Whats good family...Spring is here and it's a perfect time for me to do something Ive been talking about doing for awhile now. Im launching my own website, http://web.mac.com/kratedigga. It's a culmination of all the sites I have contributions on now, so instead of hopping around for show dates and downloads; it's all on http://web.mac.com/kratedigga.
I'll be adding different media on a continuos basis, so check in often for interviews, downloadable mixes, blogs, and new show dates. You can also subscribe to the podcasts and blogs, so you're automatically notified when there are updates.
Once again thanks for supporting DJ Krate Digga and The Mighty SoundChampz Crew...http://web.mac.com/kratedigga
One.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Ed Mabrey Farewell Event TONIGHT 4/1/08
We are witnessing living history and we don't seem to understand nor
appreciate it. Maybe it's because we contemporaries to it, maybe it's
because we don't have the proper context to it, maybe it's because we
don't wanna believe it. Regardless of the reason, it is still historic.
A pioneer, an artist, a voice, a persona, and a friend are all leaving
today; all in one person. Edward Pearl Mabrey, internationally known
spoken word artist, will be leaving the city that has been his home for
many years. Ed has graced many a mic; whether in studio across the radio
airwaves or on stage at one of thousands of performances. Ed has graced
many a stage; whether introducing Eric Roberson, Dwele, or Darien
Brockington. Ed has shared many a word; whether it's freestyling w/ DJ
Krate Digga at Snaps N Taps or in monologue at Black Pearl Poetry. Ed
has won a plenty; individual championships, world championships, hearts,
minds. All being equal, the greatness of his accomplishments aren't what
he's done for he; but what he's done for we.
He brought a culture and an art from the smoky lounges of self ascribed
scholars and haute thinkers to groups in a language that spoke to them.
He transformed the cliche of spoken word from a New Line Cinema classic
to a reality of expression and mental freedom. All not for he, but for
we. That fact must be recognized and honored. While his talents and
abilities took him around the world, he always returned
home...here...Columbus. The same Columbus that many claim "has nothing
to do, no sense of self, is a wanna-be (insert city here.)" He returned
to share with those that wished to be a part; pieces of himself.
Unashamed. Unadulterated. Unabashed. Unsurpassed. Not for self. Not for
the fortune of the urban Columbus arts crowd. Reread last line with even
more sarcasm. He did it for we.
No words I write nor speak will ever do this man the justice he
deserves, but I will say thank you. Through you I am a witness to
history, which makes me part of history.
appreciate it. Maybe it's because we contemporaries to it, maybe it's
because we don't have the proper context to it, maybe it's because we
don't wanna believe it. Regardless of the reason, it is still historic.
A pioneer, an artist, a voice, a persona, and a friend are all leaving
today; all in one person. Edward Pearl Mabrey, internationally known
spoken word artist, will be leaving the city that has been his home for
many years. Ed has graced many a mic; whether in studio across the radio
airwaves or on stage at one of thousands of performances. Ed has graced
many a stage; whether introducing Eric Roberson, Dwele, or Darien
Brockington. Ed has shared many a word; whether it's freestyling w/ DJ
Krate Digga at Snaps N Taps or in monologue at Black Pearl Poetry. Ed
has won a plenty; individual championships, world championships, hearts,
minds. All being equal, the greatness of his accomplishments aren't what
he's done for he; but what he's done for we.
He brought a culture and an art from the smoky lounges of self ascribed
scholars and haute thinkers to groups in a language that spoke to them.
He transformed the cliche of spoken word from a New Line Cinema classic
to a reality of expression and mental freedom. All not for he, but for
we. That fact must be recognized and honored. While his talents and
abilities took him around the world, he always returned
home...here...Columbus. The same Columbus that many claim "has nothing
to do, no sense of self, is a wanna-be (insert city here.)" He returned
to share with those that wished to be a part; pieces of himself.
Unashamed. Unadulterated. Unabashed. Unsurpassed. Not for self. Not for
the fortune of the urban Columbus arts crowd. Reread last line with even
more sarcasm. He did it for we.
No words I write nor speak will ever do this man the justice he
deserves, but I will say thank you. Through you I am a witness to
history, which makes me part of history.
So please join me tonight April 1st 2008 at Club Ice, 40 E Long Street
to celebrate the departure of a living legend. Doors open at 730p and
the show will start promptly. It is guaranteed to be a show not to miss.
