Thursday, January 31, 2013

Indie Review welcomes Rene John Sandy !


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Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

RENE JOHN-SANDY

Rene Sandy is the Co-Founder of Hip-Hop Loves Foundation (HHL), a NYC-based nonprofit that co-produces workshops, seminars,and events that create space for dialogue and exploration on the themes of success, youth empowerment, and social justice through Hip Hop within a global context. The Foundation views Hip-Hop as the cultural intersection of many vibrant forms of expression including dance, sports, visual arts, and technology. Our programs are based in the US and abroad, thus enabling us to strengthen global relationships with grassroots organizations, universities, NGOs, governments, and companies that value empowering youth. HHL links artists and partnering organizations to facilitate programs that impact underserved communities. 
The Hip-Hop Loves Foundation (HHL) has  its “I Got 5 on Hip Hop Loves” Campaign and embarked on a collaborative effort to raise $1 Million to expand its work in the US, Brazil, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. The "I Got $5 on Hip Hop Loves" campaign in partnership with AllHipHop.com will encourage fans of Hip Hop from all over the world to donate $5 or more. The tax deductable donations will be used to establish Hip-Hop Loves workspace and workshop centers in New York City, Rio, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Mobile studios for workshops will be established in Africa, Australia, the United Kingdome and other areas that lack modern technology. Those that are interested in supporting can go to www.hiphoploves.com/donate. Other ways to get involved are to: 1) Make your voice heard. Record a video message for us to share about your support of the campaign. A script can be provided or you can freestyle and talk about how hip-hop has transformed your life. Don’t forget to end your message with "I got 5 on Hip Hop Loves", flash your $5, and email your video link to hiphoploves@gmail.com. 2) Tell a friend. Help us spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  3) Give time, talent, and money. Volunteers are needed to help further the cause.  All that are willing volunteer and share their gifts are welcomed to email hiphoploves@gmail.com. Rene John-Sandy believes in this work and says, “Hip Hip Loves is transforming the lives of many youths globally and expanding their reality through the workshops we provide. It is an avenue to show how powerful the hip hop culture is worldwide and its positive influence in our societies.” He goes on to say, “Our youths are the voice of our world and Hip Hop Loves enables their voices to be heard. We appreciate everyone's support in this movement."
Another Hip Hop Loves Foundation project that warrants support is the compilation CD to raise money to support the ongoing work in Haiti after the earthquake in January 2010.  Proceeds from album sales will go to Global Syndicate and to the Hip Hop Loves Foundation for ground relief in Haiti as well as to facilitate workshops. Producers on the project include Hip Hop Loves Co-Founder Siba Giba, and Emmy Award Winning Producer Emmai Alaquiva, DJ Scratch, Pete Rock, Will Tell, and Lee Stone. There are over 40 hip-hop artists from all over the world that will be participating on this project including: Afrika Bambatta, Roy Ayers, Phife Jungle Brothers, Pharoahe Monch, K’Naan (Somalia) Sadat X, J-Live, Dres, Punchline , Les Nubians, Delta (Australia) , Chip-Fu, Komplex Kai (Talailip Reservation), DAM (Palestine), Timbucktu (Sweden) Coololoosh (Isreal). Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana), TY (England), and others. 



Saturday, January 26, 2013

Indie Review welcomes BRI Cooper


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Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

