Sunday, August 15 2010 @ The Mod Club (722 College Street Toronto)

Doors 7pm, show 8pm

Admin: $20 adv. $25 door Tickets available at Play De Record (357 Yonge Street) proceeds support YWCA Toronto’s program for women and girls.

www.honeyjam.com

Waiting for my plane @ Newark Airport

New Jersey airport on my way to Sweden from Masia One on Vimeo.

My most favorite puppy dog in the whole wide world, DEMA

4 whirlwind days in Toronto, and I’m sitting here at the Newark airport in New Jersey awaiting my flight to Stockholm Sweden. I feel crazy from the lack of sleep and over consumption of Airborne. That said, I did get to catch up with some friends, pump out some new stickers & buttons (assorted propaganda) for the trip and see my favorite puppy dog Dema (who has not seen me for 7 months while I have been on the road.)  I’m so excited to be headed to the city that is quickly becoming the freshest fashion capital – I predict we are going to be hearing a LOT more about Swedish designers in the near future. (ACME or Nudie Jeans anyone?)

Globen, Stockholm

Skyview...Tamara's scared of heights, don't know if she'll be down.

Modern Museum

Places I have scribbled in my rhymebook to visit…

1. Stureplan: Shopping and dining district to meet fellow hedonist bourgie poo-poos.   Stureplan is the centre of all that is expensively stylish and luxurious about Stockholm. For example, red trousers and a slick-back for the chaps and gladiator shoes for the ladies are de rigueur right now – but that could change in five minutes. More likely, I’ll be pursuing the windows of this upscale shopping for inspiration to design my upcoming collection of MERDEKA clothing for Fall.  My brain is a sponge and sexy hemlines are about to get bootlegged.  I’ll end the busy day with a night cap or 2 at Push or the Spy Bar.

2. Modern Museum: The collection of Moderna Museet in Stockholm is divided into Swedish and Nordic art, international art, drawings and prints, photography, film and video. Some of the classic works on display include; The Spring’ by Pablo Picasso, ‘The Enigma of Wilhelm Tell’ by Salvador Dali and ‘Soap Bubbles’ by Vera Nilsson.  I’m more interested in checking out “The Goat” by Robert Rauschenberg.  Apparently an image of paint spattered (dead) goat with a car tire around it. What is it supposed to mean? It means someone got paid off some painted roadkill. But seriously, 2008 sees the return of Andy Warhol works to the museum, bringing together the famous pop artist’s works with his films from the 1960s, including ‘Sleep’ and ‘Empire’. It will compliment my visit to Basquait’s exhibition in Brooklyn well.

3. Skyview at the Globen: The Ericsson Globe (or Globen, Swedish for The Globe) is a giant golf-ball shaped arena that dominates the skyline in the southern part of Stockholm. Globen is an indoor sports and entertainment facility whose significance to the city far surpasses its real function, and has become a true landmark since its completion in 1989. SkyView is a brand-new attraction that takes you to the top of Globen, at a height of 130 metres, in a spherical glass gondola attached to rails on the superstructure of the building. The trip takes 20 minutes and there are two gondolas side-by-side, each carrying 16 people. The views from the top are just off the scale: you see all of gorgeous Stockholm in all directions and even views of Stockholm’s glittering archipelago. I’m a sucker for a view.

4. Museum of Swedish Architecture: I’m particularly thrilled to check out the architecture. All those countless hours at University of Toronto memorizing and regurgitating Swedish architects plans and dates amount to little compared to seeing the real thing. Architecture in Sweden understands Function, Design and Aesthetic.  I think of poly eurathane pods for the future sold with matching leisure wear in powder grey.

5. Oaxen skärgårdskrog: Apparently ranked Sweden’s number one restaurant – Oaxen skärgårdskrog in the Stockholm Archipelago, an hour south of the city. As it’s only open in summer and December.  The restaurateurs are pioneers in the use of local, organic ingredients and in their focus on refining the classic Swedish flavors. Good food?  I’m there.

