Remember Kadawatha, the band that opened for Paramore’s Honda Civic Tour, no? Well, we here at Artison have their EP; so it seems fitting for us to fulfill our unsung promise of introducing what’s new and exciting in the art world by reviewing this EP.

Kadawatha is a pretty interesting group; they have a lead singer of Sri Lankan origin, a band bio that makes their namesake sound narcissistic, and a history that’s not even two years deep.  Yet their band, led by Daniel Kadawatha was an impressive enough act to be invited on tour by Paramore, so they warrant our attention.

Leading the EP is the track Gonna Stay which is more or less a punk rock ballad. It plays well and finishes strong. Daniel shows good amounts of vocal control while keeping with the pace of the up-tempo song. And for some reason there appears to be more character in his voice in this song. The pacing in the song is a nice contrast to the other songs and really sets the tempo for the rest of the EP

The Ranger has a strong assault of guitars, overpowering all else in the song including Daniel’s voice at times, although not in a thrash metal way. Unfortunately, the song doesn’t come off as powerful as it would at first seem as Daniel’s vocals don’t quite compliment the production at hand.

Agape, the last song of the EP, contains strong melodies throughout which carry the song, and Daniel really shows his vocal range sending his voice soaring high into the clouds; right up there with the airy production. The beginning has samples of a train station mixed with guitar strums; it almost creates the music video for your, a testament to the songs immense detail. The guitar riffs, played intermittently through the song, are distinct and have a pleasant effect on the songs rhythm and overall sound; which is of course the best song on the EP.

While this EP may be passed up by the frugal music lover, costing $5 or $1.67 per song, it comes with Artison’s approval and hopefully by now that counts for something. So the next time Kadawatha comes into your town, which you can check here, be sure to pick up their EP.

So what does chaos sound like? Anti-Heroes seem to have the answer. Brimming with gusto the pair believes that they have what it takes to grab you by the ear; and with what they have so far, these promises probably won’t end up broken.

The lineup includes two musicians hailing from Baltimore, the fervent (and talkative) Peter Parker, and the blasé Doc, whom together form Anti Heroes. Parker handles the vocals, lyrics and production while Doc manages the percussion, backup vocals, and production as well.

While initially meeting up in a hip hop club, the charismatic musicians later became reacquainted at their “day jobs” and began a conversation that would lead up to their eventual collaboration.  At first this collaboration included other artist to play other instrumentals as the project was more akin to a band, however, as the undertaking began to pan out it became apparent that there were only two reliable members of the group. As a result the band became a twosome.

A twosome that describes themselves by stating:

We are not your saviors.
We are not here to rescue you.
We are here to take everything you know…
…and Burn it to the Ground.

That’s quite the motto, but where does this rage/bravado cocktail come from? The answer is their music.

The two have a rich history musically between them, and that is no exception here. Parker was the front man for thrash metal acts and Doc had been on tour around the country playing with some major bands. But what appears most daunting about the two is there synergy. Musically, they feed off of one another. Parker may have some lyrics and a beat and then Doc would come in and add his drums and thoughts, then Parker would tweak. It could start the opposite way or more abstractly, but either way a song would erupt; an eruption that requires you to stand back to take it all in. Their music so powerful, the lyrics blunt, and that’s exactly what they are going for; the delivery of their message, in its most raw and uncompromised form.

This year’s Honda Civic Tour 2010, headlined by Paramore, was a very rewarding concert to those in attendance. Including Kadawatha, New Found Glory, Tegan and Sara, in addition to Paramore, the lineup was solid and sonically varied enough to keep the audience in the stands throughout.

Honda has described this year’s show as:

The legacy of the Honda Civic Tour burns bright, and Paramore is the latest band representing the roots of the music that started it all. Since the tour’s inception in 2001, powerful acts like blink-182, Incubus, Good Charlotte, Black Eyed Peas and Fallout Boy have rocked audiences across the U.S. This year’s supporting acts include Canadian indie rockers Tegan and Sara, Civic Tour alumni New Found Glory and newcomers Kadawatha.

