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TRIBES Magazine Summer 2012: SPARK AFRICA Issue. View online now!

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In the spirit of ushering in a new summer and preparing to bring this latest TRIBES Magazine Summer 2012: Spark Africa issue to press, the crew at TRIBES Central took a field trip to the Carolina Theatre for a highly anticipated, limited screening of Marley, the new documentary film from Kevin MacDonald chronicling the complete life and works of the international superstar. Immersing his art in the political and socioeconomic realities of life in post-colonial Jamaica and committed to reclaiming a cultural homeland and spiritual roots for all members of the Africa diaspora, Bob Marley was beloved by his fans and peers for his commitment to the work of truth and reconciliation in his music and the love for humanity that permeated his life and work.

In this issue of TRIBES Magazine, join us as we head to Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leon, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, and S. Africa by way of Germany and the United States, to meet musician and activist Nneka– raising awareness around big oil business, natural resource exploitation, and state corruption in her hometown of Warri- Hip Hop Activist, promoter, and journalist, Buddha Blaze– co-founder of Spark Africa and various efforts to generate and unify Hip Hop communities across the African continent- Sister Fa– Female MC and subject of the new documentary film, Sarabah, on her mission to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) practices in her Senegalese homeland- and MAMA AFRICA, Miriam Makeba, and her peace and humanitarian work during and after the fall of apartheid in her native South Africa.

These individuals, and the other artists and activists to grace the pages of this Spark Africa edition, teach us that through intensely personal, substantively relevant expressions of art and culture, we become infinitely connected and limitless beings with voices amplified for the work of improving our world. Celebrate inspired community and the arts with our favorite summer concerts and festivals, write your Spark Africa summer playlist after a visit to our Music TRIBES and find inspiration for new forms of expression in Pierce Freelon’s latest project, Tar Heel Tracks, and Renaldo Davidson’s collaborative, mixed-media work, Black Clown.

In this summer of 2012, love, and as a means for revolution, reigns supreme and thus, we welcome you to the TRIBES Magazine 2012: SPARK AFRICA Issue. May yourheart’s light illuminate the darkness!  

Alana Jones, TRIBES Executive Editor

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.

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.

TRIBES Magazine 7th Anniversary Issue – View Now

I sat at the kitchen table with my spouse, ears glued to Democracy Now on 90.7 WNCU. “Just five nations in the world are responsible for 90% of all executions- China, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.” The phone rings. It’s my mother calling simply to call out. “We’re so busy trying to keep our heads above water, we can’t focus our attention on social change.” (“Some would say that’s the point,” is my only response).

Amy Goodman continues her broadcast of the vigil and sorrowful countdown outside of the Georgia Diagnostic Prison where Troy Anthony Davis is scheduled for execution tonight, Wednesday September 21 at 7 pm while NAACP banners and Rev. Al shout “Too much doubt!” and the anti-death penalty activists cry at the horror of state-sponsored murder,death-on-schedule by lethal injection, and pockets in the crowd begging us all to “give peace a chance.” I cry too, listening to the fear and sorrow in the voices of the family, the citizens, activists, mentors, ministers, and neighbors that have become a part of the Davis family community, and all of the world citizens listening to the broadcast and praying for our collective soul. Read More Now…

TRIBES Magazine 7th Anniversary Issue – View Now

I sat at the kitchen table with my spouse, ears glued to Democracy Now on 90.7 WNCU. “Just five nations in the world are responsible for 90% of all executions- China, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.” The phone rings. It’s my mother calling simply to call out. “We’re so busy trying to keep our heads above water, we can’t focus our attention on social change.” (“Some would say that’s the point,” is my only response).

Amy Goodman continues her broadcast of the vigil and sorrowful countdown outside of the Georgia Diagnostic Prison where Troy Anthony Davis is scheduled for execution tonight, Wednesday September 21 at 7 pm while NAACP banners and Rev. Al shout “Too much doubt!” and the anti-death penalty activists cry at the horror of state-sponsored murder,death-on-schedule by lethal injection, and pockets in the crowd begging us all to “give peace a chance.” I cry too, listening to the fear and sorrow in the voices of the family, the citizens, activists, mentors, ministers, and neighbors that have become a part of the Davis family community, and all of the world citizens listening to the broadcast and praying for our collective soul. Read More Now…

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM TRIBES MAGAZINE!

Dear TRIBES Friends:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

As we reflect on the past 7 years of TRIBES Magazine and its impact online and in the indie community, the journey has been incredible! Thank you for helping make this one of TRIBES Magazine’s best years ever. We had record-breaking hits to our website; we collaborated with new artists, writers & musicians across the globe; and we introduced a variety of new shows to TRIBES TV online and NC public TV. TRIBES Magazine is on track for even bigger things in 2012!

We’re kicking off the new year with a week of daily discussions on TRIBES FACEBOOK (also reposted here on our new BLOG). We invite you to participate in our NEW YEAR’S forum on topics including: Reality TV and the politics of representation; Bringing in the New Year TRIBES’ style; Shout Outs to the Arts Collectives; ACC HOOPS; and discussions of Women in HIP HOP in preparation for the SPRING 2012 issue featuring an interview with female emcee, SHELLY B! Please sound off each day btw Dec 26-Jan 2 and visit our newly redesigned website at http://www.tribesmagazine.com. TRIBES Magazine is always seeking writers, artists, photographers and musicians who are interested in publishing their work. Also seeking journalists to join the team.

Thank you again for your continued support.
Happy Holidays and have a creative New Year!

Alana Jones
TRIBES Magazine Editor

Leslie Cunningham
TRIBES Magazine Creator/ Editor-In-Chief