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Bookwerk :: Places and Spaces I've Been by Pharrell Williams

Redefining cool for a new generation, Pharrell Williams is a creative force, using music, fashion, and design to express his distinctive style. Originating at the crossroads of art, design, popular culture, and street savvy, Pharrell Williams’ output is unique. By playing off different disciplines—namely music, fashion, street art, and design—and using each as an element in the other, Pharrell has redefined the role of the contemporary recording artist, blazing a trail for other musicians and prominent cultural figures.

Illustrated with lavish photography, his new book, Places and Spaces I've Been, also explores his musical career in depth, charting his many projects from his production team The Neptunes, to the band N.E.R.D., and his collaborations with friends Kanye West, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and other hip-hop royalty. This unprecedented volume documents Pharrell’s prolific body of work and his contribution to contemporary culture. In his own unique graphic language, he details his extensive creative pursuits, including clothing lines, jewelry, and accessories designs for Louis Vuitton, furniture and other product design, limited-edition toys, graphic designs, skate graphics, and collaborations with Moncler, Marc Jacobs, the artist KAWS, and with architects Zaha Hadid and Masamichi Katayama/Wonderwall.

Below Pharrell Williams talks about his book Places and Spaces I've Been and attends his first book signing at Marc Jacobs' store BOOK MARC in Los Angeles, California.

Follow Pharrell on Twitter

Filmwerk :: Mr Soul! The Movie - A Film by Samuel D. Pollard and Melissa Haizlip

Before Oprah, before Arsenio, there was Mr. SOUL!

From 1968 to 1973, America got SOUL! -- the first "black Tonight Show" -- a groundbreaking PBS television series called SOUL! produced and hosted by Ellis Haizlip. The show was both entertaining and revolutionary, while launching the careers of many of the African American icons of the 20th century, and marking the beginning of diversity in television.

For much of America, SOUL! offered the first glimpse of black culture, music, politics and community, as well as first-ever televised performances and appearances by Earth, Wind & Fire, Arsenio Hall, James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Al Green, Ashford & Simpson, and more.

(Above) Stevie Wonder (L) and Ellis Haizlip (R)

WNET/Channel 13 in New York City - celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year - was the original presenting station of SOUL!, making it a real New York story, one about the arts, culture, and a black, gay, broadcast pioneer who changed the media landscape at the onset of public television. In 1972 and 1973, at the height of the show’s success, Lincoln Center invited Haizlip to produce Soul At The Center, a critically acclaimed, two-year, twelve-day black arts festival at Lincoln Center, which became the first collaborative venture between Lincoln Center and the black community.

The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at this revolutionary program, from its initial conception to its final broadcast, including the very public battle to keep it on the air despite a shifting political landscape. The documentary interweaves Ellis Haizlip’s biography into the narrative following the five seasons of SOUL!, interspersing contemporary interviews, archival material, excerpts from the show, and narration by Keith David.

Check out the trailer below and visit the Mr. Soul Movie Website for more in depth information and to make a kind donation.

Filmwerk :: Finding The Funk – A Nelson George Documentary & Kickstarter Campaign

A journey through the origins and influence of funk music from James Brown to D’Angelo, we are FINDING THE FUNK!

Inspired by an idea from legendary record producer Arthur Baker, Finding The Funk is a road trip in search of the past, present and future of Funk music. We start in Dayton the birthplace of so many of Funk’s originators, then onto Detroit where from the ashes of Motown, P-Funk’s Mothership arose and then to LA where a new crop of musicians, like DaM-FunK, are creating their own Funk history. Among those featured in the film are Sly Stone, Bootsy Collins, Mike D of the Beastie Boys, D’Angelo, Marcus Miller, Mtume, Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, Maceo Parker, Bernie Worrell, Steve Arrington, Reggie Hudlin, Sheila E, Shock G, Alan Leeds, Sade‘s Stuart Matthewman and Diplo. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots. Directed by Nelson George. VH1 is hoping to air FINDING THE FUNK next Spring.

Check out the trailer below and visit the Finding The Funk Kickstarter page for more in depth information and to make a kind donation.

