpactPoetry.com
You can find out more about The Dubber by clicking the links below:
The Dubber's Website
The Dubber's MySpace
The Dubber can be contacted at:
dubber2227@yahoo.com
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| Peace and Blessings,
Welcome to Flava News Monthly Newsletter. Flava News is a big supporter of independent artists, community builders and independent small business owners.
On a monthly basis a variety of people will be featured in this newsletter, such as:
Poets/ Spoken Word Artists
Singers/Song Writers/Musicians
Authors/Writers/Screen Writers
Show Hosts, Blog Talk Show Hosts/
Internet Show Hosts
Literary Service Providers
Film Makers/ Documentary Film Makers
Entertainers
Promoters/Event Promoters
Motivational Speakers/Community Builders
and so on...
We hope you find the people that are featured in this newsletter interesting and will take it a step further and check out their sites and projects.
Word of Mouth is a Powerful Tool...so join Flava News in spreading the word for some very deserving people.
Lady Flava of Flava News
| | Article 1
Introducing...
Toochukwu T.C. Anyachonkeya
Toochukwu T.C. Anyachonkeya was born in Lagos, Nigeria on August 9, 1983. A few years later his family moved to America and he grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firstborn of four he was self taught in visual arts and became poetically inclined through the influence of Hip Hop. It was these arts that kept him from going under during the heartache of his youth and pains of the past. The resounding strength in his work is captivating and contagious. They are to help those who feel defeated become more than conquerors. T.C. is a graduate of North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC where he received a B.A. in Art. He is in the Marine Reserves and currently pursuing a career in Acting and Modeling.
T.C. debut poetry book
"Deeper Than Rhymes"
Art, Love, and Poetry
Description Here in lies the trials and tribulations of a tortured soul; the ups and downs and resiliency through it all. Every poem holds truth and its dynamic complexity in a simple way for the simple minded to understand. Love and hate are both present but the former is painfully prevalent throughout these works. This artistic journey will take you through the innocence of youth and spiritual growth to erotic emotions and radical views. Some lines are vulgar and others virtuous, still sincere no less.
Excerpts from
"Deeper Than Rhymes"
Contrite
If people could see things the way I see things
Maybe they would understand my contrite feelings
And see for a broken soul there is no healing
I've looked for shelter but there is no ceiling
To cover me from the rain everyday I feel the pain
The Storm singles me out and it's driving me insane
Who am I to blame my father who wasn't there
The God I cried to who didn't seem to care
My life that isn't fair or the tragedy I see clear
Being denied of true love as I see it, it isn't there
And I don't know where to begin my soul searching
For love...lust is everywhere sex has become flirting
And it's hurting m yearning for something more real
In a fake world with a fake god why should I kneel?
And pray for a better day when I haven't felt a sunray
Only a cloud over me that will die out with me someday
Sacred Mother
You are my life because I wouldn't be alive without you
The God I see in you is nothing but true
To doubt you would be the ultimate ignorance
My greatest inspiration is your strength
And love so deep it makes me weep
How you wouldn't sleep if we had nothing to eat
Working the night shift a Mother so righteous
I am forever thankful and eternally grateful
A plate full of food fills my inner most being
All my father provided was abuse and his semen
Not seeing the beauty you are my brightest star
You gave me everything I need to succeed and get far
Every scar bled and tear shed was worth it
No matter how bad things were growing up you make it perfect
I have a sacred bond with my mom that can never be broken
For you I pour my heart open in this token
Title: Deeper Than Rhymes
Author: Toochukwu T.C. Anyachonkeya
ISBM: 978-1-4415-4365-3
Genre: Poetry
Flava Rating: 8 snaps
Amazon Rating: 4
Deeper Than Rhymes is a poetry book written by Toochukwu T.C. Anyachonkeya born in Lagos, Nigeria but raise most of his life in Charlotte, NC. Deeper Than Rhymes show cases the poetry talents of this man along with his talents as a visual artist. The poetry shared express his feelings around life, love, rejection, betrayal, loyalty, honor as a man and as a marine, his ability to defend our country to his faith or lack of, along with sharing some of his political opinions.
This was a very difficult book for me to read and then review. The harshness of his feelings penetrated me, leaving me with a sense of sadness for him. He has strong views on women and sexual relations with women, strong feelings about life and the desires around death. For me there was only darkness in the book although there were a few pieces that if read separately you can feel a sense of love and endearment. Yet, I do understand that poetry is a healthy way to purge those negative feelings that we all face in life.
The biggest struggle I had was to decide if this is a good or a bad read since his pieces trigger me to feel uncomfortable as a reader. I strongly believe that it is okay to be made uncomfortable in reading literature. I love to be challenged which may cause me to have a strong reaction. This book did just that. I think it would have been an easier read for me if it was written in story form than poetry. Then it would have given a little more background on the main character along with an understanding of his view points on the subjects covered and feelings expressed. In appearance, I love the book cover, what is shared on the back of the book is pretty accurate as to what you will find in the content of the book on a whole. I would have chosen a different format to the pages just to give a cleaner look to the overall presentation.
