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AWKWORD Live at Southpaw
On January 22, 2010, AWKWORD appeared live at Southpaw in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York, alongside Jabba (a.k.a. Hip Hop Pantsula) of South Africa, Asheru (of Boondocks fame) and Umi (dead prez affiliate), for a hip hop show benefiting the fight against AIDS in Africa, as well as promoting hip hop in education.
To read the original article, please click here.
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
AWKWORD - Live at Southpaw
BY THE WAY, IF YOU SEE THEM CATS RESPONSIBLE FOR (VIDEO) FILMING THE SHOW, TELL ‘EM TO HOLLER AT US. WE WANT THE FOOTAGE!
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Jabba, Asheru, AWKWORD, Umi Live Jan. 22: Combating AIDS in Africa + Promoting Hip Hop in Education
A Live Early Weekend Show Benefiting the Fight Against AIDS in Africa, as well as Promoting Hip Hop in Education…
SHOW INFO
Performing Live - Jabba, Asheru, AWKWORD, Umi, the BloomBars Artists in Residence (Terrence Cunningham and Carolyn Malachi), and Special Guests!
Date: Friday, January 22, 2010
Time: 8 PM
Venue: Southpaw
Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn, NYC, NY 11217
Address: 125 Fifth Avenue (at Sterling Place)
Info: 718.230.0236Performers:
Jabba
Asheru
AWKWORD
Umi
Terrence Cunningham
Carolyn MalachiEstablished MCs: E-mail Lewis[dot]Hegeman[at]gmail[dot]com to be added to the Special Guest Performer List.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Umi
www.umirbg.com
www.myspace.com/umisworldUmi (P.O.W. / People’s Army / RBG Fam) was born in Tuskegee, Ala. His rebellious nature helps remind people everyday that their true independence is still waiting to be claimed. He continues to show listeners that music can be used not only to get money, but also to mobilize and motivate the people.
Umi is perhaps best known for touring the globe, performing and recording with now-legendary revolutionary rap group dead prez. But Umi has also opened for — or shared the stage with — The Roots, Dave Chapelle, Mos Def, Styles P, Method and Redman, Busta Rhymes, David Banner, Erykah Badu and others, as well as released several street-classic mixtapes, solo and with his group P.O.W. In 2008, Umi teamed up with Sony Red and DJ Child of Project Groundation to take his solo career to another level. His 2009 release, Project Groundation & Umi present “I’m Just A Prisoner” the mixtape/album, features dead prez, Ayatollah, Mistah F.A.B. and 9th Wonder, among others.
AWKWORD
www.AWKWORDrap.com
AWKWORD on facebookAWKWORD was born the same day as MTV. Some say he was made to make music. But AWKWORD is a paradox, an anomaly, a contradiction… Descendent of the 12 Tribes of Israel, I am the fallen angel of hip hop — my wings are clipped, torn and tattered, bloodied. I am a tragic personality, the Charlie Brown-slash-George Costanza of rap — that is, someone who has gotten so used to bad luck that he has learned to turn around and laugh at it. I am the Hunter S. Thompson of hip hop — brilliant but dangerous. I am the modern-day Abba Kovner — I risk my life fighting for the underdog, the impoverished, the powerless. I am the people’s champ. In high school, I had a 4.3 grade point average but was suspended half the time for beating up racist hicks and misogynist jocks. This didn’t stop, until I found hip hop. For me, this music, this culture, is, and always has been, my outlet. I love hip hop, because it saved me, and I would therefore do anything to keep the culture creative, instead of destructive.
AWKWORD is the mastermind behind World View, the earth’s first 100%nonprofit global hip hop project, brought to you by The Morgan Stanley Foundation and the world-famous EOW (End of the Weak; EODub).
All proceeds from World View, the album, will be donated to Guns 4 Cameras (a.k.a. Aim to Live), a registered 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to eradicating gun violence through the hip hop-inspired education and empowerment of our inner-city youth. The organization’s founder, Hezues R’ was shot at 22 times at age 22 — and survived to re-dedicate his life to saving the streets. The organization’s Spokesperson is hip hop icon Pharoahe Monch; he and Hezues travel the country speaking to the youth about hip hop and making the right choices.
