HerStory: A Bad Bitch - Kelis, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu

To wrap up women’s history month, we are going to look into a question that we need to ask ourselves. Not only as women but the bitch inside of us all, the real question? What is a bad bitch? A bad bitch is a woman who can define herself without needing any input from society. A bad bitch is a woman who could care less of what people think of her image, but only what is coming across in her words. Making sure you understand who she is and what she is about. Such women include, kelis, lauryn hill, and erykah badu. Each woman at some point or other has been in the public eye and has put the middle finger up and went about her way.


Young harlemite, born Kelis Jones, better known as Kelis was first brought to the scene in 1998 with her album Kaleidoscope. Known for her wild untamed hair in her video debut “Caught Out There”; she made sure to catch the attention of everyone. Bright colored hair, holding her own, and didn’t need anything from anyone is what Kelis was about. She continued to make hit songs, like “Young, Fresh N’ New”, the infamous “Milkshake”, “Bossy” and the list goes on. In 2005 she married well-known artist Nas. She was still holding her own, married or not. Since then she had her baby and was playing the mother role. She has been missed since her last album in 2006. Don’t fret; she is to be releasing her album “Flesh Tone” this spring. The odd girl from around the way is definitely back with her song “Acapella” and in full effect.



We all remember when we first really saw Lauryn Hill. It was either when she first started with the fugees; the only female in the trio of rap/hip hop and mix of acoustic soul. If it wasn’t with the fugees, it was when she sang “Joyful, Joyful” on the all time favorite Sister Act 2. This is the same girl who was once booed off the stage of the Apollo Amateur Night at the age of 13.


Amazed I know. However, she sure did concur that stage. Hitting the stage with her album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The album had numerous #1 hits on the Billboard Charts. With singing and acting under her belt, she stayed on top. Playing by her own rules and not letting anyone get in her way. She then married Rohan Marley, son of Bob Marley. Not long after the marriage and five children with Rohan; she had released the MTV Unplugged 2.0 album. It wasn’t as successful as many of her previous albums. It was said that you could hear her breaking down over the live performance. Its no doubt about it that Lauryn is no longer the artist she once was. But it cannot be denied that she is still a bad bitch for all she had done with her music and for the community. An Essence Award for founding the Refugee Project, three awards at the 30th annual NAACP Image awards, and Ebony named her one of “100 + Most influential Black Americans”, among many other awards. Lauryn was a star still rising but at some point we all fall from the light a bit. I’m still in hopes that she will debut something crazy amazing to surprise us all.



Erica Abi Wright a.k.a. Erykah Badu, stepped onto the scene in 1997 with her album “Baduizm” , with her lead song “On & On” as #2 on the Billboard charts. Dreads that seemed to go on for days, almond shaped eyes that looked like they could read into your soul. She definitely brought a soulful touch into the music industry that hadn’t really been since the early 90’s. There were no words to described her style in music and fashion. Never cared much of what people thought, she brought her own fell and groove to the industry that was much needed. It seems as though every male who was brought into her presence changed his own style. Common Sense, now known as Common was one of her “victims”. She isn’t just an artist, she is art within herself. Willing to work with anyone and trying just about anything, she has bought hit after hit to the music game. With songs like “On & On”, “Tyrone”, “Bag Lady”, and “Honey” Just to name a few. Erykah Badu has made sure that no one could forget what she has contributed to the industry. She recently debuted her somewhat risqué video “Window Seat” from her album that released yesterday “New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh”.


(to catch the video, check out her website erykahbadu.com)


Erykah doesn’t need validation from anyone to say that she is definitely working her art, and well. She is a chameleon who will get under everyone’s skin one way or another. And she is a bad bitch for making it be known.


A bad bitch is a woman who can play in all spectrums of the court. Who aims to have everything and could care less what people think while she is doing it. Whether its manning the family front, being the number one designer, the musician that knows her craft or even the business end of it all. She is willing to do whatever it takes to be where she wants to be. She doesn’t need your ok, or say so to do it. A bad bitch is something we are and are still aiming to be. So with that ladies, I wish you a blessed Women’s History Year. We don’t need just a month to celebrate it; we can create it every day.

Three Films to See

Toe to Toe
Black girl on a scholarship with a chip on her shoulder, white girl from a privileged upbringing with nothing better to do than act up...typical plot line, right? Maybe not. Toe to Toe introduces us to Tosha and Jesse, lacrosse teammates, who despite their differences become close. Unfortunately, they're bond is sorely tested by unavoidable societal circumstances. Newcomers Sonequa Martin and Louisa Krause bring it.

Toe to Toe is the latest film from director, writer and producer Emily Abt's Pureland Pictures.





Beyond Ipanema
Brazilian samba music is brimming with African rhythms and Latin influences. It's about time that someone documented it's roots and the impact it's had on popular music. Interviews with David Byrne, MIA, and the legendary Gilberto Gil (among others) give insight into and introduce us to why so many love Brazil's rich and exciting musical culture. You won't have to drag us to see this one. In fact, we're in the mood for a little Jorge Ben Jor.





