A3C

I'm eager to post my pictures from the A3C, alas school is keeping me from my personal endeavors... but I'm definitely giving a sneak peek.

"LaLa" & "Neverland"

I would first like to say I dedicate this post to Kortez "Ilajide" Marion and his mother Karen...

Clear Soul Forces' "The Departure" drops tomorrow, October 7, and I know I'm one of many who are beyond excited for its release. Over the past few days the boys have been leaking some exclusive songs not featured on the project. The first song released on Monday was "Neverland" and last night they gave us "Lala". Both songs offer a sense of progression and growth with the group, giving listeners a glimpse into the personal lives of each member. Knowing these guys personally and seeing a lot of what goes on behind the scenes its quite easy for me to say how amazed and proud I am. I love each and everyone of them as friends and brothers (lol with the exception of Kortez, and you know why (sorry had to be gay) ). They pretty much inspired me to be what I am today. They opened my eyes and ears of what is possible through determination and hardwork. Their music, their motives, everything about them inspires me.

E Fav... You're the big brother of the group, I respect your views on a lot of things and I feel you'll always be there to encourage your boys and me. If hadn't already taken out a massive loan I'd quit school and follow the group, just for you.

J Roc... Your son shall be quite proud of you when he comes of age. Your personality always brings a smile to my face and you lighten the mood always. Keep singing bad country tunes and being an awesome father and friend.

Wimpy... Nigga Die... lol But seriously. Being around Kortez a lot means that I'm around you the most, and that has been more than an awesome experience. Your focus on making the right decisions with not only your music but with your personal life lets me know that you are a strong caring individual. You have love for your people in Detroit and Colorado and I know they have love for you, I mean who wouldn't love a dude with a sense of humor as amazing as yours. I know you going through something right now but you're tough and intelligent so I'm beyond convinced you'll overcome it all.

Ilajide... everything I want to say, I would much rather tell you face to face, but heres a little something... If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be typing this post, probably wouldn't even have this blog. Your mom is watching you and all of the amazing things you are accomplishing and I hope you feel her spirit as I do. I love you very much.

Check out and download the exclusive tracks at the CSF Bandcamp

Album of the Year

Earlier this year at UofM I heard Black Milk perform live for the first time, and at that moment I knew I was a fan. As a rapper and producer he's constantly proving himself to be a token to this new generation of rap and hip hop. Im glad musicians like Black Milk are around representing Detroit and most importantly good music.

SOOOO, it took me long enough to upload them to the blog but here they are, pictures from the Black Milk Album of the Year Release at the Shelter in Downtown Detroit. That show was beyond amazing, one of the best live performances I've ever seen. Lol he still didn't perform "Keep Going" but its cool, because he did a dope Dilla/Baatin/Proof dedication, and of course he had AB and Daru doing what they do best on the keys and drums. My favorite part of the night had to be when my mans Hex Murda came through, giving the crowd a nice warm "f*ck you"...gotta love that middle finger. To sum it up it was DOPE...looking forward to the next one.

Check out the Complete Album

I'm quite proud of myself...

So I've been doing odd jobs here and there for the Michigan Front Page, which is a branch of the Michigan Chronicle....I guess my hard work payed off because my pics made two covers. Yep I'm feeling kinda proud.

9/27 Super Duper SEPTEMBER OVERLOAD!!!

Ok, so my procrastination has again let me get a build up of things to post...The Black Milk release, pictures of Jessica Care Moore, The Dope Ass Show, pictures of my college buddies and though it just happened yesterday the Air Up There Anniversary.

But let's look at it like this, at least I'm posting everything the month of, instead of three months later (right?) ...I'm hoping that everything will be posted before the Red Cup Anniversary Session which will be happening October 1st at the Shelter.

Here's a little taste of what is to come...

This photo is of the lovely Miss Khloe, who also did quite a lovely job of editing this particular picture.

I think I mentioned her before and how dope I think she is. Check out her tumblr!!

the misadventures of adam (jane) west.

They're back at it...

And better than ever!!!

I never fail to mention that Clear Soul Forces is my FAVORITE hip-hop group and after their debut mixtape "Clear Soul Radio" they back in action. Fortunately for me, I've been able to work closely with the group, taking pictures and working on a "hush hush" project with them.

