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Conscious Daughter: Rap legend served ‘special’ purpose
December 20, 2011
Karryl Smith (Special One) and Carla Green (CMG), better known as The Conscious Daughters (TCD), exploded nationally on the hip-hop scene when their first single, “Funky Expedition,” from the debut album “Ear to the Street” dominated video stations like MTV, BET and The Box in the early 1990s.
Punkin and funkin it out: an interview wit’ Femi of the Punk Funk Mob
March 24, 2010
The Punk Funk Mob is one of the newest manifestations of eccentricity and talent off of the Bay Area and West Coast scene, one of the country’s innovation hubs for art and culture. The soil that I am talking about gave birth to Tower of Power, Tony Toni Tone, En Vogue, Ledisi and so many more artists who utilize the “1.”
Kween among men: an interview wit’ the Oakland-based songstress Kween
February 12, 2010
Kween is one of the many talented vocalists hovering around the Bay, right alongside Ledisi, Femi, Netta B, Silk E, Chela Simone and others. Behind the mic, Kween is a beast, with a very distinct style and beautiful voice complemented by her seamless chocolate kiss complexion.
Black Opera: an interview with opera singer Taiwo Kujichagulia-Seitu
October 26, 2009
The thing that most threw me off about this East Oakland native is that she loves opera. She has been singing longer in her life than she hasn’t been, and seems to be able to hit notes that makes glass break. She has recently been cast in a Black opera called “Dark River,” which tells the story of legendary Civil Rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. It opens at the Oakland Metro Opera House on Nov. 12 and runs until the 22nd.
Wanda’s picks for July
July 2, 2009
Required reading for Americans pre-fireworks and festivities should be an important speech given by abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass, who, in “What to the American Slave is Your Fourth of July?” questions this holiday which took place while citizens were denied their right to justice, freedom and equality. At the Oakland Public Conservatory, Michael Lange and youth wordsmiths Ayinde Webb, the drummer in the Frederick Douglass Youth Ensemble, and Jamani Williams will read excerpts.