Kadawatha performed first with a 5 song set which included a few songs from their EP also titled Kadawatha. Kadawatha’s performance was the most surprising since most of the concert goers probably had never heard of them and the experience was entirely new. Several of their songs where extremely well performed, particularly Agape, and the guitar riffs and soaring vocals of Daniel Kadawatha certainly weren’t a low point of the concert.

New Found Glory was the second act, performing many of the songs that made them famous and one cover, Kiss Me. Their performance was lively and energetic with lead singer Jordan Pundik coasting through the crowd in Merriweather Post Pavillion’s pit. Other than the obvious highlight of all their hit songs, was the humor endued performance. During one selection, Don’t Let Her Pull You Down, the band held up posters to get the audience to sing along during the chorus. During the middle of the performance these signs where changed from “Don’t, Let, Her” to “Buy, Our, Shirt”, it was definitely a memorable moment.

Tegan and Sara performed right before our headliners and where undeniably able to hold their own. They had a diverse selection of songs including Alligator and Paperback Head, with most being from their most recent album Sainthood, of course, but all of which matched the tone of the concert at that point. There humor was also a highlight of their show with Tegan slinging some pretty interesting one liner jokes. One of which indicated that Sara wanted to be “on top of Rihanna”.  But the all jokes aside Tegan and Sara’s performance was top notch, not to flashy, but very passionate and funny.

Last but not least was this year’s headliners Paramore. With it being there tour and all they had no choice but to rock the house and rock the house they did, performing many of their hits in front of an ever changing backdrop. They opened strong with very high profile and high energy songs, including That’s What You Get and Decode, which saw Hayley Williams shaking her head as if to fling it from her body as she sashayed across the stage. In the middle they played some songs that where not from any of their albums as they slowed the pace for a few acoustic performances. This was short-lived however; as they quickly livened things back up with several more hits performed in front of music videos/video collages. And just when we thought it was over and they had said good night to the crowd, fired of an auditorium worth of explosives and left the stage; the band came bounding back onto the stage for one last song. It was a fitting end to arguably one of the greatest tours of 2010.

Mike Posner, one of Duke University’s latest graduates, is also, interestingly enough, one of the radio waves newest hit makers. Producing two mixtapes an album, touring, and signing with J Records all while attending school start to finish is surely inspirational, but does his studio album, 31 Minutes To Takeoff deliver?

The answer is mostly yes. The album certainly has a pop sheen on it, however, if you were a fan of what he had produced prior to his stepping into a J Records recording studio, this album may not be what you expected. In his two mixtape outings A Matter of Time and One Foot Out the Door, both hosted by Clinton Sparks and DJ Benzi, Mike Posner created a rapping serenade of sorts that worked, and very well at that. His mixtapes seemed to be primarily electro and hip-hop oriented and his guest list only furthered that sentiment. Have a listen to Smoke and Drive and Mirror’s Edge, two of the most classic mixtape songs ever recorded.  It was here that Mike Posner seemed so at place and in control. Maybe it was J Records not knowing how they would market a hip-hop electro fusion with a splash of pop and a dash of rock, or maybe it was the absence of Benzi and Sparks, but either way hip-hop got dropped. Unfortunately for some, that’s where some of the best Mike Posner was.

Needless to say that’s what the album is missing, but it doesn’t keep it from being one of the better releases this year, and that’s because, for some odd reason, Mike works without it. The album was mostly sonically infectious and when it wasn’t the songs still weren’t easy to skip, there was something that made you listen, must be Mike. At just under 40 minutes the album is definitely Mike Posner concentrate, all songs, no filler and only one tainted moment; (Déjà vu featuring Boyz II Men, which was a mess) what more could you ask for in a debut.

Song by Song Take:

1. 31 Minutes to Takeoff – Intro
2. Please Don’t Go –electric influences, club ready, infectious, lyrically appropriate, very effective
3. Bow Chicka Wow Wow – a smart and infections song, cruising on an old school beat, playful and poppy
4. Cooler Than Me – his single for about 2 mix tapes and one album now, and the song holds up as well as it did then, catch beat, strong hook, radio friendly, in other words a hit.

