Vanity Fierce has moved!!!

I'm excited to say I've upgraded to www.VanityFierce.co.uk 

Please follow me on my new journey if you enjoy Fashion, Art or Music with an LGBTQ flavour.

I've also had an amazing opportunity and have started working with AZ Magazine, an LGBTQ publication for the (BME) Black, Minority and Ethnic community.  My new role as Fashion & Music Editor is to bring new & unheard news to our readers. So whether you're a creative who has a project that needs attention or a Fashion/Music related writer who would like to contribute, I would LOVE to hear from you!

Vanity Fierce Contact Page

www.vanityfierce.co.uk

My WCW: SIYA. Female Lyricist

I found Siya whilst listening to “Bad” remixes on Soundcloud towards the end of last year so this article is way overdue!

Siya, who hails from Bed-Stuy, New York-originally from Cali- was raised by her grandmother. Like a lot of young adults within inner city neighbourhoods, there's trouble around every corner and she found herself doing time in a women’s correctional facility. She took this not so great circumstance and used it to perfect her art. After doing her time she left for Atlanta, gaining much welcomed attention from major labels. But being an openly gay female artist would mean that such labels would show a reluctance in signing her unless she conformed. However Siya, confident in her abilities continued perusing her dream and kept on smashing shows until they took heed.

Siya’s breakthrough came in the guise of R&B singer/songwriter Tank, who reached out to her via Twitter –thankfully and quite rightly so- he felt that Siya  was great exactly how she was. They collaborated and produced their debut project/mixtape entitled “D.Y.K.E” which has gained over 50 thousand downloads.  Siya took a word that is usually used as a slur and changed to an acronym: Damn You Killin 'Em.

Check out Siya’s freestyles on Soundcloud and below for her latest video/single “Real MVP” as well as “D.Y.K.E” and "One Hunnid". Her flow, wordplay and metaphors are on point and on par with other established female MC’s out there. I won’t name them because this article isn't about them, it’s about my Woman Crush Wednesday Siya….the Bed-Stuy bully. 100.

Want to find out more?

Siya Official Website

Instagram

Tumblr

Twitter

SIYA | "Real MVP" 

SIYA | "D.Y.K.E" Feat TANK 

SIYA | One Hunnid

Chance The Rapper @ Forum, London 15th July 2014. Review

Chicago Iilinois born Chancelor Bennett ended the Social Experiment's European tour on Tuesday 15th in true form. I must admit, I had my concerns for him when I saw on Twitter that he was beginning to feel the effects of such a gruelling schedule...

I was expecting a drained performance but he didn't disapoint, at all!  I can only describe it as the best concert I've ever been too,Yup! It's now Thursday and I'm still high from his show and find myself smiling every so often as I remember parts...This is coming from the chick who never thought anyone could top Jodeci at Wembley Arena circa 1990 lol I'm loyal but credit where it's due-Jodeci, you just got slayed off the pedestal I had you on in the worst way!

Purely on energy alone this breath of fresh air performer stayed at a 10 from beginning to end, the vibe was truly electric. Fleeting between old and new, we were given and mix of 10 Day, Acid Rap and Sox. It felt very organic in that he read his audience and decided where to go next.  Even though K.Town's Forum was a full house it felt like an intimate affair.  Opening with Everybody's Something, Chance was noticeably humbled from the start when he found we knew all the words. He kept us engaged the whole time-even when he was off stage he'd continue with an "oooh-wooo" which the crowd repeated back to him until he became visible. This 'call' went on through out the evening-making you feel somewhat connected.  As for the band...an amazing calibre of musicians and made such a difference to tracks like Brain Cells, Juke Juke, Paranoia, Pusha Man and I am very very lonely left us ladies swooning! You can tell that they all love what they do and when like minded people come together they create this energy which is second to none. Soaking the crowd with bottles of water during Juice was welcomed as anyone who knows K.Towns Forum knows it gets pretty, hot pretty quick!