6. Swedish Graffiti: I heard it’s dope. Pantone wildstyles here I come.

Ok, the people at the airport bar are erupting in loud cheers meaning that World Cup is well underway.  Time to survey my airport food choices before boarding the plane.  It’s such a gip that airlines are no longer serving food for free on flights – bring back the airline bento boxes.

One Love…Masia.

Toronto I luv ya!

I missed:
Mainsha – oxtail + sugar water
Diversity
Bala
A homecooked meal
Sunday sunshine walks
Parks.

A portrait of a Lady: Tanika Charles Styling and Make-up by Jerisse DeJuan Photo by Jerisse DeJuan Triple Threat!

Tanika Charles Tanika Charles MYSPACE

Last night the fabulous Tanika Charles aka Mz Chawls had her EP release party as part of The Main Ingredient in Toronto. I was so disappointed not to be there to hear one of my favorite singers, and dearest friend show the world what she’s made of!  Regardless, the reviews from the show have been nothing short of wonderful. I want to send a big phat shout out to Mz Chawls & EMPRESS LOQENZ on the one’s and two’s!  Congrats on the release of What?What!What?! EP.  I got the sneak peaks, and all songs have made it to my heavy Nano rotation list.  You’ve come a long way since Lansdowne…so proud of your girrrrrrrl!  Keep shining.

In honor of Tanika’s EP release, I’m making available for a limited time an unreleased track called “Saturdays” that we recorded at Stranj Studios in 2007, produced by Gamshooter.DOWNLOAD SATURDAY HERE

Main Ingredient: Mz Chawls EP release party

One year for my birthday, these 2 lovely song birds sang me this ditty in the next room in our shared apartment. I can’t believe these are my friends…miss you both tremendously. Reunion, Tee Dot September 03. 2010 Dundas Square? Holler at your Masia.

Tanika Charles Georgia Peach, Parkdale Preach!

Masia One "In Di Streets" Muti Music

Masia One – In Di Streets remixes on Muti Music

MARCH 22. 2010 LIVE ON BEATPORT

APRIL 6. 2010 LIVE ON iTunes, Amazon, JunoDownload, eMusic, Rhapsody, Spotify

AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE APRIL 27. 2010

Masia One-In Di Streets Featuring Vybz Machine, Sabotawj, Adonis & DJ Sarasa (ill.gates+Meesha Mix) by Muti

The good people at San Francisco based label MUTI MUSIC will be releasing In Di Streets remixes this week.  The original song by the one and only STRANJAH of BBA Music features my fam SABOTAWJ, ADONIS, VYBZ MACHINE (JA) with DJ SARASA on the cuts.  These remixes are so nasty, bump it til your system blows ya hear?  I’m taking these dubs to yard with me fo sho.

Performing with Ill Gates @ Evolve Festival 2009

Masia One & Ill Gates @ Evolve Festival 2009

Meesha, Masia One, Ill Gates @ Auto Pirate release party 2008

This release couldn’t come at a better time!  ILL GATES and I have been discussing further projects and touring together. (I miss MEESHA!)  I think the time has come for us to build further, and I’m excited for what au-decible destruction this will lead to.  I’ll also be meeting up with STRANJAH tomorrow to finalize our plans to work @ TUFF GONG studios in Kingston, on a new original project tentatively titled MERDEKA SOUND JAMAICA where I hope to link back up with VYBZ MACHINE on a new collab. As well, the fam SABOTAWJ and I have collaborated on an underground project known as HIGHPLACE DRIVE gearing up for official release early SUMMER 2010. My point is – it’s pretty amazing the story that is woven behind 1 single release, and all the lives and artistic talent that intersect, react and grow together.  This 1 single is truly a family affair, linking together regions (Jamaica, Toronto, San Diego, Japan, San Francisco) and now remixed into a new life.  Music is truly a great path.

One Love to Ill Gates, Mochipet & An-ten-nae for their nasty gaza remixes!  Can’t wait til I hear these on some over sized tweeters.