P-Star Rising
How many times have we seen kiddie rappers (Kris Kross was the bomb dot com) come and go? We've seen a few but none like Priscilla aka P-Star. Grinding at nine years-old to become a successful rapper; we follow P, her father and older sister from a shelter, to a heartrending search for her drug-addict mother and to minor success. P's spunk and moxie will pull you in.

HerStory: Alice Paul

It seems as if America has an obsession with "bad girls". There are entire shows dedicated to women who spend the better half of their days fighting each other, getting wasted before noon and having sex with so-called celebrities to get media attention and material goods. However, what does a real bad girl look like? A real bad girl looks a lot like suffragist, Alice Paul.

Paul was born in 1885, a time when children were not allowed to speak unless they were spoken to and to a certain degree "proper" women followed that same rule. However, Alice was raised by Hicksite Quaker parents who believed in equality of the sexes. As a child she was taken to National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) meetings by her mother, Tacie Parry. Tacie was born into a wealthy family and her father, Judge William Parry was one of the founders of Swarthmore, a co-ed college. In later years Alice attended Swarthmore and graduated with a bachelors in Biology.

It was during Paul's time in Birmingham, England that she became steeped in the suffragist movement. While in Birmingham Alice met the English suffragist Christabel Pankhurst, the daughter of the radical Emmeline Pankhurst. The Pankhurst women were not known to back down. Their group of suffragists engaged in violent acts of disobedience including window smashing and rock throwing to bring attention to the suffragist movement in England. They were often carted away in cuffs. Paul was jailed on several occasions for smashing windows, thus giving new meaning to the saying a smashing good time.

Deeds not words.
Pankhurst faction suffragist motto

When Paul returned to the U.S. in 1910, she was determined to employ some of the tactics used by the English suffragists. Three years later she had the opportunity to draw major attention to the movement. Paul organized a women's march down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., which coincided with Woodrow Wilson's inauguration. What was supposed to be a peaceful event turned brutal quickly; male onlookers attacked the women while the police watched. Fortunately, the actions of the abusers had a positive impact on the movement -- the suffragists made headlines across the nation.



In 1916; after separating from NAWSA, Paul created the National Women's Party (NWP) where politicians regardless of party affiliation were held accountable for the disenfranchisement of women. The NWP staged demonstrations, picketed and participated in hunger strikes. These real bad girls found themselves in prison on several occasions. Paul and key members were arrested and thrown in jail after refusing to pay petty fines. Alice Paul served time in the Occuquan Workhouse in Virginia. During this time Paul and other women staged a hunger strike to protest the conditions of the prison. The hunger strike was met with such opposition that the suffragists were beaten and in Paul's case; forced into the sanitarium in an attempt to declare her insane. Well, there is a very thin line between insanity and genius -- with Paul bordering on the latter.

After much public outcry, the women found a supporter in Wilson, who called the suffragist amendment a "war time" act. In 1920, Paul picked up where Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cody left off as the 19th Amendment was passed. Interestingly enough, the last vote came down to the 24 year-old Harry Burn, who was asked to support the act by his very own mother.

The next time a young lady (or young man for that matter) asks you who or what a bad girl is, feel confident in referring them to Paul's story or any woman in the Ladies Lotto HerStory series. Then again, you can always point to yourself.

LLadies Love Mophie

"Good design makes life better," is the mantra that Mophie works by. Juice Pack Air, TV, and Marketplace - the battery extender, TV converter, and purchase power-er (respectively) disguised as a protective case for your iPhone - are some of the most innovative products available. As if that weren't enough, the Mophie Bevy will turn your baby iPod Shuffle into a bottle opener. They sure know how to treat a LLady!

WMC Spotlight: Kate Simko and Cassy

I'm just getting back to New York after a very impressive and overwhelming weekend in Miami. This was my 8th year there for the Winter Music Conference and my 4th year of hosting the Spectral/Ghostly event.

For those of you who aren't familiar with WMC, it is the annual gathering of dance music that hosts hundreds of events featuring the best (and the not so best) in new electronic music.

Amongst all the heated sets I saw this year, I was able to catch a couple sets by two talented females. They both not only have stellar taste in music but they can also undeniably move a crowd.




Kate Simko is a good friend of mine and is also part of the Ghostly family. Over the past couple of years, Kate's style has really evolved amazingly. Her background is in classical music but she began to find herself more and more interested in electronic music. She has spent time in Santago, Chile which influenced her music to become a hybrid of her Chicago house sound, mixed with more Latin-influenced percussion. She has even produced the score to a major PBS documentary.

Check out Kate's chill mix here; it's prefect for kicking back and taking it all in where ever, when ever. You can also pick up "Music from the Atom Smashers" at the iTunes store.




Cassy is another artist that I not only admire as a DJ, but also as a multi-talented producer. She was born in England to a Caribbean father and an Austrian mother. Growing up in Austria, the local electronic music scene (known as the 'downtempo' sound in the 1990s) inspired her to become a deejay, which led her to Berlin. Her production skills grew and she now records for some of the best dance music labels in the world, as well as holding down a DJ residency at the famous Panorama Bar.

