BET Hip Hop Awards

 BET Hip Hop Awards 2013

By Jachon Charles / August 26, 2013

This year’s BET Hip Hop Awards is set to be taped this weekend, the show airs October 15th. But If you are in the beautiful city of Atlanta you wont have to wait. This weekend is jam packed with events all due to the BET Hip Hop Awards. From parties, music conferences you will have plenty to do this weekend.

The network has announced that it will be honoring MC Lyte with the I Am Hip-Hop Icon Award for her lifetime achievement. For all you 90's babies that don't know who MC Lyte is, MC Lyte was the first rapper to receive a certified gold single for her song “Ruffneck” and was a pioneer for female rappers. The “Keep On Keepin’ On” singer has a total of eight studio albums in addition to her compilation records and guest spots on famed tracks.

But rest assured there is a long list of artists and presenters that will keep your eyes glued to your sets. Uncle Snoop D O double G will be hosting this year and will be sure to keep us all entertained, I don't know about you, but I hope he smokes before and during the show. Some great artists are also set to perform, the performances are my favorite part of the show.

The nominees for the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards have been announced.  Drake,  J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z and 2 Chainz, lead the pack, each earning nominations in several categories. Check out my favorite categories below.

Lyricist of the Year
J. Cole
Drake
JAY Z
Kendrick Lamar
Wale

MVP of the Year
2 Chainz
J. Cole
Drake
JAY Z
Kendrick Lamar

Track of the Year
“Power Trip” – Produced by J. Cole (J. Cole f/ Miguel)
“Problems” – Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib (A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar)
“Don’t Kill My Vibe” – Produced by Sounwave (Kendrick Lamar)
“Bugatti” – Produced by Mike WiLL Made It (Ace Hood f/ Rick Ross & Future)
“Started From The Bottom” – Produced by Mike Zombie & Noah “40″ Shebib (Drake)

Album of the Year
J. Cole – Born Sinner
JAY Z – Magna Carta Holy Grail
Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city
Nas – Life Is Good
Wale – The Gifted

Best Mixtape
Big Sean – Detroit
Chance The Rapper – Acid Rap
Travi$ Scott – Owl Pharaoh
Stalley – Honest Cowboy
Trinidad Jame$ – Don’t Be S.A.F.E.

Sweet 16 (Best Featured Verse)
Diddy – “Same Damn Time (Remix)” (Future f/ Diddy & Ludacris)
Drake – “Versace (Remix)” (Migos f/ Drake)
Future – “Bugatti” (Ace Hood f/ Rick Ross & Future)
Kendrick Lamar – “Problems” (A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar)
Wiz Khalifa – “U.O.E.N.O. (Remix)” (Rocko f/ Future & Wiz Khalifa)

          BET.com Voting
          (To vote, head over to BET.com/PeoplesChamp)
          People’s Champ Award
          A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar – Problems
          J. Cole f/ Miguel – Power Trip
          Drake – Started From The Bottom
          Kendrick Lamar – Don’t Kill My Vibe
          Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/ Mary Lambert – Can’t Hold Us

This weekend should be exciting so ladies keep it sexy and fellas dress to impress. All eyes on Atlanta this weekend, don't want to get caught slipping. Enjoy the festivities and be sure to leave comments.

Kanye West Calls Himself the "No.1 Rock Star on the Planet"

                 Kanye West calls himself 'the No.1 Rock Star on the Planet"

September 23, 2013

Yes Mr West is at it again, in a recent BBC Radio 1 with Zane Lowe he refers to himself as the "No.1 Rock Star on the Planet". Just a few minutes into the interview he begins yet another infamous rant. Now I am a huge Kanye Fan, and I have all his records. Kanye is a true artist and by this I mean, he is insane or close to it. Musical genius, visual artists that often directs and has a lot of input for his music videos. A fashion Icon, this man was tormented for wearing tight jeans " skinny jeans" and yeah pretty much everyone wears them now. He introduce the world, not just the hip hop community, but the world to his fashion and people either embraced it or ridiculed it only to use it later on. Though he may seem irrational and overly sensitive, yes even though the rants are sometimes poorly timed and executed, you can always say that his words came from the heart. He hates his celebrity just as much as he loves it, feels he is the voice of those people that are too afraid to speak or have no voice at all. As much as you want to dislike him, you cant help but say hey that's Kanye! Lets face it, the things that Kanye has done with the rants and "Taylor Swift" incident, if he was any other artist would have ended his career. So is he right? Kanye may actually be the biggest rock star on the planet. Tell us what you think! Check out the interview below.