FINDING THE FUNK Trailer from Finding the Funk on Vimeo.

?uestlove To Teach 'Classic Albums' Course At NYU

Great News! Sign me up! Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson now known as 'Professor ?uesto' will be joining the NYU staff this Spring to teach a "Classic Albums' course. According to Billboard.biz, The Roots' drummer will be joining Universal Music Enterprises vice president of A&R and Grammy winning reissues producer Harry Weinger to co-teach the course at the Clive Davis Institue for Recorded Music at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts this coming Spring semester.

The two credit class is expected to look at albums including Sly & The Family Stone's Stand!, There's a Riot Goin' On, Aretha Franklin's Lady Soul, Led Zeppelin's IV, Prince's Dirty Mind, Michael Jackson's Off the Wall, and the Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique among others.

Jason King, associate professor of recorded music and head of history and criticism at the Clive Davis Institute, told Billboard.biz the class will focus on the concept of what it means for something to be called classic or seminal, as well as take a close look at the music, lyrics, production, business aspects -- such as promotion and marketing -- that informed the release and reception of the album, and try to provide a context as to why these albums have stood the test of time.

We wanted to bring [?uestlove] in because we felt he should really be a professor; in a lot of ways he already is an informal, unofficial professor, not just in hip hop but in music in general, King told Billboard.biz. He's one of the smartest people in music, besides being a fantastic musician. We thought [this class] would speak to his strengths.

Click here to keep up with 'Professor ?uesto' on Twitter

Artwerk :: A Young Quincy D. Jones by Nikki Yanofsky

I happened to stumble across this amazing pencil sketch of a young Quincy D. Jones in my twitter timeline this week. I absolutely knew I was going to share it so I added it to my favorites on twitter until I could get this opportunity to post and share.

Not only am I impressed with the sketch of a young Quincy D. Jones, the legendary producer, bandleader, musician and visionary, but I am also impressed by the artistic talent of the young lady that sketched it. The sketch artist happens to be 18 year-old, Canadian born, music prodigy and Jazz singer Nikki Yanofsky. She recently sketched her mentor Quincy D. Jones and like with most of her sketches, she shared it via twitter. I had become familiar with Nikki as a Jazz singer over the years but who knew she had these hidden sketch talents?

Nikki began her professional singing career at age 12 by being the youngest headliner at the 2006 Montreal International Jazz Festival. Since her debut in 2006 Nikki has performed internationally at jazz festivals and major concert venues both solo and alongside such well-known artists as Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Wyclef Jean, Celine Dion, Marvin Hamlisch and The Count Basie Orchestra.

BELOW: Nikki Yanofsky "Airmail Special" with Quincy Jones Montreux Jazz 2011

Follow Nikki Yanofsky on twitter @NikkiYanofsky where she shares more of her beautiful sketches while keeping her fans and the jazz community up to date about her upcoming music.

CHOKLATE :: WIDE OPEN - VIDEO PREMIERE

On October 16th 2012 Seattle-based singer/songwriter CHOKLATE will release her highly anticipated 3rd studio project as an independent artist. Following the release of her 1st single Wide Open CHOKLATE premieres the 1st official video from her upcoming project FLY. The video for Wide Open was directed, shot and edited by ZakiRose Media Affiliates (www.zakirose.com).

Check out the new video below as CHOKLATE takes us back to those unforgettable 80s with a feel good, disco laced, rollerskating jam produced by Vitamin D. We couldn't have asked for better visuals to represent this dancefloor jam. CHOKLATE and her team nailed it! She brings her viewers along for the fun! We always appreciate CHOKLATE for keeping the music fresh and oh so FLY and not to mention having loads of fun while she works! Peep the video, have some fun and enjoy!

Producers on FLY include: Musiq Soulchild, Kuddie Fresh, Marcus D and longtime collaborative partner, Vitamin D and it features collaborations w/ Musiq Soulchild and Phontè Coleman of Foreign Exchange and Little Brother fame.

Wide Open the single from the highly anticipated FLY project is available at iTunes Now!

