From Flatbush Basement to Bushwick Rooftop, Bondfire Radio Presents It’s 3rd Annual Audio Festival

Hosted by TK and Conscious of Bondfire Radio’s flagship show “TKinTheAM”, BFR invites you to experience it’s 12 hour live broadcast atop a beautiful and sheltered rooftop deck in the borough of Brooklyn. 
 

What started in 2014 as a fundraising marathon (think, telethon for radio) of live programing set during an intimate meet and greet in a basement converted studio, has since transformed into an all day event of music, performances, engaging interviews, tasty food and vendors. The community that Bondfire Radio has cultivated over the last three years both online and off converges to celebrate a rich assortment of media producers, artists and the listeners that support them. Bringing their slogan Real Radio For Real People to life.

After an introduction lead by TK & Conscious, BFR’s JazzLife and The Wonderful World of Carminelitta launch the early a.m. leg of broadcasting. Jaialai and artist Baba Ali serve the sonic backdrop for a VIP Mimosa Brunch by Essence magazine featured Chef, Airis Johnson. Fittingly financial talkshow Brunch & Budget with Pam & Dyalekt follows up this cool dining experience. Tea with Queen & J joins the festival representing radio’s podcast community cousins, performing a version of their show for the first time live with Bondfire Radio. Right after, DJ Macedonia’s Both Sides of the Surface show combines vinyl, tapes and digital for a well rounded hip-hop, soul, funk and electronic trip.

Over three years in and close to six hundred episodes under their belts, festival hosts TK & Conscious bring their morning show ‘TKinTheAM’ to the party with the same flare only in the afternoon, followed by Terry ‘Kid Lucky’ Lewis who will share a compelling narrative through Beat-rhyme & Storytelling monologue. For first time a specific twist on live beatmaking will be explored through the Beat Flip Session presented by Reiatsu Records during a real-time beatmaking challenge and improvisational beat mechanics set. Giving producers a moment to shine, sans vocal accompaniment.

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In Bondfire tradition, featured music artists SoSoon, Smax Music, Crimdella and duo Raii & Whitney (as seen on America’s Got Talent) will all meet the interview hot seat before sharing their talents in explosive sets.

Bondfire Radio’s 3rd Annual Audio Festival is made possible in part with support from:

Funkadelic Studios (an affordable, creative, open space for musicians to grow),

Suits & Roots (empowering glass ceiling breakers of Color daily), Freestyle Mondays (NYC’s longest freestyle jam session), 331 Wellness Strategies (Holistic body work), and The VS (NYC premiere curated party experience).

For Press Inquiries Email:

bondfireradio@gmail.com

For tickets, order here: http://bit.ly/BFRAF3

Rent Parties & Gentrification: A NY Educator leaves NY, to Discover NY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rent Parties & Gentrification: A NY Educator leaves NY, to Discover NY.

It’s unlikely that the average New Yorker deeply contemplates the history of the city they live in, let alone would craft an entire album that examines it thoroughly with regards to the significant contributions black people have made to develop Old New York, formerly New Amsterdam. James “SoSoon” Gantt, artist and educator gives us a glimpse of his 2nd solo album  "SOONY" (an acronym for Sound Of Old New York) today with the release of two singles, ‘Rent Party’ and ‘Gentrified’ while prepping for a flight to launch his #NieuwAms16 tour.

In a recent interview with FreeHiphopNow SoSoon discusses the crowdfunding aspect of this endeavor, one that is taking him to Amsterdam to engage in a two week study program, BESS (Black Europe Summer School). “I had support from a lot of unexpected sources; 57 ppl in total helped raise over $2000 in 9 days.” A big deal for any independent artist taking on financial responsibilities without label support. Fundraising does not come without obstacle, “writing a concise spiel to explain the project, coming up with perks and fear of failure were the biggest challenges” says SoSoon. This excursion redefines continuing education. He will also make a stop in Paris for a youth competition Mayor of My City which uses Hip-Hop to teach social Justice & civic engagement. “MOMC started in Paris 4 years ago with winners traveling to NY. This is the 1st time we're doing the reverse.”

