Want an AUTHENTIC New Year's Evening?

Well, one of AUTHENTIC's fly friends FlyGirrl will be here!

AUTHENTIC EVENTS: Solo Show

So ummmm ... wanna go to the laundromat with me?

No?!? Why?!?! Where else would YOU find cutting edge artwork and live music?

Oh! I get it! No laundromat on the corner has swagger like my laundromat, huh?

Well just in case your laundromat is suffering from a case of the whack attack ... you can come on out to Tenth Street Laundromat: The Coolest Laundromat in Philadelphia, and party with us!

Solo Art Show with Live Music by Brown Recluse Sings and DJ Under.
Drinks and snacks will be served...
Come Check out the first art show at 10thstreet laundromat of 09

Time: January 17, 2009 from 8pm to 11pm
Location: 10th Street Laundromat
Street: 1141-43 S 10th Street
City/Town: Philadelphia PA
Website or Map: http://10thstreetlaundromat...
Contact Info: (215)240-1572
Event Type: Art, Show
Organized By: 36kolks

find more info @ AUTHENTIC

How to DO YOU with YAH

So ... it seems that we've all reached a sort of .... [ ] ...... exactly ... that's it ... that's what we've reached during this holiday season. And yet somehow ... we @ AUTHENTIC find the time to give and give and give to you! Why? Cuz you make our hearts smile! duh! (or something like that) ... anyways ... if you're wondering how to DO YOU better in 09 ... what can I say? Pay attention ... and as always ... take notes.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

You'd think I'd go out with a BANG

Truth is I've been starting, restarting, staring at this screen, at my pictures, at the time, switching screens from Facebook to Youtube. Barely watching the House marathon and wondering why I enjoy the show.

Thinking I'm hungry but it's too late to eat considering I'm working on a flat tummy for May/June.

Oh....I can tell you how I should've started making my NYE top days ago....that if I don't start tonight it's not going to happen. How Ima be mad if I have to end up wearing something else.
grrrr!!

:( damn. what's happening to me??!? I'll tell you if you promise to keep a secret. shhhh.

I think I'm falling in love. wow. Act like I ain't just say that. WHOA.

Oh. I can tell you how I made the t shirt in this picture from a 5-step, rip, dye, bleach, dye, distress process. How they were part of my first tshirt collection the summer of 07. How I envisioned myself selling it at Barneys for $180 but really sold it for $50 on the street.

How it was waaaay too much work for what my market was willing to pay. How I later discovered the art of silk screening and felt cheated but felt better cus I hand drew the artwork. wooo! That was close.

I can tell you I made the necklace and the bracelet and if you give me 10 years I'll make my own jeans AND boots. So when the revolution come you build the house from floating wood planks, and tin ceilings and I'll raise our 5 babies, make all our clothes, grow our food and....okay. DON'T get me started on that.

The Parables of MY Talents

Here's to being on the path to collective self sufficiency.
Wild Seed.

Hmmm....

Maybe I've squeezed out everything I can for 2008.
Can I just say that recognizing the power of FOCUS has changed my life.

How ACTION IS MAGIC!

YES!

PS. I'm addicted to hairspray the movie and now the styling agent.
My hair be looking SLiiiiicK these days....what a change!
If I don't say so myself. I feel brand new.

Thank you for all the love and support this year. I'm sooooo flattered.

Here's to reinventing, challenging, amazing SELF.

Closed till 2009.

Champagne wishes and Caviar Dreams.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Yacira "Yah, Yacque, s'aint yacque, "the yak" in YakBlak, La Cocolah" Valdez

get more of the above @ cocolah.com

Next Year's Stocking Stuffer

Hope you all enjoyed your various holiday celebrations. For me, the holiday season is a great time to check in with the parentals & get some feedback on life. There are always the usual questions that all parents ask: "How is your job? School? Have you met anyone? How is your mate? How are your finances?"

However, this year I was thrown a curve ball: "Are you happy?"

Huh? What? Peas & carrots?

After realizing that this was not a trick question & that my parents were serious, I was saddened. I couldn't answer the question with a confident 'Yes! I am happy.' I couldn't say no either. It frustrated me that this notion supposedly bestowed upon me by our nation's Founding Fathers (though the jury is still out as to whether or not I am included in that 'We the people') seemed so hard for me to readily locate in my life.

I immediately took a breath & took the most logical action: I did a quick recap of the Cosmo mag "Pillars of Happiness" quiz.

1. Friends: I love all my ho's.
2. Family: Sly & the Family Stone said it best: We are family!
3. Career: It's getting there...
4. Romantic Life: eh? Next question.
5. Health: Call me Fergie, 'cause 'I be up in the gym just workin' on my fitness...'