For More Choklate Info Visit The All New CHOKLATE Website at www.choklateonline.com

Also Follow CHOKLATE on Twitter @Choklate and @ChoklateMusic

Filmwerk :: Jean-Michel Basquiat - The Radiant Child a film by Tamra Davis

Centered on a rare interview that director and friend Tamra Davis shot with Jean-Michel Basquiat over twenty years ago, this definitive documentary chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of the young artist. In the crime-ridden NYC of the 1970s, he covers the city with the graffiti tag SAMO. In 1981 he puts paint on canvas for the first time, and by 1983 he is an artist with "rock star status." He achieves critical and commercial success, though he is constantly confronted by racism from his peers. In 1985 he and Andy Warhol become close friends and painting collaborators, but they part ways and Warhol dies suddenly in 1987. Basquiat's heroin addiction worsens, and he dies of an overdose in 1988 at the age of 27. The artist was 25 years old at the height of his career, and today his canvases sell for more than a million dollars. With compassion and psychological insight, Tamra Davis details the mysteries that surround this charismatic young man, an artist of enormous talent whose fortunes mirrored the rollercoaster quality of the downtown scene he seemed to embody.

Featuring interviews with Julian Schnabel, Larry Gagosian, Bruno Bischofberger, Tony Shafrazi, Fab 5 Freddy, Jeffrey Deitch, Glenn O'Brien, Maripol, Kai Eric, Nicholas Taylor, Fred Hoffmann, Michael Holman, Diego Cortez, Annina Nosei, Suzanne Mallouk, Rene Ricard, Kenny Scharf, among many others.

The Radiant Child (Part 1 of 7)

The Radiant Child (Part 2 of 7)

The Radiant Child (Part 3 of 7)

The Radiant Child (Part 4 of 7)

The Radiant Child (Part 5 of 7)

The Radiant Child (Part 6 of 7)

The Radiant Child (Part 7 of 7)

Filmwerk :: Once Upon A Time In New York: The Birth Of Hip Hop, Disco and Punk [Full Length BBC Documentary]

In the 1970s the Big Apple was rotten to the core, yet out of the grime, grit and low rent space emerged new music unlike anything that had gone before. Once Upon A Time In New York chronicles how the squalid streets of '70s New York gave birth to music that would go on to conquer the world - punk, disco and hip hop.

Inspired by the Velvet Underground, a new wave of 'punk' rock emerged in lower Manhattan including The New York Dolls, The Ramones and the Patti Smith Group. Meanwhile, downtown loft parties held by gay New Yorkers heralded the birth of disco, which would eventually spawn the ultimate club for the privileged few: Studio 54. The swanky mid-town discos were out of bounds to black New York so in the Bronx DJs such as Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa created their own parties, heralding the birth of hip hop.

Film features David Johansen, Patti Smith, John Cale, Richard Hell, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, Nile Rodgers, Chuck D, Tommy Ramone, Chris Stein, Fab 5. Freddy, Lenny Kaye, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, Syl Sylvain, Nicky Siano, David Mancuso, DJ AJ, David Depino, Jayne County, Leee Childers, Nelson George, Victor Bokris and Vince Aletti.

Alice Smith is 'SHE' - Her Kickstarter Success

It's been a few years since we've heard from Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Alice Smith. We were introduced to her debut album, For Lovers, Dreamers and Me, via BBE Records in 2006. Since releasing her debut Alice Smith spent the last few years growing, searching, learning hard lessons and ultimately finding her way in this thing called "The Music Business". Because things are not always what they seem and everything that glitters ain't gold, Alice Smith has finally reached a point in her life where she is able to make her own career decisions and move forward with her plans to release new music, tour and connect with the people who mean the most....her fans.

After making some solid connects and crunching some numbers, Alice figured out a way to "make a dollar out of 15 cents." She decided to turn to Kickstarter to open up about her need for financial assistance and to raise the funds needed. She exceeded both goals! Who better to understand your journey and fund your project than your fans and supporters right?!?!