Luda Day Weekend Recap!

Luda Day Weekend Recap!!

The city of Atlanta was ready for the 8th annual Luda-Day weekend! Luda-Day weekend is an annual charity weekend started by Atlanta native Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges. Better known as Ludacris, The Ludacris foundation has been dedicated to giving back to his city and the people. Each year they coordinate a series of fundraising events that are enjoyable to everyone in the community. From foundation dinners, to block parties, and one of my favorites the celebrity basketball game that brings some of the brightest and biggest stars in the entertainment industry to Atlanta. The list is long, Lil Scrappy, Larenz Tate, Josh Smith, Terrence J, John Wall and so many more came out to support. Check out a few pics and our quick interviews with rap artist Que and Actor Larenz Tate.

Trinidad Jame$ releases new mixtape! 10PCmild!

The man that brought you All Gold everything, yes none other than Trinidad Jame$ is back with a brand new mixtape called 10PcMild. We had the pleasure of being present at the release party to interview Mr All Gold himself. The party was held at Ginza Boutique in Atlanta's infamous Underground. The turn out was amazing tons of fans came out to show love for Trinidad and the new music. The new mixtape is incredible, dope production, and yes dope lyrics, say what you want but Trinidad Jame$ did not disappoint.

Speaking of say what you want..if you have been under a very large rock then you may have missed the biggest verse of 2013. Kendrick Lamar dropped a venomous verse on Big Sean's "Control" track and the world went crazy. Now every rapper and fan is talking about this song and some rappers felt they had to respond. I know what your thinking, what the hell does this have to do with Trinidad Jame$. Well Mr Joe Budden is one of those rappers who responded and in his response he mentions Trinidad Jame$. Well lets just say TJ did not care for it, and he responses in our interview very bluntly and also on his new mixtape. He has felt the hate coming from certain people who feel like he doesn't deserve all the success he has had so far.  He addresses this on a couple of tracks on the 10PCMild. But for the actual interview here it is from the source himself. Yes we bring you yet another exclusive interveiw, check it out and leave comments.
 

 

Haaannnnn!

The Kings Of Twerk Music Are Back!

 Everywhere you look somebody is twerking, twerking is nothing new, it has been around for well over 20 years now. Thanks to a long list of A list celebs twerking has officially entered the mainstream. Miley Cyrus is twerking, Nicki Minaj is twerking, damn near everyone on vine, twitter, and Instagram is twerking.

So, what is twerking and where did it come from? Just so happen we interviewed the kings of twerk music, and they helped shed some light on the matter. You don't have a clue who I'm talking about, let me give you a hint, haaaaaaannnnnnn. No not French Montana but he does make some good club music. I'm referring to the Ying Yang Twins, yes they are back and right on time if you ask me. We caught up with the makers of "Whistle While You Twerk" and "Shake It Like A Salt Shaker" and my personal favorite "The Whisper Song". They have a brand new track called....wait for it....."Miley Cyrus".

I have often wondered why twerking is now all of a sudden a phenomenon, its been around longer than most of the people doing it. The Ying Yang Twins broke it down for us, the history, the craze and its future. They also mentioned a little bit of tension between them and another rapper who is using their signature ad-lib "HAAAAAANNNNNNNN".

Watch our brand new interview, I dare you to not say haaaaaaannnnnn by the time its over.

By, Bishop @IAmBishop617

MoVI M5 by FreeFly

FreeFly Makes It Affordable!

For all of you film makers out there who dream of making smooth cinematic shots but can't quiet find it in their budget to get the equipment that will achieve these beautiful shots. The good people at http://www.freeflysystems.com/ have made that possible for us all. If you are not familiar with FreeFly they are the people who brought you the Movi Mr, the revolutionary and award winning camera stabilizer that has changed film making all over the world. This great tool has been used by great filmmakers such as JJ Abrams, Alfonso Cuaron, ASC cinematographers, and numerous independent filmmakers.



Unfortunately most of these filmmakers are working with a budget way beyond the average local filmmaker, they can afford to pay 14,995. But for the up and coming filmmakers the FreeFly people bring you the Movi M5 for a closer to realistic price of 4,995 you to can make your vision as beautiful as you imagined it. So go to the FreeFly website and check out the new MoVI M5, its a little bit smaller but gives you everything the MoVI M10 does. Here are a few Features to keep in mind when it comes to the MoVI M5.