Four out of five isn't too bad. But am I happy? Cosmo didn't help. My happiness was still suspect, & maybe M.I.A.

I haven't given my parents a reply. I want to think this through. I want to know, be sure.

So, my plan for 2009 is to find my happiness. It has to be present because I smile. I laugh. I love. I write. I dance. I sing. I cry. I live.

Where is your happiness?

Find your happiness in 2009.

See you next year!

Just being authentic,
mic

PUNK ' PAINT New Years Eve BALL in NYC

For those of you who plan to be in New York City on NYE: let's finish off the year right & kick aside all the worries of yesterday...this party is gonna be jumpin! I (Lichiban) will be live painting on (that is if you want) your face at the Afro Punk & Coup D'Etat NEW YEARS EVE loft party along with my illustrious painter comrades Concep, Dister, Geeta Khanna, Ibrahim, Livingroom Johnston, Sonny Bombs & Yang-chi doing murals & body paint.. and yummy food by the famed Dante's Fried Chicken! You don't want to miss this

Afro-Punk & Coup d'etat Brooklyn Present:"The Punk-N-Paint Ball"
9pm-3am Sly Art vs. Robot City (425 Broadway btwn Canal st. & Howard st. NY, NY, 5th floor )

DJs: DJ Tahleim, Synapes, & DJ Soul and live performance by Game Rebellion , Izza Kizza
Cover: $50 Advanced Tickets (includes plate of food & Champagne toast)
$60 @ the Door ///// Open Bar from 10-11pm & drink Specials. Pay Bar after 11pm.
Expected Guests: 500 guests – Artists, Art Enthusiast, Afro-Punk supporters, Trend-setters, & Tastemaker

get your advanced ticket HERE while it lasts!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

From AUTHENTIC to YOU and your family :D
Thank you for your support and participation in AUTHENTIC activities, blogspot and ning
Stay locked on this blog and our ning for upcoming events and information!

Until next time...have a safe and blessed Holiday season!


ease/kholi :)

Sistahs Survive and Thrive

We at AUTHENTIC work hard...very hard! So much, that if it wasn't for my partner..posts wouldn't be as frequent ;) thanks ma!
...however, i'm interested in passing this information along to our audience..and because you know that our focus now is AIDS, specifically women of color and AIDS..this documentary/digital quilt became of interest. This is all the information if you're interested in attending a screening:

Sistahs Survive and Thrive is an online digital living AIDS quilt that features videos of women and girls who are infected and impacted by HIV/AIDS (have immediate family/friends/lovers who are HIV+). This will include women & girls of all ages, ethnicities, & sexual orientations and will be interactive so that females can upload videos of their personal narratives of living with/being impacted by HIV into this living HIV/AIDS quilt. This project is the brain child of filmmaker Hima B.

for more info, visit our website: http://www.sistahssurviveandthrive.org

Sistahs Survive & Thrive
www.myspace.com/sistahssurviveandthrive

Everyone is welcome to attend a free screening of the first collection of videos to launch the Sistahs Survive and Thrive online digital living HIV/AIDS quilt. This body of work features 10 women who are HIV+ and was launched in partnership with members of New Jersey Women and AIDS Network (NJWAN).

Thursday January 15, 2009
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Newark Screens
360-394 Springfield Avenue
Newark, NJ 07103

please RSVP with the # of guests you will be attending with to:
info@sistahssurviveandthrive.org

Sistahs Survive and Thrive is funded by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. Artists & Communities, a program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, is made possible by major funding from Johnson & Johnson, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, & the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.

We're going to be making a documentary as well...soon :) but in the meantime..stories of women living with this disease need to be heard! so support if you can...

ease.

FIRST OFFICIAL "Mic on Monday's" post: come get some!

Good day, Authentic! I’m Mic (pronounced ‘mike’) aka Mikey aka the envy of the world aka that Authentic man. And, well, it’s Monday, so I suppose today marks the first OFFICIAL “Mic on Monday’s” post. For more about me, check me out here and here and here and definitely here. Now, let the games begin!

We’ve all heard and seen the commercials and the billboards telling us to check the HIV status of our partners. But, I have found, too often, that this is where we stop. It is as if our other loved ones are not in danger of contracting HIV. Don’t they matter, too? (This is a rhetorical question. If they don’t, please suspend your disbelief for all practical purposes of this conversation. Thank you.)

We should have a little talk with everyone about whom we care.

“But, Mic,” you say, “how do I talk to those other than my partner/boo/boyfriend/girlfriend/booty-call/bedfellow/STD perpetuator/[INSERT YOUR LABEL HERE] about HIV and protection or worse…ABSTINENCE till commitment?”

Wherein, I will politely reply, “I dunno. But thanks for asking.”

However, since I am here. I suppose we can delve into this a bit more.