Sabotawj & DJ SARASA @ Pulau release party 2008 I

Sabotawj, Masia One, RH Bless

"In Di Streets, it's how we do it!" VYBZ MACHINE

Track Listings:

1. In Di Streets (Featuring Vybz Machine, Sabotawj, Adonis & DJ Sarasa) prod by Stranjah of BBA Music 4:53  Masia One

2. In Di Streets  (ill.Gates+Meesha Remix) 4:45 Masia One

3. In Di Streets (Mochipet Remix) 4:38 Masia One

4. In Di Streets (An-ten-nae Remix) 3:53 Masia One

5. In Di Streets (An-ten-nae Instrumental) 3:50 An-ten-nae

6. In Di Streets (Mochipet Instrumental) 4:38 Mochipet

7. In Di Streets (ill.gates + Meesha Instrumental) 4:45 ill.gates & Meesha

*Grinder remixes coming soon…*

Artist: Masia One

Title: In Di Streets

Cat # Muti057

UPC # 705105137605

File under: Hip Hop / Dubstep / Glitch Hop / Grime / Crunk / Electronica

Muti Music, 17 Parsons St, San Francisco, CA, 94118 – T 510 499 1568 label@mutimusic.com, www.mutimusic.com

Masia One Bio on Muti Music

http://masiaone.com/muti-music-scheduled-to-release-masia

Green Roofs in Toronto

It’s official, Toronto is getting a lot greener as of January 31st, 2010. On May 26, 2009 Toronto became the first City in North America to adopt a bylaw to require and govern the construction of green roofs on new development (residential and commercial). The bylaw goes into effect at the end of this month and promises to be one more step in the right direction for the city of Toronto.

[Referenced from1Love T.O.]

Feeling stuck in L.A. without a car, I wonder why a better transit system isn’t built out here. Californians I’ve met are savy, eco-friendly and very forward thinking…why does no one seem lax’ed about the fact there is no feasible system to connect the largest urban sprawl in North America? Who knows…I found this Future Toronto clip very encouraging.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Masia One in Goodboy Clothing, photo by Kareem Ajani (www.kareemajani.com)

Toronto Clothing company GOOD BOY will be donating $15 from the proceeds of every Divercitee shirt sold to Free the Children’s Haiti Earthquake relief fund.

Goodboy Clothing Haiti Relief

Goodboy Clothing Website

On my last highschool tour with What\’s the 411, Haiti was one of the countries we spoke to the students about.  The poorest country in the Western hemisphere without proper education, water and road systems and over 50% of the population is under the age of 18.  I sat and considered how this natural disaster would effect such a nation, and hoped for the best as more international attention is now placed on a beautiful country and culture that will have much to rebuild.

It has been encouraging to say the least watching how local individuals, businesses and organizations have mobilized quickly to help with this catastrophe in Haiti.  Please see below for listings of how you can get involved in the Toronto contribution.

We See You Haiti Event, Toronto Jan 28th Wetbar

---

7.0 Earthquake Hits Haiti, Help support relief efforts

[Reposted from TOFLO.COM]

Yesterday around 5PM EST Port-Au-Prince, Haiti was hit by an earthquake that measured an unprecedented 7.0 on the Richter scale, the strongest ever in over 200 years.  The death toll has not been determined, but is expected to be in the 1,000’s.   Our prayers go out to all those affected by this devastating event.  Relief efforts have been deployed globally, and more is needed.

How you can help?

Visit your local Red Cross website or Salvation Army website to donate onlineYou can text “HAITI” to 45678 on any Rogers/Fido, Telus or Bell Mobility cell phone to donate $5 to the relief efforts thru SalvationArmy.ca

You can call 1-800-418-1111

You can donate online to Wyclef’s Charity Yele Haiti

*Please remember monetary donations should only be made to trusted and reputable charitable organizations.

Canadian Press: Anger grows over slow distribution of AID

CITY TV How to Donate

http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/international/article/67963–how-to-donate-to-the-haitian-relief-effort

We Are Your Heros 48hr. turnaround benefit party

Solitair T.Dot's finest

MANIFESTO Profile: Solitair from themanifesto.ca on Vimeo.