If I could write you a song to make you fall in love/ I would already have you up under my arm/ I used up all my tricks, I hope that you like this/ but you probably won’t, you think your cooler than me.

1. Déjà Vu – the stark contrast between Mike Posner’s rapping and/or singing and Boyz II Men’s harmonious sound causes a catastrophe on the track, not to mention that the beat is just as spastic and disorderly.
2. Do U Wanna- interestingly enough the rock influences from producer Cisco Adler permeate into the track to great effect. The drum and horn combination grips the track along with whoever is listening. The lively instruments are a highlight on the album and Mike Posner luckily doesn’t lose his footing on the vocals.
3. Cheated – while it won’t receive the emotional response of tracks of similar subject matter, Keyshia Cole’s I Should Have Cheated, the track is electronic and dance inspired and will certainly make a limb or head bounce along to the beat
4. Gone in September – sounds sincere, a little more emotional, the more acoustic sound works to mikes advantage, the sonic journey gets better and better as the song goes on.
5. Save your goodbye – another more emotional track, the production gives a slightly haunting vibe with lyrics like “you’re everywhere I go” being chanted in between the hollowed howls in the background.
6. Synthesizer – synthetic and heavily electronic inspired beat topped off with some light crooning, not very sincere but listenable all the same.
7. Delta 1406 – the track sounds purposefully light and airy, the ambience created is reminiscing of late 90’s trance music, probably the most personal track on the album.
8. Falling – a fitting end, with a ballad-like feel complimented by a choir of voices harkening the track with angelic tones.

Drake, one of the most recent contributors to Young Money’s dominance of the current state of Hip Hop, is primed to give the industry more of what it has asked for with his new release, Thank Me Later.  In 2009, Drake established himself as hip hops prime MC, delivering pop oriented hits, and another welcome departure from gangster rap upon the release of his mixtape So Far Gone.  An EP rerelease of his mixtape and two Grammy nominations later, Drake provides us with another escape into his world. Thank Me Later, plays out pretty much as you would expect it to, and considering the excellence of Drake’s most recent work, this is not a disappointing quality.

Drake provides us with about 60 minutes of self analysis, 808 and heartbreakish crooning, lifestyle and fame commentaries, hip hop posse tracks and in short a good listen. Drake supplies us with good deal of quality material with little filler, but a lot of high quality production and a tight coherent album.  His lyrics are top notch, easily able to convey his analysis of music against sports and then back against itself, all the while revealing his imminent implosion from the pressure of his new life; as demonstrated in the following section from the song Thank Me Now:

“damn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous / ’cause we wanna be them and they wanna be us / yeah so on behalf of the demanded / and the entertainment you take for granted / you could thank me now… / and oh my goodness you’re welcome / you’re welcome /  at this point me is who I’m trying to save myself from /rappers hit me up and I never know what to tell them / cause they think that I can help them get back to where they fell from”

The supporting cast on Thank Me Later appears to have been handpicked, with most of the other artist offerings actually contributing to the creative work of the song. Like Jay-Z’s verse on Light Up “Drake, here’s how they gon come at you / with silly rap feuds try to distract you / in disguise in the form of a favor / the barzini meeting, watch for the traitors” The other contributors, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, The Dream and more are more likely a highlight then a hindrance for the songs on which they appear, functioning as a complement to Drakes commanding of the track.

So in short, if you like Drake’s album will largely hinge on if you appreciated So Far Gone, which if you didn’t, it is something I would recommend you revisit. Drake’s crooning sounds sincere and his edge isn’t outclassed by rappers heralding a hood; not to take away from his upper tier lyricism. Thank Me Later demands that you check it out, I suggest you comply.