BRI COOPER

Critically acclaimed classical singer, actress and recording artist Bridgette Cooper is a 2012 Marian Anderson Scholar and was guest soloist for the 73rd Annual Lincoln Memorial Concert Revisited. Bridgette was recently notified that she is the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from East Carolina University School of Music. Ms. Cooper made her Carnegie Hall debut in the Weil Recital Hall in the Voices of the New Millennium Concert in New York City. Her guest soloist engagements include singing for the People’s Inaugural Luncheon Tribute to First Lady Michelle Obama,  The International Caribbean Heritage Awards, The Bahamas Independence Day and Goombay Festival which celebrates her Bahamian heritage, The New Haven Connecticut Celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recital,  The Royal Palm Beach Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Palm Beach, Florida, The !00th Celebration of Christ Episcopal Church in Miami, Florida,  as well as soloist for St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Haverville, Florida. Bridgette was also featured as guest soloist for the unveiling of Thomas Jefferson's historical "North Star Newspaper" at the Benjamin Banneker Museum. She has performed in recital throughout the United States and Europe.
Ms. Cooper was featured on FOX45 Morning Show, singing a selection from her debut CD, Heavenly Grass: Great American Art Songs. Her television credits include the role of the clerk in fifth season of the HBO series THE WIRE, Toyota commercial, and the television pilot project The Washingtonian for HBO produced by Sarah Jessica Parker. Her debut CD Heavenly Grass: Great American Art Songs premiered to rave reviews. 
Ms. Cooper has performed with The Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Charleston Symphony International Tour of Porgy and Bess performing the roles of Bess and Clara, The Israel Jerusalem Music Festival, Aspen Opera Theater and Opera Ebony Young Artist Program to name a few. Her debut with The Washington National Opera helped to establish her as not only a world class opera singer, but also an advocate for the education of opera for our younger generation, with The Washington National Opera Look-In Program where she performed the role of Tituba from Robert Ward’s The Crucible. Her operatic repertoire includes Carmen, Flora from La Traviata, Thisbe from La Cenerentola, Dorabella from Cosi fan Tutti and Dido from Dido and Aeneas, to name a few, as well as several oratorio works. Bridgette’s musical theater and stage play performances include the National Broadway Tour of Show Boat and American Theater of Harlem’s Picnic and Raisin in the Sun. 
Ms. Cooper is the recipient of several awards including the Paul Robeson National Vocal Competition,  Marjorie Lawrence International Vocal Competition,  Bel Canto Competition of Chicago, the YWCA Studio Club Competition,  International Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women, and  Ms. American Achievement of District of Columbia and the National Association of Teachers of Singing state and Regional Finalist. She is also contributing editor for several on line music magazines.
Bridgette received her Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance from East Carolina University where she was awarded outstanding College students of America and then went on to study at the prestigious American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Indie Review welcomes Lydia René !

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Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue
LYDIA René
  If certain things are said to be timeless, pure talent is definitely one of them. Lydia René is soul music's answer to that intangible quality that consistently moves audiences across generations. The sultry articulation of her vocals draw listeners to her music, while her frank songwriting adds honesty and wit to her relatable messages.
To say it plainly, it is bold musicality that sets Lydia René apart from the pack. A classically trained pianist and accomplished musician, Lydia René’s sound is best described as smooth out-of-the box soul. Puckered with sonic surprises, it is infused with jazz riffs and alternative stylings that help take the listener to a higher musical plateau than that of the norm. Lydia René’s eclectic influences and free spirited musicianship culminated in her first release My Love IS My Life, recorded live in 2008.
As a new artist, it didn’t take very long for people to take note of her musical star power. She quickly embarked on a live performance schedule that included venues all around the Philadelphia area and beyond, including headlining gigs that showcased her attention-grabbing live presence, winning raves at every stop. She has also had the opportunity to work with acclaimed producers and musicians like Burn N Bush (Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin), BAM (Lil Mama), Damon “Mr. Dizzy Fingers” Bennett (Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake), and Stan Davis (Kindred The Family Soul, Kelly Rowland, Teena Marie). Not limiting herself to her own project, she’s also written songs for projects by multi-platinum artists Toni Braxton and Lil’ Mo. Growing up in Mount Holly, NJ, Lydia was a prodigy whose parents exposed her to a myriad of genres including classical, jazz, gospel and rock. Her father, who is a singer, pianist and music teacher, would quiz young Lydia on the music of legends like Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight, and she’d nail it each time. She quickly developed her own musicianship performing in her school’s jazz band as a pianist, in the marching band as a bass drummer and xylophone player, and as co-captain of the drumline at the competition level, taking home the “Woody Herman Award for Excellence in Jazz.” Lydia continued her love of music behind the scenes while studying fashion at Philadelphia Univeristy. It wasn’t until 2008, however, that the aspiring artist branched out and began pursuing her professional career. Taking inspiration from her idol Jill Scott, she embarked on a journey to the stage that has blazed her trail through today.
As Lydia René builds upon her ever-growing fan base and prepares for her debut studio album, she continues to touch audiences with the musical dexterity of her live performance. Whether crooning over love or examining life’s little stresses, whether singing funky grooves or belting classically styled compositions, one thing is certain... her sound and artistry continue to develop into the timeless gift we call great music.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Indie Review welcomes Keith Robinson


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Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