With all the heartbreak and frustration that is an artistic life, Alice is finally at a very exciting place! 'SHE' is about to get funded on Friday Sep 28. With just 14 days left 'SHE' Kickstarter has exceeded its goal of $15,000.

You still have time to make a contribution. More is always good and will be put to brilliant use. Click here to contribute and to read Alice's very open and honest story about her journey from major to indie. It's a very inspiring journey and we wish Alice and her team so much success with the new album 'SHE' scheduled for release in early 2013. We Can't Wait!

Visit Alice Smith's Official Website

Follow Alice Smith on Twitter

Blue Note Records Launches Innovative New Spotify App

EMI Music’s legendary Blue Note Records has announced the launch today of an innovative new app within the popular online music streaming service Spotify. The Blue Note app provides a rich user experience by creating a space to explore and discover music spanning the entire history of the label from 1939 to present.

The Blue Note app traces the label’s evolution from the early jazz of Sidney Bechet to the trailblazing bebop of Thelonious Monk, from Art Blakey’s quintessential hardbop thru Ornette Coleman’s avant-garde flights, from Jimmy Smith’s grinding organ soul jazz leading to Donald Byrd’s funky R&B fusion and on into today’s modern explorations such as Robert Glasper’s unique blend of jazz with hip hop, and beyond. The app’s design and functionality allow the listener to discover by performer, album, style, instrument or year, providing several easy entry points into the music for jazz novices, as well as the ability for jazz aficionados to dive deep into Blue Note’s unrivaled catalog. The app also incorporates Spotify’s trademark social features such as building playlists and sharing favorite tracks with friends.

Key Features:

TIMELINE – Explore the Blue Note catalog chronologically from the label’s very first recording session with boogie woogie pianists Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis in 1939 to the most recent album, Heritage by African jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke, which was released last month. The app features every Blue Note title available in Spotify.

FILTER – Explore the catalog by musical style, era or even by instrument. The Artists and Blue Note 101 sections offer a filter to help guide the user through the label’s different styles of music: Tradition (Thelonious Monk, Jason Moran), Groove (Lou Donaldson, Robert Glasper) and Voices (Dianne Reeves, Norah Jones).

BLUE BREAK BEATS – Blue Note partnered with the website Who Sampled to take the user on a tour of music that contains samples from the Blue Note catalog, placing the original versions alongside the sampled versions by artists such as Beastie Boys, Chemical Brothers, Common, Madonna, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Usher, and Wu-Tang Clan.

SHOP – Peruse Blue Note merchandise that riffs off of the label’s influential visual style, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, bags, and more.

DOWNLOAD APP FOR FREE

Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio Recovered: The Remix EP

On October 9th music lovers worldwide can expect a treat from The Robert Glasper Experiment in the form of a remix EP. The eclectic jazz, hip hop, soul collective spearheaded by jazz pianist Robert Glasper will release Black Radio Recovered: The Remix EP on Blue Note Records. The 6 track collection will feature remixed and previously unreleased tracks from his acclaimed album Black Radio. The remixers include Robert Glasper himself, as well as ?uestlove, 9th Wonder, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Pete Rock, with additional contributions from rappers Black Milk and Phonte, The Roots band, and vocalist Solange Knowles. The remixes reinvent tracks that originally featured Bilal (“Letter to Hermoine”), Erykah Badu (“Afro Blue”), Meshell Ndegeocello (“The Consequences of Jealousy”), and Yasiin Bey (“Black Radio”), as well as Robert Glasper Experiment’s cover of the Little Dragon song “Twice.” Also included is “Dillatude #2,” the Experiment’s tribute to the late, great hip hop producer J Dilla which is a previously unreleased track from the Black Radio sessions.

