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TRIBES Magazine nominated for 2012 “Poetry Magazine of the Year”
TRIBES Magazine just nominated for 2012 “Poetry Magazine of the Year”.
Voting Starts Soon – Visit http://www.thenationalpoetryawards.com
The National Poetry Awards (NPA) is a national poetry arts group which began in Raleigh, NC in 2010. That year, TRIBES Magazine was nominated and won “Poetry Magazine of the Year”. After two successful years, NPA is preparing to travel to St. Louis, Missouri for the third annual event held August 17-18, 2012. NPA is planning a great weekend of poetry, slam competitions and networking! Vote for TRIBES Magazine after June 1. Visit http://www.thenationalpoetryawards.com for more information.
YTASHA WOMACK: INTERVIEW ON POST BLACK
YTASHA WOMACK: INTERVIEW ON POST BLACK
by DIALO ASKIA
An accurate account of a people’s history and tradition is necessary for the advancement of the people. Griots, for centuries, provided information on the land, the law, and the family. Hieroglyphics painted pictures to tell stories long before MCs wrote lyrics that projected music videos into our minds and onto the screen. Across time, such writers, illustrators, and orators are necessary to provide a voice for the generations. Author Ytasha Womack is one of today’s prominent voices, discussing African American identity in her recent book, Post Black, and giving us a glimpse into the future in her e-book, Rayla 2212.
TRIBES: What inspired you to become a writer?
YTASHA: I started off in journalism, which I didn’t really view as being a writer, in the traditional sense. Once [However], once you start telling stories, you look to tell stories in all kinds of formats whether that’s newspapers, books, film, television, etc. I just became really interested in finding the best medium to share ideas and once you get into that, I guess you become a writer.
TRIBES: What is Post Black?
YTASHA: Post Black for me takes a look at the African-American identity in the 21st century, looking at the diversity of that identity, focusing on Gen X and Gen Y for now, and then also looking at the concept of African-American identity in a post-civil rights, Obama era and the impact that it ultimately has on the personal and collective shift in identity. It’s an exploration.
Some people might view it as a lifestyle or some may see it as a statement about the end of race as we know it. I don’t think we’re quite in that zone yet. Post Black is not post-racial but it is a bridge to that period, I think. This exploration of identity facilitates that.
VOTE: As we head towards the 2012 election cycle, what is your greatest concern?
TRIBES Entertainment Films presents M.I., A Different Kind of Girl
She transforms by taping down her breasts, shaving her head, and studying the masculine performances of today’s most famous male entertainers! GET READY TO ENTER THE WORLD OF NEW MILLENNIUM DRAG! TRIBES Entertainment Films presents a provocative and daring documentary film, M.I., A Different Kind of Girl.
Watch for film festival screenings at http://www.maleillusionistthefilm.com
VOTE: As we head towards the 2012 election cycle, what is your greatest concern?
WOMEN IN HIP HOP: TRIBES’ Top 5 Female Emcees Shaping the Future of Hip Hop
DOWNLOAD THE FREE MIXTAPE NOW!
Where are all the really dope female emcees? was the sparking question that ignited this Spring 2012 edition of TRIBES Magazine. While it became apparent immediately that some purveyors of pop music and commercial hip hop may want us to believe that there aren’t many worthwhile women out there rapping today, make no mistake! Women have not fled the Hip Hop game.
They are out there rapping for their lives and, if the eager response to TRIBES Magazine’s search for the most talented female rappers on the indie scene is any indication, they are steady on the grind and very much a part of Hip Hop’s future. Nearly two-dozen artist submissions and fifty tracks later, TRIBES has compiled a Top 5 from the nominations. From shoe fetishes to paper stacking, loving their children to sexing their men, being independent and maintaining their faith in a higher power, these women rap about life, their dreams and the communities that gave rhythm to their flows and taught them about love. Not marginalized figures or victims raging against the power machine, these ladies are perfectly confident in their right to rap and cleat about their place in a seat at the Hip Hop table.
Step outside of the mainstream box and meet several female emcees beating the heart of Hip Hop from the underground. Read the reviews now in the TRIBES Magazine Spring 2012 issue!
SHELLY B. – The Queen of North Carolina Hip Hop
Women’s History Month 2012 – Cover Story
ON HER DIVA
Exclusive interview with TRIBES Magazine
By Gabriel Rich
Photos by Emanuel Cole
SHELLY B is not one to take her work as a Hip Hop emcee lightly. The Raleigh native has worked far too hard to gain her status as a pioneer in both the Triangle Hip Hop scene and nationally. Strong, dedicated to her craft and on a mission, Shelly B.’s versatility is what sets her apart from the rest of the pack. You have rappers that can entertain but aren’t lyricist and there are wordsmiths that can fashion a rhyme but can’t entertain. Neither is a problem for Shelly B. She’s more than capable of giving you something for both your mind and your body and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that knows her. After all, Shelly B’s been in the game long enough to know about pleasing fans.
