The Charismatic Lisa Bianco

by Alysia Stern

Lisa Bianco is a New Hyde Park native who divinely possesses a varied musical career and a wide vocal range. “Her songs are evocative and inventive.”  Not only does Lisa write her own music, she is quickly taking over as a charismatic front woman, lead vocalist, and guitarist, who has gone on to blaze a trail through out the Tri State Area.

Lisa began her unbelievable music career at a very young age. Her father played the accordion and wanted his children to experience a creative skill. He taught Lisa and her older brother Frank to play the piano. A few years later, in the third grade, she engaged in flute lessons at school. Lisa played and splendidly performed in the school’s concert band and orchestra straight through her senior year of High School.

Lisa often fantasized about becoming an illustrious rock star. Her older brother Frank played guitar and he would practice rigorously in his bedroom. For years she would listen to him bewitchingly play music by The Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin. He inspired her. But it was not until Lisa’s friend Rob Spina took some time to teach her the guitar that the reality of becoming a rock star would seize her thoughts. She quickly immersed herself in music and carried on to make this majestic dream a reality.

During college Lisa’s ambitions were growing stronger. She stated, “I began placing ads on Craigslist and in the Village Voice to find people to perform with me. I was so confident that I would book studio hours before I even had people to jam with. I would never place my female gender in any of the ads I took out, so when men would reply or call, there was always a moment of silence on the other end of the phone when they would realize a female had placed the ad for rock band members.”

Eventually, Lisa started a band named Red Jacket. But after a break up, she began to perform solo. She assertively sang in bars and restaurants in Queens. Lisa now performs with Ari Sadowitz as her bass player, Ben Nynum as her drummer, and Paul Vitolins as her “fill in” drummer. Her new CD is entitled “Momentum” and is available on ITunes. The physical CD can be purchased at the following link:  http://lisabianco.storenvy.com

Lisa exclaimed the song “Erase You” is probably her favorite song on the CD. “It is the one and only song I wrote which was derived from my own personal experience.”

Lisa recently played at SUNY Old Westbury and has been heard on the radio station WSBU in New Jersey. “Lisa Bianco and The Fury” have some future show dates emerging. These engagements can be found her on her Official Website:  www.lisabianco.com

You can see “Lisa Bianco and The Fury, Friday February 24th at Maxwell’s in Hoboken,NJ  9:45 PM

 and Friday May 4th at Webster Hall-The Studio NY 6:30 Doors Open/ 7 PM Set time

Lisa confided she would love to play at Westbury Music Fair or Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Lisa also said,” I would not mind dabbling in acting if the right opportunity presented itself.”  She dreams of traveling the world, sharing her love for music with all. She has a very awarding and unselfish heart. Lisa stated, “If I make it to the top, I have plans to help those I love with numerous avenues in their life.”

You can find Lisa at the following links:

 Facebook:  www.facebook.com/lisabiancomusic

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/lisabianco

You Tube:  www.youtube.com/bianxnyc

The Nico Blues Heat Up The Vibe Lounge

by Nicole DiGiose

The Nico Blues, an alternative rock band from New Jersey, heated up the Vibe Lounge in Rockville Centre Friday night. They pulled in a crowd of a variety of ages.

The band is made up of Eric Goldberg and Evan Campbell, both vocalists, guitarists, and bassists, Reed Adler, guitarist and bassist, Skylar Adler, drummer and recording engineer, and Dan Goldberg, guitarist. The guys rotate instruments depending on which song they play. The band was founded in 2009, but they have been sharing and writing music with each other for years. Growing up in the same neighborhood, the five of them were friends by the time they were six and seven years old.

The Nico Blues played six of their songs Friday night, opening with “Mugshot In Princeton,” which is on their upcoming EP, followed by “Living Proof,” which the band considers to be their most successful song. The video for “Living Proof” was picked up by MTVU. The audience rocked their bodies and tossed their heads to the intense harmony, wearing stickers on their clothing the band handed out before the show.

Influenced by rock, folk, and punk bands, The Nico Blues are inspired by every band in the book, “Our Band Could Be Your Life” by Michael Azzerad. What keeps the band going strong is their dedication to their supportive fans.

“We don’t really think twice about spending all of our time, money and resources on being a band,” said guitarist and bassist, Reed Adler. “It’s just what we do and what we really enjoy.”

Visit The Nico Blues on the web at http://thenicoblues.com/

CINDY FOX- The NAKED COWGIRL

by Mick Du Russel

The Naked Cowboy has been a New York City institution for many years. Now there is a sexy and feminine version of the cowboy and she is CINDY FOX, also known as The Naked Cowgirl! Cindy is quickly becoming very well known herself and you will be hearing much more from her in the very near future! I had the great pleasure to speak with Cindy recently…