With World View, AWKWORD is continuing that tradition of using hip hop music to connect people for positive change.
AWKWORD stands behind a decade-plus in the music business. His first release, “the Sub-Way mixtape,” featured such hip hop icons such as Raekwon, Killah Priest and Remedy of Wu-Tang, ILL BILL and Necro, Tragedy Khadafi, GURU of Gang Starr, Scram Jones and others, and received rave reviews industry-wide. According to Elemental Magazine, AWKWORD showed the most heart on the album, while Juicy Magazine said standing out from Eminem would be easy…
The AWKWORD solo debut, “See the Light” (an Exit 97.7 Top Album of 2008), was the inspiration for World View, which is growing as a phenomenon on a daily basis.
Throughout 2009, AWKWORD recorded tracks for World View (as well as for other projects, such as the World View promotional mixtape, dropping a month before), with artists such as Jadakiss, KRS-One, Skyzoo, Sha Stimuli, ILL BILL, Pace Won, Main Flow, AWOL One and Josh Martinez, amongst many others. He appeared on the hit single “New York Minute,” produced by Harry Fraud and featuring Jadakiss, Vast Aire, Mazzi (S.O.U.L. Purpose) and Punchline. And in January-February 2010, the official World View / Guns 4 Cameras / BloomBars collaboration single (prod. by Harry Fraud) is coming to fruition, featuring AWKWORD, Asheru, Jabba (South Africa), Sha Stimuli, Lil Cease, G Fella, and surprise guests.
When World View drops in First Quarter 2010, it will feature production from 15+ nations and every continent on earth — along with a number of befitting MC cameos (as referenced aboved). “New York Minute” and the World View / Guns 4 Cameras / BloomBars collabo will appear on the album, which is being digitally distributed worldwide.
THIS is the FIRST time anything like this has ever been done in hip hop. AWKWORD is a revolutionary. And WORLD VIEW is just the beginning of his (our) revolution.
Asheru
www.edlyrics.com
www.myspace.com/asheru1Asheru is widely known for performing the opening and closing themes for the popular TV series “The Boondocks,” as well as his pioneering and innovative efforts to forward the hip hop education movement. Asheru also collaborated with Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder to write and perform several songs for the hit TV series. In 2006, Asheru became the first rapper ever to win the prestigious Peabody Award for Journalism, for his writing of Boondocks’s controversial “Return of the King” episode. Asheru (of the famed duo Unspoken Heard) has traveled extensively throughout Japan, Europe, Canada and the United States, alongside Common, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Bilal, Ludacris, Edo G, J‐Live, Wordsworth and The Roots. He has collaborated and been featured on projects with Pete Rock, Talib Kweli and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Asheru’s recent collaboration with international funk and breaks band, Fort Knox Five, played in NBA arenas the last two seasons.
Born Gabriel Benn, Asheru is the founder of Guerilla Arts, Inc., a community-based organization specializing in innovative education, cultural arts programming, and professional development. Since 2005, his Hip-Hop Education Literacy Program (HELP) has partnered with dozens of recording artists, including Common, Jay-Z, Kanye West, KRS-One, Nas and Rakim. In 2008, HELP received a letter of endorsement from President (then, Senator) Barack Obama. Today, HELP can be found in classrooms across the country.
On January 15, 2010, Asheru’s new supplemental reading workbook series for HELP was released. The workbooks use hip hop lyrics to help students of all ages improve their reading and critical analysis — and help teachers improve literacy instruction. One of the books features the lyrics of a collaboration between international hip hop icon Nas and African hip hop icon Jabba.