“The Nieuw Amsterdam project is a huge long term initiative. (My) overall goal is to research NY's history. Findings will be disseminated through music, theater, visual art, documentary, and guided tour” remarks SoSoon who seems to have it all under control sans a hint of sweat on his brow. If only we could be so cool about such a massive undertaking.

Rent Party and Gentrified can be found on SoSoon’s Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/sosoonmusic

To keep up with  #NieuwAms16 and join SoSoon during his tour follow @nieuwamsterdamprjct on Instagram and FaceBook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/SoSoonMusic

Follow @SirSoSoon on Twitter

#FHHNTalk with SoSoon on Storify http://bit.ly/FHHNTalk

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Lil Young Conscious - Bear Arms

Lds & Gntlmn by iAreConscious

New music from iAreConscious.

Up the ladder, down the ladder

hold your liquor, spill your bladder

control, data overload

slang enigma nigga, pull the trigger, unload

i remember the winter when the video killed the radio slow

overdose of jimi mixed with Kendricks

musical pron, similar to listening to skin flicks

word sound power with  the strength of Bill Bix

Valdez spill, bounty will provide a quick fix

picker uper she down, for the count Basie

big band expand, fill the gap in for niggas was rappin

but niggas been rappin since the fields

peel back rhythm hit'em, split'em give them riddim stead'uh ritalin

sunshowers, children of the sun plantin sunflowers

she push crack, that nigga push Watch Towers

same difference, depends on how your eyes focus

came by surprise the locust, high rollers

i'm soular, makin planetary visits

teaching remedial physic to idiots

frankly i'm sick of this earth, birth demons

plot thickens, super villains schemin

honestly i'm here to get even…

For more content from iAreConscious visit https://iareconscious.bandcamp.com/

@PicketFence1 ft.Himshadow - Parasites

Father and son combine to drop knowledge about parasites on this track from Picket Fences' new album "Guts: A Practice In Space Conscious Theory" available on Bandcamp https://trunkboundregime.bandcamp.com/

@JB_SoulNerd and @PlanetPremRock Converge on the Dance Floor to "Party Rock"

On Party Rock ft. PremRock by Jeanette Berry and the Soul Nerds the drums modestly channel EU’s 1988 record Da Butt. Remember it from Spike Lee’s classic film School Daze? It’s obvious the old school party rocker vibe meets a new school that turns up but not exactly for typical Trap music in the club, still reflecting the sentiment of being uninhibited and free on a Friday night out, or going up on a Tuesday if you will. Some may feel Party Rock to be the most left of center of the overall ‘love’ music theme on Allegiance To Love, but love is an immense emotion with levels and complex compartments. Whether you love to dance solo, with a partner or as a part of the crowd give this track a listen. Let us know if it's two-step worthy or nah.

Info On @BondfireRadio's 2nd Annual Audio Festival

Visit http://bfraudiofestival.splashthat.com/ to order tickets.

Become a Bondfire Radio patron with Patreon today.

dubbing (this ain't Yeezus) lyric video

@PnBRock - My City Needs Something

The Lesson Moments [Video]

"The Lesson Moments" is a glimpse into the incredible weekly live music event The Lesson held at Arlene's Grocery. Filmed by H2L and edited by myself in 2014. I was asked to create a video. Offered the opportunity to present what I saw by an individual that believes strongly in this movement. This is just a small portion of what goes on inside the venue. My artistic vision from the footage gathered passing through one part of the evening. I implore you to attend in order to understand what the full experience is like. I was moved by the energy of the bodies in the room. The band and vocalists. The performances of the artists invited to the stage to participate. So much talk about what's lacking in music and how venue after venue is closing in new york, here we have an example of something real happening right under our noses that needs to be recognized. I can't promise you you'll get in but it's worth a try. Show up early. Just make sure you're prepared to be present and show some love because that's what's happening. If you can get with that you're in for an empowered night. - Conscious

Likwuidity Mix Show debuts 1-14-15 on @BondfireRadio

 
Bondfire Radio starts of the new year with that 'new new' hump-day mixshow spun by talented New York based artist Likwuid.