MICK: How did it all begin for you as the Naked Cowgirl?
CINDY: Since I was in high school, I was a fitness trainer and personal trainer. I went to school to become a gym teacher. I got married, had three kids. When I got separated, I needed something to support myself. I went back to school for two years to become an X-Ray tech. At that point, I didn’t know anything about a Naked Cowboy or anything like that. All I had time to do was go to school, study, training clients, teaching classes and taking care of three little kids. About eight years ago, I was working in a gym in Secaucus, NJ (which is where I grew up). I was on an elliptical machine with one of my clients and in between us was Robert Burck, who is the Naked Cowboy. At that point, I had never heard of him. She introduced us. We started to see each other often at the gym when we worked out and became friends. I eventually started dating him. I still had no idea what exactly he did by playing guitar in his underwear. I started asking people and went to Times Square to see what he did. I thought is was his way of getting attention to himself to become famous or become a rock star or something like that. We lived just thirteen minutes outside of New York City so I assumed only people from NYC and Secaucus knew who he was. After five months, I went to the Mardi Gras with him. We went down to Bourbon Street and he started doing his thing in his underwear. He was getting mobbed by people down there! That’s when it hit me that he was famous! It was overwhelming to the magnitude of his celebrity. While we were there, I was wearing jeans and bought a cowboy hat. People would see me with him and say “How come you’re not in underwear too?” or “Is this your Naked Cowgirl?” He would get hired to appear at places all over the world and I started wearing outfits that were cowgirlish. Not a bikini but little skirts or little tops. That started around seven years ago but only when we were out of the area. My children were young and my oldest son, who was 15 at the time, had a hard time dealing with me dating The Naked Cowboy. The people in my town loved Robert and they thought it was the coolest thing. My youngest son thought it was great. His friends thought it was cool. Robert always gave him money for stuff. My daughter thought it was cool just because her friends did. So the idea of doing anything remotely close to home was totally out of the question. I would only do it when we were out of state or out of the country. Eventually when we were in Tokyo, Japan, he was making an appearance for Japan’s Match.com and while we were there, I asked him to teach me to play the guitar. So he showed me some chords. But it took a long time to learn. I was busy going to school, working all these jobs. There was a part of me that wanted to do it but it just wasn’t realistic at that time. I was also involved with my fitness work, producing videos, choreographing, being featured in the videos. From Robert, I learned a lot about networking and marketing. Prior to me becoming the Naked Cowgirl, there were two others before me. There was this young free spirited girl who decided she would be the Cowgirl. She knew how to play the guitar and would be there in the summer. She got a ton of publicity and articles as the first Naked Cowgirl. But she would leave for the winter and come back in the summer. She got caught up in the whole party life in NYC and disappeared for two years. Then Sandy Kane, the second Naked Cowgirl, came into the picture. This all got me kind of angry because they knew I was out on the road as the Naked Cowgirl with the Naked Cowboy. Because The Naked Cowboy is trademarked, Robert’s manager said the Naked Cowgirls would have to sign a licensing agreement if they wanted to make money with that.
Finally, I decided if I did this in Times Square, this would give me the publicity and recognition to help me with my fitness programs too. I would be the first, officially licensed Cowgirl. I knew I’d get a lot of heat from my kids. It was a slow start but that’s how it all began.

MICK: Are you out there in the winter too?
CINDY: When I started going out there in Times Square last year, people would often ask me that. Sure enough, when winter came, the other girls were long gone as soon as the temperature dropped below 60. I wanted to prove this to people that I could do it, even if it was only for a brief time out in the cold. I would do this a few times a month throughout the winter. When we had that huge blizzard last year at Christmas time, I was sick as dog that whole day. I was just starting to feel a little better and we decided to go to Times Square for a few minutes and get a few pictures. Robert’s manager and his wife were visiting NYC from Nashville and we told them to meet us in Times Square with a camera. Visibility was very bad as we drove in from New Jersey. We got there and it was brutal outside. Robert warned me because he’s been out in that kind of weather. I went out there and they started taking the pictures. My fingers were frozen and I couldn’t even hold the guitar pick. After about 13 minutes, which seemed like forever, I walked back to the garage. We got some great photos!

MICK: I saw you on CBS with the Pro Football picks. You did great!
CINDY: That was beginners luck! I stayed up cramming the night before like it was a final exam, trying to figure out who has injuries and what their stats were. I didn’t want to look stupid going in there! So I just said what I knew and gave my own opinion. I got all of my picks right! That was amazing!

MICK: You have the new single out “Ride It Like A Cowgirl”. It definitely sounds great! What kind of response are you getting from it so far?
CINDY: My manager Lori Michaels wrote and produced my song along with Giuseppe D. of “Hothead Productions”. In the beginning, it wasn’t doing that great because we only did a soft release on it. Lori wanted to make the Cowgirl dance a new sensation, something you will hear at weddings and other parties. Lori’s choreographer, Courtney Lynch, put the whole dance together. It’s very upbeat and hip- hoppish! I think my biggest fans right now are little kids because they just love the beat!
It was a slow year but like starting a business, it takes time and starts to snowball. I’m finally now at the point where everything is coming in with people wanting to come take photos, do interviews, a lot of charity events (which I’m all about doing). It’s all great and fun!

MICK: Please tell me about Cindy Fox Fitness!
CINDY: It’s my own company officially called Cindy Fox LLC. It’s personal fitness training, whether it be in person or on videos. I have my own trademark which is a fox logo. I have that on tee shirts and different products. I work out of several gyms with my fitness training. I go to people’s houses if it’s worth it for me and not too far away. I do so many things that I try to schedule them back to back.

MICK: Do you and Robert work out together still?
CINDY: We do sometimes. My schedule is crazy and his is less crazy. He has more time in the day than anybody I know actually so he goes when he wants to. I teach the fitness classes and still work at the hospital so I go when I can.

MICK: What has been your biggest thrill so far as the Naked Cowgirl?
CINDY: Just being out there in a busy crowd is a rush. There are days where I’ve taught a class, went to the bank, cleaned my house and then head into the city. I could be so not in the mood to do this and feel like just staying home to relax. But by the time I leave the parking garage and walk to Times Square and the crowd starts coming around, I’m smiling for all of the photographs being taken and I’m in a great mood! You totally forget that you weren’t in a good mood just before! One particular big moment happened with someone I did some networking with. He wanted to come to the city to meet me and get some photos with his family. He said his little daughter actually loved my song! He said his daughter was 3 years old and I forgot how much a small child is capable of knowing things. So when the day came, I was out there playing and they came up. It was him, his wife, a baby in the carriage and little Michelle. She was very shy and I started talking to her. I started singing my Cowgirl song to her and she really lightened up. She was in awe! Her dad said “You don’t understand. She has about five songs on her CD player and you’re song is one of them. You’re right up there with Lady Gaga! She knows every single word to your song and plays it over and over!” My own kids don’t even know my song! That moment is up there!

MICK: How long do you think you will be doing this?
CINDY: I don’t know. There’s a lot of possibilities with this. Robert has been doing it for 15 years now. There’s been many times when he hasn’t felt like being out there but he is consistent, no matter what weather. He prides himself on that. He gets booked for all kinds of appearances and they use his image for advertisements. He now has Naked Cowboy Oysters that’s put out by Blue Island Shellfish Farms out on Long Island. So now most of the oysters pulled from the Long Island Sound are called Naked Cowboy Oysters. They are in restaurants all over the United States. That’s just one example of residual income. The name will carry on.