He ended with Chain Smoker and with the crowd already pumped from the outset, he held back the right track to send us on our way!

I will say London, we represented-we really did! We're very spoilt and can be quite hard to please let alone entertain and we have such high expectations, but we were patient and willing participants. It was a pleasure to witness:)
I left feeling uplifted and affirmed as to why I love music so much. In a time where most new artists all sound alike and you can barely tell one from the other-Chance sets's him self apart with originality, genius metaphors, and staying humble.

Chance The Rapper, never change.

Peace

Chance Official Website
Chance's Twitter
Download Chance The Rapper - Acid Rap mixtape

Today is a new day

Lyle Owerko's "The Boombox Project"

Owerko, a Canadian born Photojournalist slash Film Maker slash Commercial Photographer usually spends his time travelling the World on assignments for Human Rights groups. He's worked for the Sundance Channel- founded by Robert Redford - and MTV.  His works are also collected by business and celebrity clients alike. 

The Boombox Project is a great mixture of portraits and photos of the beloved boombox.
Owerko is showing this current project at the Whisper Gallery in London W1 until January 15th.

LILE OWERKO OFFICIAL SITE

Marsha Ambrosius- The Most Under Rated BRITISH Female Artist

Marsha, originally from Liverpool and Natalie Stewart of London formed FLOETRY towards the end of the 90's. However they parted ways in 2007 to pursue their own music careers. During the time of Floetry's success-and up until now- Marsha has made a healthy catalogue of mix tapes and has written and produced for some the the biggest names in the business. Roll-Call includes Michael Jackson's Butterflies; Busta Rhymes; Patti LaBelle; Jamie Foxx and Justin Timberlake the list goes on.
You can find her mix tapes on Datpiff.com

At the beginning of 2011 Marsha's second solo single Far Away helped to raise awareness around bullying and same sex relationships in the black community. It definitly had people talking which is always a good thing. The song was written in memorial of a close friend she lost to suicide.

Regardless of the subject matter of the video, just listen to the words and I'm sure you'll be able to relate.
Every day people can find them selves in situations that they feel are too hard to bare when all they really need is someone to talk to and not judge them.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation UK
The Samaritans

Marsha Ambrosius, I SALUTE YOU!

Album Late Nights & Early Mornings is available NOW

Buy Marsha's music at itunes - Marsha A - Itunes
Marsha Ambrosius Official Site marshaambrosiusmusic.com

Lowkey by name not by nature

So I heard this track on an episode of The Cut which I featured a few days ago, as soon as I clocked the 1st few bars I thought "This guy is amazing!" Now usually I would either wait for the credits or go frantically searching the web, but this time I thought "It will come to me. He's that good I will hear of him again and I'll find out his name"
This morning I'm on the Guardian online newspaper reading an article that caught my eye titled 'When will Hip-Hop Hurry Up and Die'-yeah, I know! only in The Guardian lol- I read half way through, and went straight to readers comments and a man mentioned the fact the UK Hip Hop was doing just fine and named Lowkey.  I Youtubed him and there was my track! So here he is I maybe late, but I always deliver lol

Lowkey is a 23 year old lyrical power house of mixed British and Arab heritage. At his age not many people can say that they're a Political Activist, Poet and Playwright. He has been fortunate enough to be given airtime on all of the UK's major Radio Stations and has won Best Newcomer awards for is talents.
Lowkey is also a co-founder of non profit organization The Peoples Army, started in Brixton, South London.
Alphabet Assassin is the follow up to his critically acclaimed Key to the Game mix CD series.