KEITH ROBINSON

Keith Robinson is ahead of the game. He’s a true triple threat having already mastered acting and songwriting, he’s now positioning himself to take over the music world with a velvety voice. Before he made his way to Tinseltown, the Kentucky native set his sights on music and attended the University of Georgia. While there, Robinson was offered a record deal with his group State of Mind, but no music was released. Upon traveling to Los Angeles, Robinson had a chance meeting with a film and television manager who jumpstarted his acting career. From there, he thrived and achieved an incredible 42 projects of both television and film while still pursuing a music career--placing songs on many film and television projects he was involved in as a solo artist. Keith’s best known for his critically acclaimed role as C.C. White in the Academy Award nominated and Bill Condon directed film, Dreamgirls, alongside Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Anika Noni Rose. In the musical, Robinson’s big solo, “Patience,” which he also performed live at the Academy Awards, earned him an Oscar nomination. In addition, Robinson’s voice is heard on six songs from the film’s soundtrack. Undoubtedly, Dreamgirls was a major benchmark in Robinson’s career. Since that milestone, he’s been poised to make his mark in music. After Dreamgirls, he began recording his debut album, Utopia, released in 2009. Since then, he’s released several songs for fans to enjoy including, “My Hustle” produced by RZA, “Simple Hello,” “Ride for You,” “Thirsty,” and “DJ Lady. Robinson then filmed This Christmas co-starring Chris Brown, Idris Elba, Loretta Devine and Delroy Lindo. He went on to star in Dear John opposite Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried. Roles in 35 and Ticking and Hopelessly in June soon followed. Next, Robinson began filming and recording songs for Dysfunctional Friends, co-starring Stacey Dash, Meagan Good, Hosea Chanchez and Terrell Owens. Now, he’s currently in the studio preparing for his sophomore release coated with an “European soul and Hip-Hop” sound. The first single from his yet-to-be-titled album also happens to be “Same Rules,” from Dysfunctional Friends. If that wasn’t enough, this renaissance man is writing songs for T.I. and Tiny’s group the OMG Girls at the same time. Throughout his entire life, Robinson has listened to Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Sting, Seal, Joe and Sade with a keen ear. Keith founded his own scoring company, Theme Song. Since its establishment, Theme Song has scored music for movies like Blade 3, Fat Albert, 35 and Ticking in which he also starred. Most recently the budding company scored Divorce Invitation (2012) starring Robinson himself alongside Jonathan Bennett, Jamie- Lynn Sigler and Nadia Bjorlin. Looking back on Robinson’s illuminating and rich career it becomes apparent that everything he does is driven by his love and passion to move people. In his immediate future, Robinson has three films set to release later this year: Caught on Tape, Divorce Invitation and The Redemption of a Dog. The latter stars seasoned actor and reality TV star Tamara Mowry-Housely and screen legend Lynn Whitfield. 


Indie Review welcomes Maya Azucena !


Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

MAYA AZUCENA

MTV Made’s Award winning singer-activist Maya Azucena travels the world making music that matters. Self-described as sounding like “The Roots if fronted by a singer with 4-octaves”, Billboard and the Washington Post have heralded her mesmerizing performances, as well as the Village Voice that said, “armed with a powerfully compelling voice, Azucena just could be the most impressive of the current hip-hop/soul/r&b diva crop.” Appreciated by many artists in the worlds of hip-hop, soul, jazz, dance and reggae, Maya has been part of countless collaborations, including a Grammy certificate winning feature on Stephen Marley’s CD “Mind Control,” and performances or recordings with artists as wide-ranging as Marcus Miller, Cormega, Mr. Cheeks, Roberta Flack, Immortal Technique, iNi Kamoze, Vernon Reid and Jonathan Peters. In 2010, Maya was heard on multiple tracks from the critically acclaimed album Pickin’ Up The Pieces by Fitz and The Tantrums. Her music has been featured on HBO’s The Wire and her likeness on NBC’s 30 Rock. Maya’s latest CD, CRY LOVE has been listed on several “Best of” 2011 lists including #1 on Pop Matters, and Amazon’s “Top Albums You May Have Missed”.  At the 2010 U.N. Summit, Ms. Azucena was selected by the office of Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to be the exclusive performer at his Every Woman, Every Child event.  Maya is also co-founder (along with Emmy-winning director Lisa Russell) of the multi-media website, MDGFive.com, that uses all mediums of Art to raise awareness for better maternal health. In addition to touring with her band and collaborating with many living legends in the music world, Maya mentors teenagers and is invited as a motivational speaker on the subjects of artist entrepreneurism and achieving ones dreams. Among other acknowledgements, Maya’s been awarded a Proclamation from Congress for co-producing Hope Night, a concert for domestic-abuse awareness; and the prestigious “Top 40 Under 40″ Award from The Network Journal for her business acumen, community work and work abroad. On JANUARY 14TH Maya Azucena launches her latest effort, “Dance Revolution”, a song commissioned by the One Billion Rising campaign. Produced by DJ Spinna, and music video directed by Rae Maxwell, “Dance Revolution” marks the 1-month countdown to One Billion Rising, a Global Day of Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls.



Thursday, January 10, 2013

VIDEO: B-Free " U & I "

B-Free drops a brand new video "U & I" from her "Open Mic, Open Heart" album

DOWNLOAD "Open Mic, Open Heart"
http://bfreemusic.bandcamp.com/

Directed by: Jessica Estelle Huggins
Camera & Edited By JLeslieMonique Visuals

Starring Britney Freeman, & Lawrence Davis