This is your chance to witness history.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Full Circle Pt.4 - The Art, Mahogany's Soul, Fresh Fridays
Another phase in IN8's tiered approach was The ART. First held at the defunct Club 504 (now Bar Louie's) and also at THE Ohio State University, it found it's first home at Long Street Live (now Club Ice). Up until this point we were introducing folks to new artists and new music, The ART was the first forum in which we put faces to the music. Dwele, Eric Roberson, Fertile Ground, and The Rebirth all had their inaugural Columbus performances at The ART. The ART however was so much more than a performance event; local artists were prominently featured throughout the venue. Visual artists, culinary artists, spoken word artists, and musical artists all incorporated the concept of The ART. Soulstarr, Middlechild, The 3rd, Ed Mabrey, and many others blessed that stage. One Wednesday night out of each month, we always did what it took to make the rest of the week easier to deal with. As the run of The ART continued it eventually meshed with some Saturday nights at the Standard Lounge.
What many failed to realize was this movement wasn't just about the clubs and nightlife, it was a lifestyle. The music was real music for real life; the ups and downs, the joys and trials, the realities of urban life (not street life, but urban life.) It was a soundtrack to our lives; the working 8 hours a day at a gig where you're underpaid and under appreciated, the rough and tumble of being in a relationship (or not), the introspective nature we have as humans. This realness couldn't be found in reality shows or on the radio; but it could be found in what we were doing. It could be found in those who participated in our events. It wasn't a corporate package; it was who we were, it was innate.
September of 2004 brought the next phase of this new urban life experience, her name was Mahogany's Soul. Around this time, we were in a zone. Just when folks thought, "Yo this is it!!!", we topped ourselves with our next endeavor. To this date I think that Mahogany's Soul was the acme of our offerings. Housed in the (now closed) Brownstone On Main restaurant, Mahogany's Soul was something for everyone and everything for some. On the upper levels, Ed Mabrey held down the spoken word set. Whether you were a professional poet or just inspired to write on your drink napkin, everyone was able to speak and be heard. Blek and J Rawls held down the main floor on the 1s and 2s. Or if you wanted to catch some football, the bar area sported the big screen. But the basement is where it went down. Sean Scott on drums, B Jazz and Selah on keys, Brandon on guitar, Aaron on bass,and myself on the turntables. We just made music. No rehearsals, we just made music and most importantly; we had fun, so the people had fun. Often time we were honored to have Middlechild, Talisha Holmes, Mahogany, Eric Qualls, Cyrus Baty, and others on lead vocals. As things grew and progressed Rich Nyce and I started being featured without other performers. Our performances had become real tight through Standard Lounge days. The Basement parties at Mahognay's Soul were classics, but none topped the Memorial Day weekend of 2005...Misty Jordan and the Jordanettes standing on tables...Konata on the mic..."Freak Checks"...the fishtank got foggy...CLASSIC.
Wednesdays of The Art made the rest of the week a breeze, but the Sunday's of Mahogany's Soul made everyone yearn for the end of the weekend!!! Mahogany's Soul offered Columbus their first local performances of Raheem Devaughn, Siji, Angela Burchett (K-State fam!!!!!), Deyampert, and more. Mahogany's Soul was one of those moments in time when you just know it's special. Whether it was Isaac vs The Isleys (including an Isaac Hayes (look alike) appearance) or The Battle - Band vs DJs, the themes and the concepts kept us ahead of any and everything else that Columbus was offering. There was nothing like it before and may well never be anything to follow. There's been some attempted recreations, but those who experienced MS know it's pioneering legacy.
So by February of 2005, The ART along with Saturday's at The Standard Lounge and Sunday's at Mahogany's Soul claiming regional acclaim, what was left to do except add a Friday night jump off!!! F-R-E-S-H, Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh...and Fresh Friday's was the jawn. Opium Lounge (now closed) on High Street housed Fresh Friday's. This event was different because we tried to start bridging some of the gaps between our established fan base and some folks who weren't familiar with us. We kept weekly themes; from the REFRESH 80's night (complete with Pole Position and PacMan on the big screens) to the JUICE dj battle night with 4 djs spinning for fan determined supremacy.
