The first blog : The first blog

How to Play Guitar Like Eric Clapton

2008-08-25T12:40:36Z

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He has been a part of The Yardbirds and Cream and had a successful solo career and several notable collaborations. Here are some tips to help you play like Eric Clapton.

Eric Clapton.�Rare Mp3 Collection - 0.15 $ per Track

Step1

Work on your blues standards. Eric Clapton is a blues guitarist above all else. He has spent countless hours working on traditional blues standards. Use a song like "Malted Milk" by Robert Johnson to start working on your chops. Listen to blues greats like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert King and especially Robert Johnson. Clapton respected Johnson's musicianship so much that he made a tribute album.

Step2

Slow down. Eric Clapton has the nickname Slowhand due to his style of play. You can shred all day, but Clapton is able to comprise amazing melodies and solos without the need to speed through them. It seems flashy to be able to play fast, but that's not always the best way to play, especially when dealing with the blues.

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Step3

Learn to manipulate a single note. One of the tricks to playing in blues style is to realize that there are many ways a single note can sound. Instead of just plucking a note and moving on, work with vibrato, bending and using different attacks. See how many different ways you can manipulate a note to produce totally different sounds.

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Step4

Spend some time working on your tone. Eric Clapton's tone is flawless, so tone is a key part to playing like him. You don't have to necessarily replicate his tone, just make sure that you have good tone that can stand on its own.

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Step5

Play rhythm with some of your favorite Eric Clapton songs. You can get into the mood and feel a part of the song by playing along with some of your Clapton favorites. Pick out a few that you know and love, and play rhythm along with them. After you know the song well, try to come up with your own lead parts and solos for the song.

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Step6

Equip yourself like Eric Clapton. Clapton has used several guitars in his career, primarily Gibson Les Pauls early on, but his black and white Fender Stratocaster is easily his most recognized guitar. Fender makes an Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster. Clapton also often uses a traditional Marshall stack for his amplification. As far as effects, a Dunlop Fuzz Face and a Vox Wah pedal are a good place to start.

Dance festival offers hip hop workshop

2008-07-29T13:05:42Z

Ligamusic.com - Organizers say Crazy Smooth is one of Canada's most skilled street dancers, or "B-boys". Crazy Smooth's extensive resume includes working as an instructor for Cirque du Soleil, performing at the Nancy Jazz Festival in France, and winning Most Valuable B-boy at the annual Kings of New York competition in 2006. His motto, he says, is "dance to express, not impress."

Crazy Smooth is the first B-boy to receive a grant from the Canada Arts Council to study street dancing. He is also an integral member of Blueprint for Life, an organization dedicated to connecting with Inuit youth through hip hop. He was a keynote speaker at the 2007 United Nations Youth conference in Winnipeg.

The workshop is organized by DansEncorps, a Moncton dance troupe and school.

Julie Goguen, a representative of DansEncorps, says that dancers of all levels are welcome to come to the workshop, from total beginners to professionals. She does caution the workshop is not appropriate for children younger than six or seven years old. Goguen says they are already expecting some highly skilled dancers, but Crazy Smooth has experience working with many levels of dancers.

The Atlantic Dance Festival takes place Aug. 8 to 10. Organizers say the festival is for professional and beginner dancers alike and features workshops, free demonstrations, and shows. The festival opens Aug. 8 with a welcoming reception and a show by contemporary dancer Louise Lecavalier. Workshops take place in a variety of styles Aug. 9, and performances will be happening at the Moncton and Dieppe markets the same day. That night will see a free dance with a DJ where anyone can learn basic steps and a gala show with Crazy Smooth and other professional dancers. The final day's events include showcases for the Maritime dance schools that are participating in the festival and the final show with Crazy Smooth's new choreography.

The workshop has been tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday with a dress rehearsal Sunday morning, but hours are subject to change based on the availability of participants. There will be a charge of $100 for the five day workshop. The final performance will be at 4:30 p.m. at Th��tre L'Escaouette, 170 Botsford St., Moncton.

Those interested in the workshop or festival can contact DansEncorps by e-mail at dencorps@nb.aibn.ca, send them a message through their Facebook page, or call (506) 855-0998. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis and is limited to 25.

Rock Band 2 has Full Backwards Compatibility and Wireless Instruments

2008-07-10T17:47:32Z

Rock Band 2 is going to be sweet. They just sent out official word about it. This is not rumors but straight from the developers.