• Majestic Mode (Pan/Tilt)
• Patent pending Majestic Mode allows for a single operator to intuitively control the pointing of the gimbal by moving the handles without compromising the stabilization of the image.  The gimbal takes the operator's movements and intelligently converts them into stabilized pan and tilt movements.  This allows for very low profile single operator setup and accurate framing in tight situations.
• Live Wireless Tuning & Graphing
• A next generation stabilized gimbal deserves a fast, intuitive and user friendly GUI (graphical user interface).  The MōVI features a real-time bluetooth connection to the gimbal, which outputs all pertinent performance data and allows for live adjustment of any of the gimbal parameters.
• Remote Firmware Updatable
• The MōVI stabilized camera system is firmware updatable.  When Freefly adds a new feature on Friday night, you can be shooting with it on Saturday morning.  As the system is used in varying cinema applications, Freefly is constantly inventing new solutions for the rigors operators face in using the system to execute demanding shots.  
• Silent Drive
• Capturing on-camera audio is no problem with the MōVI, as the system is virtually silent.  Because the entire motor / drive system was designed in-house, we were able to reduce the noise frequency signature of the gimbal to a virtually inaudible level.
• Custom Direct Drive Motors
• High torque and lightweight are two attributes that don't usually go together.  When we started to design the MōVI system, we knew that no off-the-shelf motor could deliver the performance needed, while keeping the weight low enough to allow the system to be mobile, portable and agile. Drawing on years of brushless motor design experience, Freefly was able to create a remarkably lightweight motor that still has enough torque to handle larger camera packages.
• User Adjustable Shakey Cam
• In some instances, camera movement / shake is a desirable aesthetic choice.  The difficult part is quantifying the amount and type of 'shake' to effectively convey the emotion of the scene.  The MōVI overcomes this limitation by allowing the user to define variable noise filters that mimic the user's movements.  Being able to control the level of 'noise' is highly useful, as it can be difficult for a human operator to accurately maintain a consistent level of camera movement, especially while keeping a compelling frame.  With the patent pending MōVI noise filter, the camera operator can focus on framing and the MōVI takes care of the rest consistently and repeatably. 

 For more information on the MoVI M5 and other products from FreeFly, visit their site http://www.movirig.com/ and give us your feedback on this dope rig. Now go out there and make magic with the MoVI M5.

Van's Warped Tour 2013 hits Atlanta!

KBP and GAFollowers Go to the Warped Tour 2013

GaFollowers with Ricky Reed and Novena Carmel of Wallpaper

Warped Tour brought out thousands of fans to the Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood. Young people from all over Georgia came out to see their favorite bands, even a few parents came out to enjoy the festivities. We went out to be part of the biggest rock tour in Ga, we were even lucky enough to catch up with wallpaper a dope band out of Oakland.  Music is always evolving and changing, sometimes its hard to tell what is what, genres are now cross blending and I personally think this band is one of those new age sounds that cant be categorized. Wallpaper a Oakland based group fronted by the ultra talented Ricky Reed. He is a producer, writer and plays several instruments. We got a chance to sit down with Ricky Reed and his very cool "right hand" as they put it, The Lovely Ms Novena Carmel.  After a quick conversation we found that aside from the rock star life they live they are really down to earth and cool people.

They recently released a brand new album called "Ricky Reed Is Real" a very dope and eclectic album. The album will give you a little bit of everything, rock, hip hop, and pop, a truly diverse album. its currently bumping in my car right now. I suggest you go get your copy or download it on Itunes, or Google Play. You can also catch a live show, the Warped tour next stop is Milwaukee, WI and for any other locations you can visit http://www.vanswarpedtour.com/events/ for more info. Until then you can enjoy our interview.

Pop Of GAFollowers hit the Jackpot lol.

Bishop, Novena Carmel, Ricky Reed, and Pop

Rondell Smith

Thank You!

It has now been 2 weeks since the release of our documentary "Thinking Of Forever". Since the moment it was released we have received nothing but great feedback, people really enjoyed the film, and we appreciate everyone for watching. If felt good to know that a lot of people got the point we were trying to get across. That point was to follow your dreams no matter what, just keep pushing, life will throw everything at you, sometimes all at once. This is not to stop you from achieving your goals, but to make sure you are ready for them, we have to struggle before we can reach the top, the climb is often the most fun part, but also can be the most stressful. But that struggle is what makes reaching the top worth it, once you get to the top of what ever mountain you are climbing, looking back down to see just how high you reached makes it all worth it.