It was around this time that I started building with Smiley, Donna Marbury, and eventually slid into the Cove Lounge...
What many failed to realize was this movement wasn't just about the clubs and nightlife, it was a lifestyle. The music was real music for real life; the ups and downs, the joys and trials, the realities of urban life (not street life, but urban life.) It was a soundtrack to our lives; the working 8 hours a day at a gig where you're underpaid and under appreciated, the rough and tumble of being in a relationship (or not), the introspective nature we have as humans. This realness couldn't be found in reality shows or on the radio; but it could be found in what we were doing. It could be found in those who participated in our events. It wasn't a corporate package; it was who we were, it was innate.
September of 2004 brought the next phase of this new urban life experience, her name was Mahogany's Soul. Around this time, we were in a zone. Just when folks thought, "Yo this is it!!!", we topped ourselves with our next endeavor. To this date I think that Mahogany's Soul was the acme of our offerings. Housed in the (now closed) Brownstone On Main restaurant, Mahogany's Soul was something for everyone and everything for some. On the upper levels, Ed Mabrey held down the spoken word set. Whether you were a professional poet or just inspired to write on your drink napkin, everyone was able to speak and be heard. Blek and J Rawls held down the main floor on the 1s and 2s. Or if you wanted to catch some football, the bar area sported the big screen. But the basement is where it went down. Sean Scott on drums, B Jazz and Selah on keys, Brandon on guitar, Aaron on bass,and myself on the turntables. We just made music. No rehearsals, we just made music and most importantly; we had fun, so the people had fun. Often time we were honored to have Middlechild, Talisha Holmes, Mahogany, Eric Qualls, Cyrus Baty, and others on lead vocals. As things grew and progressed Rich Nyce and I started being featured without other performers. Our performances had become real tight through Standard Lounge days. The Basement parties at Mahognay's Soul were classics, but none topped the Memorial Day weekend of 2005...Misty Jordan and the Jordanettes standing on tables...Konata on the mic..."Freak Checks"...the fishtank got foggy...CLASSIC.
Wednesdays of The Art made the rest of the week a breeze, but the Sunday's of Mahogany's Soul made everyone yearn for the end of the weekend!!! Mahogany's Soul offered Columbus their first local performances of Raheem Devaughn, Siji, Angela Burchett (K-State fam!!!!!), Deyampert, and more. Mahogany's Soul was one of those moments in time when you just know it's special. Whether it was Isaac vs The Isleys (including an Isaac Hayes (look alike) appearance) or The Battle - Band vs DJs, the themes and the concepts kept us ahead of any and everything else that Columbus was offering. There was nothing like it before and may well never be anything to follow. There's been some attempted recreations, but those who experienced MS know it's pioneering legacy.
So by February of 2005, The ART along with Saturday's at The Standard Lounge and Sunday's at Mahogany's Soul claiming regional acclaim, what was left to do except add a Friday night jump off!!! F-R-E-S-H, Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh...and Fresh Friday's was the jawn. Opium Lounge (now closed) on High Street housed Fresh Friday's. This event was different because we tried to start bridging some of the gaps between our established fan base and some folks who weren't familiar with us. We kept weekly themes; from the REFRESH 80's night (complete with Pole Position and PacMan on the big screens) to the JUICE dj battle night with 4 djs spinning for fan determined supremacy.
It was around this time that I started building with Smiley, Donna Marbury, and eventually slid into the Cove Lounge...
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Full Circle Pt.3 - Standard Lounge..The Zone...The Red Room
The time now is around Dec '03/Jan '04, things are going through a transformation of sorts. Snaps is in the midst of closing its doors, I was building momentum and becoming more recognizable, Wali and Zo (IN8 Inner-Prizes) were pushing a new musical agenda; a movement that was steeped in the roots of soul music. This soul had an edgier sound, a grittier feel because it represented the social terms of its time. Some called it neo-soul, others nu-soul. Some just soul, while many could only muster the term "not that radio bullshit". Regardless of the genre stamp, the sound was definitely a groovy one. It provoked dancing...not that humpin' like dogs style of dancing but true hand in hand, partner type, makes you smile when you spin kind of dancing. I always referred to it as dancing like an adult...lol..but I digress. These Saturday nights were different; the vibe, the dress, the maturity of the patrons. 20somethings and 30somethings mixing and mingling without feeling like they were out of their respected peer settings. It became expected that dudes button down, ladies did the thing. We were setting a new STANDARD of urban nightlife.