Jabba
www.bloombars.com/category/artists-in-bloom-residents/jabba/
www.myspace.com/hiphoppantsulaRecently nominated for an African Grammy and winner of the Best Video Award at the MTV Africa Awards, Jabba’s celebrity is evidenced by his chart-topping songs, regular network and television appearances and acclaim by music critics across the globe. Jabba has shared the stage with Will Downing, Angelique Kidjo, Wyclef Jean, Jamie Cullum, Saul Williams, Snoop Dogg and others. Before the MAMA ceremony, Wyclef, a Haitian-American multi-platinum instrumentalist, rapper and record producer, said he planned to record with Jabba, who, he said, is among the select few “representing the new generation of African music.”
Jabba, whose real name is Jabulani Tsambo, practices Motswako-style (or, “mixture” in Setswana) rap — a combinatin of Setswana, Zulu and English. His music ranges from smooth jazzy vocal harmonies to indigenous rhythms to classic ‘American’ hip hop.
Jabba has received numerous awards and significant recognition for his community work and charity, such as his effort to combat AIDS or promote education and literacy through hip hop. He was invited by Oprah to lecture to students at her Leadership Academy for Girls.
Outside of the United States, Jabba’s a regular in the media. In 2007, he won the third season of the reality dance show “Strictly Come Dancing,” with his professional dance partner Hayley Bennett. In 2008, he starred as himself in 11 episodes of the e.tv musical soap “Rhythm City.” In 2009, he was one of the featured celebrities on the first season of the South African version of the genealogy documentary series “Who Do You Think You Are?” He also appeared on the National Parenting Test episode of the popular quiz show “Test The Nation,” serving as Team Captain for the Fathers.
On January 15, 2010, Jabba, also known as Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP), one of South Africa’s leading hip hop artists for the last decade, arrived in Washington, D.C., for a two-week residency at BloomBars, a Washington-based nonprofit organization that works to inspire and unite communities through the arts, while nurturing artists committed to serving the community. The goal of the residency, which lasts through the end of the month, is to build a bridge between the hip hop communities in South Africa and the United States, promoting cross-cultural awareness about critical issues affecting those communities.
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Hezues R’ Interview [AWKWORDrap.com Flipbook #3]
“Directing is my Heroin… Shooting makes the pain go away.”
- Hezues R’
Hezues R’ is AWKWORD’s inspiration. He is the inspiration for World View. This project would not exist without Hezues R’.
Hezues R’ is the founder and director of Guns 4 Cameras (G4C), a.k.a. Aim to Live, the recipient of all proceeds from the World View album. G4C is a 501c3 registered nonprofit dedicated to the eradication of gun violence through the hip hop-inspired education and empowerment of our inner-city youth.
Hezues founded G4C after being shot at 22 times at age 22. It was a miracle that he survived, he felt, so he had to protect other youths from a fate that would likely be even worse.
Since founding the organization, he has built a steady following across the world, touring colleges and universities with the organization’s spokesman, hip hop icon Pharoahe Monch. Hezues has been named United States delegate to the Inter-American Committee on Culture and was honored by Mayor John C. Tkazyik of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who established the city’s “Hezues R’ Day”.
Meanwhile, Hezues has been dubbed “Latino mogul in the making” by Latin Nation, as brand architect behind Eye On It, a media company focused on film, television and other media markets. In addition to filming AWKWORD’s live “Rainy Daze” performance (see below) and the feature film “Crew”, starring American-Italian rapper G Fella (see below), he currently has four TV shows, another film, and AWKWORD’s next video in development.
Hezues embodies the cliched rags-to-riches story, but he is no cliche. He didn’t just make it out the ghetto, he uses his creativity and inspiration to help others do the same, all through the modern media formats to which our youths can relate.
HEZUES R’ TALKS TO LEWIS HEGEMAN
Vitals
1. Name:
Hezues R’.
2. Age:
30.
3. Zodiac Symbol:
Aquarius.
4. Ethnicity:
Latino Americano (Uruguay).
5. Birth Place:
New York.
6. Current Location:
New York.
7. Occupation:
Film Director & Brand Architect, Eye On It; Founder & Director, Guns 4 Cameras.
