This past week, I've been taking a break from the current "popular" music, and dove into the world of the New Jack Swing!
For those that are unaware of this, or were too young to appreciate it...
This musical movement was pioneered in the late 80s-early 90s by the musical genuis named:
TEDDY RILEY!
This legendary producer extraordinare has worked with the likes of Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Bobby Brown (of New Edition), Blackstreet, Big Daddy Kane, and R.Kelly, just to name a few. His revolutionary style of hip-hop beats infused with R&B ballads and choir influences helped cement his name in the Urban music scene of the 90s. Songs like "Rump Shaker" (which was co-produced by the now-known group The Neptunes), "My Prerogative", "Remember The Time" were only a handful of the MANY songs T.R. had his trademark sound in.
Growing up, my older brother and mom were in love with this New Jack Swing style of music. So naturally, when I hear some of the songs from that era, nostalgia reigns down on me. It gives me such good vibes because it represented a time where it was about the music - and the music was simplistic and DAMN GOOD! Most songs were feel good and upbeat; even now, I find myself busting out a Running Man while bumping these tunes!
Here's a taste of the New Jack Swing Era, and some of the best songs with production by the man responsible for the movement, Teddy Riley!
It was my birthday a couple days ago...it was a GOOD feeling when I woke up and my phone was FLOODED with messages, voicemails, and BBMs from everyone wishing me a Happy Birthday.
Thanks to EVERYONE!!
I think I'm still getting belated messages as I write this...
A new year brings about new changes, new challenges to overcome...but each year that I'm alive is truly a blessing. This day and age, the world is a crazy place. Being able to wake up knowing that I'm able to chase my dreams, achieve my goals and have loving people by my side is incredible!
Now, on to The BRIZZness!
So the Subway Confessions EP is nearly (yes, NEARLY) completed.
Thought I'd showcase a sneak peek of the cover of the EP for your visual pleasure...
Shout Out To "The Artist" Miguel for the photography!
AND...
*drumroll*
Here is the TRACKLISTING for the EP (minus the bonus cuts):
1. WAITING...(INTRO) [produced by Brizz]
2. I'M FRESH ft. Bluu [produced by Batista]
3. GOOD LIFE ft. Batista [produced by Batista]
4. J.O.B. (Just Over Broke) [produced by Chemist]
5. WE MADE IT ft. Batista & Ray-P [produced by Batista]
On Thursday, January 13th, Heroic Entertainment held a show at the famous El Mocambo. My good friend/producer Batista aka "The Bad Guy" performed a set and let me say, first and foremost, that he RIPPED IT! I say that because not only was I there...but I was holding down the set for him on stage! This man has a knack for getting the crowd hype! I could tell the crowd was really into it! His lyrical prowess was on POINT that night! Most times while alongside him, all I do was let my jaw drop and marvel at the talent this guy has. The future is so bright, it's BLINDING!
All in all, it was a great night! Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time!
That being said...
Two days earlier, I had the privilege of being the 2nd artist to be featured on Heroic Entertainment's Artist Spotlight! The interview part was so much fun and I'm forever grateful for the guys giving me the chance to show the world what Brizz is all about! The vlog should be posted in the next few days, so STAY TUNED!!
Make sure you all come out on Sunday January 30th, as Heroic Entertainment is at it again! This time, hosting For The Sake Of Fashion/For Fashion's Sake, a charity fashion show for Viki Ziemba; she is trying to raise money for her two month stay in Nepal. She will be doing volunteer nursing, as well as raising awareness for HIV/AIDS. It's definitely for a good cause so come out and have a GOOD TIME!
It will be held at *drumroll* you guessed it: my home away from home, the EL MOCAMBO! I'm headlining the event, and there will be a performance by Tuzzy, another local up-and-coming artist. Batista and I plan to bring down the house yet again! Got some tricks up our sleeves...
Toronto had it's first official snowfall of the New Year...yay.
I promise you, every person that I had talked to had complained about one thing:
TRAFFIC!
"People don't know how to drive!"
"It's so bad on the roads!"
"It took me forever to get home!"
Not to be cynical but let's keep it real...it's JANUARY and we live in CANADA! What did you expect? Blazing sunshine, cacti, and palm trees? Sure, we've been spoiled this winter with better weather than normal, but did we really think it would last? Meh *shrugs* oh well...I'll stick with the TTC for now.
On to other matters...
Next week (January 13th), my boy/producer Batista will be performing LIVE at the El Mocambo in downtown Toronto. The event will be hosted by Heroic Entertainment (http://www.heroicentertainment.blogspot.com), and features other local bands as well.
Batista is an up-and-coming artist/producer from Scarborough, and has done a few other performances around the city showcasing his talent! His brand of Hip-Hop music has various elements of other genres as well, such as rock and R&B...straight up, this guy has SKILLS! Check his compilation "The Step Back EP", which is available online! Batista and I will be putting in SERIOUS work together in the next few months to chase our dreams and achieve greatness with this beautiful thing called MUSIC!
Batista & Brizz performing at the El Mocambo
Just for kicks, here is my latest single called I'M FRESH, which ironically features, and is produced by, Batista and my sweetheart Bluu! Off my soon to be released EP entitled "Subway Confessions". Check it out!
*****
I saw this quote on a calendar in my basement that really stuck with me:
"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let each new year find you a better man."
- Benjamin Franklin
I think I'll make this quote thing a daily thing! Inspirational words to get you through your day!
'Till Next time...
Peace & Love Y'All!
Oh yeah...I'll be alongside Batista on stage at the "EL MO" that night! Come through and support!
I guess I should start out by saying hello to everybody and thanks for taking your time to check out my blog. I had been contemplating the idea of doing one a while back, but I kept procrastinating (story of my life). Alas, it is here and in the flesh...
Perfoming @ the famous El Mocambo in November 2010
What you can expect is a lot of yours truly, BRiZZ. Whether it be musically related, downloads/videos, insight/inspriation or interesting things going on in the world;
expect the unexpected.
I'm confident that 2011 will be a prosperous year for myself and everybody else. 2010 was an "interesting" year, with its share of ups and downs.
Am I the only one that felt like last year (2010) was a bit of a blur?
Anyways, hope you enjoy, and stay posted to...
THE BRiZZNESS!
Get Your Retro 3D Glasses On!
PLEASE NOTE:
Page is still in the infant stages right now...it'll be on and popping very soon!