It always catches me by surprise that even in our arguably sexually liberated 21st century society, parents are still uncomfortable speaking with their children about sex and protection. But, what is more puzzling to me is the fact that many children are uncomfortable speaking to their parents about this issue. Yet, we all know how to Supaman dat’ ho. Things that make you say, “Hmmm.” It’s as if this little ditty is really about superheroes and our bootylicious music videos and magazines only give us that funny feeling below our tummies because they’re so wholesome and remind of us of grandmamma’s biscuits and our favorite Saturday morning cartoons (Smurf’s and The Snorkels were mine…but, I digress.)

So, in whose lap does the responsibility fall in regards to sex education and STD prevention? I am going to upset many of you when I say this, however, you’ll love me in the end (If not, this, too, is another one of those places where you suspend your disbelief. Thank you.).

The responsibility lies with the children--us. Why? Well, a wise prophet once said that “the children are our future.” That same wise prophet said that “crack is wack.” The jury is still out on said prophet. But, nonetheless, the responsibility is ours because these are our bodies, our lives, our futures that are being shaped right before our eyes and at the rate that our world is changing, our parents may not be equipped to navigate the slippery slopes of sex in the 21st century. Seriously, some of us aren’t even equipped and we’ve been riding the rides in this amusement park called post-9/11 America for almost a decade.

Now, there aren’t many tools available kosher enough for us to interrupt Sunday dinner with an impromptu slideshow or hand puppet production (my personal favorite!) that discusses the humps and bumps of sex education. Pun intended. But, if your family is like mine, and it probably isn’t (Again, my friend, keep suspending that disbelief. Good job. Thank you.), you can all appreciate hearing stories about real people living real lives.

Billboards have models. Commercials and public service announcements have actors. Both are important; but, the visualization of people who share your experience is always more gripping and lasting. Think about it: when was the last time you appreciated a man telling you how to be a woman?

Dear Bush Administration, this is my mother/sister/homegirl’s uterus. It’s hers. Not yours. So, beat it…and not like that, silly.

"So, Mic," you say, "what the hell is your point?"

To which I will politely reply, "Watch your tone."

But, I do have a little tidbit to share with you:the website A Positive Life.com is a great example of how multi-faceted the face of HIV/AIDS is. Each testimonial expresses the great need to self-educate and to share that education with your loved ones…even your drunk, stank-faced, wig-wearing, too loud, nosey auntie who gives you the same oversized red sweater every year at Christmas (I apologize. I may be personalizing.).

These are our stories told by a new generation of story-tellers. There is someone with whom everyone can identify. Parents, children, friends, and lovers share their stories of living with HIV/AIDS. They share their stories of empowering their loved ones who are HIV positive. They share their stories of supporting those who have full blown AIDS. You cannot deny the amount of courage, faith, strength, and, ultimately, love conveyed in each video or voice recording. I encourage you to take some time and check out this great website. It’s easy to navigate and one of my favorite parts of the whole site is that people look like me. Of course, they’re nowhere near as fabulous; but, they are brown-skinned and black-skinned and red-boned and yellow and well, not melatonin-less.

Good day, ladies. See you next week! Enjoy life. Enjoy you. Enjoy just being authentic.

Ciao,
mic

P.S. She supports HIV/AIDS awareness, too.

Sound ADVICE

DO YOU KNOW THIS WOMAN?

(click the pic for her MySpace)

"Georgia Me a mild-mannered, full figured, around the way girl from the Westside of Atlanta who received a standing ovation from the world when she exploded on the national scene while appearing on Russell Simmons’ Presents HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. She was loved so much that the producers invited her to return for a second season. And she received another standing ovation!Now she stars in the stage adaptation of Def Poetry in San Francisco. Writing became an outlet to express Georgia’s deepest desires, fears and concerns. As a child, she became aware of the balance of power, the ignorance of people and the love of God that heals all. ‘My purpose is to inspire, uplift, and motivate my people. My people are God’s people’ says the performance poet. Poetry may not be the only platform she uses to inspire."

CLICK HERE FOR SOME SOUND ADVICE.

AUTHENTIC FASHION: "How to DO YOU with Yah"

So, awesomeness is awesomeness, and you know we at AUTHENTIC are always willing and ready to recognize. Well, we've been stalking Yacira "Yah" Valdez who is making her own AWESOME statement on the fashion scene right now. If you don't know you bettewr ask ... well actually ... don't ask! SEE and DO! There are about a MILLION ways you can stalk this woman ...

but we thought we'd help you out by bringing her right here to you!

So, be prepared for your weekly fashion DO's and DONT's ... so you can DO YOU ... BETTER.

Why do we care so much?!? Because AUTHENTIC wants you at your best ... ALWAYS.