8. Relationship Status:
Single.
9. Religion
My passion is my own ambition, and there is nothing I place greater faith in than that (granted, I believe its god-given). I keep my Eye On It. I guess that’s my true religion.
10. Political Affiliation
I supported Obama, donated to the campaign. I directed a campaign commercial that was selected by CNN. Most importantly, I voted for him. But I can’t say I subscribe to a specific party — I am drawn to issues and a candidate’s character. But they’re marketed just like a music artist. It’s all about building their image… How can you judge that honestly, something that is fabricated so much for the purpose of persuasion?
Fill in the Blank
1. Childhood Ambition:
I aspired to have the courage of Jose Gervasio Artigas.
2. First job:
This one! I was always living this life’s movie of mine; I didn’t realize I was also directing it. (I guess we’re all directors in some sense.)
3. Biggest Regret:
None. Never!
4. Life-Changing Experience:
It hasn’t happened yet… Oh yeah, and getting shot at 22 times, and surviving death on eight different occasions.
5. Inspiration:
Walt Disney — 31 Oscars. Enough said.
6. Indulgence:
Sleep, because I never get any.
7. Most Fucked-Up Thing I’ve Seen in the Game:
No comment. I hate gossip and I never perpetuate negative energy.
8. Biggest challenge:
My own critique.
9. Question:
Why?
10. Answer:
Validation.
Multiple Choice (choice: in italics)
1. My most dedicated followers would say I am:
a) determined
b) multi-talented
c) philanthropic
d) revolutionaryNone of the above. They’d say I’m fearless.
2. My biggest detractors would say I am:
a) naive
b) self-righteous
c) self-centered
d) unculturedNone of the above. They’d say I’m an asshole.
3. What makes a great film is:
a) its plot
b) its screenplay/directing
c) its characters/actors
d) its moral/lessonNone of the above. It’s the emotion it inspires.
4. President Obama is:
a) a revolutionary
b) a puppet
c) on both sides of the aisle
d) caught between the aislesNone of the above. Most of all, he is poised.
5.Facebook, Myspace, etc., are:
a) the death of film
b) the birth of film
c) the re-birth of film
d) meaninglessNone of the above. Second to personal communication.
Q&A
1. How did you find film? What did videography offer you that you were previously missing?
I found film as a tool to serve another purpose and, in the process, discovered a greater purpose — it provided me direction, a purpose in life. Through this medium, I found greater value in myself. In addition to natural talent, I have a passion for the art I create. My success is, in itself, inspiration — given the struggles, where I come from, what I’ve overcome — and this gives me more fuel to keep going and get further, so that my story can be that much more of a legacy.
2. How can we use film to better society/ourselves? How do you incorporate your for-profit interests (i.e., film) into your non-profit agenda/organization?
Self expression. Inspiration. Education. I think film can be a lot of things, but, most importantly, it’s meant to communicate. It’s a method of provoking emotion, dialogue, action. The visual medium is powerful and, from that power, that strength, I derived the name for my company — Eye On It represents a person’s sight, and the intent of their sight, to keep focus… And my non-profit endeavors benefit directly from my experience as a filmmaker, as I share the knowledge and desire to inspire. The dynamic is simple and direct — the non-profit promotes film as an alternative to violence (among other things), and my for-profit (and my own existence) is exemplary of the success that can be derived from that medium.
3. How is film integral to the art, culture and history of hip hop?
Film is the most layered and inclusive medium of art. It incorporates images, lighting, sound, poetry, motion, performance, etc. There is no other art that is more collaborative. And hip hop is the idea of collaborating elements, raw elements. It is the essence and vibe of self-expression. Film happens to be a great way to capture that essence/vibe, and record the culture’s history, and spread the culture commercially, globally. Film, through movies, music videos and other content, has been the largest contributor to showing the culture in more places than an artist could perform, to audiences who couldn’t afford to see an artist perform, to those for whom hip hop would not otherwise be as accessible… People emulate what they see on TV. It’s pretty serious, when you think about it.