“RIDE IT LIKE A COWGIRL” now on iTunes
www.nakedcowgirlfox.com
www.twitter.com/nakedcowgirlfox

Chatting with Original Pussycat Doll Kaya Jones 

by Drew Snyder

I had the opportunity to speak with singer Kaya Jones whose popularity soared as one of the original members of the Pussycat Dolls. Since then she has set on her sights on a solo career which has spawned the most recent single “Every 7 Seconds” off the Release EP (Available on iTunes now). Be sure to check her out as she will be performing live at the Dublin Pub on Long Island December 3rd.

Drew: First, who were your influences in the very beginning?

Kaya: Madonna and Michael Jackson. But I really fell in love with Nina Simone early on when I was like six years old.

Drew: How did this solo project come to be? And what are some of the biggest changes you’ve made since your days with the Pussycat Dolls?

Kaya: Well the solo process came to be after I left the Pussycat Dolls. I kind of wanted to take a break from music for a little bit so I moved to New York to model. I had dyed my hair black and had all these tattoos. I felt like the blonde was too girly and I just wanted some edge. So the solo project actually happened when I got back to Los Angeles and was finished with my angst and a lot of my music friends suggested I start singing again. So in 2009 I started the process of recording and kind of finding my sound as an artist so now that I have my sound we’re ready for the LP launch in the New Year. The process was definitely a journey of finding my sound as an artist and being authentic to the work so the difference is that I’m on my own label, which I’ve started because I wanted to have creative control, which is something I didn’t have in the Pussycat Dolls. So I think that the biggest difference is that it’s genuine to me as an artist and I think you should be honest to your audience because they can sense that sense of not being yourself. I’m really happy with where I am as an artist today because I’m involved in every aspect of my career now.

Drew:In the past, you’ve worked with some big stars including Eminem and Mick Jagger. What was that like and did you learn anything from them?

Kaya: I did! I actually met Eminem when I was thirteen with D12. Proof from D12 was actually who connected me with R. Kelly when I first started so when I worked with D12 and Eminem seven years later it was kind of funny and we were joking about it on set. Eminem is a really talented individual. I think he has a bad stigma around him but he’s actually really professional. Mick Jagger was very different but we’re talking about someone who is so gifted. When I first met him it was random, I got a phone call from David Stewart from the Eurythmics and he says, “Can you come down to the studio?” so I went down and there was Mick Jagger in a booth and I was like “Oh my god.” He didn’t tell me what I was doing; he just said to come down. But Mick was really great. He was really sweet and professional. Just a genuine human being whose very grounded in who he is. At the time it was Katy Perry and I doing vocals and she hadn’t launched her record yet so it was an incredible experience to not only work with Katy but to do the same with Mick. He was very genuine. I don’t think people would assume that somebody on that level of talent and longevity would be so sweet. It was an honor to work with not only a legend but someone who was just a real human being and not someone with a big head who thought the were so amazing.

Drew: What kind of stuff have you been listening to while on tour? If you could pick one ideal person or group to perform with in the future, who would it be?

Kaya: I’ve been listening to a lot of LMFAO. I also love Skrillex. I’m a big Skrilex fan. I just think he’s such a genius and it’s incredible what he’s doing with that sound right now. I listen to a lot of DJs. Some DJs who produce as well can open your horizons to different things. I also listen to a lot of older artists like Dusty Springfield, Janis Joplin, Dinah Washington, Billie Holliday, and Elvis. I kind of have a very eclectic repertoire of things I listen to.

I would definitely say Kanye West. I met Kanye when I was with the Pussycat Dolls in 2005 and he was on his horizon and fairly big but not the magnitude he is now. I said “Oh my god I would love to work with you!” and he was all for it. Some people over there weren’t feeling my idea so that never happened. He was so gifted back then. So I would pick him because he’s such a visionary who gravitates to doing things that are outside the box. I also would pick John Mayer who’s great or Bruno Mars. If it were a female it would probably be Ciara or someone that has a different sound than me or a sound that compliments mine.

Drew: Since you’ll be playing the Dublin Pub on Long Island, how do you like performing live in New York? How does it compare to playing in other places?

Kaya: All over the world it’s very different. When I was performing in China they kind of just stare but sometimes they get really excited and scream. During the song they just watch you but once it’s over they’re very happy. American crowds are very involved and engaging. They let you know when they like it or don’t like it or how they’re feeling. But anytime I’m in New York I love it. Long Island is great. I love going to some of the smaller cities. A lot of artists don’t get to travel to the small cities as much. It’s a lot more personal. People are really warm and genuine and it’s just a good interaction with your audience.

Drew: Lately it seems like a lot of female artists such as yourself and Lady Gaga have been very vocal when it comes to LGBT issues. How have you helped out that community and when did this begin?

Kaya: The journey began because I had a lot of friends in the community and they suggested I do a show. I was asked to do “Pride” and that’s where it started for me. When San Diego Pride and Los Angeles Pride asked me be part of the movement and become involved in the show. So I connected with GLAAD and working with them and being on the committee was amazing. The issue that started it was when my cousin came out. That was a big deal for my family and they had a hard time with it. Now they’ve come through his journey with him so it’s in a good place. But my friends as well. Working in the entertainment industry I’ve had a lot of friends who have dealt with the lack of understanding so it was personal for me. When I realized there were areas where I could help out like with marriage equality I wanted to get involved. We’re doing an equality tour and I’m really happy to lend a voice to the community but it isn’t on the spectrum of being someone who’s a lesbian or gay, it’s just that they are my friends and family and I’d like to speak out for them.

Drew: In 2010, you spent two weeks in Iraq performing for our troops as part of a USO tour. What kind of feedback did you get from our men and women in uniform and what was your experience like as a whole?

