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H . A . S . M A G A Z I N E >> N o 28
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Pop The T
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New Year’s is just around the c this is the last issue until holiday, so we wanted to mak were equipped with some ch knowledge, just in case you of opting for Korbel becau cheapest and you have no cl differences anyway.
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--Dom Perignon
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Champagne’s Fun Facts
• Champagne was invented by a monk. • Champagne used to be a still wine no bubbles• Dom Perignon is the individual often credited with the invention of bubbles in champagne.
BRÜT: DRY
32 37
Extra Dry: Dry. Not as dry as Brut 26
Vintage: As with any wine varies across the years. Cham usually held for up to 5 yea manufacturing house but onc for purchase, should be c within 2 years.
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Bottle Size: Champagne can when it comes to bottle size. O is typically 4 glasses.
Dryness: The Champagne reg atypically cool region of Fran grapes must be harvested be are fully ripe. Thus, sugar is added to it so that the yeast convert to alcohol. The ma greater or lesser amounts wh the taste range of dry to swee to demi-sec. Ⓗ
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Most popular and very food-friendly.
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Marques: by definition true ch comes only from the region that bears the same name. M a r e n a m e d a f t e r v i n e ya champagnes are named for t that produce them. The house various brands of champagn are known are marques.
Sec: Sweet.
H.A.S. MAGAZINE October - December 2009
Demi Sec: Even sweeter.
ents. Features 20//Cover Story ! The Return of Brooke Valentine 13//K. Michelle is Doing Things Her Way
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14//LIVE: Kendrick Lamar 15//Stalley: The Bars + The Beard 16//Hip. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble 24//Artistic. Cleveland Dean 28//Stylish. Eightwentyeight Collection 32//Fashion Focus Chicago
Re g u l a r s + E x t r a s 05//A Word From Our Editor + Contributors 06//We Were There: On the Scene 08//I’m Just Sayin’ 11//Politickin’: The U.S. Prison Industrial Complex 40//Pop !e Top: A Wine + Spirits Column
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A Word From Our Editor First I want to say thank you. Thank you if you even read this page (admittedly, I often skip it when reading magazines.) Thank you for reading this magazine. Thank you if you have been reading it or if this is your first time. Thank you for telling everybody you know, how great it is and how they should subscribe to it (and you too, if you haven't already...I'm not above the shameless plug). Lastly, thank you to those who have ever contributed, supported, or were instrumental on any level to the success of this magazine on our brightest days or during our darkest hours. We are closing out 2012 with the release of our 28th issue and what a wonderful issue it is! From the reemergence of the talented, genre-bending Brooke Valentine, to the runways of Fashion Focus Chicago, with the unnerving statistics of the American prison system and our signature wine + spirits column, I hope this issue keeps you engaged from cover to cover. As always, we welcome your feedback and hope that you will reach out to us. Whether it's a compliment or a complaint, we'd love to hear from you. Again, thank you for reading. Until next time... Sincerely,
The Usual Suspects Many have come and gone, but these two have been consistent voices for quite sometime. If you don't know them, now you know. I'm Senyo and I hail from the suburbs of Chicago via Ghana, West Africa. I spend the bulk of my free time challenging myself with zany science projects and writing poetry. Most of all I consider myself a servant, volunteering my time to several green-based initiatives and teaching elementary school. Of all my work, I take the most pride in grooming my son for impending greatness. As for my writing, I am not terribly concerned with etiquette. Some, but not terribly. All news is biased. I am concerned with truth that builds a subject upward.!
Antina
Celebrity news, fashion, and delving into artists’ innermost thoughts through interviews is where you’ll find my voice. Often laced with sarcasm and quick wit, I say the things most of you think. Always vowing to stay true to myself and H.A.S. readers, I stay on my Tupac grind, so all of my articles will “be the realest shit I ever wrote.”
Senyo
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I’m Just Sayin’ by Antina Redmond
We have to love our celebrities for giving us something to talk about monthly. Whether good or bad, it’s never an dull moment with them. For that, I thank them for putting pride, commonsense and sometimes home training on the line for our entertainment. Somebody has to do it.
