BlackStyleFile

TV Pilot brings Hip Hop Legends Back in the Mix

 Naughty By Nature Backstage after their performance

Hip Hop legends graced the stage of The Schimmel Center for the Arts in NYC on November 22nd for the live taping of a groundbreaking new urban lifestyle show called Back In the Mix. Naughty By Nature reunited and performed on stage as did Erick Sermon and Parrish of the legendary duo EMPD and Dres from Black Sheep. DJ Jam Master J'son, son of the late DJ Jam Master Jay was also in the house. The show was hosted by BET and BBC News coresspondant Sharon Carpentar and the co founder of All Hip Hop Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur.

The Hip Hop 101 segment will explore the history and the first hand accounts of the years past as told by the legends and those who bore witness to the events that have shaped the culture, the music and the legacy of hip hop.

 Killer stillettos lined up in a row. Styling by Saffiyah and Valerie of  My Girlfriends Closet Boutique

As the host of the Hip Hop 101 segment,  I had the pleasure and honor of conducting backstage interviews with all of the performers. I also interviewed Ralph McDaniels from Video Music Box, Hakim Green from Channel Live and DJ Chuck Chillout a few days earlier at the Source Magazine offices.

EPMD and Naughty By Nature shared stories of how childhood friends joined forces to form world reknowned groups. Chuck Chillout explained how the MC changed the DJ game and what it meant to move the crowd, long before music went digital. Uncle Ralph gave young rap artists a platform long before MTv debuted "Yo! MTV Raps," when NY school kids rushed home to see what was going to be on Video Music Box.

Dres from Black Sheep recounted a life changing circumstance that led to the inspiration for his 1992 smash hit "The Choice Is Yours". And Hakim Green schooled me on conscience rap and who really controls the rap game. From the street corner to the corner office - there are so many elements that have affected the evolution and commercialization of the hip hop culture and rap music on a whole.

 

Back in the Mix will explore all elements and creativity of hip-hop culture. The show will capture the energy that transformed hip-hop from a local movement out of the South Bronx to a world-wide multi-billion dollar industry. It will captivate audiences old and new alike by bridging Hip Hop’s past with what’s happening today.   Back in the Mix will be a celebration of hip-hop while educating a larger popular culture that has embraced it.  

For more info on Back in the Mix stay tuned to BSF or visit Vmix.tv. 

 Back in the Mix flyer

SABIT NYC Fashion Preview @ Sapphire Lounge

 

SABIT NYC held their fashion preview last night at the Sapphire Lounge in NYC. Male models strolled the crowded and eclectic 20-something set sporting graphic printed hoodies, sweatshirts, and tees, as well as denim and accessories. 

Sabit which translates to "the best part of a song" or "the hook" definitely takes what was so fresh about the original streetwear movement and ups the ante with an upgrade in fabric, styling, and originality.

It's no surpirse that hip hop's hottest MC's have been dressing in SABIT NYC for years. Stars like T.I., Little Wayne, Ludacris, and 50 Cent have been seen in the funky Tokyo inspired line - as well as R&B softies like Chris Brown, Mario, and Day 26.

Catch up with the collection at SABIT NYC and stop by their booth #21560 at Magic in Vegas from Feb 16-18.

 
 

Instant Classic: Jay Z Rhapsody Commercial

Rhapsody released a commercial featuring Jay Z and a behind the scenes look at him making the cover of each album that spans his career. Celeb stylist June Ambrose quickly moves in and out of the scenes as she dresses him throughout the video. The idea is innovative, the end result is an instant classic.