Begin PR:

Rock Band 2, List of Rock releases added during July 10, 2008: 350 albums

Start A Band, Rock The World!

Developed by Harmonix, the world's premier music videogame company, and published by MTV Games, Rock Band� 2 is the next evolution of the groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music videogames. Rock Band 2 builds upon the original, challenging players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals, and raises the bar to include an entirely new level of depth, connectivity, authenticity and exhilarating features.

Rock Band 2 will feature more than 80 tracks on disc � but it doesn't stop there. Players will have access to all DLC tracks, packs and albums released to date as well as future DLC releases; that's more than 200 song choices and counting. The music in Rock Band 2 features all master recordings and spans all genres of rock from punk, metal and alternative to classic and southern rock.

Rock Band 2 will be released on Xbox 360� videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft this September and will have an exclusive launch window in North America. Rock Band 2 will be available for the PLAYSTATION� 3 and PlayStation� 2 computer entertainment systems and Nintendo Wii� system later this year.

Key Features

Rock the World!

Rock Band 2 offers new and dynamic online modes that will connect the entire Rock Band community in more ways than ever before, both locally and globally.

Rock in Style!

Rock Band 2 introduces a new variety of instrument choices all with new and improved drum and guitar peripherals, enhanced functionality and innovative new designs. All Rock Band 2 instruments are fully compatible with the original Rock Band. Conversely, all Rock Band peripherals will be fully compatible with Rock Band 2.

Unrivaled Song Library!

Rock Band 2 features the biggest and most diverse soundtrack ever featuring some of rock's most prolific acts, comprised entirely of master recordings.

Complete the Look!

Rock Band 2 delivers new clothing, accessories, tattoos, hairstyles, instruments and more to keep your unique rock avatar playing the full rock part.

Battle it Out!

Go head to head competing against other bands with Battle of the Bands contests that will be generated by Harmonix on a regular basis.

Stay on Top!

Stay the undisputed leader board champion with real time alerts updating you when another rocker or band has surpassed your score!

Take on Tour Challenges!

Play through mini-campaigns focused on a specific instrument, your favorite artist, your preferred genre, or a particular album.

Customizable Set Lists!

Create your own set lists in Quickplay mode to keep the music rolling and your band rocking!

Rock 'n' Roll Never Dies!

Rock Band 2 offers backwards compatibility with Rock Band downloadable content- all previously purchased tracks will immediately load into your Rock Band 2 play list!

Game Modes

Quickplay

Now easier than ever to get in and jam without hassle.

- New prefab characters

- Your customized characters can now play on any instrument

- Make your own set lists

- Organize song lists by a variety of categories (alphabetical, genre, era, etc.)

World Tour

Solo Tour and Band World Tour join forces to create the ultimate band touring experience!

- World Tour is now online

- No more band leaders! If you need to fire your guitarist but keep the band going, fire away!

- Switch up instruments throughout world tour

- All new collection of opportunity gigs, challenges, cities, venues, and hirable staff

Tour Challenges

Take your band on tour in a whole new way with specific music challenges.

- Focused mini-campaigns featuring the best songs by instrument, decade, genre or artist

- Automatically generated DLC challenges

- Album specific challenges

Battle of the Bands

Put your band to the ultimate test by competing against other bands, both on your friends list and around the world!

- Dynamic content with regular new contests designed by Harmonix

- Matches up your score against overall competition and friends' bands - with REAL TIME feedback

- Get updates on new battles from your Band Profile, as well as notifications when your score has been topped!

Drum Trainer

A true teaching tool that gives players a step-by-step lesson through the basic beat and fill vocabulary any real world drummer would know.

Music

Major record labels and leading music publishers have signed on to provide unrivaled access to master recordings and legendary rock artists with hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's. The Rock Band 2 disc will feature more than 80 rock hits--all master recordings! Plus, Rock Band 2 owners will have access to the growing Rock Band DLC catalog of more than 200 tracks. Below are just some of the amazing tracks and artists you will get on disc with Rock Band 2.

2000s

Dream Theater "Panic Attack "

System of a Down "Chop Suey"

1990s

Foo Fighters "Everlong"

The Muffs "Kids in America"

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Give it Away"

1980s

Mot�rhead "Ace of Spades"

1970s

Cheap Trick "Hello There"

Elvis Costello "Pump it Up"

Journey "Anyway You Want It"

1960s

The Who "Pinball Wizard"

Key Players

� Developed by Harmonix � the world's premier music videogame company� and published by MTV Games.