Cassy's mix will FM you up!


Hope you enjoy these Ladies and their music. For more info check out ghostly.com

HerStory: A Tale of Two Coasts and 2 Amazing Ladies

We all love a little rivalry now and then, especially East Coast vs. West Coast. And to add a dash and a splash of Hip-Hop intrigue into the HerStory (Amazing Women!) month, I thought it might be nice to rap about 2 dope chicas from Hip-Hop that are changing the game of social activism from 'keeping it real' to 'making shit right!'

A little back story may be in order so you can really see what’s going on, and who the players are:

1. East Coast representative J-Love Calderon

2. West Coast representative Asia One

J-Love is my best friend since age 2, growing up in Denver, Colorado, we were inseparable, whether we were roller skating on Saturdays or having gigantic house parties at my mom’s crib when she was out of town. J was not going to be a regular white girl. She always identified more with Black culture, and Hip-Hop, and was the first female I knew of in Denver to start “getting-up” on the walls with her infamous ‘Act-One” tag. While I was an awkward and shy mixed kid, J-Love fit in with all crowds. While I loved middle school, and the motley assortment of Michael Jackson, Prince and Apollonia, and Led Zeppelin influenced heads, once high school started and the gang life of Bloods and Crips saturated our world, I opted out while J got down. From that point on we began our different paths, mine as a Bgirl and hers as a social activist fighting to end white privilege. We both used Hip-Hop as a tool for growth, whether it was with Zulu Nation, where we learned about the Nation of Islam and the 5 percent nation, eating clean food and why not to eat pork, knowledge of self, Egyptology, diversity, and respect for all peoples, Behold the Pale White Horse and Alien life.

I became one of the most famous Bgirls of the early 90’s, got down with Rock Steady Crew, and became an outspoken advocate for Hip-Hop culture and spokesperson for Bboys and Bgirls worldwide. J-Love graduate from San Diego State, went on the get her masters in New York, and became a social worker, and later a case worker and educator at El Puente High School in Williamsburg Brooklyn. We both worked on the event I created with the help of Jlove and Easy Rock, and the Universal Zulu Nation of San Diego, called the Bboy Summit. It was our tribute to the skills of Hip-Hop, the disciplines and disciples, to honor the Bboys and Bgirls, the original rockers of Hip-Hop. Jlove went on to author her first book, starting the nonprofit entitled “We Got Issues” and to create curriculum for educators that teaches tools of empowerment to people of color. While J-Love cruises thru the college circuit, motivating young people and lecturing on the concept of white privilege, and crusading for truth, justice and freedom, I tour around the globe, breaking, writing graffiti, teaching workshops, and producing events. We meet up periodically to get our dose of each other, and to laugh, love, and create together.

1. What are you doing now to change the game?

JL: What I am up to now is books and the publishing business; and producing TV and Film. That White Girl, the movie focuses on a white girl coming the age while grappling with race, graffiti, Hip-Hop, and gangs; and moving on some incredible TV projects (top secret for now), and my multi-media project 'Till the White Day is Done, in which the first initiative, LOVE, RACE, and LIBERATION curriculum guide (co-edited by myself and Marcella Runell Hall) drops this Women's Herstory Month. It is a guide for educators and activists to use in discussing the tough issues of race and white privilege in America.

Asia: Turned my for profit into a nonprofit called No Easy Props Productions that houses my after school program for youth called “Hip-Hop 101” where we teach multiculturalism, self-identity, physical education through Bboy/Bgirl dance, and art education through making graffiti inspired street wear; and the international annual event est. 1994, called “The B-Boy Summit”. I am also working on a TV show about Bboys and Bgirls, and a line of energy botanical teas for the Hip-Hop community.

2. Your life’s purpose?

JL: My life's purpose is dedicated to Truth, Love, and Freedom. I commit myself to building healthy tribe, creating community, righting wrongs, and loving completely.

Asia: To build a sustainable healthy Hip-Hop community, educated, empowered, and charged with the vitality of life to change the world with.

3. Who u roll with?

JL: My crews roll deep and wide. I am down with the Hip-Hop community and progressive activist community worldwide; TV and Film projects with my partners Johnny Sanchez, Heidi Miami, M1, MC Serch, Marla Teyolia, Byron Hurt Kamilah Forbes; and my best friend and business partner launching our new Hip-Hop Tea line is none other than the amazing Asia-One.

Asia: No Easy Props is my motto and movement! Zulu Kings and Kweens is who I rep with in the circles worldwide massive. The children of the world are all of my seeds, and I roll with the youth!

4. Why folks should follow you?

JL: My goal is bridging social justice with commercially viable people, products and experiences. I would love to expand my community with like-minded, creative women leaders who care deeply about peace and social justice, as well as creating innovative, artistic projects that show the world the depth and breath of women’s' power and potential.http://www.jlovecalderon.com

Asia: In order to demand more out of life, we must give of ourselves, each one doing our part collectively as a CommUnity. No more self-serving ego agendas. We want change and we are the change we want to see! www.asia-1.org

Well there you have it, 2 different phenomenal women, from different coasts, ambitious idealists that see the world thru the lens of Hip-Hop but are taking different pictures to create their story.