I recently had a conversation with a friend, she asked me what do I do to keep going when sometimes all you want to do is stop. I thought about it and I knew exactly where she was coming from, we have all been there, running as fast as we can to get to something and we get about half way and we want to stop. Either your tired, or your stressed, or the world just seems to be on a mission to make you quit. Yeah I have been there, I get there every once and a while, and the same thing that gets me there is what gets me out. Its the stress, the frustration, and pain of having to work so hard to achieve something that many people wont. That thought is what keeps me going, I think about all the work I have put it, and how far Ive come for me to just stop now. I remind myself that I knew it wouldn't be easy, so why stop now, why quit when I chose this life, this dream, this path. So there is no stopping, as long as I am physically able, I wont stop, I can't stop.

This post is to thank you all that gave us positive feedback, for all of you who gave us no feedback, those who made suggestions, and those who wanted to be part of the movement, those who still don't believe in the movement. We thank you all, it is because of you we are ready to take it to the next level. This is just the beginning and trust we don't plan on stopping anytime soon. we can see the top of that mountain, and the climb continues, see you at the top.

Find Your Forever

Its finally here people, KBP is proud to present you with the exclusive look at 'Thinking Of Forever". As loyal readers and followers I thought I would give you all the first look at the whole film. This is only for you, my Through The Lens readers. I want to thank all of you for all your support, and keeping up with everything I'm doing. This is the first of many more projects to come, and all of it is possible because of you. 2013 has been an incredible year, and we are only half way through, so imagine what the next 6 months has to bring. We are very excited and I'm sure you are as well.

Thinking of Forever features a choreographer named Guerdley Cajus, a Boston Native and her friends and fellow dancers. The film focuses on the creative process of a choreographer, the pressures of judgement, the insecurities and frustrations that it brings. The film is narrated by Guerdley and gives you an intimate look into the world of a dancer. Any artist can relate to this story, as we all know life often doesn't go off of our schedule, things happen, people happen. Unfortunately for our dancers, in their home town tragedy happened. During the annual Boston Marathon, two brothers planted and set off bombs, and devastated and entire country. Guerdley was only 3 blocks away from the bombing site, her building was on lock down for several hours. Unable to do anything but wait and watch on TV what was going on down the street. Follow the journey to find the strength to keep pushing forward and never letting anything stop you from finding your Forever. Ladies and gentlemen, Thinking of Forever.

Get LYFTD!

GAFollowers own Ronndell with LYFTD founders Matt n Malcolm

The word lifted depending on who you ask can mean a lot of different things, but when you ask Malcolm and Matt of LYFTD Clothing you might be surprised with what you hear. They found a creative way to express such a positive message that we couldn't help but reach out and interview them. KBP and GAFollwers caught up with the LYFTD brothers at Atlast Boutique in East Atlanta, if you have never been there, you have to check out this store. The hottest and latest trends, including the LYFTD brand, and many other dope lines that you should all know about. Atlast Boutique gives off that New York hipster vibe with a southern twist that is very welcoming and visually breath taking. They have a huge mural done by Paper Frank, a well known graffiti artist in the Atlanta area. Atlast was founded by Scott Freeze and DJ J-Soul, they became infamous for the F***ing A tee shirts with the Atlanta Braves logo A on it. Well lets just say the Atlanta braves organization was a fan, but a lot of people in Atlanta were. They sold those tee shirts like crazy, and opened up Atlast Boutique. The boutique is now managed and run by Alissia Castellano a fashionista in her own right who plans on taking the boutique to the next level. Atlast focuses on Atlanta designers which makes it a staple in the Atlanta community. If you have ever been in East Atlanta, then you know about Atlast.  

Ronndell with Alissia of Atlast Boutique

Jeremy "PoP" and Ronndell of GAFollowers with LYFTD

         

“Everything you can imagine is real.” ― Pablo Picasso

LYFTD Clothing was a dream made into reality.
 Founded by innovators Malcolm Sawyer and Matthew Burke, LYFTD Clothing is the future.
 Malcolm Sawyer, or Malcolm LYFTD, recalls how his vivid imagination basically created the idea for LYFTD Clothing. While other kids were counting sheep on sleepless night, Malcolm was imagining his brain flying around with wings. Sounds pretty out there right? Yet it is something that stuck with him, and set the foundation for an amazing clothing line. A child’s imagination sparked a dream that eventually became a reality. 