� Distributed and Co-Marketed by Electronic Arts, the world's leading interactive entertainment software company.

� Master Recordings provided by EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group's Universal Music Enterprises and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment.

� Rocked out even harder by YOU and millions of drummers, guitarists and vocalists around the world. Groupies not included!

Product Specifications

Publisher: MTV Games Developer: Harmonix Distributor: Electronic Arts

Category: Music/Rhythm Game

Ship Date: September 2008 (Xbox 360) 2008 (PS3, PS2 and Wii)

Noel Gallagher says Oasis won't go all Radiohead with new album

2008-07-10T17:36:41Z

Oasis Gold Collection and New Releases. Don't expect a Radiohead style pay-what-you-like release from Oasis. As Noel Gallagher explained to the BBC, fans will have to pay for his band's new album, Dig Out Your Soul:

That's not our bag. I didn't spend a year in the most expensive studio in England, with the most expensive producer in America, and the most expensive graphic designer in London to then give it away. F**k that.

He also noted how keen Radiohead were in marketing In Rainbows: "to me it looked like marketing - a great way of getting a load of marketing for free really. But good for them. That's what they do, they're rebels and outsiders."

As Paul McInnes details on The Guardian, it would appear Gallagher's own marketing saavy is also in full stride for the new album. His comments about Radiohead follows the Jay-Z/Glastonbury controversy, which began with Gallagher's rant that Jay-Z as headliner broke the Glastonbury format, and which ended up with Jay-Z covering the Oasis classic Wonderwall.

The Glastonbury performance ended up increasing sales for both artists in the UK, and even opened the door to a possible Jay-Z/Oasis collaboration.

Beck avoids wreck on new album

2008-07-10T17:22:56Z

Beck "Modern Guilt"

Release Date: 7-8

Interscope Records

Website: www.beck.com 3.5 out of 5 stars Beck has done it again. Beck Promo Rare Collection

He has produced another album without a lot of holes, that is. His latest release "Modern Guilt" is more modern Beck, scattered with plenty of 21st century sound and the man's laid back vocals. Danger Mouse produces the album and does not smother Beck with his style. Instead, it is clear Beck laid the bricks and Mouse spread the mortar.

Beck, who burst onto the mainstream music scene in 1994 with his generation defining hit "Loser" that hosted his trademark ironic lyrics with the self-loathing of the 1990s, has continued to demand respect since.

All eight of his major label releases have been enjoyable records. Some of them are must haves while others worth a listen - his latest album falls somewhere in between. If you enjoy 60s psychedelic rock, Beck's take on that is always enjoyable, but Danger Mouse makes sure the music does not begin to sound dated.

Without him this album would have been a carbon copy of previous Beck works, but with Danger, new life is breathed into an already working formula.

Every record made by Beck has creatively found a way to be accessible enough for modern rock radio, but also more sophisticated than its counterparts. This album is a wonderful intro album for anyone new to "indie" music. There is still plenty of loud guitar but also a sense of awareness to the music. Everything is always kept in check; from guitar parts to lyrics, nothing overstates itself. Everything is given equal importance.

"Gamma Ray" focuses on the dangers of global warming but does not force the issue down listener's throats. While several songs search for God or the meaning to life ("Profanity Prayers," "Orphans") they never explicitly imply a right or wrong answer. The music sounds unforced and natural; as he continues to create new music without trying to appease anyone.

"Modern Guilt," is a perfect choice for this album's title track as it highlights everything right about it. The song clearly displays Danger's skills as a producer and Beck's ability to construct a song with broad implications. "Don't know what I've done, but I feel ashamed." highlights his paranoia with this modern world.

Beck has removed himself once again from society and given his critique. This album highlights some of his finest work, however, on the next go round it might be time to ask for some sounds he has not touched on yet.

Beck's an intelligent guy so he will undoubtedly find a way, since he has already found a way to keep listeners contently coming back for nearly fifteen years.

Carla Bruni's new album

2008-07-10T17:16:29Z

Helen Brown's song-by-song review of Carla Bruni's third album Comme Si De Rien N'Etait (As If Nothing has Happened)

Chanson Rare Collection.