Something to Chew On: Women's Work

*SAVE THE DATE*
Women's Work

DATE: Sunday, April 25th, 2010
TIME: 3:30-9pm
LOCATION: Kopeikin Gallery
8810 Melrose Avenue,
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Ladies Lotto and Slideluck Potshow have partnered on WOMEN'S WORK - a multimedia slideshow and potluck networking dinner, illuminating aspects of the contemporary female experience.

More information here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=103601459677172

HerStory: Lisa Nichols

Lisa Nichols' life story isn't of the usual variety. There were no family connections, Ivy League colleges or having an easy time of it in general. She is, in her words "a little black girl from South Central." However, that little girl grew up to be the living, breathing inspiration for millions around the world. Her dedication to sharing her story and life lessons is what helps her connect to people from all walks of life. She isn't your typical self-help, motivational speaker.

Encouraging women to define themselves and helping them tap into the power within is her goal. She is passionate about women embracing who and what they are as a means to becoming who they want to be. "You think and speak your life into existence." What she promotes is so powerful, that men have been very vocal about her female-directed message. And it's true that anyone can apply her teachings to their life.

Lisa participated in the now-defunct "Starting Over"; helping women get past difficult points in their lives and recreate themselves. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show numerous times, as well as having taken part in the wildly popular, The Secret. Previously labeled the worst writer by her English teacher has ever seen, Nichols has published three books. We as women (and men) should be "non-negotiable" about ourselves and our goals. "Reject average and embrace extraordinary!"

"Be so sure that you have claimed what you want, that you have to say yes twice! Yes, yes!"

Learn more about Lisa and her mission at www.Lisa-Nichols.com.

HerStory: Zadie Smith

Authoress Zadie Smith came from, if nothing else, intellectually privileged beginnings. Born of Jamaica by way of northwest England, an inquisitive girl grew to be on of the most coveted wordsmiths of a generation. As a child she dreamt of becoming a musical movie actress alla Carmen Jones but, instead, tapped her way to Cambridge University to study English Literature. Here is where she started a short story that later expanded into what is now known as her first novel, White Teeth. This portrait of a multicultural life in London won her much acclaim as told through the lives of three ethnically diverse families. "I never attended a creative writing class in my life," she has cited. "I have a horror of them. Most writers groups moonlight as support groups for the kind of people who think that writing is therapeutic. Writing is the exact opposite of therapy. The best, the only real training you can get is from reading other people's books."

Zadie has set as a Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard University and lives in London with her husband, poet NicK Laird, and daughter, Irie. Speaking In Tongues by Zadie Smith

HerStory: Anthems

For years women have empowered themselves through music. From bad-ass rocker chicks, to those who are on the TLC tip we've come a long way from singing in genteel girl groups.

Check out the videos below.


Salt 'N' Pepa - None of Your Business


Nancy Sinatra - These Boots Are Made for Walking


The Runaways - Cherry Bomb

Two Moms in the Raw

Starved and in between meetings armed with a Starbucks gift certificate and no cash, I found the nearest Starbucks for a soy latte and quite possibly any non-dairy snack I could find. I got the feeling the 'Buck (as I like to call it) wouldn't have a large and delicious selection of vegan fair. I was right, they really didn't. BUT one amazing option available was a blueberry granola from TWO MOMS IN THE RAW. Zoinks!!!! I had a perfect little snack - gluten-free and dairy-free. Be on the look out.

The company has a great story - Shari, the owner/founder was diagnosed with MS and decided to spread the love and healing foods by creating good, healthy snacks for the buck-head masses.

Check it out online: http://2momsintheraw.com/index.html

DJ Cat's Pu$$y Party at WMC 2010

CITRUSONIC & LOLA INK
present

DJ CAT'S PU$$Y PARTY WMC 2010
Saturday, March 27th

Featuring "Downtown Calling"
a film narrated by Debbie Harry

Special Guest
Arthur Baker
DJ Cat NYC
Automatic Panic
Cosmo

Live Performances by
Erika Jayne (www.erikajayne.com)
Dangerous Muse (www.dangerousmuse.com)

Hosted by Matt and Greg of KILL HANNAH

8pm - 10pm // Screening of Downtown Calling
10pm - 4am // DJs Arthur Baker, DJ Cat NYC & Surprise Special Guest


Bardot
3456 North Miami Avenue
Miami Beach

RSVP
pussyparty@djcatnyc.com


www.downtowncalling.com
www.bardotmiami.com
www.djcatnyc.com


Click here for the Facebook Pu$$y Party invite

HerStory: Candice Han

Candice Han represents the every woman while still achieving total individuality. She is the public relations practitioner and brand-blending entrepreneur behind her company Pitchblend Media. Her client list includes top name music acts, visual artists and companies who shall remain nameless for privacy purposes.