Shelly B. represents a number of firsts for female rappers in North Carolina. She was the first female rapper from the state to be featured in the Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype.” Shelly B. was also the first female artist to make it on Allhiphop.com’s “Breeding Ground” section. The winner of numerous awards in her home state, Shelly B. is a leader in NC Hip Hop and a leader among Indie artists on the Hip Hop scene. Challenge her to a battle and she’ll clean her claws on you just to let you know why she is who she is. TRIBES Magazine interviewed Shelly B during her photo shoot for the TRIBES Magazine Spring 2012 Women in Hip Hop edition.
TRIBES: You’ve made a name for yourself in the Triangle and beyond. How are you being received now?
SHELLY B: I think I’ve always gotten love from this area. It was a little tough when I first started, because at that point in time, the idea of a female emcee was foreign to the entire industry, let alone
the local industry. There weren’t very many females in this area grinding and going to the studio. So in the beginning, I had to fight for my respect; for a couple of years. But when I started putting myself out there, I had that determination to be known and make sure everybody knew who Shelly B was. I started doing every talent show and open mic I could find.
I started calling up promoters. I called the radio station until they put me on. I got my actual start on the Larry Pickett Show, which was like a local talent show that was on TV in the Raleigh area.
That’s where a lot of people know me from. So I always say that’s where I got my start. After I made my appearance on that show, I started getting my name out there and the respect just grew.
TRIBES: How would you rate the Hip Hop scene in the Triangle and the Carolinas?
SHELLY B: I think with anything, growth is going to get it where it needs to be, to its ultimate destination. There definitely needs to be more growth and a bit more unity here but the talent here is out of this world as far as singers, rappers, producers…just entertainment professionals, period. This is one of the most talented markets that I know of. I think that with people getting a bit more in touch with the business side of it, coming together, unity and all that good stuff, we’ll be alright. But we’re getting there. Carolina’s got next…No. We got now! [laughs] READ MORE NOW.
TRAYVON MARTIN TRIBUTE – Invisible Me by Teron James (Atlanta)
Sparked by recent events that took place in Sanford Florida, “Invisible Me” is a song by Teron James (Atlanta indie artist) that has been dedicated to everyone who has ever been affected by violence; including 17 year old Trayvon Martin! What do you think? Post your comments or email: Teron.jamesonline@gmail.com
TRIBES INDIE PICK: Slightly Stoopid
TRAYVON MARTIN TRIBUTE – Invisible Me by Teron James (Atlanta)
Sparked by recent events that took place in Sanford Florida, “Invisible Me” is a song by Teron James (Atlanta indie artist) that has been dedicated to everyone who has ever been affected by violence; including 17 year old Trayvon Martin! What do you think? Post your comments or email: Teron.jamesonline@gmail.com
SHELLY B. – The Queen of North Carolina Hip Hop
Women’s History Month 2012 – Cover Story
ON HER DIVA
Exclusive interview with TRIBES Magazine
By Gabriel Rich
Photos by Emanuel Cole
SHELLY B is not one to take her work as a Hip Hop emcee lightly. The Raleigh native has worked far too hard to gain her status as a pioneer in both the Triangle Hip Hop scene and nationally. Strong, dedicated to her craft and on a mission, Shelly B.’s versatility is what sets her apart from the rest of the pack. You have rappers that can entertain but aren’t lyricist and there are wordsmiths that can fashion a rhyme but can’t entertain. Neither is a problem for Shelly B. She’s more than capable of giving you something for both your mind and your body and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that knows her. After all, Shelly B’s been in the game long enough to know about pleasing fans.
Shelly B. represents a number of firsts for female rappers in North Carolina. She was the first female rapper from the state to be featured in the Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype.” Shelly B. was also the first female artist to make it on Allhiphop.com’s “Breeding Ground” section. The winner of numerous awards in her home state, Shelly B. is a leader in NC Hip Hop and a leader among Indie artists on the Hip Hop scene. Challenge her to a battle and she’ll clean her claws on you just to let you know why she is who she is. TRIBES Magazine interviewed Shelly B during her photo shoot for the TRIBES Magazine Spring 2012 Women in Hip Hop edition.
TRIBES: You’ve made a name for yourself in the Triangle and beyond. How are you being received now?
SHELLY B: I think I’ve always gotten love from this area. It was a little tough when I first started, because at that point in time, the idea of a female emcee was foreign to the entire industry, let alone
the local industry. There weren’t very many females in this area grinding and going to the studio. So in the beginning, I had to fight for my respect; for a couple of years. But when I started putting myself out there, I had that determination to be known and make sure everybody knew who Shelly B was. I started doing every talent show and open mic I could find.