4.5 out of 5 Stars

force

C.A.R.M.E.N., one of the latest ‘fab girl’ groups to come out of Baltimore, has been very busy doing big things these days, but this is no overnight success. These amazingly humble and sweet young ladies are seven years in the making. C.A.R.M.E.N., which is an acronym for ‘Chasing Aspirations Redefining Music while Enticing a Nation,’ is made up of three beautiful women. The founding members are Brittany and Roxie, who are two childhood friends from Baltimore MD, and they were later joined by Texas native, Lana.

Having asked the girls how they’ve been able to survive in this brutal industry for so long, they replied, “We really have an understanding of the music business being a business,” which is important in today’s music. The girls are involved in all aspects of their careers from approving tracks and writing lyrics to being closely involved with their manager, Christal McClendon, who was also present during the interview.

C.A.R.M.E.N. is not just three pretty faces and not your typical R&B girl group; these girls have plenty of style and attitude. “Our style is very eclectic, and we do have traditional R&B tracks. We also do Hip Hop, Rock, and Punk songs as well,” said the group in unison as we lounged and chatted. That quote is very fitting since they’ve been inspired by such female powerhouse artists like Pink, Kelis, and others. I asked the girls where I could hear some of their music and they said, “Right here,” and started to belt out Jodeci’s ‘Feenin’ right there in the restaurant! It was a wonderful experience. Not only did the group have one of the strongest harmonies I’d ever heard, I also heard each individual’s powerful voice. It was amazing, and by the time they were finished, all three floors of the Baltimore restaurant were roaring in ovation.

We ordered a round of drinks, and we began to really get to know each other. They’ve been very busy in the past few years having performed at Showtime at the APOLLO, and a tour with platinum recording artist, Mya. They opened for Bad Boy recording artist, B5, and former Roc-A-Fella recording artist Tierra Marie at the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore. The group’s long road of ‘paying their dues’ did not go unnoticed; the girls were offered a deal and signed to Atlantic records. Unfortunately, they were dropped from the label. Knowing that was quite a devastating blow and something that was tough to deal with, one question arose in my mind and forced its way out of my mouth, and it was, “How did you girls deal with it?”

“It was hard and sad, but we just got over it! We really didn’t have a choice except to keep on going,” replied Roxie. Who would expect anything different from this very confident and determined trio? Lana added, “We want to take it to the top!” “They really didn’t know what to do with us, and they were focused on their present artist at the time,” said Brittaney. That huge disappointment does not stop the girls from believing they will be signed again.

As we sat there and continued to chitchat over our cocktails, the girls were very warm and open. They were willing to share their personalities and lives with me, and seeing this made me realize that these three very different individuals have to spend an awful lot of time together, yet they’ve been together for seven years. The girls explained, “We never fight, we are all close, we know when someone needs space, and we respect that.” Hearing that made me think it was very commendable because after that amount of time most would break under the pressure of personal lives and business. As women so dedicated to their craft, I wondered if they had any plans of family, or if boyfriends are an issue. Roxie said, “I definitely want a family some day, and when the time comes that’s what I’m going to do.” Lana said she also wanted kids one day, and Brittaney has a beau in her life. “He totally understands my job and he is very understanding,” says Brittaney.

After a while we finally noticed the time. We’d been talking and having such a great time, and it felt as if we’d known each other well before this interview. We exchanged hugs, and all parted our ways in separate vehicles. With such creative spirit, raw God given talent, and wonderful personalities to match, we have no doubt that these females will be super stars in the very near future. So we proudly present C.A.R.M.E.N. as your artist to know.

by Niyeka Harris

“Claire Hux is more than music, it’s a movement”, says DLake, MC and half of the ultra futuristic and highly entertaining sonic duo. Claire Hux first came to fruition during a 2004 party where rapper DLake was working as a DJ. At the party, DLake invited singer, Symbol, to collaborate on a few songs; asking him to smooth out the tracks with his velvety vocals. The chemistry was instant, the performance electric; Symbol and DLake had discovered magic. “It was a really good reception to the first show, but we needed something better than Symbol and DLake”, says DLake. After a few messages back and forth over Instant Messenger, they finally came up with the name Claire Huxtable, which, for legal reasons, had to be shortened to “Claire Hux.”