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Outside of sliding a prepaid Rush card down some stripper’s butt, Nelly has kept a pretty clean image. Until recently, he’s been smart about keeping his nose clean. He was almost detained by authorities in Sierra Blanca, Texas after his tour bus was searched at the border and .64 ounces of heroin, 10 pounds of weed and a .45 caliber pistol were found in a random duffel bag. Thankfully for him, one of his crew members took the rap and was thrown in jail quicker than Mystical’s last comeback. Since the debacle, Nelly has released a statement. “It is my understanding a member of my staff made an unfortunate decision to bring unlawful materials onto our tour bus that resulted in his arrest this morning. Neither I nor anyone else on the tour bus was aware of his decision to bring this.” In the words of his boo thang Ashanti, “THAT’S BANANAS!” We saw this next story coming a mile away.
Chris Brown
dumped his girlfriend Karrueche because he was still in love Rihanna and felt their rekindled friendship was hurtful. He felt he was caught in a sordid love triangle since he loved them both. How do I know? Only because he dropped a short documentary expressing his feelings while also showcasing private moments he’s shared with both ladies. Now I love Chris Brown as much as the next warm blooded woman, but I could care less about his personal love life and wish he kept it just that…personal. Maybe he really needed to get this off his chest, but I found it hard to believe the entire world needed to be the recipient of this information. He could have told him mom, his friends, his bodyguard, a priest, etc. My spirit is screaming “attention whore.” All I know is Karrueche better work her last few minutes of fame and turn it into something. Amber Rose walked away with a pending engagement from another rapper and a son on the way. It can definitely be done! Now let’s get down to the uppercut heard around the world. A video surfaced of a 25-year-old young lady on a Cleveland public bus utterly disrespecting the 59-year-old driver. Not only did she use unnecessary foul language when addressing him but she took it a step further and spit, then hit the driver as he was transporting a bus full of passengers. He, in turn, got up and exclaimed “you’re going to jail now” and uppercut this chile like he was a Mortal Kombat character. The only thing missing was Kevin Hart screaming, “pull his muffin cap back blue!” As if the uppercut wasn’t enough, the driver then literally threw her off and bus. Refusing to be defeated, she got back on the bus and attempted to fight the man again. Now I'm sure many of you are shaking your heads saying a man shouldn't hit a woman, as did many of the passengers, AFTER they watched her torment and assault this man. But I must side with the driver's response, "you want to act
like a man, you get treated like a man!" Because of her actions the 22-year veteran had an out of body experience and is now suspended. I’m sure he learned a valuable lesson in keeping cool under pressure after all of this. Yet, the bigger lesson had to be her discovery that talking crazy to the wrong person will get you beat out of your hairstyle and into an entire different one in other 2 seconds. Don’t act like you didn’t see her shoulder length ponytail disappear only to be replaced by a little brussel sprout.
television screen that my nonsense sensor almost exploded. I will admit, BET outdid themselves with Chris Lighty tribute! They brought out real hip hop heavy hitters like Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip and
Missy Elliot to tear the arena down. It felt absolutely amazing to hear bona fide music with lyrics of meaning; not just being asked to suck dick for Trukfit.
In other foolish news, a new beef has emerged thanks to Gucci
Mane’s new single “Truth.” The lyrics are aimed to melt the Snowman a.k.a. Young Jeezy. “I did a song with Keyshia Cole and I know you still miss her. But Puff was fucking her while you was falling in love with her.” These lyrics imply Diddy was banging out
Keyshia Cole