Bookings contact: bookings@soempire.com
More info on The Peoples Army http://www.myspace.com/thepeoplesarmy2008
Lowkeys Myspace page click the title of this posting

Just incase you're interested in that article in The guardian Online (be warned it's very meaty, you'll see what I mean lol)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2009/nov/26/notes-noughties-hip-hop

YalonDa Brown

This cutie is YalonDa Brown, she is a 26 year old breath of fresh air and an extremely gifted Saxophones, who started her love of instruments at the young age of 6. Since then she has gone on to perform along side the likes of Alexander O'Neal, Mica Paris, Omar, Soweto Kinch and Sway, you'll even catch a glimpse of her in Donaeos' Party Hard video! Miss Brown has also played at numerous Festivals around the world, and has also played before the High Commission and at the Ocho Rios Festival in Jamaica.
YalonDas' grafting paid off when she picked up MOBO awards two years running for Best Jazz Act in 08 and 09!
But this artist doesn't want to be pigeon holed and I don't blame her!

YalonDa Browns' latest EP is set to be be released soon, so be on the look out it's called See You See Me. In the mean time you can support this unsigned talent by uploading A step Closer -her previous EP- from itunes, HMV and Amazon.

For more info on up coming performances, just click on her name at the top for a link straight to her site which has a list of tour dates

http://www.youtube.com/user/yolandabrownmusic

The Cut by BBC Switch

Samuell Benta

"The Cut is a brand new multi-platform soap from BBC Switch, with fast-paced storylines packed with plenty of drama for soap-loving teens.

Featuring a hot cast of rising stars and storylines suggested by teens, The Cut broadcasts online from Monday to Friday in five-minute episodes at www.bbc.co.uk/switch with an omnibus edition on BBC Two on Saturdays.

The story starts with 18 year old Jay. A stranger's death draws him to London where he meets the Mackinnons and the Loxleys, two families with an age old history of bad blood.

Posh girl Marla Mackinnon falls for Jay straight away, but Mack, her controlling dad, will never stand for it.

Olive Loxley’s dreaming of escape from her over-protective sister, Toni and their family café, but is troubled Stephen Mackinnon really her way out?"

Should you get hooked on this like I did-my reasons were purely for the eye candy that is Samuell Benta who plays Jay lol-you can catch up and watch them in 20 minute episodes on BBCi player by clicking on the title at the top of this entry.

Crepe City for you sneaker freaks

For those of you not familiar with London slang the 1st time the word crepe is used in this flyer doesn't mean pancake in French even though the 2nd time it does! It means trainers; kicks; boogs; sneakers what ever term of endearment you choose to use! and I love that someone has taken the initiative to put on a festival for us sneaker freaks! There will be an all day bar, sneaker portraits on show, music -goes without saying really- and oldskool films to entertain you.

So go get your crepe on! It's £1 entry between 1-7pm where you can buy,sell and swap your trainers and apparel (male & female). Live music from 7-1am is £5 entry

For more info: http://www.crepe-city.co.uk/

You'll also want to check out the site I found this info on called The Daily Street which is a blog that informs you on all things trendy and UK born whether it be art, music or fashion. Show your support cause they're doing their thing: http://www.thedailystreet.co.uk/ you can also search them on facebook

Laura Izibor & Shine

You may have heard this on numerous adverts throughout 2009, and never knew who it was. Well let me introduce you to Irish/Nigerian Laura Izibor who is signed to Atlantic Records. This young lady has opened for the likes of Aretha Frankin, Angie Stone and Al Green! Shine was the first single to be releasd from her debut album at the beginning of this year. It was written by her and her alone and her blend of pop and soul lyrics are very mature for her 22 years.
Laura Izibors' album Let The Truth Be Told is available now

Linton Kwesi Johnson

A man in his own league, for those who don't know. Linton Kwesi Johnson is a highly celebrated and honoured Black Poet who was born on the island of Jamaica and made a life for himself in the UK any immigrant first, second or third generation would be inspired by.

To do this man justice I would have to write a whole blog about him.