Kaya: I mean I keep saying it was very real because that’s the only way I can explain it. It was heavy and incredible. I had moments with each one of the soldiers I met over there and I’m in touch with a lot of them via Twitter and Facebook, which has been awesome. It was amazing and it was something I’ve always wanted to do from being a little girl and seeing old footage of all the Hollywood stars that have gone over like Ann-Margret and Marilyn Monroe. So it was really amazing to be with them and support our men and women. That was kind another part of why I became active in the LGBT community. I was doing so much with our troops and seeing how they come home and all the rights and issues that our women and women are dealing with so I started going down to the VA hospitals and it became very aware that our Gay and Lesbian community were part of our Military and these people who defend my freedom don’t have many rights. I wake up in this wonderful country and have this freedom because of them and that’s not fair that they are fighting and dying for our country and don’t have their rights. I not only wanted to work with the USO but be part of the equality movement.

Drew: Give us some insight into your latest EP entitled Release. Which track would you say you’re most proud of and why?

Kaya: That’s so hard! They’re actually all my babies. Because you spend so much time perfecting each one. The EP is actually a snippet of the new LP, which is coming out in the New Year. I’m really excited about the LP because it’s a full motif of sounds but the EP is a teaser of what to expect. “Release the Energy” is about your inner light, finding your inner strength and releasing it. It’s about knowing what that is and being proud of what you have to offer this world. So it’s a very empowering song. We release our energy in a positive way whether it’s at work or with or family or friends. We do something wonderful for this earth and for ourselves. “Boyfriend” is about being dumped for a man, which actually happened to me. But the remix of that is a completely different take on it. “Like U” is a mid-tempo ballad, which will be included on the full LP and that for me, is a sweet song. There’s that statistic where men think about sex every seven seconds and that was my take on the idea that women do too. So men aren’t the only ones and it’s kind of empowering to say, “Hey, we do too.” I can’t say I have a favorite. They’re all my favorites.

Drew: This year you shot a music video for the single “Take It Off.” How much input did you have in the making of it and what was the process like?

Kaya: “Take It Off” was a lot of fun. We went out to the desert to this junkyard. The input I kind of threw in was when they had me in front of a car and I was like “Can they have me working on the car?” and they were like “OK.” So I had this wild idea to cover myself in real car oil, which isn’t the smartest thing to do because it doesn’t come off easy. It takes this special liquid that you have to use in order to get it off your body so we were shooting it and the next day I was in the tub at 1 AM scrubbing. It felt like someone took a Brillo pad to my skin so that wasn’t the smartest idea. Plus it was very windy in the desert. It looked so nice but we were all sweaty and dirty. But I love that video. Working with Regi was awesome.

Drew: Finally, where do you see Kaya Jones in 5 years?

Kaya: Oh wow. Well we have the LP coming out. I’m going to be back in the studio and recording my next record. It will be a double disk in case you like two albums in one. After that we’re doing a Christmas album. I see many more albums, focusing on building my brand, and going into film. It’s something that I’d love to do as well and I take it very seriously. Sitting with my coach and making sure I’m ready for all of that. Working with my clothing line and label, which is my focus. Any endeavors I have are through my label so looking for new talent and new artists to sign onto my label. So I see myself in 5 years helping out my artists and being part of that artistic process because I know what it’s like to not be heard so I definitely want to listen to the ones we sign and make sure they are fully involved in what they want to do and say. Making sure they have artistic freedom.

Kaya Jones will be performing live on Saturday, December 3^rd at the Dublin Pub in New Hyde Park.

Lethill Weapon and Mobb Deep at BB King’s

by Jason Pollak

Last Tuesday night the Lindenhurst rap group, Lethill Weapon, opened up for Mobb Deep at BB King’s. It was a packed house as local supporters and hip-hop heads piled in to get a good spot on the concert floor. The excitement could be felt throughout the backstage area as Lethill Weapon was gearing up to open up for one of New York’s most legendary rap groups. It was most certainly going to be a big night.

J.J. Jones, manager and rapper of Lethill Weapon, was ecstatic over the star treatment they were receiving. “This just goes to show, you have to follow your dreams,” he said while admiring the surroundings in the main dressing room back stage.

He went on to say about opening for Mobb Deep, “It’s pretty exciting. You get your own dressing room and everything. (laughs) All that hard work we have put in is now finally paying off. This is just a taste of what it could be like.”  That statement definitely holds true as Lethill Weapon has been producing and creating a number of records for years. The group first formed when J.J. Jones met fellow MC’s R.A.M and Terrance (G-La) playing basketball together. Ever since then, according to the three rappers, they have been like family. Their first album came out in 1999 and was called “Who We Be”.

Rapper R.A.M., which is his birth name, but later changed to stand for the acronym Real Art Manifested, said about their earlier days, “J.J. was the one who helped me put my first album out. I try to take what I hear and put my own spin on it. J.J. has definitely helped me grow over the years.”  However as J.J. stated, “It was really over the last three year period that we started taking this seriously and started to do a lot of shows. This is our third time back here at BB King’s. We always love playing here. Now it’s time. Terrance has got some real talent. He’s way over due.”

Although there was little success for the group in its beginning stages, it still was an important growing experience for them.
Terrance or G-La, also an Army veteran, said about the earlier days, “Yea you know, I had one of those old Casio keyboards. After the Army I spent some time in California and that was where I really began to take an interest in music. Once I met J.J. and R.A.M., we have been producing tracks ever since”  G-La went on to say about the special night, “It’s crazy to be doing a show with Mobb Deep. I remember bumpin’ their music way back in the day when we used to ball. I looked up to those guys a lot”

After chillin’ back stage for an hour or so, the show really began to kick off. Lethill Weapon’s DJ took the stage and began riling up the crowd. It was also around this time that Prodigy and Havoc of Mobb Deep showed up. Needless to say, that was an exciting moment.In the midst of all this craziness, it was time for Lethill Weapon to get the show started for the anxious crowd. As they took the stage, it all seemed natural. They dove right into their first song, each taking turns spitting on their own respective mic. It really does take a close knit group of rappers to perform in the way they do. It can be quite difficult to coordinate which person will say which line, but they had their strategy down pat.Terrance (G-La) said about performing, “We have been doing this so long. When we get up there, we know how to shut it down. It’s over once we’re up there.”