I started calling up promoters. I called the radio station until they put me on. I got my actual start on the Larry Pickett Show, which was like a local talent show that was on TV in the Raleigh area.
That’s where a lot of people know me from. So I always say that’s where I got my start. After I made my appearance on that show, I started getting my name out there and the respect just grew.
TRIBES: How would you rate the Hip Hop scene in the Triangle and the Carolinas?
SHELLY B: I think with anything, growth is going to get it where it needs to be, to its ultimate destination. There definitely needs to be more growth and a bit more unity here but the talent here is out of this world as far as singers, rappers, producers…just entertainment professionals, period. This is one of the most talented markets that I know of. I think that with people getting a bit more in touch with the business side of it, coming together, unity and all that good stuff, we’ll be alright. But we’re getting there. Carolina’s got next…No. We got now! [laughs] READ MORE NOW.
20 Qualities for a Successful Life
Written by David B. Bohl of slowdownfast.com
How do you define a successful life? Is it by how much money or stuff you have amassed, or is it by the legacy you leave behind? All too often we equate a successful life with material possessions. Yet, there are millions of people out there who lead successful, fulfilled lives who may be of modest means. They may not be rich in the financial sense, but they are rich in life and values.
So what are the things we should strive for to make our lives successful and have a positive impact on those around us? Here is a list of traits that I think defines what true success in life is all about. Does your list differ?
Sincerity. Be sincere in your actions. Don’t try to deceive or impress others. Be yourself, and do what you feel is right based on your values and beliefs. You will be surprised at how people accept you when you stop trying to be someone you aren’t.
Unfeigned. Be genuine in what you do; your actions speak louder than your words. Don’t falsify or embellish events that may have happened. Don’t say one thing and do the other.
Wholehearted. Be enthusiastic about what you do. Show it. Be committed to life and everything that you set out to accomplish in life. Devote yourself to your family, friends, and community and commit yourself to being the best father, husband, wife, mother, friend, and neighbor you can be.
Honest. Be honest in your dealings with yourself and with others. When others interact with you, let them see someone who is reputable, respectable and genuine. Do what you say you will do and never use fraud or deception to get ahead in life. Let ethics, morals, and honor be your compass.
Heartfelt. When you do something for someone, or they do something for you, let your thanks and emotion be openly and outwardly expressed towards them. READ THE FULL ARTICLE NOW.
Visit slowdownfast.com.
POETRY TRIBE: “A PIECE OF ME”
“A PIECE OF ME”
By Traci Cunningham
I operated at a lesser state of fine tuning, contriving a presentable life of relations, evaluated, and reconditioned my existing self at each triumph or failure.
I stare down at a piece of me that had chipped and fallen away years ago. I was convinced, 100%, that that piece of me was not needed, nor wanted, to move forward in my life’s plans. Yet aware of its presence, I stared in my peripheral side eye.
In an unexpected moment, an intimate look, a kindred spirit, the purest feeling of a woman’s joy a very subtle gentle whisper shook the existence of my soul.
LADIES FIRST: SHA-ROCK, THE FIRST FEMALE EMCEE
SHA-ROCK: THE FIRST FEMALE EMCEE
Words by Dialo Askia
Sha-Rock was the first female MC. She rocked with the Funky Four Plus One More in an era where the competition was ‘furious’. These were the days of live battles. There were no second takes if you made a mistake. The Funky Four Plus One More had routines that flowed like synchronized swimmers; but it was the crowd that was holding their breath in anticipation. These weren’t the three-minute, round battles to crown a victor, of today. Back then, they battled with shows.
The group, initially known as the Funky Four, formed in 1976. These were the beginnings of Hip Hop when advertisement was word-of-mouth and B-boys and B-girls descended upon the park to display foot and ground work to a Kool Herc break. After a lineup change, the Funky Four Plus One More was born: two deejays and five mc’s- DJ Breakout, DJ Baron, K.K. Rockwell, Keith Keith, Lil Rodney C, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and MC Sha-Rock. Their music displayed cohesiveness in the way their voices intertwined with the beat, from one mc to the next, building music like an assembly line…READ THE FULL ARTICLE NOW.
VISIT MCSHAROCKONLINE.COM
YTASHA WOMACK: INTERVIEW ON POST BLACK
YTASHA WOMACK: INTERVIEW ON POST BLACK
by DIALO ASKIA
An accurate account of a people’s history and tradition is necessary for the advancement of the people. Griots, for centuries, provided information on the land, the law, and the family. Hieroglyphics painted pictures to tell stories long before MCs wrote lyrics that projected music videos into our minds and onto the screen. Across time, such writers, illustrators, and orators are necessary to provide a voice for the generations. Author Ytasha Womack is one of today’s prominent voices, discussing African American identity in her recent book, Post Black, and giving us a glimpse into the future in her e-book, Rayla 2212.