Her specialty? Innovation and technology.

Her methodology?

“I make sure to stay ahead of the curve with all the on and offline technology that is constantly emerging so I know how to apply these tools for my company and especially for my clients,” says Han. “I understand the dynamic shifting of media and how that makes sense for companies and the arts & entertainment. I always make sure that my methods and the services I offer are top level, delivering ideas that have never been done before.”

Beyond nonstop output and pure productivity, Han contributes much more of the really real stuff to our world. After a DJ career, and a late-bloomer B.A. in Journalism and PR, she made her business dreams happen after struggling for years with self-doubt and insecurity. Her thriving company represents sacrifice, championship, persistence, self-love and confidence…in addition to a finely tuned social media compass and a reputation of campaign creativity that precedes her.

“I know there isn't anything I can't do or accomplish and that goes for everyone in this world. Fear is an illusion. Whenever you take risks, roll the dice and surrender to free fall, you will always land on your feet and win.”
- Candice Han

Herstory: Lynda Weinman

Lynda Weinman, a Web graphics and design veteran, wrote the very first industry book on Web design, Designing Web Graphics, in 1995. She is a prominent educator and the author of dozens of best-selling books. Weinman was a faculty member at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, in 1989, and has worked as an animator and motion graphics director in the film special effects industry.

Weinman has worked as a consultant for Adobe, Macromedia, and Microsoft, and has conducted workshops at Disney, Microsoft, Adobe, and Macromedia. She has been a keynote speaker, moderator, and lecturer at numerous design, animation, Web design, and computer-graphics conferences. Weinman and her husband Bruce Heavin co-founded lynda.com in 1995. (via Lynda.com)

Back in undergrad I took a class on how to build a website. This was waaayyy back when most people didn't know what HTML was and when frames were acceptable as the norm. One resource my teacher shared with us (Travis Smith of Variety.com) was LYNDA.COM. Went to Lynda for the web palette below which is a quick reference for changing colors in HTML (again, back when most people weren't using dreamweaver, etc).

The thing about Lynda is that she really is a pioneer in web based graphics and her website has massive reach and influence. Enjoy the resource she provides!

Check out: http://www.lynda.com

Warp Records party in Los Angeles, 3/25

Warp Records & Thesex present:
____________________
Pivot
Spirit Animal
____________________
DJ Sets by:
Boom Bip
Autolux
!!!
No Age
and more.
____________________
FREE
21+
____________________
Flier: Stein Brianhoff
____________________
Set times:

8pm-9pm: Warp/Lex Records DJs
9pm-9.45pm: SPIRIT ANIMAL - LIVE
9.45pm-10:30: No Age - DJ set
10:30-11:30pm: !!! - DJ set
11:30-12:15am: PIVOT - LIVE
12:15-1am: Autolux - DJ set
1am-2am: Boom Bip - DJ set

HerStory: Model Behavior

Models are known for being the tall slim women, with long gorgeous flowing hair, radiant skin, flawless features and legs for days. While the fashion industry thrives for the perfect look, I love and commend those who don’t and still stand out beyond the typical mannequin models. Two models that have always stood out, Omahyra Mota and Crystal Renn.

Omahyra Mota

Omahyra Mota, the bad ass model from the 90’s before the Agyness Denn’s even came about. Born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York by the age of 10, this young model was soon signed to Boss Models 6 years later. Omahyra was known for her androgynous look. Gaped front teeth, edgy boy hair cut, and lip pierced was once viewed as abnormal was soon all over the billboards. Campaign model for Roca Wear to the catwalk for the late great Alexander McQueen, Fendi, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Nina Ricci to name a few. Omahyra, known for modeling both men’s and women’s clothes, was voted one of People Magazine’s 50 most beautiful people in 2001. Omahyra has made an impact within the fashion world, modeling and acting under her belt since ’04, who knows what else there is for Mota



Crystal Renn-

Model Crystal Renn first came to light at the age of 14 and was told to lose a third of her body weight. She did as she was told in the beginning of her career to fit in. She did the diets, ate properly, and went to the gym, all for the sake of fashion. Over time her body caught up and she had a health crisis causing her to rethink some of her habits. Gaining back 70lbs to get back to her normal body weight, she was officially noted as a plus size model. When coming back into the fast lane of the fashion life, she had gained back her original 40% body weight, which would make her a size. Since her come back, she has been able to be on even more magazine spreads, representing the plus size women. Some magazines include Italian Vogue, V magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar. Recently reporting for Glamour Magazine on New York Fashion Week 2010 on the fall collections, Crystal wishes to continue to her plus size career as well as making the world accept the plus size models even more.


Whats not to love about a model who wants to be more than just another pretty face, but a face and a story that's unforgettable.

Swedish Hip-Hop Invasion

I just left an amazing SXSW festival spending most of the time with the cream of the crop in Swedish hip hop. Sweden is mostly known for the melancholic twee-pop in courtesy of talents such as El Perro Del Mar, Jens Lekman, Jose Gonzales and many more. But there is a whole lot more to discover from this northern country.
The Swedish hip-hop scene is blasting! So much impressive talents to discover!
For all you west coast chicks I strongly recommend you to hit one of 2 Swedish hip-hop showcases this week.