It was nice to see a rap group without any ego’s. Many times at a rap concert, there are numerous people clamoring to be in the center of the stage. This wasn’t the case for them at all. They were each more than happy to share the spot light when it was time for their respective verse’s. When one was spitting, the other two would take their turns riling up the crowd and adding in ad-libs here and there.

“Our slogan is “Beyond the Music”. We are all family. Our lives and music goes in one,” as J.J. pointed out the groups philosophy.

Also, in a rare occurrence at a rap concert, each member took turns performing one of their own solo songs. It was nice to see, as each member presented a different style to audience. R.A.M. riddled off crazy bars at the drop of a pin, while Terrence hit the crowd with a lyrical masterpiece of his own. They really do know how to work a crowd from every angle.

That’s no accident either.

“We work to blend our different personalities so we get a sound that is good for our listeners,” J.J. said earlier.

Terrence added, “We inspire each other. No one wants to make the group look bad. We try to mesh all of our sounds together to create a great experience. It really isn’t a competition; we just want to put out good music.”

After Lethill Weapon killed it, it was time for the Infamous Mobb Deep. They came on with the applause one would expect rap legends of New York City to receive. They came on as if it was still 1995 and immediately dove into their infamous hardcore sound. It seemed like a subway burst through the speakers as Prodigy started to spit and the hard base rocked the vast, but packed BB King’s theatre.

It was my first time seeing the great duo perform and it was a great honor to see. They showed why they are still the true kings of the New York hardcore sound and perhaps New York hip-hop period. They really are everything you would expect legends to be. Prodigy seemed as though he didn’t lose a step in his performance and rapping abilities since being released from jail. Havoc was in top form as well, reeling off bars and hooks like he was still twenty years old.

It was a great show overall and believe me, you haven’t experienced a rap concert until you have seen “Shook One’s Part II” performed. It really is one of those songs that define hip-hop. Be sure to check out both Lethill Weapon and Mobb Deep on Facebook and Twitter. Lethill Weapon will be dropping “Danger Zone Vol III” before next year arrives. Keep ya heads up.

www.LethillWeapon.com

Keep Laughing with Jim Breuer

by Drew Snyder

An indispensable part of the late 90s SNL cast, Jim Breuer continues to push the boundaries in comedy with his sensational stand-up act. Recently he was named one of Comedy Central’s “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time” and can be heard on his Sirius/XM Radio show “Fridays with Breuer”. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jim in preparation for his upcoming show at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury, November 25th.  

Drew: So tell us what it was like growing up in Valley Stream and how that might have shaped your future in comedy?

Jim: In our heads we think it’s our own little country. It was such a great childhood. I’ve prayed so hard that my kids would have half the childhood I had. It was just a different time, man. Everyone was funny. It’s that blue-collar mentality.

Drew: Back then, who was your biggest inspiration?

Jim: Eddie Murphy was the biggest one.

Drew: And how did SNL come about?

Jim: Well I had a couple deals and eventually NBC asked me to audition for it. The network was pushing for me to be on there.

Drew: What is your best memory of SNL?

Jim: There are a lot of them. I would say working with Tom Hanks. And meeting Pesci and DeNiro.

Drew: Could you share a low point of being on the show?

Jim: Probably my lowest point was my first six to nine episodes because I just couldn’t get on.

Drew: When you look back at Jim Breuer 15 years ago, what do you see?

Jim: Oh, man. I see a guy with raw talent who just probably wasn’t ready. If I had it now, I probably would never look back.  But back then I was raw and dumb. I wasn’t even close to what I am now.

Drew: On October 25^th, 1997, Chris Farley hosted SNL while you were part of the cast. Personally, what was it like working with him?

Jim: He was probably one of the biggest performers I ever, ever worked with. Meaning he just knew how to smoke the place once the lights were on. He wasn’t going to be second to anyone. He was a monster.

Drew: I understand you’re friends with fellow comedians Tracy Morgan, Norm Macdonald, and Dave Chappelle. Have you kept in touch or have any recent stories involving them?

Jim: Norm once in a while I see. Dave hasn’t called in three years. Tracy and I cross paths every once in a while. He’s always doing something.

Drew: How do you feel when strangers ask you to do Goat boy? Is it something that bothers you?

Jim: (Laughs) No not at all. That’s their “Walk This Way” or “Dream On.” Whatever gets their eyes on me, because it means I’ve got them. I have repeat offenders. I’m going to say 70 percent of the people who come to see me, have done so already 3-5 times.

Drew: Since you’ll be performing stand up at Westbury on the 25^th, what’s it like playing to a Long Island crowd?

Jim: It’s like playing in my backyard; it’s almost too easy. I destroy that place. I set my bar really high. Like that’s the place where I just want to destroy.

Drew: Finally, how long do you plan on continuing as a stand up act?

Jim: Until I’m dead. That’s the only thing I have to fall back on. That’s the great thing, no matter how successful you get, you can come back and do that and talk about it. When you’re failing, you can come back and talk about it. It’s always my steady job.

WBAB Presents Jim Breuer 11/25 NYCB Theater at Westbury . For tickets visit LiveNation.com and for more tour information visit www.jimbreuer.com

Saturday, November 19, 2011

12:00pm-6:00pm

WHO: Pop sensation Cody Simpson, Santa Claus headline Tanger Outlets at the Arches Annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting.

WHAT: Kick off the holiday season with teen sensation Cody Simpson as he joins Santa Clause in Deer Park NY on November 19th for the annual Tanger Outlets at the Arches Winter Festival and Christmas Tree lighting. Warming up the crowd will be Long Island favorite Lexxi Saal who will take the stage to perform her hit anti-bulling song Gossip Girl among others, and pop-rock trio Shudder will keep the crowd entertained. The day will be filled with holiday cheer and fun for the whole family including face-painting, carolers, special gifts with purchases, and marks the opening of the Tanger Outlets at the Arches skating rink. The evening heats up with a special performance by Cody Simpson as he performs some of his popular songs at the Arches Stages located in the heart of the center. The Tanger Outlets at the Arches Winter Festival culminates with the lighting of Long Island’s largest holiday tree and ushers in Christmas.