Ma Jeunesse

The Premiere Dame may have a colourful past, but her music has always been as classically chic and subtly sexy as her Christian Dior wardrobe. The supermodel-turned-chanteuse has been worried that her left-leaning fanbase might desert her now she's married to right-wing French President, so the album's title is literally a plea for them to treat her Comme Si De Rien N'Etait (As If Nothing has Happened).

Pop singer Carla Bruni

Carla Bruni in pop singer mode

And she opens her third album with a simple, low-heeled piano waltz. Now 40, she sings a rueful farewell to youth. The melancholic melody and mournful brass solo recall The Beatles' For No One.

La Possibilite D'une ile

Pushing her independent, intellectual credentials, Bruni has set an extract from Michel Houellebecq's novel La possibilit� d'une ile to music that sounds like it's been lifted from the soundtrack to Twin Peaks: all slow-motion xylophones and swirly guitars.

She gets the tone of detached despair and sinister dreaminess just right as she quotes breathily from France's literary bad boy (who tried his hand at rap before succeeding as a novelist). The hero of Houellebecq's novel is a middle-aged man who falls for a glamorous actress 25 years younger than himself.

Bruni is only 13 years younger than Sarkozy and, it is often joked, 13 inches taller.

L'amoureuse

Bruni's romantic CV reveals a taste for rich and successful older men: ex-lovers include Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Donald Trump. Over elegant strings and jaunty guitar arranged by dashing young chansonnier (and Catherine Deneuve's son-in-law) Benjamin Biolay, she gushes gallically in praise of love and the moment.

Tu Es Ma Came

"You are my drug. More lethal than heroin from Afghanistan and more dangerous than Colombian white" breathes Bruni on a bluesy little ditty that has upset Columbia's foreign minister, even though the South American country is still the world's largest producer of cocaine. Perhaps he was just defending the national product from Bruni's assertion that love was more addictive?

The song is said to have been written about Sarkozy. Before she began dating him she had expressed a desire for a man "with nuclear power".

Salut Marin

A gently plucked 'au revoir', washed with 'Betty Blue' harmonica and dedicated to Bruni's brother, Virginio, who died last year. She also has a sister, actress and director Valeria Bruni, who is critical of Sarkozy's politics.

Ta Tienne

A flirtatious burst of flute opens this Latin-inflected declaration of love: "I, who used to make men dance, I give my whole self to you."

Since her 2002 debut, Quelqu'un m'a dit, Bruni has established a vocal style that sardine-packed syllables into lines, running lyrical rings around her subjects without getting out of puff. Here she has fun playing with an impassioned "ta-ta-ta-ta tienne" which provides a new take on the phrase Je suis � toi (I'm yours) by using a formula unknown in the French language: Je suis ta tienne (I'm your yours).

Peche d'envie

A pretty little song about envy. A recent book about Bruni and Sarkozy's whirlwind three-month romance, by respected journalists Yves Az�roual and Val�rie Bena�m (sanctioned by Bruni), describes a scene in which the former Guess Jeans model pointed at the double bed in the Elysee Palace before turning to female Justice Minister Rachida Dati, who is single, and snarling: "You'd have loved to occupy it, wouldn't you?"

You belong to me

This Bob Dylan cover isn't Bruni's first time singing in English. On her last album, No Promises, she set poems by WB Yeats, Emily Dickinson and Dorothy Parker to music. Born in Italy and raised in France by her concert pianist mother and industrialist/composer father she is trilingual.

Le Temps Perdu

Pavement caf� swing here, as Bruni offers a lover cherries and roses asking "make time for the gentle things..." She has said she hopes to cultivate a deeper love of culture in her tele-addict husband whose musical tastes stop at Elvis Presley and his French equivalent Johnny Hallyday.

Deranger Les Pierres

Shades of The Windmills of Your Mind in this slightly trippy and retro harp-backed ballad. Bruni's sultry delivery is in the breathily girlish softcore tradition of Jane Birkin. The lyrics about mixing up rocks sound a bit, well, stoned.

Je Suis Une Enfant

She may have inherited a tyre manufacturing fortune, proved a true professional in the tantrummy world of modelling, made millions of her own, given birth to a son and dated some of the world's most famous men, but "despite her 40 years and 30 lovers" Bruni still sees herself as a child. "I turn my back on time," she croons to a Schumann tune, "hair and skirt in the wind". Le Figaro's critic thought this was the album's best track and praised Bruni's "dense and fragile voice".

