Topic: PITCH / KANSAS CITY STAR COVERS BASSMINT SESSION
- Jun 28, 2007 12:25am by MILES - [url]http://www.MilesBonny.com/[/url] Location: KCK
[b:16b87747d3]A better rep for rap[/b:16b87747d3]
ByJENEE' OSTERHELDT
There has been an outcry against outrageously misogynistic and violent lyrics in rap music. And rightfully so, considering the overt sexuality in so many of the country's top-played rap songs ("Buy U a Drank" and "Pop, Lock & Drop It").Still, for all the bad that's out there, hip-hop survives. And I know there's still good music being made — it's just not all getting played."There is never just one way to do things," says Joc Max, 34, one of Kansas City's most respected hip-hop DJs and producers. "There are alternatives to what is being offered. There is more than just swearing and sexuality in our music. There is more than what you hear."Once radio, TV and clubs start pushing the good music — by Common, Gnarls Barkley and other positive artists — we could start to see the culture take a turn for the better.Joc says we have to start taking things into our own hands. So he and fellow DJ and producer Miles Bonny have teamed up to host a monthly club date to emphasize the positive. Their "Bassmint Sessions" are scheduled the final Thursday of each summer month at the Grand Emporium.The sessions will be open to all ages, and the music they play will have no curse words and no explicit content. And while they don't plan to censor performers, they are going to ask them to keep it clean."The bottom line is we have to draw the line," says Miles, 26. "We want it to be a night for everyone, particularly for young new artists and young people. Basically, we don't want to go the direction that is being pushed on us by the media and the big corporations. We aren't trying to be hokey. We just want to be as progressive and creatively edgy as possible without relying on cheap gimmicks of any sort."Before the industry standard became about half-naked video girls and faking like gangsters, there was more balance in the music. When hip-hop began, it was for all ages."The family element is missing," Joc says. "We have to get it back there. We have to do what we have to and step up to the plate and carve the way."My 8-year old daughter can't listen to 90 percent of what is played on the radio, and that same concern I have for her I have when it comes to providing entertainment for other children."We all want to go out and dance and hear good music, but we don't have to be cursed at all night or hear records so dirty that it would make your mother hold your ears. Even if our night isn't successful, this is a note to everybody out there who wants a chance to support and give the youth something positive."THURSDAY'S SESSION•The first Bassmint Session is 8 p.m. to midnight Thursday at the Grand Emporium, 3832 Main. $5 cover.Jeneé Osterheldt's column runs in FYI on Tuesday and Saturday. To reach her, call 816-234-4380 or e-mail [email protected].
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[b:16b87747d3]Kids Are All-Right[/b:16b87747d3]
By Megan Metzger
Before Westport's security was beefed up on weekends with menacing barriers, ID checking and charging a buck for entry, minors were free to roam the streets, even though they weren't allowed in the clubs. KC has never offered a cool, viable nightlife option for its restless youth. Luckily, hip-hoppers Joc Max and Miles Bonny, known collaboratively as Lindquist and Greer, are on their side. On the last Thursday of every month this summer, Max and Bonny host Bassmint Sessions at the Grand Emporium (3832 Main, 816-531-7557), an all-ages event with live performances from KC's best cut creators and MCs, as well as funk, jazz, soul and even an open-mic opportunity for the kids to show off their own skills. The event costs $5. See Innatesounds.com for details.
PITCH.com
- Aug 4, 2007 05:47pm by JDFlow - [url=http://www.my.rawkus.com/profile/jdflow]JDFlow on Rawkus[/url]
[url=http://www.myspace.com/jdflow]JDFlow on Myspace[/url]
[url=http://ccedistribution.blogspot.com/]Distribution & Marketing[/url] Location: Seattle
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