Swedish Hip-Hop Invasion Starring international Hip-Hop superstars live and direct from Sweden:
Adam Tensta
Looptroop Rockers
Timbuktu & Chords

SAN FRANSISCO THURSDAY MARCH 25
Club Six Dark Room 60
6th Street
San Francisco
$10 Doors at 8PM

LOS ANGELES SUNDAY MARCH 28
Garage Theater
251 East 7th Street
Long Beach, CA 90813
$8 Doors at 8PM

Check out The Swede Beat Magazine next week for exclusive interviews and videos from SXSW with our favorite Swedish hip-hop stars.

Nikki and Rich WMC 2010

Nikki Leonti, the California-born daughter of a preacher man and Rich Velonskis, a Queens-born producer and DJ are Nikki and Rich. The duo have received tons of buzz for their work which is a mash up of 60s soul, electro and a little power ballad to bring it all together. Nikki's soulful voice and Rich's beats are helping to solidify the group as "The Next Best Thing." Play the video below if you have any doubts.






If you're in MIA for WMC why not hear Nikki and Rich firsthand?


Reprise Records, Citrusonic and Coco de Ville present Nikki & Rich Album Listening Event with Special DJ set by LA RIOTS

Thursday, March 25th
8PM to 10PM

Coco Deville
2377 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Complimentary cocktails provided by VeeV Vodka

RSVP: nikkiandrich@citrusonic.net


Press Inquiries: Lorraine Lamont/Lola Ink

Dance or Die WMC 2010

Citrusonic in association with Coco de Ville present
DANCE OR DIE

Thursday, March 25, 2010
10pm

Coco de Ville
2377 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139


FEATURING
Larry Tee (D.A.N.R)
Alexander Technique (D.A.N.R)
Automatic Panic (Citrusonic)
DJ Cat NYC (Citrusonic)
Matt Devine & Greg (Kill Hannah)
MK (MDM Artists)
Dangerous Muse (Citrusonic)
Lauren Flax (MDM Artists)
Jeremy Dawson (Shiny Toy Guns)

Live Performances by
Erika Jayne (www.erikajayne.com)
The Fire and Reason (D.A.N.R)

RSVP Only: danceordie@citrusonic.net


Does the name DJ Cat NYC sound familiar? It should! She's LL all the way, repping it in MIA!

Health Care Naysayers

This week the United States joined 87gazillion other nations who offer some type of universal health care to its citizens. Granted there are flaws BUT it's a move away from special interest towards people interest. Above is a fabulous map of the world according to universal healthcare coverage. See for yourself WHO is doing it.

Of course the bill barely passed, obviously Republicans were staunchly against anything of the sort. But who were the Democrats opposing the bill? Here's a list of those who voted NAY (we wouldn't be mad at you if you decided to call and complain). Wonder what their re-election stats will be?

John Adler (D-NJ)
Jason Altmire (D-PA)
Michael Arcuri (D-NY)
John Barrow (D-GA)
Marion Berry (D-AR)
Dan Boren (D-OK)
Rick Boucher (D-VA)
Bobby Bright (D-AL)
Ben Chandler (D-KY)
Travis Childers (D-MS)
Artur Davis (D-AL)
Lincoln Davis (D-TN)
Chet Edwards (D-TX)
S. Herseth Sandlin (D-SD)
Tim Holden (D-PA)
Larry Kissell (D-NC)
Frank Kratovil (D-MD)
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL)
Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
Jim Marshall (D-GA)
Jim Matheson (D-UT)
Mike McIntyre (D-NC)
Michael McMahon (D-NY)
Charlie Melancon (D-LA)
Walt Minnick (D-ID)
Glenn Nye (D-VA)
Collin Peterson (D-MN)
Mike Ross (D-AR)
Heath Shuler (D-NC)
Ike Skelton (D-MO)
Zachary Space (D-OH)
John Tanner (D-TN)
Gene Taylor (D-MS)
Harry Teague (D-NM)

Thank you GOOD for providing the full list -- read more: http://www.good.is/post/health-care-reform-we-got-it

Herstory: Emma Goldman

Goldman, above at an unemployed workers rally in Union Square NYC

Emma Goldman, born in to an impoverished Orthodox Jewish family in what is now Lithuania, emigrated to the US as a teen, has been described as—among other things—"the most dangerous woman in America". She was a staunch supporter of anarchism, a political philosophy most people know little about.

During her life, Goldman was lionized as a free-thinking "rebel woman" by admirers, and derided by critics as an advocate of politically motivated murder and violent revolution. Her writing and lectures spanned a wide variety of issues, including prisons, atheism, freedom of speech, militarism, capitalism, marriage, free love, and homosexuality. Although she distanced herself from first-wave feminism and its efforts toward women's suffrage, she developed new ways of incorporating gender politics into anarchism.