L'antilope

"The future is unclear and the past is troublesome" sings Bruni, but the bouncy mandolin riff and breezy delivery says "je ne regretted rien!"

Notre Grand Amour Est Mort

"Our great love is dead"? Surely it can't all be over for the couple who only married in February? Probably not. Although Bruni still publically disagrees with many of Sarkozy's policies, particularly the mandatory DNA testing of immigrants.

Il Vecchio E Il Bambino

Last year Sarkozy called on the European Union to study "the possibility of taxing imports from countries that do not respect the Kyoto Protocol" - the international agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions. This murky and moving cover of a Francesco Guccini song describes an old man telling a child of the grass fields that have now been replaced by smoking factories.

Kerli's debut cd "Love Is Dead"

2008-07-08T19:08:10Z

Kerli's debut cd "Love Is Dead" is finally here! You will never listen
to music like hers! Her music is so unique and different but it is a
refreshing sound. Each song here showcases her talent and originality.
She is from the small country of Estonia, but that doesn't mean her
music is limited.

This is truly original music. It is also available
for a low price! If you don't believe that she is amazing, just listen
to "Walking On Air" and try to get it out if your head after.

Download "Love Is Dead"

Carolina Liar Coming To Terms Review

2008-07-08T19:00:57Z

The musical essence of the album is anthem rock, but it's hardly a
"back in the 80's tonight" anachronism. From the opening acoustical
guitar riff of "I'm Not Over," which explodes into the choral
pronouncement, "I'm not over, I'm not over you just yet," through the
extraordinary rock-gospel hybrid "Show Me What I'm Looking For," ("Save
me, I'm lost. Oh Lord, I've been waiting for you.

Carolina Liar - Coming To Terms Listen album here. I'll pay any cost.
Save me from being confused. Show me what I'm looking for, show me what
I'm looking for, oh, Lord." A prayerful lyric driven by an addictive
hook which I, a recently divorced man, find empowering) through the
concluding love-and-devotion anthem "When You are Near" ("When you are
near me, when you are here, I see all that I'm made of, and all that I
am. When you are near.") this album, while drawing on past forms,
remains contemporary and wonderfully inspirational.

Speaking of inspiration, good music can certainly serve as a
carrier. You can be up and down, over and out, and knowing not one
thing, when almost miraculously one of today's media sources (in this
case an online music service) will direct you toward a previously
unknown artist whose music finds your core.

Suddenly, here's this stranger, pouring his artistic passion
through your speakers, enriching you, and applying a balm to your
wounds.

He is the creator, hoping his music will matter; you are the
listener, confirming it does. Together you are a team on a mission.

Once you embrace the sound, once your attention is fully engaged,
you are able to listen more closely to what is being communicated
(they're called "lyrics") and suddenly your troubles are confronted and
made manageable. Your heart seems to lose 15 pounds; the hollow ache
dissipates. Long deceased dance moves are suddenly resurrected,
emerging passionately from the tomb of forgotten memory to find
expression in a competent-but-still-needs-work tribal explosion around
the computer room. (Both cats, all attitude when terrorizing smaller
creatures, cowardly skulk away, seeking any available cover.) You,
however, continue to celebrate your sudden lack of inhibition for the
most basic reason: You're having fun!

Reviewers have expressed wonder that Chad has been safely swept to
shore by a wave of popular acceptance after years spent sailing on the
frustrating Sea of Obscurity.

It has been written that suffering creates perseverance, and
perseverance produces character, and character looks always toward
hope.

I have a feeling Chad went through much suffering and developed a
great deal of character-building perseverance before "Carolina Liar"
became a reality, a reality undoubtedly founded upon HIS hope.

2 Pistols Death Before Dishonor 2008

2008-07-08T18:29:53Z

2 Pistols is another rapper to come out of the recently very popular
state of Florida. Most people, if any, recognize him from the hit song
"She Got It". "She Got It" is a great hip hop song with that sexy feel
to it, which is very popular among Florida rappers right now.

I decided
to give this album a shot because i was a fan of his single and thought
maybe he would actually deliever a good album. While he didnt actually
deliever a good album, he delievered a satisfactory one. While this
album is no where near a classic or even a stand out, it still does a
decent job of showing that he isnt just a one hit wonder. But i think,
unless "You Know Me", which is the second single featuring singer Ray
J, unless that song does good on the charts like "She Got it", I dont
think we will even see another album from 2 Pistols.