Flashback, if you will, to the 1980′s sitcom, The Cosby Show. The character, Claire Huxtable, was an outstanding attorney, wife, and mother; the foundation of the iconic Cosby family. However, Claire Hux’s music does not reflect the innocence of its namesake, rather far from it. Their music is live and raw with topics that span from smoking weed to having sex after a night out at the club. When asked what makes them different from other groups, the answer given was surprisingly honest. “I don’t know too many people that got balls big enough to get on stage with some leopard skin tight pants, white makeup, bow tie, suspenders, and still pull the ladies” says lead singer, Symbol. “What separates us? That’s to be determined; you [the listener] got to decide. The only thing I like to do is entertain. I want you to have fun. I want to entertain you.”

Trying to determine what makes Claire Hux different from their fellow artist is easier than searching for invisible similarities. These hipsters say that their music falls under the category of “genre-less music.” However, for all intensive purposes, and the unequivocal need for the“real world” to classify music, one would say that Claire Hux is a mixture of Baltimore club, 80’s Retro, Electro, Hip-Hop, and Pop, laced with an array of pulsing synthetic beats. They are in the lab without the pen and the pad. “I don’t only want to make you dance,” says Claire Hux’s Symbol. “I want to make you have sex too!”

Claire Hux’s ambitions are not limited to entertaining the masses; they are actively preparing for complete and utter world domination. “We want to take over all forms of music and entertainment,” says DLake. “We got a lot to prove because people don’t know us yet .. that’s what keeps me hungry”. Claire Hux continues to work hard for their fans, making music that is new and innovative. “When you wake up in the morning, I want you humming my song. When you’re going to bed, I want you to do the same thing. I just want to take your soul,” says Symbol.

Capturing souls and the entire world will not keep Claire Hux from remembering their roots. They are inspired by greats like Prince, P-Funk, Michael Jackson, James Brown, Scottie B, and others. “Back in the day when I was coming up, everyone I looked up to were entertainers. You didn’t see anyone back in the coffee shop with jeans and a tee-shirt trying to sell you their shit,” says Symbol. Claire Hux holds themselves to a higher standard above most artists in any genre. They believe in giving the audience what they paid for, a unique experience they could only get at a Claire Hux concert. As Symbol said so eloquently, “Put the balls to the wall and let it all hang out.”

Check out the new Claire Hux mix-tape that dropped May 23 called “Claire Hux presents Black is the New Wet”. Don’t forget to listen to a few tracks; it’s something good to bob your head to.

by Jessica Mason

Robotic and percussive are two words that a local beat boxer would describe his work as being. That beat boxer is Shodekeh, hailing from Baltimore and those two words are pale in comparision to what he actually can do. Shodekeh realized his gift at the tender age of eight years old, back in the eighties when beat boxing was at it’s peak of popularity. Inspired by Dougie Fresh, Biz Markie and Rozelle; Shodekeh proves that he could very well belong to that elite group.

By James Tibbs

When you Wish upon a Star…. This couldn’t be more true after coming in contact with Music’s newest rising star – ‘Wish’ she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her new CD ‘Skool Gurl Diaries’ is receiving rave reviews all over the internet and in the streets. Her live show is filled with dancers, back round singers, and costume changes but Wish holds her own and still stands out amongst the crowd. Artison Magazine recently caught up with this beautiful starlet at one of her live shows and this is what she had to say……..

Hi how are you?

I’m fine! How are you?

I’m good and tired – that was a wonderful show- costume changes, set changes- the whole nine.

I’m glad you liked it.

You were passing out your new CD ‘Skool Gurl Diaries’ and noticed on the back that you were a executive producer on this project- that’s really rare for a new artist- tell me about that…

All it really means is I had a hand in picking the songs from the catalogue that were selected for this album- I don’t produce beats or anything

Do you write?