Tracklisting

1. Afro Blue feat. Erykah Badu / 9th Wonder’s Blue Light Basement Remix feat. Phonte

2. Black Radio feat. yasiin bey / Pete Rock Remix

3. The Consequences of Jealousy feat. Meshell Ndegeocello / Georgia Anne Muldrow’s Sassy Geemix

4. Twice / ?uestlove’s Twice Baked Remix feat. Solange Knowles & The Roots

5. Letter to Hermione (feat. Bilal) / Robert Glasper and Jewels Remix feat. Black Milk

6. Dillatude #2

Filmwerk :: Doin' It In The Park - Pick-Up Basketball, NYC a film by Bobbito Garcia & Kevin Couliau

DOIN' IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC is an independent documentary directed by Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau. The film explores the definition, history, culture and social impact of New York's summer b-ball scene, widely recognized as the worldwide "Mecca" of the sport.

In New York City, pick-up basketball is not just a sport. It is a way of life. There are 700+ outdoor courts, and an estimated 500,000 players, the most loyal of which approach the game as a religion, and the playground as their church.

"You can play high school or college for four years. You can play Pro for a decade. You can play pick-up ... for life."

DOIN' IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC lovingly uncovers this movement through the voices of playground legends, NBA athletes, and most importantly the common ballplayer who all day looks forward to calling "next" game at their local schoolyard.

Co-directors Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau visited 180 courts throughout NYC's five boroughs to create their debut documentary. They traveled to a majority of the locations by bicycle, carrying camera equipment and a ball in their backpacks. The film's title refers as much to the subject matter as it does to the method of filmmaking, providing an unprecedented perspective on urban America's most popular, and accessible, free recreation.

Main film characters: Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Kenny Smith, "Pee Wee" Kirkland, "Fly" Williams, God Shammgod, Tim "Headache" Gittens, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Kenny Anderson, Jack Ryan, Richard "Crazy Legs" Colon, Niki Avery, Milani Malik, and the Park Pick-Up Players of NYC.

DOIN' IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC - Trailer from Doin' It In The Park on Vimeo.

For More Info Visit: Doinitinthepark.com

For Screening Cities and Dates Click Here

Follow on Twitter @doinitinthepark

Filmwerk :: Last Shop Standing - The Rise, Fall And Rebirth Of The Independent Record Shop [DVD]

LAST SHOP STANDING: THE RISE, FALL AND REBIRTH OF THE INDEPENDENT RECORD SHOP

Last Shop Standing inspired by the book of the same name by Graham Jones takes you behind the counter to discover why nearly 2000 record shops have already disappeared across the UK. The 50-minute documentary film charts the rapid rise of record shops in the 1960's, 70's and 80's, the influence of the chart, the underhand deals, the demise of vinyl and rise of the CD as well as new technologies. Where did it all go wrong? Why were 3 shops a week closing? Will we be left with no record shops with the continuing rise of downloading? Hear from over 20 UK record shop owners and music industry leaders as well as musicians including Paul Weller, Johnny Marr, Norman Cook, Billy Bragg, Nerina Pallot, Richard Hawley and Clint Boon as they all tell us how the shops became and still are a part of their own musical education, a place to cherish and discover new bands and new music.

Not long ago there was a record shop on every high street, but over 500 independent record stores have closed during the last few years. Record shops were always more than retail outlets, they are part of our culture; they support new bands and local talent. A place for musicians and music fans to congregate, to browse away a few hours, to walk away with music they didn't know existed.

Last Shop Standing is a celebration of the unique spirit of comradeship and entrepreneurial ingenuity that has enabled so many shops to keep operating successfully against the backdrop of massive changes in the music industry, the biggest recession in years, the growth of online file sharing and the explosion of choice in music consumption.

For More Info Visit: LastShopStanding.com

Follow On Twitter: @LstShopStanding

DJ Spinna Presents: The Eccentric Movements Of José James [FREE DOWNLOAD]

In June we shared the exciting news about modern jazz singer José James signing to and recording for the legendary Blue Note Records label. While preparing to release his Blue Note records debut No Beginning, No End, later this year, José James teamed with renowned DJ/Producer, DJ Spinna to cook up a little pre-release refresher mix. DJ Spinna Presents: The Eccentric Movements Of José James is a 19-track musical journey thru José James' earlier work with sprinklings of music from his Blue Note Records debut. A couple of familiar favorites are blended effortlessly with the crooner’s eclectic mix of jazz, funk and soul making this a sweet end of summer treat. For those not familiar with the music of José James this mix is a great place to start! Download it now for FREE! Enjoy and Spread the word!