I'll stop rambling now and let you learn a thing or two.

Sound Advice: TAKE NOTES.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Combatting Snow

When the night has come

And the land is dark

And the moon is the only. light we'll see
Stand by Me
-Ben E. King

Did I mention that Cocolah.com loves you.
No. Really, really loves you.
Just checking!!

STOP!!! Do you see me poppin' my turtleneck. Yeah kid.
Upgrade your colla?! Then POP IT!!!!

So the snow was coming down all day and every hour I'd look up at the clock and think.....
Hmm I should really head to the supermarket.....yeah i still do my own grocery shopping...keeps me humble.

Finally at about 6pm...lol...yeah I know. I finally decide to get dressed and brave it through the snow cus I'm hungry, gotta make dinner and definitely don't wanna go tomorrow morning.
In my fantasy....ok, close your eyes and picture this, tomorrow morning "insert name" will make me breakfast in bed mmmm yes..... I'll eat, roll over into a fetal position and fall back to sleep...ahhhh. In my dream-state I'll listen to the sound of dishes being washed, closet being reorganized and the bathroom cleaned. siiiiih.

Reality check!! tomorrow morning I'll still be on this computer working...but let's move on cus that's a sensitive subject. AHEM.
As I mentioned in an earlier post I do not own a pair of rain boots so you KNOW I don't own snow boots....really makes no sense cus it's pretty much a necessity if only to ensure the safety of the shoes you do love. I'm still in search of a fly ass pair hold up....let me rephrase that.....A fly ass pair I can afford.

Snowboots for the snow? I said NO!! NO! NO~
AyO NatuRe! You wanna battle me?!?! Let's go! Meet me outside....I can take you. ESPECIALLY in my combat boots! wut?!

I'll throw the snow right back up at cha!! In yo face fool. uh oh...

No offense Mama Nature i was jus jivin'.....eeek!
Respect!

SO!!! I put on my boots and go get a tail to hang on my belt loop but no decide to throw all em on. UH OH!!!

s'aint yacque Cow horn necklace, s'aint yacque linx fur necklace, s'aint yacque exclusive 3 finger ring, onyx and silver ring, mess of black and silver bangles bang bang go bangles.
A vintage HOLSTER, Yakblaks of course and then kids...THEN!!!! I pull out this silver grey cropped motorcycle jacket....this is the moment the jacket was waiting for!!!
That's all she wrote. It's done.

Something on your chest? Better get it off!!
Go comment!

http://www.cocolah.com/

Sooo ...

this made me happy this morning!

Don't really know why. Doesn't really matter!

I think they're hot! And they were dancing to MUFFY! Which only made me happier!

Check them out here!

HUH??? o_O

Sooo ... random ... but when I googled "black women aids" and "black women aids facts" and "women of color aids facts" ... the most recent research done was in 2004.

Was that like the last time some black woman died of AIDS? Is that when AIDS stopped in the Afro/Hispanic community? Is AIDS no longer an issue?

I have no idea.

psssh ... maybe my google's just broke. I have no idea. YOU TELL ME!

I KNOW I COME HARD ...

so ... you want to see more of MC Lyte? Stay tuned to AUTHENTIC ...

EXPOSE: ART FOR AIDS AWARENESS
March 13-14, 2008
Get Real. Get AUTHENTIC

just a tad bit frisky...

...and we like frisky!
AUTHENTIC is everything candid, raw and unapologetic. We like artists that hold that stance as well...representing nothing by themselves and their skills...so that's why BOXING KITTEN

is our favorite right now! Not only because this designer..featured here... represents women of the past, such as Billie Holiday, including fierce attributes from such women within her designs, her clothing line is more than a fusion of color and uniqueness...here's an excerpt from her website: "The vintage inspiration behind Boxing Kitten celebrates the spirit and lives of women who have come before, and the playfulness and vibrancy of each piece captures the women of today and the future. Although inspirations are constantly being drawn from various sources the collection is rooted in the political and cultural elements that women faced during the Civil Rights movement. Each garment is carefully produced in bold and fearless print combinations, and then fused with charmingly flawless and demure patterns. Maya Amina, designer of Boxing Kitten, embraces contradiction and simultaneously understands how interconnected everything is; this is what makes her vision unique and infinitely approachable. “The cleverness of the marriage between fabric and pattern is essential to my process. Contradiction, hypocrisy and the willingness to accept the inevitability of the two are at the core of my inspirations. This is what designing for Boxing Kitten embodies"


Support Boxing Kitten! We ladies at AUTHENTIC will be commissioning some dresses! TRUST ;)

In photo: director Melina Matsoukas

About to EXPOSE: Touring F.U.E.L.