No my best friend and my brother Donny Roc write the songs

Well tell me about the whole concept of the album – I know you like the movie ‘Grease’ because that seems to be the theme- tell me about that

Well… the name of the album is ‘Skool gurl Diaries’ because when I was in high school I kept a lot of things in so I wanted to be the voice of the people- for the girls who didn’t speak out and I feel like that helps then through music, cause a lot of people aren’t vocal like that

I agree I wasn’t either until I got a little older, now I can’t stop my mouth- LOL!

Yeah me too, for anybody

Where are you from?

I grew up in West Baltimore

Whoop whoop!

Laughs!

What’s our musical history- How long have you been signing?

I grew up in church singing in the choir when I was younger and then I was in a girl group for a little while but that didn’t work out- so now I’m solo and loving it!

Right! Me too- your fierce solo … so is that where the concept of your album came from? Your new freedom and being a voice for all girls

Well we didn’t plan it – we just started recording song randomly and it started to turn in to a story and that’s when we conceptualized it and put it together that way

What’s your favorite song on the CD?

My favorite song is ‘Instead of You’

My favorite song id ‘Slut’ – lol… I love that song it’s so funny and true like – I see you Ms. Hoe! (Laughs)

Thank you- that’s funny

You also reference ‘the kids a lot in your performance and album- How do you feel about your gay fan base?

I feel like I am one of the kids- from Pre-K I was always with the kids and when I was in the choir I was with the Queens- they just gravitate toward me and me to them.

Since you’re a ‘Skool Gurl’ what was your favorite subject in school?

English- I always love to write

Yeah me too, obviously.  I always loved English and History- Did you eat the cafeteria food?

All the time! (laughs)

The music industry is really tough these days, how are you gonna stand apart form everyone else? I’ve been reading you reviews and they compare you to a lot of people – there a lot of artist out there and it’s hard to be different

All I can do is stay true to myself – I can’t worry about what Keri is doing or whatever artist is doing, I just have to be me and that works for me doing it that way.

How do you feel about the music industry these days?

I think it’s a big melting pot and I think it’s very creative right now which is a good thing – you can be what you wanna be it’s a little bit of everything right now- not strictly R and B or Rock- it’s a lot of fusion going on and I think that’s a good thing.

I’ve noticed that too- I love music mixing genres. – Your dancers are really good – have they been with you from the beginning?

Yup!

Do they influence your songs or give you inspiration?

They actually get incorporated after – the song has to be done first and they we conceptualize the show

How old are you?

21

Do you drink?

No

Well good for you- I wish I had made the same decision – but that’s another story

Laughs!

Are you dating?

No, I’m not interested; I’m focused on my career

Well I can’t blame you for that- what kinds of guys do you like?

Nice sweet guys- but I’m not even trying to think about that right now

You mentioned earlier that you don’t write songs- are any of these songs related to your life or can you relate to them?

They all are related to my life- My best friend Donny Roc wrote the songs and he’s like my other half- he’s known me for years so the songs are written for me through him

That’s cool – when I listen to an artist I feel like I’m getting to know the artist personally so that’s nice to know

Yes I’m blessed.

Do you feel the industry has gone over board with auto tune?

It depends on who is using it- I know that if you can sing with out it it’s definitely a plus but if you’re using it to cover up then maybe not so much

Mariah Carey, Madonna, and Whitney are all coming up with projects – who are you rooting for the most?

All of them – they are all icons and I’m excited to see what they’re gonna do.

If you were to attend the VMA’s tomorrow – what designer would you go with?

I really don’t know – I probably wouldn’t wear a gown- I would probably go with D Squared

So what is you ultimate goal in your career?

To have longevity in the industry, I feel like it’s important to establish yourself and grow in front of your audience.

So imagine every thing is said and done and your at the end of your career- what do you most wanna be remembered for?

I wanna be remembered for being a hard worker and being dedicated- I want my fans or whoever is listening to me to know that I’m not a slacker and I’m really working hard

Well you definitely proved that with your performance – it was top notch!.. Who would like to work with in the future?

I could see myself working with Timbaland or Pharell

They really seem like they would fit your personality and they would know what to do with you- I’m all for that callabo!