Dj Spinna Presents: The Eccentric Movements of Jose James Mixtape by Dj Spinna

Tracklisting:

1. Love Connection

2. Code

3. Park Bench People

4. Love

5. Come To My Door

6. Made For Love

7. It's All Over

8. Save Your Love

9. Lay You Down

10. Trouble

11. Vanguard

12. Promise In Love

13. Detroit Loveletter

14. Sword - Gun

15. Velvet

16. Desire (Moodyman Remix)

17. Warriors

18. Warriors SBRKT Remix)

19. Tomorrow

Click Here To Download Now

Follow José James on Twitter

Bookwerk :: Flip The Script - A Photographer's Music Diary By Kingsley Davis

The Flip the Script book is an unparalleled collection of photographs taken by UK photographer Kingsley Davis, documenting some of the most talented artists, musicians, Dj’s and producers from both sides of the Atlantic to have emerged over recent times. The book with a special preface by Norman Jay MBE, is a who’s who of genre-defying artists from the last ten years. Some of the artists featured in the book are Estelle (cover), Omar, Marc Mac, Pharrell, Guru, Bashy, Jonzi D, N'Dea Davenport, Ms. Dynamite, John Legend, Flying Lotus, KRS-One and many more.

Flip the Script provides a unique insight into how the music scene is changing, driven by technological innovations but also by the creativity, individuality and experimentation of the artists themselves. The title of the book reflects this change, as the artists featured have achieved success on their own terms, with or without stylists, A&R reps or publicists. And access to digital media has given them the opportunity to be heard and recognized overnight.

Many of the artists featured in Flip the Script have come through underground cultures or sub-cultures and have emerged without comprising their authentic credentials. This adds to their appeal among discerning audiences, and so the book is finding a market among music buyers, youth and urban culture enthusiasts as well as those with a professional interest in music, lifestyle and fashion.

Visit the Flip The Script Official Website for retail locations and purchase info.

Follow Flip The Script on Twitter

CHOKLATE Announces "FLY" Album Title and a Live Seattle Preview Party Plus Answers 5 Quick Questions

Seattle-based singer/songwriter CHOKLATE announced the title of her upcoming third album this week. FLY is the title of the new album and before CHOKLATE introduces FLY to the world she will give her Seattle fans and supporters a live preview on Sunday September 16, 2012 at The Triple Door.

What: An Evening With CHOKLATE: Introducing FLY - Album Preview Party

When: Sunday September 16, 2012

Where: The Triple Door - 216 Union Street Seattle, WA

We recently caught up with CHOKLATE to ask her 5 Quick Questions about her highly anticipated third album FLY.

ON THE VERGE: What was the focus and inspiration for your upcoming album?

CHOKLATE: I just wanted to write songs and sing...I just wanted to be in the booth again and keep growing and learning. Each song is a snapshot of a moment in time in either my life or someones life very close to me. My focus was just to stay creative and my inspiration was real life.

ON THE VERGE: Who are some of your producers/collabs on the new album?

CHOKLATE: As it stands: Illmind, DJ Kemit, Tha Bizness, Musiq Soulchild, Kuddie Fresh, Vitamin D, Wajeed from PPP, Slop Funk Dust, Marcus D, Illoquint and there are one or two more that we're still finalizing.

ON THE VERGE: What can we expect from the album?

CHOKLATE: Pure unadulterated ME. Lots of truth. Harmonies galore. Honesty. Dope beats. Some "hip hop makin' whoopie with soul type R&B ish" tunes that all have real stories attached to them. An ode to my brother who I lost at the end of 2009 and a cool duet or two.

ON THE VERGE: Do you have an official release date yet?

CHOKLATE: OCT 16th (!!!!!! aaaaaah! I cant' believe it)

ON THE VERGE: With this being your third album what is different about the artist CHOKLATE?

