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Jul 2010 25

Married To The MOB0

Posted In Chic,Fashion,Main,New // Written by Bionca Doll

Married To The MOB has recently posted their preview of their FALL 2010 Collection, and let me tell you…… it’s BANGIN! I’ve been aware of MOB for about… a few years. I don’t own any of their stuff, probably because it was just OKAY to me, but I am really feeling this new collection of theirs. They have really came along. I remember when they just had a few t-shirts, now they have the whole 9 yards. I noticed that’s how a lot of clothing lines start out. They win their audience over with t-shirts, and once they make money off that, they introduce a real collection with more than just tee’s. Anywho! I friggin L.O.V.E. this! MOB has definitely won my heart over. Here’s a little segment I took from their blog:

“Well my hunnies, it’s that time again! After much hard work on the part of our whole amazing M.O.B team, we’re delighted to bring you our lovely Fall collection, appropriately dubbed M.O.B Aime Les Sucettes (M.O.B loves lollipops!) after Serge Gainsbourg’s own ode to “Annie“. The collection – modeled by 21-year-old hottie Tanaya Henry – was inspired by our love for schoolgirls, jet-setting, and the beautiful city of Paris, oui! Expect lots of Sonia-esque stripes, burnout chiffon tulle, a wool Motorcycle jacket and mini-short ensemble, and of course the usual Married to the Mob flavor that we always bring you!”

The concept of the pictures is really cute. The model is gorgeous and she is really working the line! Time for pics!

GUESS WHAT? It’s already out! You can purchase the new MOB collection exclusively at: the MOB shop

For more pictures of the collection and info, check out MOB’s website: mobliving.com

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Jun 2010 04

U-N-I Interview0

Posted In Artist Spotlight,Main,Music,New // Written by Bionca Doll

Recently, Vibrant Doll and RaweMag.org got a chance to catch up with LA hip hop duo U-N-I, who is currently on the Reflection Eternal tour with Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek. U-N-I, made up of members Yonas & Thurzday, are one of our favorites, and we love their music. Amazing individuals, and together their chemistry is what makes up U-N-I. I have posted about them before on VDOLL, but this time – they got the spotlight! I first discovered U-N-I from a pretty popular hip hop blog by the name of 2dopeboyz.com. (I think that’s where I find most of my artists!) and I been amazed ever since. They had a mixtape, “The Love Supreme” available for download on the right hand column of the website, and I was like “hmm, let me give this a listen and see what they are all about.” and BAM! -could listen to that mixtape straight through, without having to fast forward. In my book, if you can listen to an album or mixtape without having to skip a song, then that just means that the album is BOMB.  U-N-I’s music is fun, entertaining, and clever. While making songs that you can bump in your car and dance to, they also make music that makes you think- and tells a story. They are entertaining as HECK on stage. They know how to put on a show. If you weren’t a U-N-I fan before seeing them perform, by the time they get done with you, you’ll be a fan. I remember when I saw them touring with Warren G, a girl next to me had no clue who they were, and after they performed, she was really digging them. From touring with huge names like Warren G, Talib Kweli, and Drake, to having videos on MTV… U-N-I is really doing big things. We will be seeing them all over the place soon. I can feel it. Check out our interview below, and some flicks we shot after the interview!

Exclusive: U-N-I Interview from Rawe Magazine on Vimeo.

Had a lot of fun interviewing them! They are extremely nice and very down to earth. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to make it to their show after wards, but we had a great time hanging out with them.

Yonas & Thurzday

U-N-I : Land Of The Kings

U-N-I : Hollywood Hiatus

U-N-I : Lately (Remix) feat. Miguel

Be sure to check out U-N-I’s official website, www.yothurz.com for latest news and music!

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May 2010 05

NASA: Yuri’s Night 20101

Posted In Events,Main,Music,New // Written by Bionca Doll

Last month I got to go to a super cool event held by NASA (yes, space and rocket ships) called Yuri’s Night. It was having a really cool artist line up like N*E*R*D and Common and I was just like – I NEED to be there. So I got my press passes and went on my way. It was a lot of fun. Tons of interesting people dressed up in awkward costumes like fairies, hobbits, scientists, aliens, and much more. I almost felt weird dressing regular. But anywho, they had some pretty cool exhibits and what not- but I was more concerned about the PERFORMANCES! Yeah!