WHERE: Tanger Outlets at the Arches

152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park, NY

(631) 667-0600 WHEN: Saturday, November 19th

12:00pm – 6:00pm

COST: FREE to the Public

DIRECTIONS: Tanger is located only 40 minutes from the Manhattan area. By car: Exit 52 South off the L.I.E. to Commack Road. By train: L.I.R.R. to the Deer Park NY stop. Free shuttle bus from the L.I.R.R. Station. Tanger Outlets at the Arches is located at 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park, NY 11729.

ABOUT: Conveniently located in the center of Long Island, The Arches in Deer Park is a shopping and entertainment destination in your own backyard. The 800,000 square foot, European inspired complex features restaurants, a sports club, a movie cinema, a local farmer’s market and much more. Bring the whole family to stroll the center, dine and save up to 70 percent off retail prices at over 85 brand name outlets every day.

New York’s Own, Kim Sozzi

Written By Alysia Stern

According to Frank Sinatra’s reference to New York, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” Kim Sozzi has proven this statement to be true. Kim Sozzi is a pop and dance musician, song writer, actress and now author, reared on Long Island, New York.

Kim was born into a talented, harmonious family. Her grandfather was the great jazz percussionist, Little Ray Romero, a famous Latin musician who worked with such artists as Tito Fuentes. Her father is a musician, as well as the owner and founder of Creations Music (www.creationsmusic.com ) where Kim is very involved in singing at high class weddings all over the NY area. It was no surprise that the long line of talented family traits were going to blossom in Kim. “By the age of nine, my talent was beginning. I was starting to experience my ‘voice” by singing in my bedroom, along with Whitney Houston and Madonna sound tracks”.

Kim signed her first record deal, with Columbia Records, at the age of 20. Her debut song titled, “Letting Go” was featured on the television show Dawson’s Creek. This was a huge turning point in Kim’s Career. By 2000 Kim released her first album. These tracks exalted the dance and club scenes through out the Tri State area. Soon the European club scene caught on, and Kim had become known world wide. Kim was touring across Europe, in 2003, as Kim Styles, with Opera Star and one of The Three Tenors, Jose Carreras.” This was such a great experience”, Kim said. They recorded a duet titled “Show Me the Way” which was released throughout Europe and had major success. “I love my job. Not too many people can say they actually love going to work, but I enjoy every minute of it.”

When Kim signed with Ultra Records, a few years later, she returned to the top and seized the dance music world with the first single, “How Did You Know” which became a #1 hit on New York’s KTU 103.5 and Z-100. Kim has released several other respective hits, including “Alone”, a remake originally performed by the group Heart, which have fashioned the billboard charts across the world. Three of her recent singles, Feel Your Love, Kiss Me Back and Secret Love have all reached No. 1 on the Billboard and FMQB Dance Airplay Charts. With her new album out now, bpm Sirius Radio has gotten a great responses. Sozzi’s performances remain in high demand. Her new hit “Crystallized” is due to be officially released on November 15^th, 2011. It was added to Electric FM.com and has been “stashed” by 90,000 people on DJFM Toronto Radio, even before it has been officially released!

Kim joined the cast of the off Broadway show “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” in March 2011. (http://biggayitalianwedding.com/index.html). When asked about her acting career, Kim responded, “I tried a few elementary school plays when I was young, but I was always sort of shy. At first, I was a bit nervous and hesitant to perform. I knew I was confident in my singing career, but acting was something I was not accustomed to”. Kim signed up for a four week tour as Aunt Toni Ann, and perfected her role, while captivating the hearts of all. When Kim was asked to remain with the cast until the show’s close in August 2011, she excitedly agreed. “The play was hilarious, we laughed every night. The cast and crew were wonderful. It was challenging in the beginning, but I caught on. One of the greatest things I learned was to stay in tune, along with timing and listening. These are really important when you are on stage. I loved dressing up and becoming some one else for an evening”.

Kim was seen on Fox Good day NY news performing the “Italian Booty Shake”. Kim stated “The song was hard to pickup, it was sort of a tongue twister, but it was so much fun.” http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/cast-of-my-big-gay-italian-wedding-20110519. Kim adored performing on stage and would definitely love another opportunity to take on a dramatic role. In fact she confided, “My favorite off Broadway performance is the musical “Rent”. I would love to play a part in that musical”.

In early 2011, Sozzi decided she wanted to touch the lives of children, as much as she has touched the lives of teens and adults worldwide. She partnered up Terry Cressler, and together they have created ‘Kim and The Gang”, a 10 series APP available through I Tunes. By utilizing colors, shapes, and sounds, a child can explore language, intelligence and memory, while having fun. These are an interactive and an educational experience for children ages 1 through 5. (http://kimandthegang.com/)  The songs are silly, and upbeat. Children will have a range of possibilities, like sing-a-longs, games, musical challenges, along with laughter, with Kim’s APPS at their finger tips. Every child will be able to inspire their creativity. “As an artist I think it is important to stay current, stay diverse, and be able to reinvent myself.” As of today, Kim is always looking for new avenues to explore. “The Adventures of Kim and The Gang” is being written and hopefully will be her next huge educational debut.

Kim, along with her thousands of fans, is anxiously awaiting the release of her hit song Crystallize. She is keeping extremely active and detailed with her career, as well as writing, singing and performing all over the country. She is happily married to Dereck Axelrod, owner of Tequa restaurant in NYC, and is hoping to continue to stay diversified and open to all new venues of creativity, while starting a family within the next five years. Kim’s official home page is www.kimsozzi.com.