Their current project is entitled "The Departure" and I guarantee it's going to be beyond amazing. Heres one of the tracks "Pick up the Sticks"...all you gamers, get ready.

Artwork by Nameless who also produced the track.

Be sure to download it

HERE!!

The Deloreans

Awesome group, the Deloreans. I was lucky enough to sit in on a practice.

CSF...and some @ the Bullfrog

My favorite quartet of lyricists have been out doing what it is they do best, rapping. Got some shots from their performance at the bullfrog pub.

This guy obviously isn't in CSF but he was pretty dope too....

Click here to see more!!

Hip Hop Congress @ Alvin's

Hip Hop artist from around the country came together to talk

about the condition of today's hip hop industry...remarkable being around such

knowledgable musicians. Managed to grab a couple of pictures from the performances at Alvin's.

Anarchy by Fresh

Finally putting up the pictures from the Anarchy shoot (June/July Overload)

See some more here!!

July Overload

Don't say I didn't warn you....but there's a storm a brewin'

All my unedited pictures from June and July have gotten some much needed tlc (compliments to the technology chef Kortez). I'll probably be posting all tonight, in between recording sessions. Oh did I mention, I'm dipping my toes into the pool of live production (I keep using horrible analogies). I'm taking my love for photography and expanding on it. I love capturing the moment, now I want to capture the whole darn hour!

June!!

I got the opportunity to shoot for an awesome artist/designer by the name of Fresh. Just playing with the lights and taking advantage of the people who were just hanging around I managed to capture my photo of the month for June...

Galaxy Gala Prom @ BCK

So, some extremely awesome people have decided to come together and throw a Galaxy themed prom at BCK for all the seniors who couldn't make it to theirs.

How often is it that I come across an UBER cool cause that I want to contribute to, and hearing the words Galaxy and Gala just makes me want to go even more.... Can't wait to show my face and take some pictures.

The event will take place June 11 from 7pm-9pm at Bob's Classic Kicks

Click HERE for more details!!

Air Up There: Battle of the Bands 5/20/10

May's Air up There was HOT! lol literally and figuratively.... Sheefy switched things up a bit and turned the regular show into a Battle of the Bands. Earlly Mac performed, Doc Waffles came through, and two of my favorites groups were there- CSF and Phresh Heir. Phresh Heir came with the live instrumentals (it was beyond dope) but ultimately Clear Soul Forces came out on top, congrats guys!!!!

And to everyone one else that performed, thanks for making my reappearance back on the scene a great one.

Oh yeah, and break dance man, thanks dude.

Check out the Complete Album HERE!!

HA!! I'm still here

So I do recognize that it is the 18th of May...much more than a month since my last post. I was going through a serious ALL SCHOOL NO PLAY phase, but I'm back and ready for action!!

To keep my self motivated I've decided to try a photo of the month kind of thing. So here goes my ode to May...

She's Got the Whole World in Her Hands

I freakin heart Khloe...she's a super cool lady and a kick ass photographer. Here's a first of many pics I hope to take of her :)

Garden State

4/3...The gardens at Cranbrook have always been really inspiring for me. With my cameras in hand (my film daddy had to tag along), I got to explore the grounds with some of my favorite peacocks. My darlings Christian, Alexia, and Brian were my models... I normally don't like taking pictures of people (lol says the girl at all the BCK parties) but I had to capture them in such a lovely fantasy like environment. A date with my camera was just what I needed to deal the past week's stresses.

Nature + Camera - cold weather = Happy Kristian

Check out the complete Album!!

:)

This past weekend was quite lovely. Not only did the Air up There happen, but my bestest buddy China came to town...and I linked up with some old friends (hey Terry!!! hey Kyle!!!!). Used my 50mm lens for the first time at night, it was pretty darn cool. Looking forward to next weekend.

View the rest of my photostream....HERE!

The Air up There 3/27/10

Once again The Air up There provided another night of fun for me...Earlly Mac & Royce da 5'9 came through to show some love (even though I sooo missed out on seeing Royce). As always the music was hot and the kicks were hotter, stayed tuned for next month's folks!

Check out the full full album here!