During these times I was very excited about how things were going. I was starting to garner the larger scale recognition that I felt I rightly deserved, I was building a network of business people that I saw as keys to my progression in "la musical cosa nostra" (musical thing of ours). It was also during this time that I was able to hit the FM radio waves of Columbus (103FM). Alonzo, Wali, Ed Mabrey, myself, and some others were able to garner a weekly specialty show spot. Every Sunday at 8pm, The Movement was on. This gave the whole city an opportunity to make the musical acquaintance of people like Eric Roberson, Dwele, John Legend, Raheem Devaughn. We were even able to push local artists, like Middlechild, J Rawls, and Tavaris; all artists who had been grinding locally and nationally for years but seemed to still not be fully respected by the local community and weren't getting local radio support. Even though the show was abruptly canceled and the station was eventually sold and changed formats, I'm quite proud to have been the ONLY dj to have had a neo-soul radio show in Columbus radio history.
The ending of the FM radio show actually birthed one of the most celebrated mixtape series of my career, The Movement:Nu Soul Radio. I wasn't willing to let the things we had accomplished and the desire for this music to be stymied by the radio industry. In March of 2004, the first volume of the Movement was released and (as an homage to our radio listeners) began exactly as our first radio show did; with the intro and "Rock Wit U" by Eric Roberson (http://www.zshare.net/audio/68253288a692d5)
The Movement eventually stretched to eight volumes (including a special edition for The 1st Annual Movers & Shakers Awards) which is still available. The Standard Lounge went on to be one of the most celebrated urban forays of Columbus nightlife and was a finger on the hand of urban soul music that IN8 was in the forefront of introducing Columbus to. During these times IN8 and I collaborated on many more events...The ART, Fresh Fridays, and the historic Mahogany's Soul...yea, you know where I'm going ;)
Standard Lounge
During these times I was very excited about how things were going. I was starting to garner the larger scale recognition that I felt I rightly deserved, I was building a network of business people that I saw as keys to my progression in "la musical cosa nostra" (musical thing of ours). It was also during this time that I was able to hit the FM radio waves of Columbus (103FM). Alonzo, Wali, Ed Mabrey, myself, and some others were able to garner a weekly specialty show spot. Every Sunday at 8pm, The Movement was on. This gave the whole city an opportunity to make the musical acquaintance of people like Eric Roberson, Dwele, John Legend, Raheem Devaughn. We were even able to push local artists, like Middlechild, J Rawls, and Tavaris; all artists who had been grinding locally and nationally for years but seemed to still not be fully respected by the local community and weren't getting local radio support. Even though the show was abruptly canceled and the station was eventually sold and changed formats, I'm quite proud to have been the ONLY dj to have had a neo-soul radio show in Columbus radio history.
The ending of the FM radio show actually birthed one of the most celebrated mixtape series of my career, The Movement:Nu Soul Radio. I wasn't willing to let the things we had accomplished and the desire for this music to be stymied by the radio industry. In March of 2004, the first volume of the Movement was released and (as an homage to our radio listeners) began exactly as our first radio show did; with the intro and "Rock Wit U" by Eric Roberson (http://www.zshare.net/audio/68253288a692d5)
The Movement eventually stretched to eight volumes (including a special edition for The 1st Annual Movers & Shakers Awards) which is still available. The Standard Lounge went on to be one of the most celebrated urban forays of Columbus nightlife and was a finger on the hand of urban soul music that IN8 was in the forefront of introducing Columbus to. During these times IN8 and I collaborated on many more events...The ART, Fresh Fridays, and the historic Mahogany's Soul...yea, you know where I'm going ;)
Standard Lounge
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Full Circle Pt.2 - SoulStarr
Wali and I started building a working relationship, only to find out that his business partner (Alonzo) was my college roommate's brother. So they would come through to Snaps every now and then to promote and such. More on that a little later...