"We’re always enthusiastic about the daily operations at Bondfire Radio but there’s a special excitement shared when we launch a brand new show. Proudly we announce that on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 “Likwuidity Mix Show” joins our programming grid following directly behind our flag ship morning show “TK in The AM”. So from 11:30AM to 12:30PM EST every Wednesday, Likwuid is now in charge of your hump day sound selection, blending everything from Baltimore/Jersey Club Music to Afro Deep House to indie and old school Hip Hop to Rare Grooves to newly emerged genres such as PBR&B. If you happen to be seated when her set begins you won’t be for long. “I’m so excited to play good tunes and have fun; it’s every DJ’s dream to play the music that we genuinely like. Bondife Radio is truly Real Radio for Real People” says Likwuid. Mark your calender and tune in. We can’t wait to meet you." 

For more information visit: http://bondfireradio.com/likwuidity-mix-show

If Only (Black Lives Mattered)

Inspired by the current climate on the streets and in the industry. - iAreConscious

Unkempt Visits Chiraq (Remix)

B. Dolan - "The Devil is Alive" - The Story of Freeway Rick Ross

Never heard f the real "Freeway" Rick Ross, well then watch this vid then right after go do the knowledge.

Rock-Rap Dynasty: Rise of the Wolves by @VoicesOfTerror

The Voices of Terror didn't break the internet with their debut "Rock-Rap Dynasty: Rise of the Wolves" nonetheless their enthusiasm is duly noted. It’s apparent they believe in their movement but belief in one’s own mission is simply not enough when stepping into the realm of rap, rock and alternative Hiphop realistically, considering the bar set by artists like Rage Against the Machine, Linkin Park and even Kid Rock.

To his credit, Mike Walker (producer) is obviously talented but more than rock sounding production is needed to qualify a project as 'rock'. If the tracks composed were reinterpreted by an awesome band then perhaps Zero (emcee) would have the backing he needs to really command respect on the mic. It might push him a bit, help craft his delivery. His raps sound recited. Passionate but no finesse. The remedy, one hundred hours on stage projecting over unbearably loud live music and an even louder aggressive audience.

In order for these young voices to make a considerable mark, training wheels must come off. No tandem jumps, only fearless stage dive after stage dive. Growth is a necessity. Sometimes with experience, the writing gets better. Depth of the music happens when artists create and learn from their respective journeys and apply it in real time.

The Voices of Terror have a way go in order live up to the name they've chosen for themselves. To say they have potential would be unforgivably cliche. Still, dreaming big never hurt anyone. With that stated, please excuse the following cliche. Only ‘time will tell’ if these pups truly rise to become the intimidating wolves they aspire to be while fulfilling their destiny. The construction of a rock-rap dynasty.

Chuckie Campbell (@ChuckieC2) "All I Meant" featuring Cole Jonique

I shouldn't have to say this but, Hiphop is more than burners, bling and bitches or Boom Bap. Have some people tell it, you're either a purists or you're a sell out. That's hardly a train of though that supports the evolution of art and culture. Let’s call this piece a short film that sits off center in a gray playing field; the teams involved of course are black and white.

The vid for Chucki Campbell’s "All I Meant" featuring Cole Jonique is ambitious in it’s presentation. It feels like an upgraded twist on old school music videos from movie soundtracks that blend in footage of the main characters with shots of the performing artist and of course interpretive dance scenes. This is obviously conceptual. The track sonically is atypical for rap vocals and as far as content goes, well there aren’t many songs about relationships and one’s responsibility within them, considering everyone actually has them. It doesn’t fit the description of what ‘real’ Hiphop is or what dying terrestrial radio would deem ‘hot’. To say the least it shouts a genuine attempt at honesty within the music and visual creativity never mind it's par with the look of most of today’s high quality, big budget music video offerings. Whether or not it actually 'works' is for you to decide? (Truth be told I’m mostly affected by the vocals of Cole Jonique and dance movements of Precious Lanee.)