CHOKLATE: What's different? I'm not entirely sure I'm the best one to answer that question. I think the people that support and give the music a shot and have the backstory from the other albums will be best equipped to answer that one...I'm just in my skin...living everyday and singin' songs along the way...trying to learn the lessons that life is trying to teach me and be open to all the goodness simultaneously. I know one thing, I love it a little more with each offering and I love my supporters more and more every day. They are my creative blood, my heartbeat. I LOVE THEM. whew...you have no idea...

Follow Choklate on Twitter @Choklate

Sign up and join the CHOKLATE E-Mail List to receive news, updates and info about shows in your city!

Filmwerk :: Aretha Franklin: The Queen Of Soul Documentary 1988 [Full Episode]

Aretha Franklin is not only one of the giants of soul music; she is one of the giants of American pop. In a career spanning more than forty years, she continues to find ways to inspire and amaze. Aretha Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and on August 14, 2012 The "Queen of Soul" was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Below is the link to the full 45 minute documentary about the multi-Grammy winner and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin that first aired on PBS August 22, 1988 and is now featured on biography.com. The documentary follows the career of Aretha Franklin from her early years as a gospel singer to her rise to fame.

Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that. Aretha Franklin

Click Here To Watch The Full 45 Minute Aretha Franklin: The Queen Of Soul Documentary as featured on biography.com

Check out Skoolwerk Apparel's Iconic Soul Ladies T-Shirt inspired by Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Phyllis Hyman, Patrice Rushen and Minni Riperton.

Digital Under:Ground :: Crate Blessings compiled by DJ Rhinobee (FREE Download)

Last December our partner in music, DJ Rhinobee, created a very inspiring podcast featuring the best in contemporary inspirational music. We have shared this podcast with many offline, but today we were inspired to share it on our blog and with our social network. Please do yourself a favor and download this amazing and meaningful podcast loaded with Blessings and Gems! Share it with friends, family and the World! It is truly a musical Blessing that is sure to uplift, encourage and inspire all who hear it. Please enjoy these Crate Blessings!

Click Here To Download DJ Rhinobee's Crate Blessings

Tracklisting

01. Adrianne Archie - Welcome

02. Tonex - Jesus Saves

03. Faith Evans - Heaven Only Knows

04. Jason Eskridge - So Into You

05. Sean Simmonds - Soul Glo

06. Shante - Be Like You

07. V3- Take The Time

08. V - Born Again featuring Jill Scott

09. Christopher - Could It Be

10. J.R. - Shine Your Light

11. DJ Maj - Soul Window

12. Tonex - Patient

13. Melissa Boyce - God Bless The Child

14. Sunny Hawkins - Where Would I Be

15. Debra Killings - Love

16. Trin-i-Tee 5:7 - Heaven Hear My Heat

17. Soul Cutz (Various Artists) - Love Is In The Air

18. Surel - Eyes

19. PJ Morton - No Ordinary Love

20. Lisa McClendon - Go

21. Sunny Hawkins - Send Me I'll Go

22. Anthony Hamilton - Pass Me Over

23. Curtis Lewis - X-Ray

24. V - Picture This

25. Pharrell - Our Father

26. Lisa McClendon - Hiding Place

27. Kim Burrell - A Lil' More Time

28. Kim Burrell - Pray For Love

29. Teedra Moses - I Think Of You (Shirley's Song)

30. Bibi Tanga & The Selenites - Goodbye

DJ Rhinobee's Podomatic

Official Video :: Jarrard Anthony - Lucky Day

This past June we fell head over heals in love with a new album by indie soul crooner and Richmond, VA native Jarrard Anthony. This week Jarrard Anthony released his new video to accompany the first single Lucky Day from his album READY TO LIVE. Once again he delivers the goods and we have every reason to continue to be head over heals about Jarrard Anthony!

The album READY TO LIVE is available at your favorite retail outlet so be sure to grab a copy or two!

Jarrard Anthony upcoming show dates:

St. Louis, MO - Lola - August 23

Alexandria, VA - Birchmere - August 30

New York, NY - Drom - September 29

New York, NY - Drom - November 24

Follow Jarrard Anthony on Twitter