RUN LKC: The Party Marathon

The Liwanag Kultural Center presents…

The Liwanag Kultural Center’s very own Matt Ledesma will be running in the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in Seattle on Saturday, June 26. He has decided that that the donations that he will be fund raising for the marathon will go directly back to the organization that he’s been a part of, the Liwanag Kultural Center.

The Liwanag Kultural Center has decided to help his efforts by throwing one last Fund Raising Party to send him off in style before he endures the 26.2 miles for the cause. By helping Matt reach his goals to fund raise, you will be directly helping an organization that serves the people of Daly City. Please come out and support.

21 and Up
$5-$10 Sliding Scale
NO DRESS CODE

If you have any questions, please email lkc.outreach@gmail.com

We hope to see you all there!

Sensory Overload: The Notorious B.I.G.- Sky’s The Limit

Even before my hiatus, I was supposed to post this around Biggie’s 13th Death Anniversary (March 9). But hell, I don’t want this to stay in the on-deck circle of my blog for another year. So in his belated honor, I’d like to highlight one of my favorite videos that doesn’t normally get a lot of play.

Dir. Spike Jonze – Bad Boy Records/ Artista Records – 1997 – USA

Biggie was assassinated 15 days prior to the release of his second album, Life After Death. Following “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems”, “Sky’s the Limit” was the third single released off the album. An unlikely director was chosen for the music video: Spike Jonze. Unlikely because Jonze was almost the opposite of Hype Williams, the director of Biggie’s previous videos. Jonze had directed videos for mostly alternative artists, with his Hiphop credentials being the Pharcyde and the Beastie Boys (who unfortunately, many don’t recognize as Hiphop pioneers). They aren’t the most flashy artists, which is the perfect adjective to describe Hype Williams’ videos.

Since Jonze couldn’t use the primary artist for the video, he used a child actor to act as Biggie. Running with this theme, he replaced most of the adult figures with child doppelgangers.  I don’t think this was just because he had to find an alternative to Biggie, but because the song itself. Thinking that “the sky is the limit” is something kids are told all the time. As we grow up, our optimism tends to die off and we get old, angry, and “realistic”. This song, written by a very adult Biggie, reminds us to keep having dreams, no matter how old we get.

Jonze keeps many of the known Hiphop video stereotypes: flashy cars, big houses, fish-eye lens, etc. But he does it in a more ironic way. Especially since its a child Biggie driving the car. This also proves Jonze has the ability to direct a Hype Williams-like video if he wanted to. I’m glad he doesn’t.

I think it’s unfortunate that this song and video isn’t out there as much. Maybe it’s the positive message? Or because of Spike Jonze? Either way, I think it’s two things Hiphop needs more of. Especially nowadays.

Did you know?: Sofia Coppola was credited with coming up with the concept for the video. Jonze and Coppola were married for four years.

Power Struggle Album REMITTANCES Press Release

Beatrock Music presents

REMITTANCES Album Release

Produced by Fatgums and Mister REY

Lyrics by Nomi

Released by Beatrock Music

May 18, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO, California- May 18, 2010 – Beatrock Music is proud to present the release of Power Struggle’s forth coming album REMITANCES, lyrics written by Nomi and production by Fatgums and Mister REY.

REMITTANCES- takes the listener on an intimate journey through the American landscape from the perspective of a working-class immigrant disillusioned by the American dream. With guest appearances by comrades and friends, verses rap stars and tastemakers, REMITTANCES reflects Nomi’s nomadic life-story that represents Minneapolis, Brooklyn, San Francisco and the Philippines. Remittances balances between subtle social commentary, to outright blood knuckle rage.

Over the past few years lead-vocalist Nomi has created an impressive resume releasing albums with groups like Oddjobs (Third Earth Music) and Kill the Vultures (Locust/Jubdoor). His music has been featured in Urb Magazine, Blow Up (Italy), Mixer, Yellow Rat Bastard, Time Out NY, SF Weekly, etc. Nomi has done extensive touring with groups like De La Soul, Atmosphere, Lyrics Born, Dj Shadow and Brother Ali. With a strong belief in Social Justice, Nomi is also committed to worker’s rights advocacy, working as a community organizer at the Filipino Community Center in the Excelsior District of San Francisco.

Producers Fatgums and Mister REY have also been prolific in their musical endeavors over the past few years. Notable production credit for Fatgums includes Bambu’s two latest solo albums, …exact change… and …paper cuts…, as well as the collaborative FATGUMS X BAMBU ep. Mister REY is responsible for the entire score to Denizen Kane’s latest album Brother MIn’s Journey to the West.

Together, Nomi, Fatgums and Mister REY deliver an album abundant in musical pleasure that addresses the discontent of exploited people, yet serves as an inspiration to keep struggling for power.

Purchases available at:

www.beatrockmusic.com

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/powerstruggle2
http://www.cdbaby.com/Search/cG93ZXIgc3RydWdnbGU%3d/0

**Upcoming Performances

“Remittances” Album Release Party!!!