So, I knew a long time ago that Simone and I were going to be together in the future ... I mean like partners ... like business partners silly! She was just too much of everything I loved ... I mean really if MySpace could do "wall to wall" like Facebook ... our wall history would read something like Kim and Cheree's conversations on The Real Housewive's of Atlanta.

"I love you! No! I love You! ... No Really! You're so pretty and smart! No you're so pretty and smart! You're my favorite! No! You're MY favorite!"

You get the picture. lol

Anyways ... the point is ...as most of you already know ... Simone and I have merged Authentic and PR+ ... and together (mostly under AUTHENTIC) ... we are establishing some pretty awesome partnerships with artists and musicians and promoters along the east coast ... AND A FEW ON THE WEST COAST TOO! lol... you know who you are ... and we love you for it!

ANYWAYS ... so we may have something special on VDAY FOR YOU! (but you will have to stay tuned for that ... lol)

But as of right now ... our biggest event coming is

EXPOSE: Art for AIDS Awareness.

Who: AUTHENTIC is working with several key sponsors and artists to bring you a weekend promoting AIDS Awareness. Invited guests are MC Lyte, Salt 'N Pepa, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Cheryl Clarke, Angela and Vanessa Simmons, William Brawner, Angie Martinez, DJ Dimples, DJ SheRock and many more.
What: A weekend of art and music provided by AUTHENTIC women ... and the "who's who" of Philadelphia. Invite only Reception / Conference / CONCERT

Where: Philadelphia, PA ... African American History Museum, F.U.E.L.

When: March 13-14, 2008

So anyways ... after that too long schpeel (and you know that's not how you spell that word right?)


Simone and I went to tour F.U.E.L. yesterday ... if you don't know about it ... don't be afraid to click the link. We won't tell. Educating one's self is vital for the revolution. -_-


(beware ... Simone's a shy one ... go 'head and turn that volume ALLLL the way up!)


So, We really wanted to share the space with you guys! Clearly we're just a 'lil too hype.

ART:::THE SECRET LIVES OF SAMURAIS:::art by LICHIBAN :::December 13, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YUME GALLERY * 925 Bergen St, bw. Franklin & Classon (C to Franklin)
13 December, 2008 8pm-12am
ON VIEW: December 13, 2008 – January 9, 2008 FREE ADMISSION

you
& all fellow ninja lovers are
invited to

A. L. I.E.N. , Audio Aesthetics, YUME, the Brooklyn Tee Party, Shadowplastic & Lichiban present
“THE SECRET LIVES OF SAMURAIS FROM THE LAND OF ETERNAL LOVE”
“The Adventures of LOTUSHEART”
with a special guest appearance by cosmic lover, HARAKITI

an art exhibit by
LICHIBAN

featuring collaborations with fellow ninjas
Quan Luv * Diamond Girl * Jelsen Jargon * Mega * Pesu * Sarah White * Concep

“The Buddha Dharma is nowhere remote. It is close to us, in our hearts. Suchness is nowhere external. If not within our bodies, where can it be found?”
- Secret Key to the Heart Sutra by Kukai, Founder of Japanese Shingon Buddhism

Meet shapeshifter LOTUSHEART and become part of her journey to discover the Hidden Flower guarded carefully by the Challenger. On her magical journey, she encounters new, as well as old friends such as HARAKITI, who help her to visualize the glowing blossom of the Flower.

“This show is the fruit of numerous all-night-till-the-sun-rise painting sessions of the last two months, many of them spent with fellow artists who labored with me, kept me inspired and helped me to sharpen my vision. Taking the Japanese samurai and ninja tradition as a visual reference, I have tried to illustrate a number of spiritual concepts I have been meditating on for years and place them in a dreamlike setting of love and chivalry. I also wanted to make this solo show into an opportunity to honor my friends -my Brooklyn fam- by inviting them to be part of this fantasy heartland of lovers and secret monk-warriors that we created as we were preparing for the show.” Lichiban

HOSTED BY: RAYE 6, THEOPHILUS LONDON, JESSE BOYKINS III
QUAN LUV, MEGA, DORJAN, LAURA DEE & CHARLIE BROWN

djs DHUNDEE & MELO-X
playing unreleased tracks of the Brooklyn fam (CONTINUE)
Nikki Ntu * Raye 6 * Rucyl * Sarah White* Dhundee * Theophilus London * Waajeed/PPP* Kon & Amir * Melo-X * Jesse Boykins III * Kiva * Print

Featuring limited edition tea-dyed LICHIBAN X SHADOWPLASTIC tees
+special guest appearance by CRAZY 88s skate crew

Supported by: A.L.I.E.N, Format Magazine , Audio Aesthetics, Shadowplastic, YUME, The Brooklyn Tee Party, Good Sex, WRONGLIPS, Fusicology, The Minority Report, Coup d’Etat BK, Old Soulz, Voodoo Ray, Sugarcuts Inc., Crazy 88s

CLICK HERE for more info

lichiban.blogspot.com
myspace.com/lichiban
yumebyny.blogspot.com

DAYTRIP: F.U.E.L.