while she and Jeezy were together. OUCH! First and foremost, who knew the two of them were even dating? Somewhere Cassie is pulling out hair from her non-scalped side while crying and singing “damn I must be dreamin!” Newly married and trying to revamp her image, Mrs. Gibson couldn’t sit back and let it ride. What better place than Twitter to air your distress? “That ain’t my business!! he’s lying! its all G tho,” she tweeted. “Putting all ya trust in some of these ‘Hood Rappers’ How u gone be a G, and u spreading lies, To sell mix tapes! Where ya talent at??” She continued, “Dude ain’t have 2 lie tho! could’ve kept me out of it. I will continue 2 build what I’m working so hard accomplish! I’m married with a child, and don’t have no place in that none sense!” Even if it is true, I’m going to need Gucci Mane to stop bringing up old stuff. Give us the tea when it’s fresh out the pot! He can’t be mad at anyone but himself that he’s the most known underground rapper after a good 10 years in the game. Keyshia’s cooch and its occupants won’t be the determining factor of his career becoming mainstream. I doubt Jeezy or Diddy will even respond. All true hip hop fans were dealt a blow by the untimely news of Chris Lighty’s death on August 30, 2012. Lighty was found deceased in his Bronx apartment from a gun wound to the head. Authorities have reported it as an apparent suicide. Lighty was the founder of record label Violater that housed big names like LL Cool J, Nas, Mobb Deep and so many more. His contributions to music were impressive and unmatched. He gave us some of the greats and he’ll be greatly missed! I can’t end this column without touching on the Black Enslavement Television/BET Hip Hop Awards. It was so much kerfuffle and full-fledged fuckery stampeding across my
At any rate, Fat Joe hit the stage and performed “Lean Back” to a hype crowd. Mind you, the stage was full of all the previous performers who were partying like it was 1999. Ironically, 50 Cent came out directly following Fat Joe’s performance and attempted to perform “I Get Money.” However, I’m not sure he remembered his own song because he couldn’t catch the beat to save his life and started his set off on the wrong foot. Speaking of foot, please know, believe and understand Fat Joe didn’t even tap his big toe when 50 was “gettin’ it.” It was awkward, yet entertaining to see everyone on stage partying accept him. I guess the beef is still fresh even after their publicity stunt truce. Oh the struggle! My favorite part was Rick Ross hitting the stage in all of his E-Cup glory. Dressed in a white floor length fur coat, jeans and belt, he ran out belting “these niggas can’t hold me back.” I’m not sure who he was referring to as “niggas” but I unquestionably thought he was taking shots at a bra. It obviously wasn’t doing its job that night…or any other night. Nonetheless, with confidence of that magnitude and not a care in the world, who am I to stop him from flopping all over the place? Yet, his new crony Omarion must be stopped! He came out in a full white baptism outfit completed with church shoes. As if his Sunday clothes weren’t enough, he proceeded to twist and spin all over that stage like the Tazmanian Devil. Somebody please give O the message that 2005 has come and gone. Male R&B singers don’t do all of that anymore bruh. I’m jus sayin!
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DID YOU KNOW: •THE UNITED STATES IS THE WORLD’S LEADING JAILER, WITH LESS THAN 5% OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION BUT NEARLY 25% OF THE WORLD’S PRISON + JAIL POPULATION. •UNICOR AKA FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, A GOVERNMENT-RUN FOR-PROFIT COMPANY, PAYS MORE THAN 13,000 INMATES WAGES AS LOW AS $0.23 (CENTS) AN HOUR TO MAKE MILITARY AND OTHER GOODS. •UNICOR DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY WORKERS MINIMUM WAGE. IT DOES NOT PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE AND IT DOES NOT PAY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL TAXES. •INMATE LABOR CONTRIBUTES TO LOST JOBS, UNEMPLOYMENT + DECREASED WAGES, WHILE INCREASING CORPORATE PROFITS. •MAJOR CORPORATIONS PROFITING FROM PRISONER SLAVE LABOR INCLUDES: MOTOROLA, MICROSOFT, BOEING, REVLON, CHEVRON, VICTORIA’S SECRET + MANY OTHERS. •PRISON PRIVATIZATION CONTRIBUTES TO INCREASING INCARCERATION + UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN THE UNITED STATES. H A S M A G A Z I N E [.com]
H A S M A GA ZI NE
POLITICKIN! | SOCIAL COMMENTARY The following is a reprint from issue No. 9 Written by Senyo Twilight
THE PRISON INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX: The compliant imprisonment of American society. Fact: The United States has 5% of the World’s Population and 25% of the world’s prison population.”