4. How did you find out about AWKWORD and World View? What was it that attracted you to the person/cause/project/album?
I met AWKWORD nearly a decade ago. We were introduced by a mutual friend, graffiti artist and b-boy Rez Ones. I always gravitate toward passionate artists and people who take their craft VERY seriously and actually happen to be VERY good at it… Over the years, AWKWORD has contributed to my efforts with his words and his eye for life’s images, enhancing the Guns 4 Cameras cause… Plus, his skills and passion as an emcee are equally inspiring. His idea for the World View project is absolutely necessary! It goes back to the simple strength of collaboration… I am honored to have the Guns 4 Cameras program be one of his many passions and feel blessed that he has chosen to associate it with the World View project… And, above all, I have a personal respect for him as a great friend, someone who is always sincere, and someone whose dedication to his ideals is rarely, if ever, matched.
5. Why is it fitting for the proceeds from World View, a global hip hop album, to go to Guns 4 Cameras, your nonprofit organization?
Gun violence is a global issue.
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hezuesr.com
hezuesr.blogspot.com
keepyoureyeonit.com
aimtolive.org
“Gotta Guy” from Eye On It ® Studios on Vimeo.
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About the AWKWORDrap.com Flipbook
In advance of the release of AWKWORD’s World View album, www.AWKWORDrap.com will host a digital flipbook featuring interviews with the MCs, producers and other artists, who, along with AWKWORD, are making World View possible. The flipbook will include photos of — and links to free mp3 downloads from — each of the artists.
About the Interviewer
Lewis “LH” Hegeman is Manager for New York City-based indie rapper AWKWORD. He also serves as Director of Promotion for AWKWORD’s 100% nonprofit global hip hop album “World View”, as well as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Guns 4 Cameras, the 501c3 registered nonprofit to which all proceeds from World View are directed. An award winning writer (New England Press Association) and photographer (Reebook), LH proves eclectic and adaptable, having written and/or shot for the likes of MTV and AOL; LIFE, Grolier, and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Elemental Magazine, Mass Appeal and YRB; Big Daddy Kane, ILL BILL and Block McCloud; Miss Ecuador; and The Gear-Up Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of America, and Visiting Nurse Association.
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NEW AWKWORD BANGERS - FREE DOWNLOADS!
FREE DOWNLOADS:
- Click to listen.
- Control + Click > “Save Link As…” to download.AWKWORD - “Metal Music (Remix)” ft. El Gant, ILL BILL
AWKWORD - “Internet Friend (Remix)” ft. Dujeous, EQuilibrium
AWKWORD - “Before (Clean Radio)” ft. Block McCloud, Pace Won
AWKWORD - “Wild Wild East” ft. Castro, Block McCloud
AWKWORD - “The People’s Champs (Remix)” ft. Akir, Y-Love
AWKWORD - “That’s That Shit” ft. IDE, L.I.F.E. Long, Shi 360
NEW STREAMS:
- Click to listen.
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Morgan Stanley Foundation Chosen as Lead Sponsor
The Morgan Stanley Foundation has officially granted its support to the World View project and its nonprofit recipient Guns 4 Cameras by voting to make a significant and generous donation to the production and promotion of this revoutionary album.
What's What? Who's Who?
100% of the proceeds from World View will be donated to Guns 4 Cameras (G4C) (a.k.a. Aim to Live), a New York City-based 501c3-registered nonprofit organization dedicated to the eradication of street violence through the hip hop-inspired education and empowerment of our youth.
AWKWORD is the mastermind behind World View, the earth’s first 100% nonprofit global hip hop project, brought to you by The Anti-Injustice Movement (AIM), The Morgan Stanley Foundation, and the world-famous EOW (End of the Weak; EODub).
World View (the album) is executive produced by AWKWORD and The White Shadow of Norway.
The World View Mixtape is a hip hop superstar-packed free download being released to get you ready for the complete World View album. The mixtape is brought to you by AWKWORD and DJiPerfection.