Well we have a couple pics and some brief footage from our day trip to share ... but clearly I'm exhausted ...PROMISE ... i'll post tomorrow! Muah! Love You!

AUTHENTIC Women: Queen God!s

Do YOU know this woman?




If the answer is "NO" ... SUCKS for YOU! [everyone boo now!]

Luckily, AUTHENTIC is here to save the day for you ... AS ALWAYS! AND ... we do it out of Love!

Click the bio to visit Queen God!s's MySpace.

And if you just can't get enough of her ... Well, I've shown you a little more love below.







What do you think? Can you stand the reign?

Authentic Music: Are you SEEING SOUNDS?

SEEING SOUNDS - N*E*R*D-Album Review

As usually Pharell and the gang have put together some awesome beats. Matter of fact, they are beyond beats, they are rock riffs, old school rap tracks, electronica gone funk, punk rock, hip hop, latin-soul. And though the last album, "In Search Of", features similar skillful blending of style and bass. This time around the dynamic trio's front man presents a work that is conceptually tight almost all the way through the length of the album. Overall the album has an "get up get out and get somethin" fell to it. All of this is framed by the album intro where Pharrell tells his personal discovery of seeing sounds and demonstrates through the album it self what he did with his ability.

What is so beautiful is that Pharell is for-real dropping knowledge but the beats are so amazing that the shit could be talking about you and if you don't take the time to listen you will never know. I can see the girl standing, fidgeting to take that next coke hit screamin "all the girls standing in the line for the bath room" and never know Pharell was calling to her to calm down and take it easy.


LOVE BOMB
advocates for more then just a love song but a love so powerful its bomb like force can turn night into day. His case is further pleated by the sad seduction of Spanish horns falling hazily in the tracks background.



ANTI MATTER
stars with an aggressive guitar intro and commanding base line. Then Pharell drops in with some challenging words "dog you a genius you can blue print and plan this. Why you playin video games? you could blue print and plan this?" The song amounts to a challenge stop fronting on yourself and accomplish some shit




Kill Joy
this song Pharell has masterful delivery right back to old school hip hop slick rick story telling type ish!


Not every song has a detailed message but most are worth a listen or perhaps a second? Which brings be to the first rule of music listening

1. If you haven't listened twice you probably have listened at all: take time to sit with your music.

If You Like this album you might also like
Living With Owusu and Hannibal

$500 Rough Language Poetry Slam

AUTHENTIC IS PROUD TO SUPPORT ...

$500 Poetry Slam Featuring Eva Kennedy and Gritz and Jelly Butter!

1st 12 poets only! To register click on my page and register via PayPal and get advance DISCOUNT TIX there! This event always sells out! Don't be the one we turn away!

FMI: speakyourpeace@roughlanguage.com 757.449.
0068 Sheba





FIND OUT MORE HERE


Find more photos like this on AUTHENTIC

Black Womyn Premiere in ATLANTA (DECEMBER)

AUTHENTIC IS PROUD TO SUPPORT ....

An Official ATLANTA, GA. premiere of “black./womyn.” will take place on December 3rd, 2008. This premiere screening will take place at The Plaza Theatre on Ponce De Leon Ave. This will be a very intimate event (only 150 seats are available to the general public) and may very well serve as the first and last chance for those in the Greater Atlanta area to see “black./womyn.” in its entirety. So go ahead and take off work if need be for this event and give your friends a “heads-up” about this screening because it will more than likely sell out!

Unfortunately only the participants in the film will be guaranteed a seat for this screening, all others MUST purchase a ticket to attend!!!

Dec. 3rd, 2008

“black./womyn.:conversations…” ATLANTA PREMIERE!

The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave.
Atlanta, GA. 30306
7:30-9:30pm
Tix:$15 (available online only!!!!)
Q&A with Director tiona.m. following the screening
***Only 150 seats available!!!
*several women from the film will be in attendance!
Buy Tickets online at:
www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/48553
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!

www.myspace.com/tionamproductions
www.blackwomynfilm.wordpress.com
www.youtube.com/tionanm

thanks!
tiona.m.
Director/Producer
"black./womyn.:conversations with lesbians of African descent"

*** ATL premiere flyer for “black./womyn.”:



***LINK to download graphic package for “black./womyn.”:
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=8739d225946fe38819747bd91027d4dd476ce6845125e0e2

***LINK to download 3min trailer for “black./womyn.”:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/xnoznm2btij/BWC 3 min trailer cut.wmv

AUTHENTIC LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE WEBSITE

That's right ladies! We know you've been waiting for it!