Inquiry: So, how did we get here? As neighbors, as a community, and as a society…how did this become America’s reality? Her imprisoned reality. How did we get to the point, as reported in Jun-2007 by the Bureau of Justice Prison Statistics, that proportionally 1 in every 21 black men are incarcerated as are 1 in every 60 Hispanic men? These vile statistics do not exclude women. A report by the Bureau of Justice reported that the incarceration of females has grown by 2.5% ballooning the total number of incarcerated females lost to the prison system to 115,308. It is no secret that the majority of the offenses that are responsible for the rise in the population of the prison system have been nonviolent, non-aggressive and often drug related offenses. Whether a depressed drug abuser or a greedy, indifferent drug peddler, it seems the inequities in prison policy has targeted the AfricanAmerican, Hispanic/Latino communities, and generally the emotionally or psychologically meek with an iron fist with minimal consideration for the profile of the offenders. What happens when the rapid rise of children being born, is coupled with the also accelerated jailing of their mothers and fathers? Naturally, these children are at higher risk in following their parents into criminal behavior. Are we indeed safer, in the long run, with more people locked up without proper emotional and psychological attention afforded to their offspring? Looking at such statistics over time makes one wonder, is America as criminal a society as these numbers reflect? Is the imminent destination of 21st century America reflected in these statistics? Are the corporations who use prisoners as free labor to manufacture a slew of goods from license plates to high-end furniture, responsible for this trend? Or, maybe it is a combination of all three. Whatever the culprit, the facts remain frightening as a large number of Americans are currently behind bars with promises of larger numbers to follow. There was a time in American culture where it was a virtual nightmare to live in a 50-mile radius of a prison. Where have those days gone? Today, there are actually entire towns in the United States bidding and pleading with state legislators to plant a prison in their backyard. These folks’ eyes are fixed on financial prizes in the way of tax cuts and credits that accompany the economy of prison building. Have we committed our souls so genuinely to wealth, that we are willing, and aggressively seeking to proliferate the very institutions that hold our brethren as captives? It seems that is exactly the position of many Americans towards those who have defied the long arm of the law. Well folks, while a large majority of you were busy working hard, just trying to make a positive contribution to your country and possibly share in the much garnered "American Dream," it seems there has been a move afoot by monetary manipulators and political swindlers to tip the scales of socio-economic power into the hands of an exclusive few. The prison industrial complex is only one of their tools. Ahhh! The sweet vision of capitalism, the cool breath of democracy… To enlist every legal, even questionable means
available, to achieve financial wealth and domination is the pulse of democratic capitalism. It is the dexterity and remarkably flexible definition of democracy that allows for the condition of a cultural corruption. Our prison culture problem is only a microcosm of a much farther reaching catastrophe.
"The rise of the penitentiary was viewed as the rise of democratization… denial of liberty provided the negative proof of the rise of liberty." --Dr. Angela Davis The freedoms democracy has provided have been a useful tool in guiding civil decision making, yet also continue to be a breeding ground for shrewd minds with cruel societal intentions. The very act of voting is a democratic virtue, and an exercise in personal liberty, this can not be disputed. Yet, in the case of the imprisoned in America, society's civil liberties, particularly the voting process can be enlisted in order to justify the stripping of the same constituency’s personal liberties, as if of a compliant imprisonment. Without nonpartisan ethical interjection and regulation, the institution of democracy, like any inherently just system, can be corrupted by the idle minds of opportunity, just like anything else. Often people hear the word "democracy" and immediately think freedom. Similarly, people hear the word "capitalism" and catch phrases like "free trade" and "global economy" jump to their minds. Democratic capitalism is exactly what it states, popularly governed policies by those who are participants. Those who have been "free" to craft the heavily political economic system to their advantage and capitalize on others have been either far too preoccupied or apathetic to be watchdogs. The prison industrial complex, has a strong corporate presence and is continually claiming the lives and futures of a disproportionate amount of blacks and browns. The “lives claimed” is not contextual symbolism, but quite literal. The prison system is claiming black and brown lives every day, and the primary motivation is increased corporate standing and wealth for the participating few. This becomes a question of a balance. Where are our watchdogs or any semblance of a checks and balance system? Who is looking out for us while we are busy at work? Who is making our decisions for us? Why aren’t we involved? How do we get involved? If we do not get involved, what small infraction can get us imprisoned for years? There are so many questions and very few answers. One must search for the answers, and a good place to start is the group CR (Critical Resistance). CR challenges the notion that caging people makes us safer. CR offers instead that, food, clothing, shelter and the liberty to enjoy them without being undermined, is the true path to national communal security. Ⓗ
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K.Michelle’s journey to fame is pretty standard. Her passion for music enticed her out of the humdrum of corporate America, and her talent, coupled with hard work, helped her land a deal with Jive. Her natural vocal ability and ferocious skills with a pen, assisted in her being signed as the “female R. Kelly.” Her story is reminiscent of other stories we’ve heard plenty of times via different artists but the similarities end there. She is unlike other artists in their fervor to please the masses. She was able to pinpoint the vast difference between her and other female artist with ease. “It’s because I don’t care. I just know I have something to say. I’m not here to please. The people that don’t get it, it’s not for them to get.”