A Diamond in the Rough- Rapper International Gem

by Jason Pollak

International Gem is currently one of the realest rappers coming out of the New York area. With a true, old school feel to his music, he is slowly bringing back the old school vibe to the new school era. Gem is able to combine a unique understanding of the streets with the knowledge of a scholar to truly deliver an intellectual message to his listener’s and fans. Being, a true student of the game, Gem has worked tirelessly studying the grass roots of New York rap to give us music that is reminiscent of rappers like Nas and The Wu Tang Clan.

Already a veteran in the mixtape game, Gem recently dropped his fifth installment called “Old Gold” and is also working on his debut EP. He has also built a steady following from New York to Atlanta through a steady stream of viral releases and extensive touring. Aside from rapping, Gem also co-founded his own multimedia label named “Green Leaf Media”, where he helps to edit, direct and produce films. Slowly, but surely, International Gem is crawling his way to the top. It will be a tough grind but this is one MC that won’t stop until he reaches greatness.

Jason
So where were you born? Where’d you grow up?
International Gem
I was born up in White Plains, New York. I’m an 80’s baby. I’ve also lived in Yonkers and Atlanta.

Jason
Which rappers inspired you to start rapping?
International Gem
Definitely rappers like Rakim. He was one my uncle’s favorites. As far as getting into the craft, I would say like Nas and Kool G Rap, you know the more lyrical rappers. That’s definitely more of my style.

Jason
How did you begin writing and developing your flow?
International Gem
You know, I would say around 12 is when I started writing. I started rapping just to get emotions out and things of that nature. It was a way to vent.

Jason
How did that progress go over the years?
International Gem
I would recite some raps for family members and friends and they would like it. So I just kept going from there, working hard. I try to stay true to myself as far as my flow is concerned. I wasn’t mimicking anybody. It’s just poetry in motion. That’s the best way I can explain it. (laughs)

Jason
You are very diverse and mature when it comes to your writing. You seem to be able grasp what is going on the streets, but can kind of take a look back at it from a different perspective. How do you do that?
International Gem
Yea, I mean, that’s just me being true to myself. I am from Westchester, but I have experienced the State of New York to its fullest. I’ve also lived down in Atlanta. I grew up in a fast environment; I’ve seen a lot things happen. I try to combine what I see with my own morals and ethics as well.

Jason
Do you think seeing the world through your own morals and perspectives has helped you grow as a musician?
International Gem
Definitely. They have helped me progress with life; period, but definitely music too. I’ve grown a lot as far as content is concerned and I have always been sort of a deep thinker. I think my lyrical skills show that. I think hip-hop has progressed too, but I don’t think it’s quite where it should be. It is what it is though.

Jason
How are you trying to bring hip-hop back to the state you envision it in? Where do you think some of these guys have taken a wrong turn?
International Gem
I think mainly they have taken a wrong turn with their substance, you know, what their saying and how they say it. If I can bring it back, I just have to do that by being myself and staying true to the art that made me love it to begin with. I’ve always loved the lyrical skill that was present in rap. That’s what drew me to hip-hop. Groups like Wu Tang, who were very lyrical, the actual craft, I think that needs to come back. Shout to the Wu.

Jason
Are you involved in full production with your company Green Leaf?
International Gem
We started Green Leaf back in 2009. We are a full multimedia company. We shoot a lot of videos. I do most of the video editing you see in my videos. We are basically just trying to create an outlet for cats that are trying to be seen as well as heard. We’ve done some work with Joell Ortiz. We have done some interviews as well.

Jason
What has the support been like around New York and the rest of areas you have been in thus far?
International Gem
Well, Atlanta is like my second home. So that’s always a great outlet. New York has been great too.

Jason
What do you love most about New York hip-hop? There’s just a certain style and feel that you don’t see any where else.
International Gem
I think what I love the most is the aggression you hear. You know being from here, understanding the struggle, it’s different than a lot of places. There are so called gangsters and outlaws no matter where you go, but I think New York is home to some of the greatest thinkers. We put a lot of thought into the music and the way we express our self.

Jason
Where would you like to see your music go? What’s your vision?
International Gem
I would like to see it go as far as it goes. I don’t like to put a cap on it. I don’t know where I’ll end up. I just want to be heard, period. I produce, I can engineer, I wouldn’t even mind being a ghost writer. I just want to be involved with music.

Jason
What’s your process like when you make a record?
International Gem
I take all routes. I’m writing all the time. Whether it’s a piece of paper or my phone, I just start writing when inspiration strikes. Whenever my mood changes…I’m writing. I usually don’t have music around me when I write. If I hear a good song on the radio, I’ll start writing out my own verses. You know, I’m just a writer. Sometimes I’ll take what I write and put it to a beat later on. If I come across a track that coincides with a certain mood, I’ll just start putting it together.

Jason
Do the words kind of come naturally to you?
International Gem
I’m not a freestyler for the most part. When a beat comes on, it puts me in a certain mood and I got some bars for it. I have crates full of lyrics. I’m basically set for the next 15 years (laughs). I can put those words to a beat that comes naturally. A lot of cats can’t do that.

Jason
Is it hard to memorize all of your lyrics?
International Gem
The thing is, once I write something, I kind of just know it. You would think it was a freestyle by how quickly I put it together, but once I come up with it in my mind, it’s kind of just there. By the end of writing 16 bars, it’s just there and I don’t need the paper. I already know it. I honestly don’t how to explain it.

Jason
How do you keep digging deep within yourself to stay strong and keep working hard until you make it?
International Gem
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve had my moments where I go, “Oh, this isn’t gonna get me anywhere.” Yet at the same time, I’ve been doing this for so long, I can’t stop writing. It doesn’t make any sense just to have the paper sit, this is what I really want to do. Now I have a child too and I have a lot of goals as far as she is concerned. It’s just like, I got to do this.

Jason
How do you juggle being a father and trying to make it in the music business at the same time?
International Gem
Being a father is a beautiful thing. As far as juggling responsibilities, when it comes to being a father, it’s just second nature. It doesn’t come in the way of being an artist. She loves it. She looks up to me like a super hero. Every time she sees me on the internet or TV, she’s like “Oh, there’s Daddy!” It feels really good.