During this same time, I was still doing live shows with S.P.I.R.I.T. (www.myspace.com/spirit4u) and got linked up with Shakka (www.myspace.com/soul_delaphoenix) aka Brotha Soul and began doing shows with the SoulStarr Collective. Comfest 2003 was a classic performance and it was another example of what happens when great artists team up to make great music. Live band under the night lights, the aroma of sausages, fries, and elephant ears in the air, and an all star lineup of Columbus musicians: Shakka on synths, Eddie Bayard on tenor sax, Necessary on the mic, B Jazz on synth bass and keys, The Lomax twins on drums and alto sax (Mark and Steve, respectively), and Diggz on the wheels. Having never performed or rehearsed as a group before, we laid down a seamless show. The first and only time I've ever seen people rush the jazz stage...lol...I stayed with the Soulstarr Collective through 2004 for many more memorable shows. It was working with SoulStarr that I was able to link up with cousins of mine that I hadn't seen in so long that we didn't know what each other looked like anymore...lol. Divine and her sister Mo, were back-up singers for SoulStarr and we went on to do alot of work together, both on stage and in the studio. This track is a snippet of one of the last sessions that Shakka, Eddie, and I shared (YoRel and Divine laced the vocals on the final cut.) http://www.zshare.net/audio/6583716d814633/
Back to Thanksgiving 2003, I was gigging with SoulStarr, S.P.I.R.I.T. and still rocking it at Snaps N Taps. My name was becoming more of a draw and I was getting the opportunity to learn the politics of DJing in Columbus. Basically that there were a few standout DJs (DJ Phaze, BHB, J Rawls, DJ Drastic; just to name a few) and the rest were quite mediocre. As a rule of thumb, the less they were willing to network; the worse they were at being DJs. Yea, I know it's kind of harsh but thats just the truth. It's the same as with any other profession, it's not always how good you are at your job as much as who you know at times. I guess you cant fault them for trying to stymie their competition.
Anyways, Wali and Zo hit me up and asked about my availability to fill in for J Rawls at his Saturday night gig while he was on tour. I was down for it and that was my first appearance at The Red Zone, namely The Standard Lounge...
During this same time, I was still doing live shows with S.P.I.R.I.T. (www.myspace.com/spirit4u) and got linked up with Shakka (www.myspace.com/soul_delaphoenix) aka Brotha Soul and began doing shows with the SoulStarr Collective. Comfest 2003 was a classic performance and it was another example of what happens when great artists team up to make great music. Live band under the night lights, the aroma of sausages, fries, and elephant ears in the air, and an all star lineup of Columbus musicians: Shakka on synths, Eddie Bayard on tenor sax, Necessary on the mic, B Jazz on synth bass and keys, The Lomax twins on drums and alto sax (Mark and Steve, respectively), and Diggz on the wheels. Having never performed or rehearsed as a group before, we laid down a seamless show. The first and only time I've ever seen people rush the jazz stage...lol...I stayed with the Soulstarr Collective through 2004 for many more memorable shows. It was working with SoulStarr that I was able to link up with cousins of mine that I hadn't seen in so long that we didn't know what each other looked like anymore...lol. Divine and her sister Mo, were back-up singers for SoulStarr and we went on to do alot of work together, both on stage and in the studio. This track is a snippet of one of the last sessions that Shakka, Eddie, and I shared (YoRel and Divine laced the vocals on the final cut.) http://www.zshare.net/audio/6583716d814633/
Back to Thanksgiving 2003, I was gigging with SoulStarr, S.P.I.R.I.T. and still rocking it at Snaps N Taps. My name was becoming more of a draw and I was getting the opportunity to learn the politics of DJing in Columbus. Basically that there were a few standout DJs (DJ Phaze, BHB, J Rawls, DJ Drastic; just to name a few) and the rest were quite mediocre. As a rule of thumb, the less they were willing to network; the worse they were at being DJs. Yea, I know it's kind of harsh but thats just the truth. It's the same as with any other profession, it's not always how good you are at your job as much as who you know at times. I guess you cant fault them for trying to stymie their competition.
Anyways, Wali and Zo hit me up and asked about my availability to fill in for J Rawls at his Saturday night gig while he was on tour. I was down for it and that was my first appearance at The Red Zone, namely The Standard Lounge...