TRIBES: What inspired you to become a writer?
YTASHA: I started off in journalism, which I didn’t really view as being a writer, in the traditional sense. Once [However], once you start telling stories, you look to tell stories in all kinds of formats whether that’s newspapers, books, film, television, etc. I just became really interested in finding the best medium to share ideas and once you get into that, I guess you become a writer.
TRIBES: What is Post Black?
YTASHA: Post Black for me takes a look at the African-American identity in the 21st century, looking at the diversity of that identity, focusing on Gen X and Gen Y for now, and then also looking at the concept of African-American identity in a post-civil rights, Obama era and the impact that it ultimately has on the personal and collective shift in identity. It’s an exploration.
Some people might view it as a lifestyle or some may see it as a statement about the end of race as we know it. I don’t think we’re quite in that zone yet. Post Black is not post-racial but it is a bridge to that period, I think. This exploration of identity facilitates that.
BEVERLY MCIVER IN THE ART TRIBE
ART SPOTLIGHT: BEVERLY MCIVER
Words by Alana Jones
Beverly McIver’s portraits are haunting. The faces that stare from the canvas and paper are quiet and weighty, layered with emotions and an ongoing internal dialogue that speaks from each stroke of paint or pencil. Filled with the sort of insight into the conflicted heart and chattering mind of the human subject that makes art essential to our existence, McIver’s portraits speak volumes in the most subtle and quiet tones.
Also visit BEVERLYMCIVER.COM
DOWNLOAD TRIBES’ 2012 ALL FEMALE HIP HOP MIXTAPE!
GET ONE OF THE HOTTEST MIXTAPES OF 2012!
WARNING: Parental Advisory! Some tracks contain explicit lyrics!
Where are all the really dope female emcees? was the sparking question that ignited this Spring 2012 edition of TRIBES Magazine. While it became apparent immediately that some purveyors of pop music and commercial hip hop may want us to believe that there aren’t many worthwhile women out there rapping today, make no mistake! Women have not fled the Hip Hop game. They are out there rapping for their lives and, if the eager response to TRIBES Magazine’s search for the most talented female rappers on the indie scene is any indication, they are steady on the grind and very much a part of Hip Hop’s future. Nearly two-dozen artist submissions and fifty tracks later, TRIBES has compiled a Top 5 from the nominations. From shoe fetishes to paper stacking, loving their children to sexing their men, being independent and maintaining their faith in a higher power, these women rap about life, their dreams and the communities that gave rhythm to their flows and taught them about love. Not marginalized figures or victims raging against the power machine, these ladies are perfectly confident in their right to rap and cleat about their place in a seat at the Hip Hop table. Step outside of the mainstream box and meet 5 Female Emcees beating the heart of Hip Hop from the underground. Featuring the hot new single, “On My Diva” by NC’s Queen of Hip Hop, SHELLY B.,; KRISTEN B. and KARINA LOPEZ bring the New York flavor; southern raps’ LADY CAM from Texas, ACE REIGN representing Chocolate City, and Greensboro’s own TREZURE are also featured! DOWNLOAD FREE!
TRIBES Magazine’s TOP 5 FEMALE EMCEES to watch: TREZURE
TREZURE AKA WIDOW (GREENSBORO, NC)
An emotive and dynamic emcee seasoned in the Tar Heel state, TreZure growls when she raps to announce the coming of a new Hip Hop movement.
Engaging the dungeon sound as a rebel “…rapper with a cause…,” TreZure is on a mission to create something exciting and fresh to reinvigorate fans bored with a genre stagnating in the mainstream. A pillar of the Greensboro Hip Hop and NC Indie Hip Hop scene, where she has more than paid her dues and diligently studied her craft, TreZure, aka Widow, seems ready to explode onto the main stage and give us something that will make fans genuinely want to get up and raise their hands. trezureakawidow.com
TRIBES Magazine’s TOP 5 FEMALE EMCEES to watch: KARINA LOPEZ
KARINA “ELEVEN” LOPEZ (NEW YORK, NY)
If you consider yourself a rap purest, you’ll love the NY flavor of Manhattan-native Karina Lopez.
True to her roots, Lopez’s sound is fresh, a little gritty and channeling an era before rap and pop music were bosom buddies. Taking on the legacy of artists like Rah Digga, Lopez is a pure lyricist, mixing short hooks and tight samples from the old skool with new jack truisms. An author, poet, writer and lyricist, Lopez has been creating since age 11 and, today, she’s on a mission, making a name for female emcees while challenging her peers to step up their rap game.
Visit 11lopez.webs.com