How do you feel about All I Meant? Join the conversation. Drop a comment. Tell us what you really think.

You can even tweet us your thoughts! @freehiphopnow

Rebel Queen by @WillieGreen1

Willie Green drops a new project in the middle of the friggin night.  That's how you do it!

Brooklyn-based producer Willie Green drops the latest in a long line of instrumental projects. In the same vein as 2009’s “...Of Heroes and Villains,” “Rebel Queen” tells a story through beats and samples; this time a rebel leader’s struggle against a tyrant. “Rebel Queen” is the first in a series of instrumental projects leading up to his upcoming full length “Doc Savage” due in 2015.

Download here: http://williegreen.bandcamp.com/album/rebel-queen

Ol' DIrty Basquiat (@oldirtybasquiat) is Back only for a limited time.

 

Ol’ Dirty Basquiat is back. It’s been a year now and finally the new design is rolled out as part of the #AGTH (Aught Gallery Trap Haus) #BLACKGODS series. Other shirts include “LeVar Burton Is My Hero” and an untitled Neil deGrasse Tyson design. Future designs will salute Octavia Butler as well as Frida Kahlo.

http://eklektic.storenvy.com/collections/263940-all-products/products/7584434-ol-dirty-basquiat-blackgods-agth-limitededition-t-shirt

Maroon Mentality feat. Malcolm X & John Henrik Clarke

#LISTEN #SHARE & SUPPORT this! >>> http://bit.ly/MaroonMen

"Maroon Mentality" is a piece that is meant to inspire a new mode of consciousness that acknowledges the past, engages the present, and prepares for the future. The slavery-era Maroons escaped the grips of their captors to establish their own communities in a foreign land. The Maroon Mentality is a modern-day adaption that enables people to establish a mental and spiritual space that is separate and free from the psychological trappings of neo-colonialism. The effects of post traumatic slavery disorder are prevalent throughout the world, so there no longer exists any physical escape from it. But we can adopt and nurture a mindset that allows us to author our own life story amidst the madness.

 

The inspiration for the song comes from Mercury's day to day experiences working as an educator in the inner cities of New York and Baltimore. Too often he has seen students and families in emotional despair, with little hope for a better tomorrow. A Maroon Mentality would give people an understanding of their situation, which would in turn nurture the wisdom to allow them to find a way out of the depravity.  While Mercury's work allows him to interact directly with these families, he recognizes the power of music to also influence lives. There was a time in recent history when people were aware and making conscious efforts to better themselves. In a very short period of time, we have lost that drive, and the moral emptiness of today's music does little to inspire.

 

The overall mood and tone of the song is deliberately aggressive while inviting at the same time. From the opening warrior drums and Malcolm X excerpt, the listener is forced to pay attention. The beat is kept as minimal as possible to allow the words room to be appreciated. Lyrically, Mercury paints the landscape that illustrates the need for a Maroon Mentality. We are a people with a rich history ("Go back further and you won't see dirt...Civilizations, full of dark faces"), fully capable of having an even richer future. The song is not a call to war in the traditional sense, but rather a call for people to change their situation through their own eforts. As John Henrik Clarke eloquently states in the final excerpt, God has given us all the equipment we need to do for ourselves.

She Hulk - @TigressZoo prod by @DJJimmyGuapo

Tigress Zoo gives us a sneak peak of her future release with her first single "She Hulk" (produce by DJ Jimmy Guapo) from the forthcoming "The Escape" EP. Here's what she had to say about the project:

"The escape is the realization of the power of your voice. A struggle is not all yellow brick roads and friends to comfort you along the way. It's a rite of passage about a strength inside to turn your back against adversity and start listening to your heart. When you know you have something worth tapping into and it feels like you have nothing to lose, just go for it. Take the leap of faith and soar. Go for what comes natural; we were created in the natural wild after all."