LA-based duo Alex and Jaq (Nikkobya Bisou and Aziza Montnegro) otherwise known as Nola Darling are a fun, hip, funky and quirky pair of “vocalists and emcees,” who are the epitome of renaissance women. With Alex on vocals and Jaq on rhymes, the two highly-creative artists linked up while at NYU. Alex began her studies in BK at the Brooklyn Academy of Music while Jaq hails from LA and has appeared on shows like "Hanging With Mr. Cooper” and "ER." They are both writers, journalists, filmmakers, as well as trendsetters with a crazy “artistic synergy between them”.
That said, if you’re into documentaries, check out their post-grad doc called “Word” regarding the state of hip-hop around the world; where they visited South Africa, London, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Paris, and Rome, to interview hip-hop lovers, DJs, producers, and various artists to include Dead Prez, Capone, Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest), as well as one of the pioneers of hip hop, Grandmaster Melle Mel.
Though I’d heard about the hip-hop duo a few months ago, it was only last week as I re-watched one of my favorite Spike Lee joints, “She’s Gotta Have It” that made me want to discover more about them. I mean it’s pretty bold to name yourself after the highly-sexual “Nola Darling”. But I can see the connection: bold females living their life on their own terms. Who can knock that hustle?
On a recent sunny afternoon in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn, I had the chance to meet up with Brooklyn-based turntablist and producer DJ Center --who toes the line between soulful house and hip hop beatmaker. On the heels of his debut artist release, Everything in Time, we talked about his best DJ set, the evolution of the DJ, and the story behind his name.
She’s So New York: To get us all better acquainted, tell us about your background.
DJ Center: I was born in Romania, bred in New York. I came up with a hip hop background and from there got into soul and the classics. My mentor coming up was a jazz musician, so I have a jazz background as well. I first got in to it playing live situations, being a DJ with other musicians in a live setting; and then using the turntable as an instrument, and doing live production. From there, I cut my teeth right here in Brooklyn in terms of party-rocking, in clubs and lounges and understanding how to work a room. Also I learned to take people on a ride with me. So then I was fortunate enough to travel…I was going out to Cali a lot about 10 years ago, and built with DJs out there and was also picking up influences over there. I also made it to Europe and Southeast Asia as well. Just picking up all these different influences and so I think when you hear my sets now, everything from all my travels and experiences come across now. No longer is it just a hip-hop set or a hip-hop-and-soul set. It is hip hop, soul, jazz, funk, reggae, Latin…it’s all those things because I love music.
SSNY: This segues right into my next question: Because when I listen to your music I hear the jazz, I hear the hip-hop instrumentals, I hear the Latin flavor, but also I hear a lot of different cultures, that said: How would you categorize yourself as a DJ? Do you want to be known as a soulful house DJ or a downtempo DJ, or even a hip-hop DJ?
DJC: I just wanna be known as a good DJ. To me my favorite DJs and the best DJs aren’t put into boxes. They just play music and it’s always different, right. What they do, they are able to read the energy in the room really well and play that set for whatever that moment is, as well as educate the people. So I think at the end of the day, I just wanna be known as somebody who loves music and makes people feel good with the whole palette of the musical spectrum that I have…
SSNY: So what would you say has been your best set?
DJC: I think my favorite and best sets were probably overseas in Europe. I would say Barcelona or London. I’d say that because of the openness and the reactions. I think over here in the States we may have our guard up, we might be a bit too-cool-for-school, have too many cliques going on, even worried about what other people may think [about our musical tastes]. Overseas I feel like the response to music is…and if you put it down right is…explosive. I mean you’re doing these huge rooms and the energy is through the roof and the appreciation is crazy. Though I haven’t been to Japan yet, I hear it’s a similar thing over there in terms of appreciation and just how much they love it. And as a DJ you connect with the crowd, right. What they give you is what you give back, and because you have that energy coming back at you, it makes you take it up a notch.
SSNY: Have you ever had to change your sets because of the energy of the crowd?
DJC: Oh yeah, all the time. I mean you can do your planning but I think when you’re in that moment, that’s really what’s going to guide you.
Dj Center - You Got The Love ft. Gretchen Parlato
SSNY: For the creation of Everything in Time, how did you come to record it and how did you know that now was the time to bring it to the masses? Because like you said you’ve been in the business for 10 years now.