Sponsored by Beatrock Music and Oh Dang Magazine

21+ Admittance

Friday June 4, 2010

Doors Open: 8pm/ 10$

Pier 23 On the Embarcadero, San Francisco CA 94111

Performances by:

Denizen Kane

Dirty Boots

Otayo Dubb and the Counter Parts

Power Struggle

Dj Wonway

All AGES ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

In collaboration with Robin David and Angela Angel, Power Struggle is proud to perform at the closing reception of World Wide Hustlers.

We are double-billing this event as a closing reception for WWH as well as an ALL AGES RELEASE PARTY.

Saturday June 12, 2010 /Performances start at 3pm/ Free Event

Luggage Store Annex Gallery- Tenderloin National Forest

509 Ellis Street, San Francisco CA

Performances by:

Somos One of BRWN BFLO

Dirty Boots

Power Struggle

Contact:

Mario de Mira

nomiemail@gmail.com

(415) 516-0986

Sensory Overload: RUN-DMC vs. Jason Nevins- It’s Like That

I’ve always been amazed by music videos because of their ability to engage two of your major senses: sight and hearing. For me, when I hear a good song, I can’t help but visualize the music. Simply, it’s a collision of two very distinct art forms.

With that said, I present a new segment where I talk about different music videos that I have an appreciation for. You’ve probably already seen it. Maybe not. But sharing a good music video is never a bad thing.

First Up:

Dir. Schofield & Sternberg – Artista/ Sony Music – 1998 – USA

I forgot when I first saw this, I think it was sometime during high school. But it was a fairly simple concept: Girls vs. Boys dance battle. And it wasn’t like no one had done that style of dance prior to this video.

But for me, especially when big, flashy videos with huge budgets are the norm, I enjoy simple concepts. Especially when they do it right. In this video you see several styles of dance. I’m sure my friends with more dance knowledge than myself could tell you who was in the video, that I cannot do. I will say this though…this video really made me want to learn to dance. Though that never happened, I’m sure we can trace back with a lot of folks who actually followed through and they’d say the same.

This video just makes you really hyped and reminds you of the pure fun-ness of Hiphop. It really is a good compliment to the song (which has an interesting story itself). Thanks Jason Nevins.

Nomi and Power Struggle Valentine’s Day Leak / BEATROCK MUSIC

*For the free song, click on image

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we are hoping you will help Beatrock Music leak the new song “Blood of My Heart” by Power Struggle.  The song is from the upcoming album “Remittances”, which is set to be released in March.

POWER STRUGGLE is rapper Nomi accompanied by producers Mister REY and Fatgums. The new album Remittances, slated for a March 2010 release on Beatrock Music, is a proletarian’s path to enlightenment. With help from fellow Beatrock Musicians Bambu and BWAN, as well as emcees Kiwi, Pele, Denizen Kane, and others, Power Struggle tells the stories of immigrants, workers, criminals, lovers, and revolutionaries. For more information please visit http://beatrockmusic.com. Cover art by Mark Canto (http://rootskalibre.blogspot.com)

FLIP DA SKRIPT: AN UNNATURAL DISASTER (OPEN MIC EVENT)

created by Mark Aquino

The League of Filipino Students at San Francisco State University invites you to attend:

Flip Da Skript
“An Unnatural Disaster” open mic
Featuring Adrian Per and The Kasamas!
When: Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 7PM-10PM
Where: Burk Hall 28.
FREE FOOD will be provided at this event!
We will be accepting donations for Typhoon Ondoy Relief.

This event is a a free open mic event that LFS holds each semester to showcase the many talents of various people within the community. Please come out, show your awesome talents, and support! See you all there!

Check out the Facebook event page!
http://www.facebook .com/event. php?eid=17405290 8745&ref=nf

Joe Wilson + Kanye West + freshman from Gonzo’s class = when not knowing when to STFU goes wrong

I wasn’t going to write about any of this. Everyone else has been blowing up the internet with how they feel and I felt like it’d be redundant.

But then I saw a pattern going on here. How could I resist?

First off, Joe Wilson:

Wilson (Republican) is a United States Congressman from South Carolina. During Obama’s address on his health care plan to a join session of Congress last week, Wilson yelled out like he was in the audience of a daytime talk show. While Obama was addressing what he felt were myths and misconceptions about his proposed plan, including claims that it included provisions to cover undocumented immigrants (which I don’t think would be a bad idea), Wilson pointed and shouted directly at Obama, “You lie!”: (the exchange begins at 1:10)

I love how Pelosi shoots him a look that only your mom would give you when you’re acting up, right before she beats the shit out of you.

The (500) DAYS Team Makes a Dance Video!

Thanks for making my review of (500) Days of Summer my most popular post thus far. That means you’re getting more, suckas! Till then, I found this pretty awesome. Enjoy!

Man, I really want to watch 500 Days again…

Blue Scholars- “HI-808″ dir. The Ohana

This video by the Blue Scholars really makes me want to go back to Hawaii and see my family’s old stomping grounds. Navy families where you at?!

Pass it around support the folks.