Well I would like to wrap this up with a little game called word association

Laughs- oh Lord

Lol- don’t be scared its friendly- I’m just gonna say a word and you say whatever comes to mind….

Twitter- Wish is here- lol!

The Kids- Yeeeeeeees!

Obama- Two words- great! Wonderful!

The pink ladies- amazing/ hard workers

Recession- Money

Auto Tune- Phone Coder

Jersey- For Sure

Men- Lovely

Oprah- Great

Housewives of Atlanta- Entertaining!

Wish I definitely enjoyed spending the day with you- I had a lot of fun and you and your crew were very sweet- thank you for a great time

Thank you- you guys were great as well – Peace!

Peace!- that’s a wrap!

Niyeka Harris

With a profound mantra like ‘Music is the gateway between earth and heaven,’ you would expect either some hippie save-the-earth movement or some sort of religious organization. Misfitz Sounds however is neither of those things. They are an up and coming production company that has generated a lot of buzz in Baltimore’s underground music scene. The production company was founded in 2006, and began to accumulate artists on their roster around 2008., Misfitz is set up with two different sides. Misfitz Sounds is the record label, and Misfitz designs focuses on the more multimedia aspect of things.

The Artison team met with Misfitz for an interview and we learned a lot. We also got to hear some of the tracks and they are amazing. According to producer/artist J. Oliver, the best thing about the organization is versatility. “We are very versatile as far as music goes. We can produce anything. We can produce all genres and we even sample too. There is nothing that we can’t cover.” We asked the CEO/creator of Misfitz where does he see the organization in 5 years, and Andrew “GQ” Johnson replied, “At the Grammy’s. I want to be the Diddy of this city [Baltimore].” With the roster of artists they have, it may actually be a reality. Here is the team:

K. Halloway- A singer that placed in the top 40 of American Idol. She sings R&B, and is on the heels of Jill Scott or Jennifer Hudson.

Laced-A rap artist who can go neck and neck with Fabolous.

K.E.- A southern rapper who can be compared to Soulja Boy.

Flyboy- A rap artist for the ladies who resembles LL Cool J, Nelly, or Chingy.

Luminaty- The rapper with swag along the lines of Jeezy, Jim Jones, or Lil Wayne.

J. Oliver- A singer as well as a producer on the team.

The Producers consist of: J. Oliver, GQ (CEO), F. Major, and DL 40. They also have a composer they work with whose name is Salem.

by James Tibbs

Winter time in Baltimore, not quite a sight to behold, more so an atmosphere to feel. As was the case on a particularly cold January night that would play host to Blockfunksion’s unique sounds. Competing with Edgar, Allen, Poe,  the whole ravens cheerleading squad and not to mention the lewdly dressed women. Blockfunksion managed to scrap together a decent gathering all the same.

Come they did and Blockfunksion did not disappoint. The old motto “give em’ what they asked for” resonates with this one; as anyone familiar with the band will tell you that Blockfunksion is a band with quite a unique sound, especially for Charm City. If you came to the show expecting a blunt rip-off of bands of yore, think again. If you came expecting talentless screaming yuppies with excessive body art, again you’d be wrong. Blockfunksion is a genre bending band that isn’t afraid to free fall from high octane rock to blues inspired ballad, and they do so with convincing ease.

Donning the stage with a swagger only Baltimore could have blessed them with, Blockfunksion seemed poised to excite.  And that’s exactly what happened as lead singer and guitarist Tony begin to fiddle with his frets causing the audience to boil over in anticipation. As Mark and Ian begin to join the fray, guitar and bass guitar respectively, everything you expected wasn’t as you expected, which is just as we suspected. With the rhythm laid down by Benny, the drummer, bringing their distinctive sound full circle, it was apparent that they intended on being showstoppers. Despite all of this they didn’t hesitate to unveil their stage personas. From gentle rock, Ian, to the showstopper himself Mark, the band was as individualistic as a cohesive group could be. But I’m not mad because any band willing to play a few riffs with a wine bottle has something going for them.