DJC: I think…that’s a good question. I think there’s a natural evolution you go through as a DJ --where you start as a music lover, then you become a DJ; then you expand your vocabulary as a DJ and you get DJ experiences, and the natural step is going into the studio and laying down tracks, because you already have the crazy record collection you’ve amassed. So the inspiration and the influences in your library are endless and you start to get ideas. And there’s a clear relationship between putting together records and having them blend and mix in a live setting and taking sounds and instruments and working with musicians and blending those and having them mix. It’s pretty much a continuation.
Also, I remember being in Amsterdam and the promoter said something that really impacted me. It had to be like 2003 or 2005, and it was after the show and we were having dinner, and he was like what you do here is incredible, when you can come here for one night and rock it and people remember you that’s amazing, but when you produce music and have a product that you leave behind, your music lives on when you’re not physically here. And that moved me, you know what I mean. It was like that makes sense, how do I leave a piece of myself behind, beyond just mixes. So I think that was the start of it. I came home from that trip and I was like I gotta get to work. And three years later, you have Everything in Time.
DJ Center explains the process behind recording the album "Everything in Time"
SSNY: So before that point, you never thought about putting out an album?
DJC: I mean I had worked in different capacities with a group, and we were putting out records, but a solo record that was the first mention. 2007 was when I really started getting serious, built a studio and pretty much dedicated my life to it.
SSNY: So how long did it take you to record this project?
DJC: It’s a three-year record. It took three years from start to finish. When I set off, I thought it would take three months; and that’s why it’s called Everything in Time. Because you can plan all you want, but until it’s ready, until it’s time…
SSNY: There seems to be an underlining thread of positivity and motivation on the album, was that intentional?
DJC: That’s a good question, I don’t think it was intentional, but at the same time…I can say that to me, music is therapy. I think when I’m rocking a crowd I know that it’s therapy for the audience too. ‘Cause they’re probably escaping from their day-to-day and music has that power to take you out of your immediate environment and take you to a higher place. So I think that’s something I always strive for, to make music that can do that and have an effect on people is the goal. I want to make people feel good, and hopefully when they listen to it; it’ll remove whatever they’re dealing with for the time. So I think that was a subconscious intent. And you know just being a positive person and just living your life a certain way, that’s gonna be reflective in every interaction you have, and of course the music…
SSNY: I’m always curious as to what DJs listens to when they’re not working, so what do you listen to in your off time? Like what’s playing on your iPod right now?
DJC: It’s funny when you’re in the club; you’re playing more up-tempo or party music, regardless of the genre. But at home I’m actually very downtempo. I’m very lounge-y in the crib. I’m listening to a lot of roots reggae, like 70s stuff; a lot of downtempo instrumentals, jazz; you know like Coltrane is a steady favorite. I’m listening to a lot of vocalists from overseas like there’s a woman who’s Tunisian, I actually worked with her on my record; her name is Samia Farah. She’s Tunisian, raised in France and sings in French; and I remember she had this jazz-quality in her voice. She reminds me of a French Billie Holiday. Like there’s something really old-school about her, I mean like 50s old school. So she kind of gave me that quality [on the record] and her catalog is bananas too; so I’m bumping her. What we did is cool, but her own stuff is like…dope. But most especially the reggae stuff on production.
SSNY: So this is my final question, tell us about the name: DJ Center.
DJC: It comes from…when I think about my relationship with music, and what I want to put forth out there. My favorite music is honesty. You know stuff that doesn’t hide behind anything, facades; or any kind of stigma or hype. I’m talking about Sly and the Family Stone, Donnie Hathaway. I’m talking about real artists, honest artists. And I think I wanted that same reflection in my name. And to me your center is your core; it’s like when you pull away all your layers, that’s what’s left. That’s where the name really stems from. And of course, the double meaning in hip-hop, the DJ is the center; the centerpiece of the foundation. So it has that double play as well.
DJ Center’s solo debut Everything in Time is in stores and available on iTunes now!
Wanna be featured on our "One to Watch," series? Send us your music, bio and photos to besonewyork@gmail.com!
Every Thursday, She's So New York unleashes it's "One to Watch" series, where we debut the latest and greatest music from the ladies and gentlemen of the Big Apple and beyond!
Though I have a great affinity for 70s/80s R&B, funk and soul, house music is the bastard stepchild I’ve grown to love. Having said all of that Intricate Beauty is the latest from King Britt, a Philly-based DJ/producer (and former DJ for 90s hip hop pioneers Digable Planets) who’s become known for his downtempo-hiphop-infused-jazz-influenced grooves. And on Intricate Beauty he showcases some sweet gems as well.
Britt received a Pew Fellowship in the Arts award in 2007. Pew Fellowships in the Arts awards grants of $60,000 to Philadelphia-area artists working in a wide variety of performing, visual, and literary disciplines.