Pharrell was looking… very…. -keeps to self- He’s hot!

Les Claypool

So yea – my Common pictures weren’t as GREAT as my N*E*R*D pictures. And see, well – #1 I need some super crazy zoom lens that’s like – a whole lot of money. & #2 well, we were definitely NOT that close. There was mad people in front of us. I’m only 5’1 so I was basically jumping and standing on my tipy toes to take some of these pictures as well as being smashed by the people behind me. It was yucky standing in that crowed. I don’t see why those with press passes weren’t able to stand next to the stage for this half. They had put these dividers between the audience and the stage after they saw how people crowded around the stage for N*E*R*D. Whack! But overall – I had a really fun time. I’m going to create a flickr account sometime this week and upload all my pics from every event and concert I go to for everyone to see! But I cannot wait to see N*E*R*D again.

Common feat. Pharrell – Punch Drunk Love (remix) [Mediafire]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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May 2010 04

Martin Luther Interview0

Posted In Artist Spotlight,Main,Music,New // Written by Bionca Doll

Recently, I was lucky enough to interview neo soul artist Martin Luther. I wasn’t too familiar with his music besides a song I heard & saw the music video for one day on VH1 Soul titled “Daily Bread”. A friend of mine asked me “Hey! Do you want to interview Martin Luther?” and I said “Sure!” – so then I began to do my research. Man… have I been missing out! I’m a total 100% Martin Luther fan now. Not because I did the interview, but because of the music he makes. I’m so in love with it. Martin’s music is so mellow and soulful – the type I can vibe to. His voice is soothing, it just makes you melt.

“My music is just soul music, but I attach “rebel” to it because my music is revolutionary. I want you to evolve from your day-to-day thinking that most music being played on the radio doesn’t encourage or inspire you to do. Therefore my music has some sort of rebellious attitude about it.” – Martin Luther

Being a San Francisco native, are you excited to be back in the bay area?

I’m always in San Francisco even when I live in other cities. I have too much family and professional business happening in the City to ever be gone so I’m excited to be here just as
much as I’m excited to have places to go.  Work is slower here for me than other places
but I get to be at home enough to keep things together.

When will you be releasing your next album? Any special features/producers you got to work with?

I plan on releasing the new album ‘Love Is The Hero’ this summer of 2010.
I never look to feature other artists other than friends and Rebel Soul Family
so there are no features from outsiders but the late/great Dewey Tucker recorded
with me as well as a short list of remarkably talented folks like D’eantoi Parks
Steve Wyreman. i keep the bay alive in my music and I also honor the contributions
of folks beyond our borders. I make music the best way I know how…we go into a room
and turn on the record button and let the magic happen.

When did you first fall in love with music?

I have been singing since birth. There has always been music from the church to the gospel of the streets. We are one.
I feel in love with the guitar in the 80s and started to play in the early 90′s.
Funkadelic and Prince and Van Halen had a lot to do with it. Later it became all about Hendrix and before him, Albert King and before…..I am before.

What & who inspires you to keep going and making music?

Life is my main source of inspiration. I don’t watch cable so much and I do enjoy hanging out relaxing with good people in my neighborhood and or choppin it up with good friends and loved ones. I get inspiration from all of these places and many more so as long as life produces moments, I’ll continue to be inspired. I don’t write happy uplifting music only. I write from all sides..from the jealous or covetous angle..from the I’m going to get even angle.. from the sexually provocative space..to a random acts of kindness space.. I don’t have a border on subject matter so there is always something to write about or chronicle.
Good bad or ugly, I’m somewhere with a pen and pad…or a cell phone with an audio application.

Do you see yourself doing anything other than music? Such as acting and whatnot?

I act. I have appeared in small films to major motion pictures and TV Shows. I will continue as long as there is  a place for me on the set. I want to start a health culture shopturant… a headquarters for self rejuvenation and daily nourishment of the mind body and soul.
Out of all of your songs, which one is your favorite?
No favorite songs. My songs are prayers. No one prayer is more important than another. They are my life’s work and I have been blessed, thanks to the fans, to still have a career and I’m still being discovered everyday by new people so things are cool. It gives me fuel to keep on going.

Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Tune in to www.martinluthermccoy.com for all the news and updates and get ready for the new album called ”Love Is The Hero” coming soon.
Peace,
ML
Wow- some very exciting things coming up for Martin. I can’t wait to hear! Also, check out www.rebelsoulmusic.com -also his website, with music, pictures, info, and much more.
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Mar 2010 30

Erykah Badu: Return of the Ankh0

Posted In Main,Music,New,New Releases // Written by Bionca Doll

In contrast to its predecessor New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (2008), which was digitally produced and political in tone, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) incorporates sampling and live instrumentation, while its more personal lyrics focus on themes of romance and relationships. Badu has described its sound as “very analog”. In an interview for Billboard, Badu explained that “We used a lot of analog instruments—harps, strings, drums, piano, and even a Theremin—to give the album that sonic feel. There’s a strong undercurrent of bottom, a rumbling to these songs that feels good to me. It feels like a hug”. In the same interview, she explained the album’s title, stating:

I called it ‘Part II: The Return of the Ankh’ because this album is the sister of the left side of my brain – it is the right side.’Part I was the left side of my thoughts – it was more socially political and my thought process was more analytical. This time there wasn’t anything to be concerned with – the album is more emotional and flowy and talks about feelings. It reminds of the days of ‘Baduizm’ – this is just about beats and rhymes in a cipher.
—Erykah Badu

PERSONALLY; I LOVE Erykah’s new album. I love all her albums. I’m always so excited for them! She is so talented, creative, and original… I truly admire her for that. She makes incredible music that we just can’t get enough of. I love the album art too! And the videos, especially “Window Seat” which is stirring up a lot of controversy. I read on NecoleBitchie.com the story behind it:

“Erykah Badu has managed to stir up controversy after she released her new video “Window Seat” early Saturday Morning. In the video, which was shot Guerrilla-style in one take, she walks along Dealey Plaza in Dallas and sheds her clothes until she is completely nude. At the end of the video, a gun shot can be heard and she falls near the place where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated followed by a narrated statement about “Groupthink”. ”

Very strong message Badu is putting out there. I had seen many times she asks her followers to define Groupthink. I have yet to grasp the full meaning, but I know it has to do with someone stepping outside of the box and being deemed different/wrong by society as a whole.

Check out the video:

Window Seat from bean on Vimeo.

Wow… right? and yes yes YES we all know she has an amazing body! But lets focus on the message she’s putting out there!!!!! lol!

Anywho, here is the track listing off of her new album!

No. Title Writer(s) Producer(s) Length
1. “20 Feet Tall” Badu, Douthit, Wimbish Erykah Badu, 9th Wonder 3:25
2. “Window Seat” Badu, Poyser Erykah Badu, James Poyser 4:50
3. “Agitation” Badu, Husayn, Sancious Erykah Badu, Shafiq Husayn of SA-RA Creative Partners 1:33
4. “Turn Me Away (Get Munny)” Ayers, Badu, Striplin Erykah Badu, Karriem Riggins 5:26
5. “Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long” Badu, Husayn, McCartney Erykah Badu, Ta’Raach 4:39
6. “Umm Hmm” Badu, Jackson Erykah Badu, Madlib 3:45
7. “Love” Badu, Yancey Erykah Badu, J Dilla 6:02
8. “You Loving Me (Session)” Badu, Benzworth Erykah Badu 1:04
9. “Fall in Love (Your Funeral)” Badu, Glenn, Riggins Erykah Badu, Karriem Riggins 6:06
10. “Incense” (featuring Kirsten Agresta) Badu, Jackson Erykah Badu, Madlib 3:27
11. “Out My Mind, Just in Time” Badu, Muldrow, Poyser Erykah Badu, Georgia Anne Muldrow 10:21

**Jump Up In The Air (Stay There) is actually an iTunes bonus track, so you will only receive that if you purchase & download it from them

GET IT! GET IT GET IT GET IT! you won’t regret it!

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