K. Michelle made her intentions clear of never conforming to the constraining standards other artists have become slaves to. She makes no apology for being herself or about the way she feels. When asked about the industry, she gave a side eye of epic proportions before shrugging and responding, “I don’t like the industry. I just like to make music.” She even went a tad further with her explanation. “I would change all the politics of the industry and just let the music win. I wouldn’t let it be a bunch of other stuff going on that people don’t even know about.” Refusing to succumb to the pressure , K. Michelle finds
a bright spot in a seemingly dark cloud by knowing she is not in this battle alone. “I think the rebels and the people not afraid to be themselves are winning. I see people like Frank Ocean and others who have the, ‘no one cares, just let us sing,’ attitudes getting more popular. I want to see the next year of progress in the industry with people starting to not be scared of being who they are.” The industry drama is only one of the many conflicts K. Michelle struggles with. Her CD release date is still unclear even though she currently has songs blazing the airwaves. When asked about the future date she responded with humor “My CD should be coming out when Jesus comes back because that’s what it’s going to take at this point. I’ve been working on this album for [more than] 4 years and also going through a label merger. The album I know as Pain Medicine will probably turn into a brand new album in a couple of months. I may just give away Pain Medicine and then do another album called The Album That’s Never Coming Out.
“
I think the rebels & the people not afraid to be themselves are winning.
”
K. Michelle wanted everyone to know, that despite all the downs, she knows she is blessed to be doing what she loves, and even more blessed to have a fan base who supports her endeavors. She sent out a heartfelt message to her fans that should have been felt all around the world. “I love my fans. My fans are crazy. They don’t play about me! I thank them for accepting me and letting me be who I am. I’m very grateful to have them!” Currently, K. Michelle can be seen cutting up on the popular VH1 reality show Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta. Her, “I don’t care about the industr y or media,” attitude is spotlighted and consequently the reason she can’t find a record deal because companies look at her like a liability. In all truthfulness, it is too early in the game for her reckless attitude. I have a few words of advice for Ms. K: In the beginning stages of your career, you need the media and most definitely the blogs on your side. A relatable attitude is just as important as talent.. If consumers do not like you as a person, there is a possibility your album will not go bubble gum wrapper. Well, that’s if she is ever given the opportunity to drop an album. All I can do is hope K. Michelle realizes this before she digs herself into a hole she can’t sing herself out of. Ⓗ
K.Michelle
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Hip. | MUSIC
LIVE: Kendrick Lamar
Reviewed by Senyo Twilight
Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated debut in partnership with Aftermath Records, Good Kid M.A.A.D. City, was the number one on iTunes’ pre-order list as this review was being written. Number one before it was even available, astonishing. Upon its release, Lamar's major-label, debut effort opened at No. 1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop chart. There’s no denying the fact Kendrick is arguably the hottest artist in hip-hop right now. Since the release of his highly acclaimed Section 80 album in 2011, he has only built more momentum for himself and his brand Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). His exhibition on B.E.T.’s cypher seemed to catapult him even further into the world’s consciousness. And suddenly the West Coast’s best kept secret was no longer a secret. Those familiar with his catalogue heard favorites like HiiiPOWER, Fuck Your Ethnicity, Rigamortis and Swimming Pools. The brains at the H.A.S. headquarters decided to turn our gaze upon the realm of performance to see if the live deliverance is just as good as it is on wax. Ⓗ SITE: Congress Theater, Chicago, IL DATE: 09.23.12 LINE-UP: Stalley, T.D.E. (Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock) GUEST APPEARANCES: Lupe Fiasco, Twista ENERGY: From start to finish Kendrick was a picture of controlled power. Riling the crowd up and bringing the down like a true puppet master. It was a roller coaster, it made me wish I paid more for better seats. CLARITY: Diction is large part of Kendrick’s delivery in general. It was no surprise we could hear him clearly even in the balcony. MOVEMENT: This was the most impressive aspect of the performance. Kendrick’s movements were disciplined for the entirety of the show. He moved like a cat from stage left to center and stage right back to center never wasting motion. ARRANGEMENT: This concert was for true blue Kendrick fans as well as newcomers. There were some songs early on that the crowd wasn’t familiar with, but the show arced very well incorporating radio hit ‘The Recipe.’ THE CONNECTION: Kendrick crowd interaction was top shelf. He allowed the crowd to pick the song he was going to do next by Twitter vote. That’s a first for me. TECH: There was a noticeable microphone issue that was handled in a matter seconds. To no fault of Kendrick’s talent may be otherworldly, but at least we know human beings put the show together. ABRACADABRA: The reveal in this magic show was Kendrick bringing Chicago rap legend Lupe Fiasco out for a freestyle. Lupe also gave Kendrick a “Who’s Next’ award which is doled out by his foundation to rising stars in a variety of disciplines. Before exiting Lupe did concede that Kendrick is indeed hip-hop next heir to the throne.
