Word Life Production News-September 2011

Aug. 29, 2011 - PRLog -- That’s the only way that our communities will be able to reach the ears of those within our community. The air waves today within the poorest communities are flooded with corporate artist that promotes negativity on a large scale. Listen to the raw tracks outside of the radio stations, and I promise you that what I say is definitely spoken in truth. We are trying to teach our youth to be much more then gangsters and thugs, sexist, or sex symbols. Our race has a history through the media of not being much more than that. We are much more than that.  We have fought for generations to be much more than that. The economic depression is steadily rising; especially within the urban communities. How do we get out of this? By putting positive messages, encouragement, and hope in their hearts. We would like them to rise above the height of their situation. We do not wish to promote them to do things that could possibly land them six feet deep or in prison. There is no hope in that for them or the ones that have to live with their consequences such as family and friends. There is no community without unity. Please take heed to the words that I speak, and pay close attention to new urban underground artist that are on the rise.

This month in our Legendary Corner we have the spotlight on Eric B and Rakim. Each of the duo's first three albums achieved gold status, and they even managed the Top Five R&B hit "Friends" in 1989. While working as a mobile DJ for New York's WBLS during 1985, Eric Barrier met William Griffin, a top MC who had grown up on Long Island. The two began recording together and emerged with "Eric B Is President."

We would like to also show respect to 9th Wonder. Born Patrick Denard Douthit in Winston-Salem, NC, 9th Wonder is a Grammy Award Winning Producer, DJ, College Lecturer, and Social Activist. Since his introduction to hip-hop in 1982; 9th has been immersed in the music and culture of the art form, while gaining experience in music theory throughout middle and high school. You definitely should check him out.  He has worked with some of the best that’s ever did it.

Also while you are there, peep out this month’s celebrity pick, “Large Professor.” He became a protégé of the late Paul C, a record producer and musician, with whom he credits for teaching him virtually everything he knows about record production as well as the associated technology used for making hip-hop music. Paul C was doing production work with Eric B. & Rakim and Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud, and then at age 17, Large was given the opportunity to program beats for Eric B. & Rakim’s album, Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em (1990), while still attending high school.

Please check out one of the hottest spoken word artist around.  Mr. Saul Williams. This is our second time featuring Saul Williams because his work is so deep.  He definitely fulfills the goal of enlightening those that needs to be enlightened. In his own words…” Who I am and what I do seem to vary by mod, mood, and mode of expression. I write. I act. I perform. Most of the labels that are projected onto me are seldom how I would choose to refer to myself. Yet, regardless of how much I might dodge classification, the one label that I tote freely is that of being an artist. And it is the art of self expression that has heightened my experience on this planet and fueled my understanding of love, compassion, and humanity.”

Paul “St. Paul” Dunnaville” is a producer with a purpose. As a producer, St Paul is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to his craftsmanship and grasp on the global beat scene.  The Philly resident, musician, and community leader was born in Queens NY, earning his hip-hop stripes by break dancing and beat boxing, and banging on lunch tables (which soon became drums) throughout his youth.  He also absorbed the early raw sound of hip-hop from the legendary DJ’s Red Alert and Chuck Chillout.

Befoe you go, get a taste of Chicago with Soul Artist, Eddie Sea.  This brother has flavor that cannot be found in the underground scene of urban music. Eddie makes Soul Music that feels good anywhere, melded with the sweet blend of the 70's Circa, Maxwell, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Earth Wind, & Fire! You definitely should check out his music Eddie “Sea” has been serenading the world with the Underground G-funk legendary rapper Swolts. Producing 6 CDs. Now he’s embraced the world with his series of compilation albums the latest being “The Velvet Lounge” Which is the follow up to the classic album “Moon City”.

There is nothing like smooth jazz music from Groove:55. They are an up-tempo Smooth Jazz group, where the groove comes first. Groove 55 presents its new release “En Route”, an up-tempo smooth jazz album, foot-tapping, rhythm blended & steeped in rich harmonic original melodies! Collectively, the four band members bring decades of music experience to the project having worked with Oliver Jones, Gregory Charles, & Zachary Richard to name but a few. So it seems almost fitting that they would come together as a unified collective to share in their many years of creative experience and knowledge to create “En Route”.

Please do not forget to check out our feature artist, Jazz Guitarist “Kerry Wilkins.” Kerry's first solo project "The Introduction" was long awaited and released in 2001. The CD received airplay from California to New York. CD purchases were made from the U.S., United Kingdom, Spain, Hungary, The Netherlands, Africa and Japan. A smile graces Kerry's face as he reminisces about his childhood in Houston, Texas where he was born and raised. He vividly recalls the sizzling summers of backyard barbeques and get-togethers with the sounds of Hendrix, Funkadelic and Santana. Don’t we all!  Please check out this brother’s music.  It is soothing to the ear and soul.

Check Out Hot New Artist of the Month M.W. from Middlesex, NC. MW mimics memorable sounds from legendary R&B artists like your Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Luther Vandross. MW is an internationally known artist and vocalist. He has honored and had opportunities to meet and greet legendary singers/vocalists from across the world.  

In our Black Comedy corner, we briefly highlight the career of the one and only, “Charlie Murphy.” Charlie Murphy's rapid evolution from "Eddie Murphy's brother/bodyguard" and "Chappell’s Show" cast member to top-billed international comedian, playing to sold-out audiences around the globe, has been remarkable. He has spent the past seven years performing his critically acclaimed stand-up and solidifying his position in Hollywood as a true acting talent in his own right.

This month, we have also included highlights of black television. There are not too many shows today in the popular culture that highlight real family shows, so of course we have to take a look back into times past. This month, we are showcasing one of my favorite sitcoms, “Whats Happening!! This is a comedy sitcom that was derived from the movie Coolie High. We have also added a Gospel Artist category which highlights the career of Marvin Sapp for this month. Marvin Sapp is not only a gospel icon, but a breath of fresh air for those who seek to commune with God on a more personal level. We give him a standing ovation for all of his hard work and effort. Most recently he lost his wife who battled with cancer. We ask that you keep Marvin. Sapp and his kids uplifted in prayer as they continue on their journey in life!

Remember Cultural Identity Provides Strength and Empowerment to be Successful! I will see you next month!

Sharon “Spoken Word” Lawrence

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Word Life Production is an organization that promotes mental growth to urban communities. We promote social change, social political justice, community empowerment, economic development, and diversity. Our mission is to teach members through our network how to establish themselves as an artist by providing them with resources, education, and encouragement with hopes that they will continue to work towards their goals. We also feature a host of unsigned talent that has already established themselves as Independent artist. Some of the groups that we have put together are: College Success, Health and Mental Wellness, Inspirational Corner, Small Business Management, Cultural Awareness, and Domestic Violence. For more information please email Simone Walker at wlp@wordlifeproduction.com