Monthly Archives: April 2011

Mobb Deep’s Prodigy speaks at Enoch Pratt.

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Prodigy Book Signing.
Prodigy Book Signing.   Prodigy Book Signing.

NYC rapper Prodigy, best known as half of the influential hip-hop duo Mobb Deep who created such classic records as …The Infamous and Hell On Earth in the 90s, spoke last night at Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library. On tour supporting the release of his autobiography, My Infamous Life, Prodigy had quite a bit to say during the roughly 60 minute Q&A, hosted by AJ from 92Q’s Rap Attack.

I’ve been a fan of Mobb Deep since 1995, when I moved to NYC and was exposed to their sophomore album, …The Infamous. I still consider this to be one of THE classic records of the 90s and it’s one of my favorite albums of all time. He also has a successful solo career as well with albums such as HNIC and 2007’s underrated Return of the Mac. In recent years though, Prodigy is more well know for a series of beefs, an abortive signing to 50 Cent’s G-unit label, and his 2007 gun possession conviction which led to him being incarcerated for 3 years.

Prodigy talked about this all, and more. Some highlights: Continue reading →

DMV Record Pull – first night.

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The Future - DMV Record Pull
Harmony Music - DMV Record Pull   Jimmy Jones / KW Griff - DMV Record Pull

DJ Excel, DJ Booman and Bmore Original helped organize what I hope becomes a regular event, a record pull at Club Reality in Baltimore City. Labels, artists, DJs, Producers, and media from DC/MD/Va got together and talked, met each other, networked, performed, and had a dialogue. A cool event and very chill, low-stress, very little drama. Follow the record pull on facebook, or check out the new website.

TV On The Radio – Philly, Baltimore

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TV On The Radio - Philly
TV On The Radio - Philly
TV On The Radio - Baltimore   TV On The Radio - Philly
I had never seen TV On The Radio before, nor ever been the hugest fan, but after getting the chance to shoot their tour opener in Philly, then a show a day or two later in Baltimore, I am a bit of a convert… they were GREAT live, full of energy, racing around the stage, etc… They seemed to be having a great time. I was surprised to hear that two of the touring line-up was new, thenvery happy to learn that their new drummer was none other than my friend Jahphet Landis from the Death Set! So happy for that dude. Anyway, these shows were great fun and tour opener Celebration also delivered, even though their Philly set was cut short.

  • See all my TV On The Radio tour photos on flickr
  • Buy Prints from these TV On The Radio shows
  • Read the SPIN review of the TV On The Radio tour opener in Philly

    • Destroyer @ the Black Cat

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    Destroyer @ Black Cat
    Destroyer @ Black Cat   Destroyer @ Black Cat

    This band was not what I expected… I guess the name and the pedigree made me think this would be some driving, semi-aggressive indie rock, but in actuality they are basically the exact opposite… soft rock, made me think I was at a waterfront restaurant in the 80s or something. Not bad, though, and the crowd certainly enjoyed it…

    African Acoustic Tour @ GWU

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    African Acoustic Tour
    African Acoustic Tour

    This is a good example of why I have always liked shooting on assignment… I would never have gone to this show on my own, as I don’t really know much about African music, but this was quite a lot of fun, and fun to shoot as well. I had never shot in Lisner Auditorium before, but it’s amusing how basically every college auditorium feels and looks the same… a nice venue though, and really friendly staff.

    Celebration Weekend Tour with TVOTR.

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    celebration @ rams head
    celebration @ rams head.
    celebration @ rams head   celebration @ electric factory.

    Celebration went on tour with TV On The Radio, I shot them in both Philly and Baltimore. (Read the SPIN review of the TVOTR Philly show here). The Philly show at Electric Factory was cut a little short, or seemed to be, but the Baltimore show at Rams Head was absolutely great. Packed house, sold out, great sound for Celebration’s set, friendly audience… a great show. Both shows showcased how together they are as a band and how the new “Digital Tarot” material they have been releasing online (and their new record) is really starting to shine live. Go see them!

    Also : come to my Photo Show friday 4/15 at the Windup Space in Baltimore. Photos of Celebration and many other artists will be on display.

    OFF! & Trash Talk @ Red Palace, DC

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    OFF! @ red palace, dc
    OFF! @ red palace, dc
    Trash Talk audience   Trash Talk

    This show was awesome. OFF! is, of course, a sort of supergroup featuring Keith Morris, and they were really tight musically… their set was sort of made up of mini-sets punctuated by discussion by Morris on the history of punk, the bands he and his bandmates have been in before, the state of music and politics today, etc… but don’t let that fool you, it was a blast. Trash Talk was intense too, full of energy and the singer was in the crowd pretty much the whole set. Good times. Nervous Impulse, the new band from the singer of the Goons was good too.

    I had never been to the venue, the Red Palace before. It was okay, a smallish show space but they had a nice beer selection and a really cute cat who lives at the bar.

    SALEM @ RNR Hotel

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    SALEM @ rnr hotel
    SALEM @ rnr hotel

    This show made me realize I am getting old. I didn’t “get” this band. I liked aspects of their set/performance but… as a whole, just didn’t get how they gelled together. But the kids there to see this band seemed STOKED, so whatever. I’m old.

    Celebration, Future Islands, Arboretum @ 2640

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    Celebration @ 2640
    Celebration audience @ 2640
    Celebration @ 2640   Future Islands @ 2640

    Great show. This was organized by Friends Records at the 2640 Space, a retired church in Baltimore. Great venue for a show, it’s a beautiful old building… the show was packed, too, and they did a lot of special decorations and stage setups… huge clouds made out of cotton candy (no joke!) and helium balloons floated around, lots of projectors situated around the room displayed dreamy images on the various walls… it was really impressive. All the bands were excellent, too… Celebration are playing later this month up and down the east coast with TV On The Radio, go if you can get tickets, you won’t regret it…