Linton Kweli Johnson

if I woz a tap-natch poet
like Chris Okigbo
Derek Walcot
ar T.S.Eliot

ah woodah write a poem
soh dam deep
dat it bittah-sweet
like a precious
memory
whe mek yu weep
whe mek yu feel incomplete

like wen yu lovah leave
an dow defeat yu kanseed
still yu beg an yu plead
till yu win a repreve
an yu ready fi rack steady
but di muzik done aready

still
inna di meantime
wid mi riddim
wid mi rime
wid mi ruff base line
wid mi own sense a time

goon poet haffi step in line
caw Bootahlazy mite a gat couple touzan
but Mandela fi im
touzans a touzans a touzans a touzans

if I woz a tap-natch poet
like Kamau Brathwaite
Martin Carter
Jayne Cortez ar Amiri Baraka

ah woodah write a poem
soh rude
an rootsy
an subversive
dat it mek di goon poet
tun white wid envy

like a candhumble/ voodoo/ kumina chant
a ole time calypso ar a slave song
dat get ban
but fram granny

rite
dung
to
gran
pickney

each an evry wan
can recite dat-dey wan

still
inna di meantime
wid mi riddim
wid mi rime
wid mi ruff base line
wid mi own sense a time

goon poet haffi step in line
caw Bootahlazy mite a gat couple touzan
but Mandela fi im
touzans a touzans a touzans a touzans

if I woz a tap-natch poet
like Tchikaya U'tamsi
Nicholas Guillen
ar Lorna Goodison

an woodah write a poem
soh beautiful dat it simple
like a plain girl
wid good brains
an nice ways
wid a sexy dispozishan
an plenty compahshan
wid a sweet smile
an a suttle style

still
mi naw goh bow an scrape
an gwan like a ape
peddlin noh puerile parchment af etnicity
wid ongle a vaig fleetin hint af hawtenticity
like a black Lance Percival in reverse
ar even worse
a babblin bafoon whe looze im tongue

no sah
nat atall
mi gat mi riddim
mi gat mi rime
mi gat mi ruff base line
mi gat mi own sense a time

goon poet haffi step in line
caw Bootahlazy mite a gat couple touzan
but Mandela fi im
touzans a touzans a touzans a touzans

Crookers Ft Kelis - No Security

Crookers are two out of their mind dj's/producers called Phra and Bot From Milan Italy. This is their latest single which has got that Dubstep vibe to it featuring Kelis called No Security. Check it

Katie B

UK soul songstress Katie Brien is part of a group from South London called Bassics. They've been together for 2 years and met at a Performing Arts school in Croydon.
I had to put up the whole of this gig-which comes in 3 parts - because she's got some sweet vocals plus her range and control is on point. This is raw talent at it's finest.







Bassics have a debut EP in the making and currently have a monthly residency at the night 'Chemistry' at South Side bar in Brixton every first Thursday of the month.

www.myspace.com/bassicsmusic

Bellatrix UK Female Beatbox

Pure talent!

Mz Bratt....I like her, she's got female swagger!

Above is Mz Bratts' debut single which was released early summer this year. She's only 17 and rate her, she's doing her thing! Beneath you can check her out on Tim Westwoods show for BBC 1xtra, shot little over a week ago.

Trainers for Life Competition by Footlocker

If you like your kicks, and you have a creative streak in you, Footlocker have a comp' just for you.

All you have to do is write and shoot your own sneakermad flick
Download Footlockers' own endframe and add it to your piece
Then upload it to Footlockers' youtube channel.
The competition will run from October 2, 2009 till November 22, 2009, 12.00 PM (closing date for entries).
This competition is open to residents of France, Germany, Italy, Spain (including Canary Islands), The Netherlands, UK, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Greece, Sweden, and Hungary, excluding employees and immediate relatives of employees of Freedom Sportsline Ltd or of their respective parents, subsidiaries or affiliated companies or any other person professionally connected with this competition (“Foot Locker”).
To be precise. If you win, it's 65 pairs over a 5 year period, which isn't exactly life, but it aint bad either. Hopefully you plan on living a lot longer than that!

http://www.youtube.com/footlocker

Drug Users Health & Lifestyle site???