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Hip. Artistic. Stylish.
Hip: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Written by Senyo Twilight | Photography by Jakina Hill
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I can see it now... The old cats in pool halls and jazz clubs, you know, playing it cool, enjoying their relative solitude and taking long drags from their Marlboro Lights with ashes that hang off each stick at least an inch and a half long, muttering unmentionables to themselves; something about how today’s music has lost its way. “I just don’t understand the kids these days, where is the substance, what’s the message?” Say hello to the microwave era where everything is processed from our food right on down to our music. The name of the game is sell, sell, sell, and you better damn well sell it fast. Our predecessors in jazz, whether active contributors or mere fans, have found themselves looking at a large part of contemporary music, collectively scratching their heads and wondering “how the hell we got here?” Or an even more exacting question, “how the hell do we get out of here?” Now with the '60s and '70s, music was indelibly earmarked with some of the greatest contributors to the field of popular music and as well jazz. Miles Davis and Charles Mingus both exhibited mastery and improvisation. Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone were in historic form. Even the lesser discussed, like the Herman Poole Blunts, who was one
of the prolific musicians in jazz history, and the band director of the famed Sun Ra Orchestra, made supreme strides in composition and raising public consciousness and imagination with his, “cosmic philosophy.” Other greats like Rashaan Roland Kirk and Ornette Coleman were also forces to be reckoned with in many circles in that day. Even master theorists like Hassaan Ibn Ali who only cut one record in his career, did much to push bounds of musical phrasing and instrumentto-instrument conversation. One more question, “where is all the real music?” Enter one of Chicago’s best kept s e c r e t s , t h e H y p n o t i c B ra s s Ensemble. This eight brother brass band, is comprised of Smoov (trumpet), Baji (trumpet), Hudah (trumpet), L.T. (Sousaphone), Yoshi (Trumpet), Rocco (Baritone), Clef (trombone) and SId (trombone) with Gabriel Wallace on the drums. “Gabe devirginized us in the whole process of hiring roving drummers..he absolutely blew everyone outta the water.” ~ Baji, HBE The best place to start is with their father, Phil Cohran who was part of the aforementioned Sun Ra Arkestra from 1959-1961 as a trumpeter, though he was also prolific with string instruments such as the zithers (...google it). He is also credited with participating in the formation of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM).
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Hip. | HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE As the HBE legend goes, as soon as the each of the eight brothers were old enough to carry their horns, their pops was eager to pass on his musical gifts, forcing them to stand and practice outside in Chicago’s south side streets. The obvious focus and dedication to their craft coupled with inherent brotherly support has afforded them the opportunity to record with highly acclaimed artists such as Erykah Badu and Maxwell. The brothers have also shared stages with stage with Mos Def and Tony Allen. HBE recently hit a high note in their performance pinnacle in Dublin and Copenhagen as they joined the artist formerly known as Prince on stage. I was able to stop in at one of Chicago’s new hotbeds, The Shrine, to catch a glimpse of what “The Artist” saw in
this explosive band moving him to invite HBE on two dates with him in Dublin and Copenhagen. The first thing I noticed about HBE is their appearance. They are Chicago bred - which can be gathered in their dialects, demeanor and style. As for the audience at The Shrine, it was no doubt refreshing to see men who were physically reflective of themselves, that you may have seen doing street performances doing extraordinary things. The show started off with high energy pieces from an album they finished earlier this year, Kryptonite. This most emotionally charged of their pieces were HBE classics like First Class and War. The brothers even took time of their horns to show some emceeing skills now and then during the show.
A personal highlight was when the lights were cut-off, leaving only the glow of the crowd’s cell phones for a very cosmic performance of the piece entitled, “Trip to Mars.” HBE even gave the hometown faithfuls what they wanted by going into a brass band rendition of the hood classic, “Bang, Bang, Ski, Ski.” Needless to say, the energy was uncontainable. HBE’s international acclaim and growing popularity are positive signs of the impending balance that is so needed in the music industry. HHBE tours primarily overseas but you can check out, download and purchase their work at their official website, www.hypnoticbrassensemble.com. Ⓗ
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