As an anarchist, Goldman championed numerous human rights causes, particularly the issue of free speech. Widely persecuted for her advocacy of anarchism and opposition to World War I, Goldman was active in the early 20th century free speech movement, seeing freedom of expression as a fundamental necessity for achieving social change. Her outspoken championship of her ideals, in the face of persistent arrests, inspired Roger Baldwin, one of the founders of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Goldman advocated passionately for the rights of women, and is today heralded as a founder of anarcha-feminism, which challenges patriarchy as a hierarchy to be resisted alongside state power and class divisions. In 1897 she wrote: "I demand the independence of woman, her right to support herself; to live for herself; to love whomever she pleases, or as many as she pleases. I demand freedom for both sexes, freedom of action, freedom in love and freedom in motherhood.”

Goldman was also an outspoken critic of prejudice against homosexuals. Her belief that social liberation should extend to gays and lesbians was virtually unheard of at the time, even among anarchists. As Magnus Hirschfeld wrote, "she was the first and only woman, indeed the first and only American, to take up the defense of homosexual love before the general public." In numerous speeches and letters she defended the right of gays and lesbians to love as they pleased and condemned the fear and stigma associated with homosexuality. As Goldman wrote in a letter to Hirschfeld, "It is a tragedy, I feel, that people of a different sexual type are caught in a world which shows so little understanding for homosexuals and is so crassly indifferent to the various gradations and variations of gender and their great significance in life."

After decades of obscurity, Goldman's iconic status was revived in the 1970s, when feminist and anarchist scholars rekindled popular interest in her life.

Read Emma's writings here: http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Goldman/

Via WIKIPEDIA

LL Chicago...it's time to BLOOM + TONE

LL CHICAGO!

As we near the end of this dreary winter, join CRAVE for a vibrant day of rejuvenation at the Bloom and Tone CRAVEparty!

WHAT: A fresh beauty & wellness event.
WHEN: Sunday, March 28th, 1-6pm
WHERE: Architectural Artifacts at 4325 N Ravenswood in Chicago
PRICE: $25 per participant

Tighten and Tone

Sign-up to try four 30-minute unique and fresh fitness regimens! You get to choose your four favorite fitness classes out of six fun and fabulous options!

Relax and Indulge

Each fitness class will spaced by 30-minute free-time sessions for you to indulge in mini-spa services, shop in lululemon athletica’s pop-up store, engage with and learn from a nutritionist, pep-up your wardrobe with a style coach, try delicious and healthy snacks, relax in the CRAVE Cooldown Lounge, and more to completely refresh and exhilarate yourself this Spring.

For more information and to register click here.

Los Angeles: Lotto Take Over! March 30th at The Village Idiot

Hello, hello!

Spring is in full-effect, the flowers are blooming & the birds are chirping and you're getting ready to conquer the season! Broaden your social and professional network by mixing with Ladies Lotto.

Here's the deal -

March 30th
8-10PM

The Village Idiot
7383 Melrose Ave (between Martel & LaBrea)
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Doing what we do best - bringing power house ladies together to create & further personal and professional development, build successful ventures and community.

Ladies Lotto Los Angeles begins spring with an exclusive networking event for its members and those like-minded independent ladies.

Join us as we bring together women from all over LA and a variety of industries for drinks and dinner (optional).

RSVP NOW: RSVPLA@LADIESLOTTO.COM

$15 prix fix available (includes food and beverages)

**Look sharp, bring your business cards & like-minded women**

HerStory: Oprah Winfrey

There is no one else in the world with the power and credibility to cause such radical market swings and consumer price changes. Oprah Winfrey is the one person who by simply speaking the name of a product in print or on air has that very effect. And actually, the term “Oprah Effect” has been given to the guaranteed increase of sales that that occurs when a book is selected for her revered Oprah’s Book Club.

CNN, Time, and Life have all said that Winfrey is arguably the most popular and influential woman in the world. Life and USA Today deem her the most influential black person…not black woman, but black person…of her generation, and President Obama agrees.

To have such an impact is undeniably astounding. Although she starred in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple in 1985, Winfrey’s rise to the media mogul master she is today began most notably with the launch of her hour-long, nationally syndicated talk-how, The Oprah Winfrey Show, in 1986. Viewers and critics were shocked when Winfrey outshined the previously most popular tabloid talk show hosted by Phil Donahue. The public was instantly drawn in to Winfrey’s layman’s curiosity, sense of humor and above all, her empathy.

In the 90’s, Winfrey switched up the style of her show and began focusing less on tabloids and more on relevant issues including politics, spirituality, women’s health, gifting and home décor. She talked to celebs about charity work, health issues, substance abuse or any issues that were important to them, instead of the usual gossip-talk. Winfrey’s show also gave a voice to normal folks doing extraordinary things.

Hinging from her ridiculously successful talk show, Winfrey now publishes O, The Oprah Magazine and she’s co-authored five books. Oprah.com boasts more than 70 million page views, more than six million users per month, and about 20,000 emails each week. Winfrey also has her own XM Radio show, Oprah Radio. And along with such major accomplishments, this is a woman who is dedicated to charity work in the highest, most hands-on form.