ManifesTO, Toronto’s Hiphop festival has done a great profile on Solitaire. Easy to Slip (posted below) is my favorite Solitair joint, from the beat, the message and the flow. Solitair is behind the production of some great joints including Kardinal’s Bakardi Slang and Lil Wayne The Flyest. (Woooo, what a hot beat)  Solitair I’m here in the City of Angels finishing a record.  Holler at your Masia…would love a beat to reaffirm my Tee Oh musical roots.  You are an inspiration.

Toronto should know it’s Hiphop pioneers. For the rest of y’all international heads, enjoy some of T.O.’s finest…just some good ol “Tell your best friend about this joint that’s off the chain that you can’t believe you heard” type Hiphop music.  Check out YYZ-T1for Solitair’s newest hustle.

Profile
Solitair (born Sheldon Pitt) is a Canadian hip-hop MC and producer from Toronto, Ontario. He is currently a member of the Black Jays record label and production team. Solitair has been producing hip-hop and R&B for over ten years, and has produced for Nina Sky, Jim Jones, Glenn Lewis, Cham, Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black, Choclair, and Sugar Jones among others.
In the late 90s, Solitair was part of a hip-hop collective known as The Circle. In 1998, he released his first 12″ single “Silver Surfer”. Solitair and fellow MC/producer Kardinal Offishall founded a production company called Silver House and the Girl (S.H.A.G.) in 2000. They mainly produced for other hip-hop artists on the local Canadian music scene. After Solitair produced Kardinal’s smash hit “BaKardi Slang” to critical acclaim in 2001, he felt that it was his turn to shine. Also in 2001, Solitair released a video for his single “Easy 2 Slip”, which he calls a “tribute to fallen soldiers”. He was nominated for a MuchMusic Video Award in 2002 for Best Independent Video.
By 2004, Solitair and Kardinal renamed their label Black Jays, and they almost immediately made an impact on the music scene. Solitair and Kardinal produced a remixed version of Jay-Z’s The Black Album and called it the The Black Jays Album, then XXL magazine took notice once the album got leaked all over the internet, so they interviwed him about it. Meanwhile, Kardinal was inspired to make a mixtape after MCA Records folded in 2003, and called it Kill Bloodcott Bill. It featured guest appearances by rappers and dancehall deejays alike, and of course much of the production was credited to Solitair and Kardinal. Solitair even found the time to spit a verse with Black Jays rapper Ro Dolla for the intro to NBA XL, on Rogers Sportsnet.[1]
In 2006, Solitair teamed up with Cipha Sounds of Hot 97 and Shade 45 fame. Cipha Sounds is a DJ who joined Black Jays International (subsidiary of Black Jays) and is now working with Solitair as a producer. So far, the duo has produced for Nina Sky’s upcoming release The Musical, including the song “Sugar Daddy”.

$10

http://ladyfesttoronto.com/events.html

About Ladyfest:

Ladyfest Toronto is an annual non-profit interdisciplinary festival organized by a grassroots, open, do-it-yourself collective of feminists each dedicated to having fun with feminism and putting good politics into practice through art. Each year the Ladyfest Toronto collective organizes a festival of art, music, performance, poetry, and politics meant to celebrate community and the projects and accomplishments of Toronto feminists. By offering a space to showcase some of the many Toronto artists dedicated to making their work pro-feminist, political, resistant, and inclusive, Ladyfest hopes to work as a hub of feminists activity that connects existing communities and generates new ones. In addition to practicing a non-hierarchical method of organizing the festival, our collective operates from a sex and body positive, non-exclusive, anti-oppressive, pro-feminist, politically charged framework and embraces all feminist peoples. We are absolutely dedicated to making the entire festival accessible, inclusive, and safe in every way. We hope that by making spaces for community members, artists, and musicians to share and perform we can open up places from which Toronto’s various pro-feminist political voices can be heard, where new communities can be made, and existing ones can work in coalition on shared projects and toward common social and political goals. Ladyfest is not just an annual festival; we hope that it is the kind of event that can generate new projects, possibilities, and communities and above all proliferate politics without pretentiousness. Ladyfest Toronto operates according to several key values; these include accessibility, DIY-ing, positivity, exposure, connection, and inclusion.