This poet/ writer has his own way of sharing his feelings and telling a story with a Hip Hop flair. I believe he gets his point across...it is definitely "Deeper Than Rhymes." I loved the artwork that is shown throughout the book. It shows the depth and diversity in his talents as a visual artist. I would recommend this book to those readers that have an open mind and can accept and relate to a poet that brings the reality of life at times in a very raw fashion. T.C. speaks from his personal life experiences, but as I sit back and reflect...I understand where he is coming from and so many of us have talked about these subjects but rarely if ever have the guts to put them in print. I do look forward to reading future publications by this writer and would honestly hope that he would consider writing a novel.
Lady Flava
Flava News Book Reviews
Deeper Than Rhymes
available at:
Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com
and
http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=63084
| Article 2
Introducing...
David Pablo Narvaez
The B-Boy PABLO *D* of Studio Narvaez Photography is truly an Originator of Hip Hop in Seattle. With Family Roots stemming from Brooklyn & the Bronx, Pablo Danced & Choregraphed with and against some of the best known B-Boys in the World. Pablo was Known for some of the baddest Headspins, Helicopters, Thomas Flares, Power Moves and out-of-this-world Acrobatics and Freestyle Rhymin. In 1985 at Club Stallions, Pablo dominated Seattle's Bicycle Headspin record with 112 Cycles while BreakDancing to Afrika Bambaataa's "Looking for the Perfect Beat." Pablo's Crews were the Twilight Patrol, Fresh Force and most notably the Foxy De Roxy Crew. In 1987 Pablo relocated to South Florida and busted right into the Miami Bass & BreakDance scene. Since then Pablo has had the opportunity to live and Dance in Seattle, Miami, St. Louis, San Antonio, Kodiak and Phoenix. Although Pablo no longer busts the moves that he was once known for, he is launching that determination and winning attitude to the next level of his career." Keep an eye out for Studio Narvaez Photography before he's at it again!
To view the amazing photographs taken by this artists with camera, click the link below:
Studio Narvaez Photography
Join Studio Narvaez Photography: This is a Group that takes You away from the Hustle of Everyday Life and allows You to Enjoy Wonderful Photography from the Pacific Northwest. Check out the Places and Landmarks that You didn't even know were located so close to your Home.
Studio Narvaez on Facebook
David Pablo Narvaez can be contacted at:
havecanon@yahoo.com
| Article 3
Introducing...
Georgio Brown
Georgio Brown born in Harlem, New York to a strong proud Jamaican Immigrant father who taught him to work for his dreams and not to give up in the face diversity or defeat. With those teaching as a child, Georgio began creating his art through use of video when he was in high school in New York. His first video work started off by filming groups of teens on the corner who were rapping or dancing. This took off for him as he saw how much people enjoyed and were inspired by the video shorts he created. He also had a brief period as CEO of an independent record label with a friend where he gave service as a tour manager. He was lucky to receive the support of friends and family to follow his dreams from high school onto college.
When Georgio went off to college in 1986 he sought expand his reach in the community by bringing positive Black culture to all people through Coolout Entertainment. He started off throwing Club Coolout events in the Victorian Rose house in Utica, NY.
Inspired by the prosperity his sisters had found in Seattle, WA, he moved there in mid 1990 to find work and work toward his true career goals. Redirected by friends and family to follow his unique creative ability in video production, he attended Seattle Art institute for video production and through the support of the local public access center he created Coolout Network, a NW focused positive urban music culture TV magazine. Coolout Network came from the inspiration he saw in the hard work Seattle rappers (Emcees), DJs and Hip Hop dancers were putting into their art form.
In April 1991 he began producing a series of shorts focusing on Seattle's Hip Hop scene. His blend of visual arts, performance arts and music into the one art medium of video turned into "Coolout Network" and he aired his art to the public on Seattle Public Access, now called SCAN. Many artists (some now of international fame) received their first TV exposure through his series. Now going on 15 years and still airing Coolout Network each week, he continues to create his art the way he sees it and in a way to inspire others to either continue their art form or pick up video arts.
His talent has been procured by many organizations that see the value in his art as a medium to showcase what they do (just as is often requested from photographers and painters). In the summer of 2004, Georgio Brown and his production "Coolout Network" received the City of Seattle, Mayor's Award for Excellence in Hip Hop for his dedication to create a positive contribution to the community.
His work has been shown throughout the country by leading organizations such as the Urban League, Festival Sundiata, YWCA, Think Big Foundation, Starbucks and Microsoft. It is often used for community awareness by Non-Profit performance arts programs and arts education programs. Artists themselves often seek out Georgio to capture their art so they can show others what they do.
Since 1991 alone he has created over 600 Coolout Network productions and over 100 individual works for others in our community. He is able to produce his art through hard work and support from his community and the individual people who support his mission.
Still proud of his Harlem/Jamaican influenced upbringing, he takes his New York drive to promote positive Hip Hop culture and boost the uplifting of his ethnicity and heritage.
Georgio Brown is always down to work with artists and others in the urban community who believe in his mission and vision...18 years later you still find the man with the passion, kind heart and vision behind the camera, giving a face to the Hip Hop Culture of Seattle, WA.
To find out more about the man behind the camera, click the following links to check out his numerous videos:
Coolout Network on Vimeo
Coolout Network on YouTube
Georgio Brown can be contacted at:
coolouttv@gmail.com
| | Thank You for taking the time to read and subscribe to Flava News Monthly NewsLetter. We would love to hear your feedback by sending your comments to Flava News.
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Founder of Flava News
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