What Does LYFTD stand for?

The individual, making dreams a reality, limitless possibilities, and staying LYFTD above negativity. It basically represents any positive message you may receive from it. They leave it up to your interpretation. Their motto is “Explore your mind, Seek truth”, which fits the brand perfectly. 

 It’s pretty refreshing to see a set of young individuals create something  so different and original. 

What makes them stand out from other brands?

What you wear communicates things about you to other people.

Malcolm and Matthew explains how important communicating to their following on what they are about and what it is they stand for is to them, and how that is what makes them stand out.

Advice from the LYFTD Clothing founders to up and coming lines?

“The market is saturated with clothing lines, but don't let that discourage you. If you stay true to what your brand is, and what it represents it will make you stand out. Cling to your experiences and express them through your brand. Be original”.

Everything LYFTD Clothing represents is inspiring, its crazy what a little imagine can do.

Become a LYFTD individual, and check out their brand http://www.livelifelyftd.com/

written by: Chandra "SoNatural" Meadows
                 Freelance Writer/Blogger
                 lipstickdreamsmag.com
                 Taliahwaajidblog.com

   Don'f forget to watch the video interview with GAFollowers and LYFTD right here on TTL. Its at the bottom.

King Bishop with GAFollowers and LYFTD

New Trailer for T.O.F

Good morning everyone, just wanted to give you all a quick preview of whats to come on July 5th 2013. King Bishop Productions will be releasing a brand new documentary about a young and talented dancer, as she struggles through creativity and the adversities of life surrounding her. This of course is a follow up to our last post which you can go to and get lots more info about this film. You can also visit www.kingbishoppro.com. If you want to chat with us you can follow us on twitter ask any questions you want and we will answer them asap. Just mention either Guerdley or my self, her handle is @Guerdley1 and mine is @KingBishopPro. Hashtag TOF. Check out the trailer and tell us what you think, thank you.

Thinking Of Forever

King Bishop Productions is very proud to announce the release of the documentary Thinking Of Forever. This is our first film project to be released this year and we couldn't be more excited about it. This film takes place in Boston, we follow a young talented choreographer named Guerdley as she goes through the creative process of putting together a dance to one of her favorite songs. We find out how the creative process can be at times overwhelming, stressful and in this case extremely sad. The creative process is often a journey in discovery of ones own insecurities, frustrations, and most importantly strength. It takes a strong person to put their thoughts, feelings and emotions out into the world to be judged and critiqued.

As an artist I completely understand all of those things that come with being creative, the good the bad, and of course the painful. I found that Guerdley's process is not that different from mine, from the moment the idea pops in your head, to the final result of that spark, its all familiar. I believe that a lot of people can relate to that, no matter what your art is. Then when you add what life can sometimes throw at you during this process it just makes things more intense. Guerdley and her dance team all live in Boston and surrounding areas, when the news hit that their were bombs at the Boston Marathon.

Guerdley C.

"I work 3 blocks away from where the Boston Bombings happened. Everyone in my office was confused or thought it was a hoax. Then we found out we couldn't leave the building and were locked in. After a few hours of people mulling around from cubicle to cubicle asking questions no one had answers to, the news advised that all people in the area go home. Public trans was shut down until further notice so I walked home for an hour. Along the way, I stopped to pray by the Charles River. While standing there looking at the calm waters I could hear chaotic ambulance and police sirens whipping behind me. When I finally reached home, no children were playing on the front lawn of my apartment complex. The city streets were slowly becoming vacant. The next day the city of Boston as well as neighboring communities, were closed for operation due to an area wide manhunt."

Thinking Of Forever is a documentary that follows a group of dancers' healing process during the aftermath of a city-wide attack. Guerdley Cajus is a young choreographer, who finds clarity in a moment of artistic expression to memorialize the lives lost on April 15, 2013. It also honors the resilience of the human spirit --which motivates us all to run toward our individual finish lines, especially in the wake of tragedy.

Fellow Boston native, Director Jachon Charles of King Bishop Productions draws you into the events of an intimate day with Guerdley and her team of dancers as they prepare to perform a routine at the Boston Memorial.

Keep up with the latest artistic expressions from Guerdley Cajus and this team of dancers by subscribing to their channel at youtube.com/TheLoveDancePro.

Film will be released on July 5th 2013.