Recommended tracks: “Blackhand Side” and “Nightlife”.
Other releases you might like: Blue Six, Noesis and Yameen, Never Knows More.
Wanna be featured in our "One to Watch," series? Send us your music, bio, and pics to besonewyork@gmail.com!
She's So New York reintroduces their "One to Watch," our weekly music spotlight series with "The Lyricists." While not New York based, SSNY can make the exception, especially after hearing their single "Come On," - why NOT feature this Detroit based duo?
In a climate of an over saturated Hip-Hop market and “dumbed-down” content, The Lyricists are a group that champions the creativity and originality it takes to be artists in the Hip-Hop movement, not just a couple of grandiose rappers.
They have shared the stage with Rahzel, The Executioners, J-Rocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies,Camp Lo, Cappadonna and Killa Priest of the Wu Tang Clan, Proof, Slum Village, One Be Low, Atmosphere, Brother Ali,Soul Position and many others and are now ready to bring their energy and chemistry to a stage near you.
Jewan Reed a.k.a. Rym-B, a native Detroiter, and Robert “Scooter” Johnsona.k.a. Illtone a native of Port Huron, MI, are your quintessential, in the truest definition of the word, emcees for the group. Class and quality being their watchword, their strong stage presence, witty lyrics and adept delivery make them the one-two punch combo that provides both a wildly entertaining stage show and superior lyrical content on albums.
Hailing from the city of Port Huron, Michigan, a city at the end of Detroit’s “Automation Alley” with a population of just over 32,000, this dynamic duo crafts a sound that not only embodies the true-school elements of Hip-Hop, but also keeps pace with the cutting edge of what lyrical virtuosos ought to be. The Lyricists, a name very appropriate in defining their style.
Beginning with their debut album “Outta Nowhere” (2000) The Lyricists have dropped three LPs, an EP and a mixtape. They are currently and tirelessly performing a full schedule of live shows while concurrently working on two additional EPs with two separate producers. Somehow, despite their already grueling schedule, they also make it a point to keep the freshness coming by dropping a mixtape before the release of each EP. Their most recent project the “Constructicons Mixtape” is due out early Summer 2010.
The Lyricists sophomore effort, “Anti-Industry” (2003) was their opposition to the virtual machine that controls the commercial hip-Hop scene.
While it may have seemed like foreshadowing at the time, this concept still rings true today. Their third album “L3” (2005), short for Level 3, symbolized their third effort of professional production together and their motivation to always elevate as artists. “Get Heard or Die Tryin” (2007) was the first of what will prove to be a number of mixtapes used to quench their fans thirst for more material. The project being 25 tracks featured more than a dozen guest emcees and several guest producers. Using social networking and live performance contacts, The Lyricists were receiving instrumental tracks from all over the globe to make the mixtape. The first of their 3 installments of EPs was released in 2009, titled: “Transmittin’ Live” it was the first release under a label.The album was received and reviewed well by several different media outlets including okayplayer.com and Real Detroit Magazine which review it as one of the top 10 Detroit Hip-Hop albums of 2009.
Every Thursday, She's So New York unleashes it's "One to Watch" series, where we debut the latest and greatest music from the ladies and gentlemen of the Big Apple. Today and in celebration of "S-E-X Week," we couldn't think of a fitting song other than "Goodie Two Shoes," from the Brooklyn based singing trio: ForEverMore. Comprised of singers, Zerenyti, Kye Charizma, and Tiny, these sexy ladies exude sensuality, sex appeal and confidence with their track. Take a listen:
ForEverMore is far more than a singing group.
They are one entity, a business. ForEverMore realize that by utilizing their natural born talents and with a lot of hard work, they have the potential to generate millions. After years of honing their craft separately, they joined forces to create a unique competitive advantage over other recording artist entering the same field of music. While most labels create girl groups the same height, size, complexion and sound, ForEverMore gives their target audience a taste of reality. Each member of the group has their own unique sound which when married together forms a sound like no other!
ForEverMore performing at Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus' Showcase
Other advantages that ForEverMore possess fall into the musical category. All members have the talent to write and vocally arrange radio ready songs. Each member has developed skills in different genre such as music production, cosmetology, media arts, and video production in order to be more involved with the development of the group. This has enabled ForEverMore to be self contained and motivated. Most important is their belief in GOD. Through time ForEverMore has developed a chemistry not to be broken by the influences of negativity, making them a force not to be reckoned with!
Be sure to check out ForEverMore here on their Youtube page as well as FaceBook,and Twitter!