Jason
So I guess that brings us to my last question. What can we expect from you in the near future? You got a lot of positive things going on right now.
International Gem
Well yea, I recently just dropped my fifth mixtape, “Old Gold”. I’m currently in the process of trying to find a DJ to host it. I’m also working on an EP. I’m just always working, just always be lookin’ out. You can find me on Twitter @LouiShoeGem.
Old Gold Mixtape- http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/international-gem-old-gold-the-mixtape-mixtape.29289.html

The Young Money Heir- Lil Chuckee

by Jason Pollak

Straight out of New Orleans like his older “brother” Lil Wayne, Lil Chuckee is the next great star from the Young Money line. Rapping since the age of 10, Chuckee has been working diligently to perfect his flow and rhymes. He is already a mixtape monster, appearing on multiple features and dropping a slew of hot records. His most recent mixtape “Twap or Die” came out a few weeks back and features Chuckee going in on all the big industry beats right now.

However, Chuckee has aspirations beyond the mixtape scene. He is currently gearing up to drop his debut album under Young Money and is in the process of building his own label, Child’s Play Entertainment. He has also recently built a studio in his house and has learned to record himself. All signs of a true, dedicated artist. Now that he’s dropped the pad and pen and picked up the mic, we have begun to see an evolution in Chuckee’s music. Big things are coming from this young MC and the best is yet to come.

Jason
So, I know you’re from New Orleans, but what part are you from and when were you born?
Lil Chuckee
I’m from Calliope. I was born in ‘95.

Jason
When did you begin rapping? Have you been rapping your whole life?
Lil Chuckee
Yea, I started in ‘05. It was crazy. I started learning about the whole process.

Jason
Did you start out by writing or freestyling?
Lil Chuckee
I didn’t know all that much about bars and the more technical parts. But yea, I was writing some stuff out, figuring out how to freestyle. It definitely started out with the pen and paper.

Jason
Which method do you use now?
Lil Chuckee
Oh, I don’t write at all now. Well I shouldn’t say I’m completely done writing, I still write if I have some ideas outside the studio. As far as a studio session goes though, I don’t write anything down.

Jason
So, you kind of just hear the beat and go with whatever words come to you?
Lil Chuckee
Yea, exactly. I record myself now, so whenever I come up with an idea, I just record it. I know how I like my music. I know how I want it to be. I have a studio in my house now, so it’s usually just me and a couple friends that chill in there and record all day.

Jason
What’s it like having a studio in your house? You’re pretty dedicated to the craft at such a young age.
Lil Chuckee
You know, it’s crazy cuz there are a lot of other things I could be doing. What would a normal 16 year old be doing right now? This is what I chose to do as a career and I understand this is my job. Ya know what I mean, so I wouldn’t put anything before this. At the end of the day, I’m old enough to know that this is what is going to pay the bills.

Jason
You also kind of seem wise past your years? How did you develop that mentality?
Lil Chuckee
To be honest with you, I’ve been like this since I was young, man. I was always on some other stuff. I don’t know how, I don’t know why. I have friends that want to go outside and I’d just rather be in the studio.

Jason
When did you sign to Young Money? How did you and Weezy come together?
Lil Chuckee
Yea, I met Wayne at a video shoot. I spit to him- then it was like boom, bam and from there it was all love. He told me Young Money is where I need to be and I thought so too. At the time, Young Money wasn’t a label yet, this was still way back in ‘05. I knew he was forming a label and I knew it would be a good idea to join up. Worked out pretty well.

Jason
What’s it like to see Young Money grow from those early stages to the point where it’s at today?
Lil Chuckee
It’s amazing. I wouldn’t want to say it happened over night, but I remember all of us on tour, I remember all of us coming out on Wayne’s set. And now for Nikki and Drake to be successful, it’s just great to see. Now I have my own label Child’s Play Ent., and just from watching and being a part of it, it’s given me a much better idea of what I need to do in order to grow my own label. I look up to them…I look up to Young Money Cash Money.

Jason
What’s it like to see Drake and Nikki blow up? They have opened up a lot of doors that weren’t there before.
Lil Chuckee
Yea, I mean it’s cool. That’s my big bro and big sis right there. They doin’ their thing right now. I’m definitely happy for them.

Jason
Along with Lil Twist, what’s it like being one of the younger stars of Young Money?
Lil Chuckee
It’s real good man. I’ma keep it 100 wit you. No diss to nobody, but me and Twist was coming up together. Next thing you know (laughing) he’s a kid artist or whatever, doin’ his thing. He about to drop his album and I’m about to be droppin’ my album too.

Jason
Yea, we’ve all been waiting for that album for a while now.
Lil Chuckee
Yea, we gonna work on it, a lot of people are waiting on that Lil Chuckee album. A lot of people been waiting on that Lil Chuckee and Lil Wayne song too. I got something coming out real soon. It’s about to be retarded.

Jason
Oh really? That’s gonna be crazy. Could you give me an idea of what the song is about?
Lil Chuckee
I wanna say….no, no (laughing) I can’t say anything. I don’t wanna spoil it. This is our first song together, so it’s gonna be great. It’s comin’, you just gotta wait for it.

Jason
I see you’re also in school. Grades are always important. What’s your favorite subject?
Lil Chuckee
I like reading a lot. I would say English and language arts is my favorite.

Jason
What’s one of the more important things Wayne has taught you?
Lil Chuckee
Yea, he really just taught me how to go hard on everything I do. Just go in hard on every line, every bar and that’s whats up and I thank him for that.

Jason
Aright cool, so I guess that brings us to our final question. What can we expect in the near future? You told me about the Wayne feature, any other cool features or songs coming out? Young Money is rolling out all kinds of stuff over there.
Lil Chuckee
Yea, Drake’s album is about to come out. That’s gonna be nice. I don’t want to give a date on my album cuz I still got work to do on it, but sometime next year I’d say. I’ll be on the Young Money compilation. And that’s about it. Shout out to the fans. #TeamChuckee. I appreciate all the support.