Full Circle Pt.1 - Snaps N Taps
The year is 2002 and I'm slowly building a buzz for myself as a DJ here in Columbus OH. Most don't recognize the name but recall my face from my 10 plus years in the community prior to my undergrad and "birth" as a DJ. Having done local shows mainly with S.P.I.R.I.T. and having known two of the groups members since the early 90's, it was seemingly fitting that Ness hit me up one day asking if I was available to fill in at this local spot for a Thurs hip hop night. The spot come to find out was one that I had been to before, one that definitely had a buzz about itself, and one that has become a legend of Columbus' performing arts scene history.
So as I pull up to 20 S. Washington, the easily recognizable mural work of Walt Neil greeted me. I unloaded, pulling first the crates of vinyl from my '87 Dodge Caravan (perfect for my Daddy by day, DJ by night needs), followed by the pair of sawhorse legs used to raise the last of the van's contents to performance height; and finally the coffin, which on it's end was nearly equal to my physical stature, filled with 2 turntables and a Gemini mixer. It was my first time meeting owner Todd Tuney and my sister by the same birth date, Izzy. We'd all work together for years to come.
Once I was setup, the Columbus chapter of the Krate chronicles officially began... Maybe it was because there were no expectations, maybe it was because I was good, or maybe it was a combination; but ears opened, grins surfaced, excited MC's nodded, and interests peaked...Who is this cat?? Krate who? He must be from NY, local DJ's don't spin like that...
I had proven that I could do sets with artistic skill without losing the crowd in dj tricks. I had proven that I had the underestimated skill for laying a canvas on which open mic MC's could flow. I had proven that I was a true DJ...I hadn't been there for 45 minutes, yet.
45 minutes turned into 4 or 5 hours, that Thursday in March turned into many Thursdays, 2002 into 2003; and SnapsNTaps into my first local residency. By this time I had added Wednesday's famed Poetry Nights to my routine, backing some of the greats to step into that hallowed space. From the stage in the room's center to its relocation to the west end of the performance space, I looked into the lights and into eyes, open like ears, as poets fed souls.
It was in this time frame that I struck up a special relationship with Ed Mabrey (www.blackpearlpoetry.com). He was already a local celeb having been a radio personality for years previous, as well as having been a strong presence on the spoken word scene. There's just something undeniable when two people that had never officially met or worked together can step into the same space at the same time and make magic happen. Ed on the words, me on the wheels.
I wont forget the look we exchanged after he did his first piece with me accompanying him...
Ed: Yo, you made my shit sound real good...
Krate: Yo, you made my shit sound real good
...lol...We've been working together ever since.
That was also the first of many opportunities I had to work with Charles Cooper...our parents went to undergrad together so it's ironic or maybe cosmic that we were both drawn to Columbus as artists and ripped many stages together. Internationally re known saxophonist Eddie Bayard and I worked together for the first time on the stage of Snaps N Taps.
Sincere was there. Ricardo and his "vignettes" were there. Tone was there. Unique Soul was there. Is Said (who I first met circa 1986) was there. Many more were there and I was blessed to share the stage with them. Before there was The Matrix or The Nice Guy, there was Wali and he was there.
But that's the start of pt2...
---For the true historians, peep The Columbus Dispatch from 2/16/2003 (Accent, Blurring The Lines)
So as I pull up to 20 S. Washington, the easily recognizable mural work of Walt Neil greeted me. I unloaded, pulling first the crates of vinyl from my '87 Dodge Caravan (perfect for my Daddy by day, DJ by night needs), followed by the pair of sawhorse legs used to raise the last of the van's contents to performance height; and finally the coffin, which on it's end was nearly equal to my physical stature, filled with 2 turntables and a Gemini mixer. It was my first time meeting owner Todd Tuney and my sister by the same birth date, Izzy. We'd all work together for years to come.
Once I was setup, the Columbus chapter of the Krate chronicles officially began... Maybe it was because there were no expectations, maybe it was because I was good, or maybe it was a combination; but ears opened, grins surfaced, excited MC's nodded, and interests peaked...Who is this cat?? Krate who? He must be from NY, local DJ's don't spin like that...
I had proven that I could do sets with artistic skill without losing the crowd in dj tricks. I had proven that I had the underestimated skill for laying a canvas on which open mic MC's could flow. I had proven that I was a true DJ...I hadn't been there for 45 minutes, yet.