Although AUTHENTIC serves and believes in art for all ... we are primarily a female collective of artists and musicians kickin' our game to the world aurally and visually! That's right. lol. Get out your dictionaries. (I'm slow.)

Anyways ... AUTHENTIC has finally launched as an official social network for all female artists, musicians, poets, promoters, singers, etc. of color.

Find more photos like this on AUTHENTIC

what? you tryin' to get down?

thought so.

Visit AUTHENTIC

Harriett's Alter Ego Needs You TONITE!

Harriett's Alter Ego Needs You TONITE!

* Open Bar 9pm to 11pm * Complimentary Appetizers & Desserts *Free Gift Bags



THE LINE UP

DJs: Radio Rose & DJ Spinna

Performers: HEAVy, 77 Klash & Etana (VP Records)

Fashion Show: Miss Bruno, Coup d'etat, Nassat & Harriet's Alter Ego


SHOP THE STYLE KLASH DESIGNERS MARKET

They've outfitted everyone from M.I.A. to Common... so you definitley want to cop more than a few pieces from this All-Star cast of indie designers.

Featured Designers... Junkprints, Funky Lobes, J Wears, Cut It Out Apparel, Jypsea, Laidback, The Socialist Movement, Waistbeads By Sewra, Coup d'etat, Nassat, Miss Bruno & Harriet's Alter Ego



THE AFFORDABLE ART SHOW

In line with our mission of making art more accessible to the
community at large, we came up with the concept of The Affordable Art Show as a way to encourage young people and new collectors to purchase art and support up & coming artists. All exhibited works will be priced under $200.



THE BIG PAYBACK...

Giving Back... Has Never Felt or Looked So Good!

The Gallery @ Harriet's has provided a platform for emerging artist for over two years. With the mission of bringing arts to masses in interesting and creative ways, the gallery has showcased the works of over 60 artists and has served up the arts to over 7,000 vistitors to date. WE NEED YOU to help us continue to give back. By buying a ticket to Style Klash or just making a donation to The Gallery @ Harriet's you would be helping raise resources for gallery renovations and 2009 programming.


Style Klash Hosting Committee

Hustlemode, The Agytators, Good Peoples, Around The Way Girls, Keistar Prodcutions, Laidback Ent. and MB & Associates


Sponsors:

Crunch Fitness, Steaz, Glaceau, Fusicology, Dr. Miracles, Utz Potato Chips, Tamboril, Abu's Homestyle Bakery, Wine Cellar Sorbet, SiP, Jomart Chocolates, Vegetarian Palate and Brooklyn Oneology



Style Klash Is A BAM About Brooklyn Community Partner
Official Site: http://www.harrietsalteregoonline.com

Dance for Democracy recap...

Thank you for all who came and joined in our game of touch football/basketball lol
Thank you to DJ Lean Wit It and DJ Phsh who both kept the atmosphere LIVE!
Thank you to Amun...who hosted and lyrically educated us...for we knew the choice was ours in this past election..but to have the opportunity to exercise that choice and freedom is a blessing!
Thank you to Montana Black and Fortae who graced us with their presence and new music to look out for!

Last but not least....THANK YOU SELINA!!! 2nd half of this event was her listening party and her music was the highlight of the night...if you missed it, than you missed her premiere mix-tape of 16 new unheard tracks...definitely keep your eyes and ears open for Selina Carrera.

The evening was warm, inviting and sweet! Thanks to OLA of the Arts Garage...we had three fire pits and smores to go around!! :)

This was our last event for 2008...but stay tuned to Authentic and our constant updates on artistic happenings around Philly.

NEW PARTNER IN PROTECTION

has signed on as a Partner in Protection with AUTHENTIC.

Don't you want to be like

?

AUTHENTIC "SOMETHING SEXY" SERIES LAUNCHING

So ... we know you've been waiting!

AUTHENTIC officially launched the "Something Sexy" Series on October 24, 2008.

And don't you want to know what was so sexy about it?!?

well let's just go down the line ...

The launching of this event was a poetry slam / live art extravaganza. Or maybe it just felt like an extravaganza ... either way ... AUTHENTIC teamed up with some pretty heavy hitters to get things started!

The event was hosted by Queen Sheba.

If you haven't heard of her ... (then you're crazy) ... then we'd like to give you a brief rundown.

Anyways ... Sheba hosted a $500 slam for us at The Bubble House. The slam featured 15 poets coming their hardest. And when I say hard, I mean Ainsley Burrows hard; I mean Joshua Bennett hard, I mean Amun Miraj hard, I mean ... well i mean ... Ms. Wise (the winner of the slam) hard!