I must admit...I laughed when I first came across this site because I took it for a joke. I take it back - it's actually quite informative. It's not a piss take of a website, they actually take it seriously. They cover everything from women's issues to an overdose guide.

It may seem like a contradiction in terms but if you're going to take drugs, do it sensibly!

Wretch 32 ~ Punctuation

Wretch 32 has been part of the UK Urban scene for over 3 years now. He rolls with 3 other artists' who go by the names of Scorcher, Devlin and Ghetto. Together they're called The Movement, who are well established in their game.

Punctuation is an innovative song of rhymes with an equally impressive bass line.

Fine Jewellery

Colombian sister act Lucia and Isabella Bueno-Mallerino, have produced decadent yet delicate pieces of jewellery exclusively for Asterly Of London. This necklace is available in silver and vermeil gold, which is a longer lasting method of gold plating.
I love this piece as anyone who grew up during the 80's, would be able to relate to the Spirograph style of this pendant which is called a filigree.

'Aliya Necklace' is priced at £250....ouch!

Need a little black dress??? Try TESCO

Tesco have recently partnered up with London College of Fashion. Supporting up and coming student~designers with the theme of the much loved little black dress.

It all started as a project thought up by lectures at the famous college, who challenged their 2nd year students to come up with their own take on the 'iconic design classic'

It came down to 3 winning desings which are now available to buy right now. They are £35 each but will only be at 30 selected stores.

Jay-Z in Art

Jay-Z commissioned British artist, Adrian Firth to create this art piece where he used a total of 22,500 Swaroviski Crystals on Perspex. The piece was unveiled to coinside with the Rappers' latest Blue print 3 album and his forthcoming tour of the UK.

The iconic piece will be available to see for a limited period only at Platform, 31 Greville Street, Hatton Garden EC1 8AF. Opening hours Mon-Fri 10.30am-6pm

Find Banksys' Art About Town

If you're ever after a breath of cultural fresh air and feel the need to entertain yourself, get this book.
It's Banksy Locations and Tours: Revised and Updated for 2008: A Collection of Graffiti Locations and Photographs in London (Paperback).
I'll look out for an 09 version, as some ignorant people feel the need to get rid of his art work before the masses get a chance to enjoy it.

Available on Amazon for under a fiver

Foreign Beggars....They're baaaack!

Contact is the new track from UK act Foreign Beggars new album United Colours of Beggattron. If you live the UK and you've never heard of them, you should be ashamed! Educate yourself... & if you like Drum & Bass as much as I do check out the remix by Noisia or just wait until the last minute of this vid, it will make you bob your head and screw up your face like you just smelt something real, real baaad! Album's out now!

Death By Daylight are presenting an exhibition this month called The Lock Up. Which is said to be "A selection of stunning works made available from the most prolific, cutting edge & controversial artists of our time"

Artists exhibiting their works are Goldie, Pam Glew and David Whittaker to name a few.

Exhibition is on from Friday 27th Nov~Thursday 10th Dec 2009

Admission is free.

Quincy Quincy Quincy!

Quincy Bullen, Son of Pianist, producer, songwriter Eddie Bullen...He's 16, there's not much more I can say on the matter really! Other than he is clearly talented. Watch out for the drummer, dude's on point!

Meet Marisa Lindsay

This is one piece of talent the island of Barbados has been secretly hiding from us world! This footage was recorded earlier this year at the Beaches Jazz Festival Next Generation Jazz Jam. Just because we may not be aware...Miss Lindsay has been singing for a hot minute and has toured the jazz circles of the globe, blessing people with her neo soul voice. Look out for 16 year old Quincy Bullen on the keys!

Check out her first music video titled I Think I want To Be In Love shot this year
www.marisalindsay.com