45 minutes turned into 4 or 5 hours, that Thursday in March turned into many Thursdays, 2002 into 2003; and SnapsNTaps into my first local residency. By this time I had added Wednesday's famed Poetry Nights to my routine, backing some of the greats to step into that hallowed space. From the stage in the room's center to its relocation to the west end of the performance space, I looked into the lights and into eyes, open like ears, as poets fed souls.
It was in this time frame that I struck up a special relationship with Ed Mabrey (www.blackpearlpoetry.com). He was already a local celeb having been a radio personality for years previous, as well as having been a strong presence on the spoken word scene. There's just something undeniable when two people that had never officially met or worked together can step into the same space at the same time and make magic happen. Ed on the words, me on the wheels.
I wont forget the look we exchanged after he did his first piece with me accompanying him...
Ed: Yo, you made my shit sound real good...
Krate: Yo, you made my shit sound real good
...lol...We've been working together ever since.
That was also the first of many opportunities I had to work with Charles Cooper...our parents went to undergrad together so it's ironic or maybe cosmic that we were both drawn to Columbus as artists and ripped many stages together. Internationally re known saxophonist Eddie Bayard and I worked together for the first time on the stage of Snaps N Taps.
Sincere was there. Ricardo and his "vignettes" were there. Tone was there. Unique Soul was there. Is Said (who I first met circa 1986) was there. Many more were there and I was blessed to share the stage with them. Before there was The Matrix or The Nice Guy, there was Wali and he was there.
But that's the start of pt2...
---For the true historians, peep The Columbus Dispatch from 2/16/2003 (Accent, Blurring The Lines)
Monday, December 31, 2007
On this last day...
So the last day of 2007 is upon us and it seems as if the year were just
about to start. In retrospect this has been a great year, full of its
share of up and downs; but a great year nonetheless. New friends were
gained and old acquaintances renewed, lives begun and journeys ended,
negative energies were discarded and millions of heartbeats of knowledge
was bestowed to those that took the time to live the lessons of
life.<br>
As it should be the promise of 2008 is nothing short of invigorating.
The key is to be patient. Even in the face of great gifts, one must
allow them to be given in their own time.<br>
With that I say once again: peace, prosperity, and progress in the
coming year. Love those you love as you wish to be loved and live with
those you don't in civility.<br>
<br>
Harry Smith, Sr...ashe
Margaret Jackson...ashe
Rebekah...ashe
<br>
Happy New Year!
Peace&Love.One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-
about to start. In retrospect this has been a great year, full of its
share of up and downs; but a great year nonetheless. New friends were
gained and old acquaintances renewed, lives begun and journeys ended,
negative energies were discarded and millions of heartbeats of knowledge
was bestowed to those that took the time to live the lessons of
life.<br>
As it should be the promise of 2008 is nothing short of invigorating.
The key is to be patient. Even in the face of great gifts, one must
allow them to be given in their own time.<br>
With that I say once again: peace, prosperity, and progress in the
coming year. Love those you love as you wish to be loved and live with
those you don't in civility.<br>
<br>
Harry Smith, Sr...ashe
Margaret Jackson...ashe
Rebekah...ashe
<br>
Happy New Year!
Peace&Love.One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Blog Silence...
Hello world(wide web), I've intentionally been away from the blogsphere
for awhile for so many different reasons. Not just writing blogs, but
reading them as well. It's kinda like I'm trying to catch up on a tv
series I haven't seen in months. People's lifes have changed, blogs have
disappeared, etc.
for awhile for so many different reasons. Not just writing blogs, but
reading them as well. It's kinda like I'm trying to catch up on a tv
series I haven't seen in months. People's lifes have changed, blogs have
disappeared, etc.
As far as my half, it's hard to explain because there's so many planes
to it all. I'm approaching 30 and feeling ready to hit the next phase of
my life. I've been spinning in the clubs/college parties for 10yrs now,
almost every weekend for the past 5; I've seen different fads, different
levels of appreciation, and different levels of business acumen. Right
about now, I'm ready to move to the next phase. I've noticed my
creativity has been stifled, I'm so uninspired to hit the venues, and
the music...the music as of late is trash. Call me a hater or whatever
else...this shit is horrible. No melodies, no creativity, no
soul...wtf?!?
Anyways, the new year is upon us and I'm feeling that there's change in
the air. I'll keep you posted and I'll try to stay up on my fave
blogs/blogger.
Peace&Love.One.
-Krate Digga of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew-
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