Not because hes
not talented enough, but because he is missing that swagger that big
name rappers such as Lil Wayne, Kanye, or even Nas has. He doesnt give
you anything truly speacial. Sure he has his bright moments, like on
the up tempo money banger "Been Throwing Money", and on "Robbery" he
shows his story telling skills to the fullest.

But other than a few
track, a small few tracks, theres nothing here that really leaves you
wanting more from him. Basically this album isnt dull and boring, but
it doesnt shine like an album from rookie rapper looking for longevity
should. Hes an alright rapper, and a good enough song writer, but he
lacks that speacial something that would put him with the other big
name rappers out there. 2 Pistols Death Before Dishonor 2008 Listem album and Download 0.15$ Per track

Anthony David Acey Duecy

2008-07-08T18:01:38Z

My buddies and I have had many an enjoyable discussion in recent times about the state of the music industry today, specifically, how there seems to be so many talented singer/songwriters out there who just don't seem to be getting their due props. We've come up with a variety of reasons why this might be, and why, conversely, there's never any shortage of talentless empty vessels making noise all over the radio and all over music television, their music riding high in the charts and getting people all excited in the clubs.

Ah, well. Anthony David - Acey Duecy Listen Album and Download

Georgia native Anthony David is definitely one of those people who's currently vastly underrated, in my opinion. He's got two albums under his belt but he's still relatively unknown - at least, compared to someone like, say, Ne-Yo or Chris Brown or Akon. He released both albums independently; 3 Chords & the Truth in 2004 and The Red Clay Chronicles in 2006. I reviewed the latter some time ago and don't intend to repeat myself here but I will say that if you're looking for authentic mature-minded soul with a slight r&b edge, this is definitely the man for you.

The two aforementioned albums are particularly relevant because this 'new' one does not actually contain any new material. It has 3 tracks from "3 Chords" and 8 from "Chronicles" so if you've got those two albums, there's absolutely no point in buying this one. As far as I can tell, the songs haven't been re-made, re-mixed or even re-mastered. They've simply been repackaged. I understand he's signed with a major label now and is obviously attempting to 'relaunch' his career. I'm not a huge fan of the idea in principle (and I'm still trying to make up my mind what I think about his new image) but I can definitely see how both might well ensure that he finally becomes the established part of the modern soul fraternity that he is supposed to be. If all goes to plan, this could launch him into the mainstream, which is obviously where he wants to be.

Ordinarily I'd recommend his two previous releases over this. I'd say leave this one alone and wait for a genuinely new album but I like David so much, I've decided to be supportive. Besides, in these image conscious times, I'm well aware that some might be wondering if the album is worth checking out if only on the basis of the glossy ultra-urban CD cover pic. I say it is. It's not a "best of" in any sense of the phrase (for my money, they left a few good tunes out) but as a good value-for-money showcase and an introduction to people who may not have heard of him before now, it might just do the trick. For his sake, I sincerely hope it does.

Catch hip-hop and its elements in all their glory

2008-07-08T12:40:21Z

List of Hip-Hop releases added during July 8, 2008. HipHop Connected returns for its fourth year, merging the art of hip-hop and theatre.

This year, organisers promise the crowds some dynamic dance, funky beats, spectacular lights and a talented cast, all at the Artscape Theatre as part of Artscape's youth programme.

Directed by Teba Shumb, the story follows Palessa (Godessa's E J Von Lyrik), a teenage girl who tries to convince her father (Abongile Kroza) about the positive elements and true essence of hip-hop culture.

This year fans will see dance and live performances from the likes of Grenville Williams, DJ Azhul, the lyrical emcees Jitsvinger, Khanyisa, Jimmy Flex, Sugah, Kritzi and JP and many more. The Hybrid dance crew will present capoeira, break-dance and freestyle dance.

There will be photographic and graffiti exhibitions in the foyer of the Artscape. In addition, Flywheel Bicycles will exhibit some cool low-riding bicycles. Dj Eazy (Faculty of Hip-hop) will spin the decks and hip-hop merchandise will be on sale. There will also be live dance demos by the Hip-Hop Connexion Dancers in the foyer. Painter, Leon Botha, will exhibit his work at the event.

The HipHop Connected philosophy aims to educate, inform and empower the youth about various social issues. This year includes a focus on HIV and the use of the drug, tik.

The event usually runs annually, but due to popular demand and sold-out shows, additional performances have been added.