On deck for Winfrey is her narration of Discovery Channel’s upcoming documentary series, Life, which airs this month. With her project No Phone Zone, she is campaigning something fierce to raise awareness for how dangerous it is to drive while texting, emailing, etc. Whether we love her, hate her, or only pay attention to her weight gains and losses, her complete takeover in the world of media deserves an LLady high-five any day.

HerStory: Tina Fey

Funny girl Tina Fey has taught us all just what it means to transform our awkward teenage awesomeness into grown woman swag. Joining the cast of the infamous and iconic Saturday Night Live in 2000 only after a three year journey to head writer and dropping 30 pounds on her own accord, Ms. Fey now dominates the comedic and entertainment scene once reserved for a gentleman's post.

Winner of several Emmy's, Golden Globes, SAG and Writers Guild accolades, Philly native Elizabeth Stamatina Fey graduated from the University of Virgina in 1992 and headed to Chicago where she joined The Second City improv troupe. Here she worked like a dog to fully immerse herself in the art of improvisation "like one of those athletes trying to get into the Olympics," as she puts it. "I was so sure that I was doing exactly what I'd been put on this earth to do, and I would have done anything to make it onto that stage. It was all about blind focus."

She now sits atop such smash hits as Mean Girls, Baby Mama, and the sitcom 30 Rock (loosely based on her experience as the head writer on the aforementioned SNL sketch comedy show). In 2001, Tina became Mrs. Jeff Richmond, 30 Rock composer and longtime love, and welcomed daughter Alice Zenobia in 2005. Who says we can't have it all?

The LLOW DOWN Tonight at SXSW!

Ladies Lotto Austin kicks off with two MAJOR events on TONIGHT - Thursday, March 18th! RSVP NOW: SXSW@LADIESLOTTO.COM Doing what we do best - bringing power house ladies together to create & further personal and professional development, build successful ventures and community. So listen up! From 5-7:30pm, we're hosting an exclusive networking event for our members and those like-minded independent ladies. Join us as we bring together women from coast to coast (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco & more) for drinks and dinner (optional). Hosted by Sarah Cirkiel, Lorraine Lamont, Catherine Wentworth & Ruby Veridiano WHERE: Parkside / 301 E 6th St / Austin, TX 78701 / (512) 474-989 / http://parkside-austin.com/ RSVP NOW: SXSW@LADIESLOTTO.COM Later on... TONIGHT! Thursday, March 18th! 8PM - 2AM Join us for the the Unofficial SXSW showcase "LLOW DOWN" The launch of LADIES LOTTO'S AUSTIN + LOLA INK Benefit for GIRLS ROCK CAMP AUSTIN WHERE: The Music Gym / 815 East 6th St. / Austin, TX 78702 FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS... Hosted by Ruby Veridiano Bands: THE FIRE & REASON (D.A.N.R) BAD RABBITS (KARMALOOP) THE BEATARDS (MIXTAPE RIOT) THE COLOURIST (BIG PICTURE MEDIA) EMII (BIG PICTURE MEDIA) ENDLESS HALLWAY (WIND-UP RECORDS) FRANK AND DEROL (BIG PICTURE MEDIA) GOD-DES AND SHE (G & S RECORDS) MELISSA BRYAN (GIRLS ROCK CAMP) MUSSELS (WOXY) PATCHES (GIRLS ROCK CAMP) THE NEW COLLISIONS (BIG PICTURE MEDIA) TERRY POISON (BLOOM EFFECT) DJs: THE TOXIC AVENGER (IHEARTCOMIX) AUTOMATIC PANIC (CITRUSONIC) DJ CAT NYC (CITRUSONIC) CEEPLUS BAD KNIVES (HOUSTON, TX) DMNDAYS (BLOODCOMPANY) FREDSTER (BOYS & GIRLS) SKRILLEX (ULTRA RECORDS) TRASH YOURSELF (DANCE ROBOTS DANCE) JOHAN (LOSE CONTROL) MAKE THE GIRLS DANCE (ULTRA RECORDS) RSVP NOW: SXSW@LADIESLOTTO.COM Ladies Lotto is an online network of women movers and shakers in the fashion, film and music world. (http://ladieslotto.blogspot.com) LL is aimed at developing the professional and personal success of independent women. Since it's inception in 2006, by founder Natalie Blacker, the group has put together hundreds of events and panels. It's members consist of women from all over the country in various professions and walks of life. As a collective, Ladies Lotto works in motivating, inspiring and empowering young women. Since Ladies Lotto's membership is comprised of some of the most creatively elite women in music, social media, art and fashion, the Launch and "LLow Down" showcase has been designed to take place during SXSW in Austin, TX. **In association with and fundraiser for Girls Rock Camp Austin** **$10 suggested donation** Girls Rock Camp has a mission to encourage, engage, and showcase the musical, artistic and individual talents of girls and young women ages 8 - 18. (www.girlsrockcampaustin.org) Pics by www.holly-henderson.com