Last month, Jhene Aiko paid homage to one of my favorite artists of all time, Tupac Shakur. Along with an amazing talk about Tupac’s importance with Rob Markman of MTV, Jhene and TOCK recreated some of Tupac's most iconic pictures. Though people had both negative and positive things to say about her photoshoot, the pictures weren’t taken to garner opinions. The pictures were her way of paying tribute and giving thanks to an artist that continues to inspire her and so many others. Of course, if you read the article or listened to the interview you already knew that.
We live in a day and age where young people don’t have much patience...No patience to read anything longer than 140 characters...No patience to research...No patience to study the history of the art they want so desperately to be apart of. Not only is there a lack of patience, but a lack of respect. There’s not a lot of respect being given to the true artists that came before us. Everyone is so hell bent on being THE best that no one is taking the time to honor the individuals who have influenced us.
Well, she is getting older and has realize that she is just a compilation of all the great creators who came before her. Not only is it her duty, but it is also her pleasure to show her appreciation. This month, for his 76th birthday (July 4), Jhene and TOCK want to pay homage to Bill Withers. Bill Withers' music has been blessing her ears since she was a baby. She didn’t know it then and not until recently she understood that this man is responsible for some of the most beautiful, relatable, heart felt songs ever written.
Bill is not only a genius songwriter, but he is an amazing singer and musician. The more research she does on Bill, the more she loves him. Bill didn't start creating music until he was in his 30’s, proving that there is no limit to what you are capable of. One of the things that inspires me the most about Bill is his attention to lyrics and storytelling. It wasn't about his image, being flashy, or putting on a “show". For him, it was about the song. No fluff, just pure feeling. It was about connecting. It was about the music. And it is still about the music. Thank you Bill Withers for being so authentic. You are a true inspiration.
Happy Birthday
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Bill Withers Medley | Jhene Aiko
Last month, Jhene Aiko paid homage to one of my favorite artists of all time, Tupac Shakur. Along with an amazing talk about Tupac’s importance with Rob Markman of MTV, Jhene and TOCK recreated some of Tupac's most iconic pictures. Though people had both negative and positive things to say about her photoshoot, the pictures weren’t taken to garner opinions. The pictures were her way of paying tribute and giving thanks to an artist that continues to inspire her and so many others. Of course, if you read the article or listened to the interview you already knew that.
We live in a day and age where young people don’t have much patience...No patience to read anything longer than 140 characters...No patience to research...No patience to study the history of the art they want so desperately to be apart of. Not only is there a lack of patience, but a lack of respect. There’s not a lot of respect being given to the true artists that came before us. Everyone is so hell bent on being THE best that no one is taking the time to honor the individuals who have influenced us.
Well, she is getting older and has realize that she is just a compilation of all the great creators who came before her. Not only is it her duty, but it is also her pleasure to show her appreciation. This month, for his 76th birthday (July 4), Jhene and TOCK want to pay homage to Bill Withers. Bill Withers' music has been blessing her ears since she was a baby. She didn’t know it then and not until recently she understood that this man is responsible for some of the most beautiful, relatable, heart felt songs ever written.
Bill is not only a genius songwriter, but he is an amazing singer and musician. The more research she does on Bill, the more she loves him. Bill didn't start creating music until he was in his 30’s, proving that there is no limit to what you are capable of. One of the things that inspires me the most about Bill is his attention to lyrics and storytelling. It wasn't about his image, being flashy, or putting on a “show". For him, it was about the song. No fluff, just pure feeling. It was about connecting. It was about the music. And it is still about the music. Thank you Bill Withers for being so authentic. You are a true inspiration.
Happy Birthday
Shon Roka (pronounced Shaun Roca) the DJ also known as Shaun Ortega was born on the west-side of Chicago. He started gaining fame as a bboy in 1991 and later became a member of a well known crew called the BRICKHEADZ. He would perform for such artist and events such as The Roots, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Dougie Fresh, Common, Rhymefest, Cypress Hill, Pharoah Monch, Nas, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Taste of Chicago, Lollapolooza, Looptopia, B96 Summer Bash just to name a few. The BRICKHEADZ also won many breakin' competition nationally and internationally. While Shon Roka was being active as a bboy he was working on his craft of being a DJ.
DJing for w/ Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Adidas, Vans, Uprise (Chicago) Skateshop for numerous in-stores, sporting events, galleries and corporate outings. Also Shon Roka is a resident DJ post Covid in Chicago at McGee's, Tantrum, Imbibe and Harbee's. While being a DJ, he has been teaching music production and the Art of Skateboarding through Maggie Daley's After School Matters. Also known as Gallery 37.
For more information contact via email.
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