Think you can’t get diversity, sexy, soul, world music, exciting, entertaining, sassy, classy and intelligent all in one package?! You must not have met Queen Sheba!

Even before Queen Sheba was named one of the 1 Ranked Poets in the World, as of the recent National Poetry Slam Team win August 11th 2007 in Austin, TX a veteran member of the Slam Charlotte National Poetry Slam Team, she hasn’t (and won’t) stopped moving.

(you can soooo check her myspace or www.queensheba.org for more info)

Anyways ... Sheba hosted a $500 slam for us at The Bubble House. The slam featured 15 poets coming their hardest. And when I say hard, I mean Ainsley Burrows hard; I mean Joshua Bennett hard, I mean Amun Miraj hard, I mean ... well i mean ... Ms. Wise (the winner of the slam) hard!

But poetry wasn't all we had!

Selina Carrera was our featured performer!



and we even had LIVE ART!

Who might this be?

None other than the flyest FlyGirrl you MORE THAN NEED TO KNOW!!

Whether working with computers, canvas or people, Stacey is the epitome of a multi-tasker. she is a highly acclaimed graphic designer, flourishing artist, widely sought after promoter and owner and (co)-creator of squarebiz, allstar collective & FLYGIRRL. Her new venture that houses all her creativeness through art, design and events.


With one door opening after another, Stacey's next venture in life was to start a promotion and event planning company, Squarebiz along with her partner, Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson of The Roots. That was where it all started, in 2001. Her renowned organization has been a staple of Philly nightlife with constant events which includes the infamous, Tastytreats every saturday night for 6 years.. Squarebiz has worldwide fans, as she has produced events with super-stars Prince ( managed and planned his 3 private afterparties for his philadelphia tour ), DJ Jazzy Jeff, Gangstarr, KRS-One, Lil' Louie Vega ( MAW ), Tony Touch, Little Brother, Kool Herc, Beverly Bond, Jill Scott, John Legend, Jamie Foxx and many others. She has also been responsible for branding a merchandise line, those infamous "jawn" t-shirts as well as creating a much needed urban newpaper for Philadelphia, The Jawn.

VIMBY - Tasty Treats

We also had Philadelphia's favorite jeweler, Amun Miraaj, giving us a bit of eye candy for the night.

And YOU know ... a party ain't really even a party without AUTHENTIC's own ...
DJ VICTORIA!



(we know ... feel free to swoon here)

Want to know about DJ V? Just ask!

"its me, two turntables, and a mixer"

Ya.. that's all she's giving.




As always ... stay tuned to www.onlyauthentic.blogspot.com for more!

"... don't act like we neva told ya!"

DEMOCRACY!

Where you need to be!! Speak out!! Come Dance!!
DJ Phsh/DJ Lean Wit It and SELINA CARRERA...listening party and mix tape exclusive.

Upcoming Events!

POETRY SLAM!! $500 prize...October 24th @ The Bubble House @9pm...aaaand!
PARTY for DEMOCRACY!! November 1st @ The Arts Garage @ 6pm-until...SUPPORT!!!

oooh ... lah lahhhh

The first official
Cocolah.com Launch Party
AND
The first installment of Girls Dream in Color,
an all-female art exhibit & live art installation

Cocolah.com & Lichiban of Wronglips
present

"BABY, LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT LOVE IS..."

The show celebrates LOVE in time of war through the feminine lens, featuring some of New York City's hottest emerging and established female artists. The exhibited works explore LOVE from a wide range of angles from the spiritual, erotic, dark, or familial, to the political or humanitarian.

As a collective, Girls Dream In Color hopes to inspire the next generation of young visionaries to follow their dreams to become artists.

Featured Artists:

Abeni Garret + Alice Mizrachi + Amanda Diva + Cassi A. Gibson + Cee The Photographer + Diana Mclure + Eagle Nebula + Gabrielle Watson + Gigi Bio + Inka + Jennifer Crute + Laylah Amatullah Barrayn + Lexi Bella + Lichiban + Maria "Toofly" Castillo + Marthalicia Matarrita + Sara Hart + Sarah White + Sha Savage + Shayna Shenanigans +Texas Malika Toussaint-Baptiste + Vanilla Medallions + Yah

A live art installation by the collective will be produced and auctioned off at the next installment of the series. Stay tuned.

WHERE:
Harriet's Alter Ego (http://www.harrietsalteregoonline.com)
293 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn

WHEN:
October 5-October 30, 2008

Opening Reception
Sunday, October 5, 2008
5-9 pm

We getting this party started real right

(So ... you first heard about this HERE!)

but ....

In CASE YOU MISSED IT! You know we keep you covered! Check out the View!

Stay tuned for more!!!