Meet Christopher…

January 31st, 2010 | By RS

Steady with my feet I move 2 steps/I look close what seen is death/I looked again and I seen resurrection/I fell to his feet and took him my rejection/I’m blessed ~Christopher LeMark 1.29.79

It’s been a beautiful struggle for Chicago emcee/designer Christopher LeMark. Candidly, he speaks about the abuse and abandonment introduced to him at the tender age of three.  And the numerous years he spent on a pursuit for inner peace.  His music sounds as if you are reading his intimate diary entry.  Immaculate production and redeeming lyrics best describe the Christopher LeMark experience.  Recently, I had the chance to interview Christopher and learn what inspires him, and about his obsession with cereal & pizza!

You speak often of your childhood struggles and young adult challenges; tell me why you are so comfortable revealing details of your life?

God told me that my life was created to help someone else. We all have something in us for other people; it’s bigger than I.

When did you discover you were artist?

I started going to church in September 1997.  Invited by a young lady, whom I was trying to sleep with instead I ended up getting renewed in Christ! The more I read about Christ the more I learned about myself. Because my increased interest in him I began to see this musical gift flow out of me.

Tell, me what inspires you?

People, life, the good and the bad, pain, success, every human emotion inspires me.  Mostly love, love that was created to do something that only love can do and that is to heal. My music will heal someone. I won’t stop until I am able to heal a nation of people.

Do you write all of your material? Explain your writing process.

Yes to the first question, however most rappers won’t admit to the editing part of the process. Where someone smarter than you, or simply two eyes and ears are better than one; will suggest you take a word out or add another because it is clearer. But at the core I am a great writer even better at taking instructions and criticism from others.

What message does your music tell?

Its okay to cry, but even better when you are able to just “Be Happy” I love that answer it felt really good saying that! (Christopher answers joyfully)

Lately, you have begun a campaign merging music and fashion. Where did this love for fashion come from?

I just get a kick out of watching, checking people out regarding their attire of course. I want to ask, what made you wear that? It’s the individual that inspires the fashion world and their perception of what looks great on them. I want to take all of the things that I love and create a movement around that.

At a glance your brand immediately stands out because of the bold colors you have chosen.  Red, Black and White, why you did chose those colors?

I wanted a very simple line yet very fresh, fly and comfortable.  The color Red represents Christ’s blood that was shed for our lives. The White represents God’s ability to allow us to be cleansed by his word.

Ok let’s have some fun and allow the fans to learn something about Christopher, describe your personality in 3 words.

Serious, random and passionate; here is a bonus. I am so silly. People often think that I am very serious but I am a corn ball who is crazy and full of fun.

What is your favorite movie?

“My Girl” part one. I loved that young lady in the movie, but of course I was very near her age when I was younger so it’s okay.   I Google her recently and she looks great these days.

What is your favorite food?
Cereal and spaghetti I love those two things but I really love pizza.

Ok before we end, what upcoming events are planned for the Christopher LeMark brand?

Well, I debuted “Authentic: The Musical Diary of Christopher LeMark” January 29^th, 2010 which will be on tour throughout Chicago land. The next thing is to shoot a music video.  I am also planning a fashion show that will be held in July 2010 featuring my new brand “Christopher LeMark”, the style is 50’s urban meets couture. Very clean and simple just like me. Lastly, I have a movie in the works about love and relationships.

Where can people find out more about Christopher LeMark music and fashion?

Right now I am all over the place, Google my name. I am launching an incredible website in late February that will have all types of crazy and interactive stuff.  You can also find me on Facebook. I live there seriously! Thank you so much I had a great time with this interview. Great questions!

You’re welcome! Thanks for taking out the time!

-RS

*Do you want to experience Christopher LeMark live?

P.O. Box 630
Hazel Crest, IL 60429
1.877.7VANLIN 877.782.6546
VanLinandTheCompany.com

Throw’d TV is Gangsta…

January 19th, 2010 | By blameashley

That’s Gangsta on Throw’d TV

Attention to all the fake gangsta rappers out there! Please allow Throw’d TV to show you what’s REALLY gangsta. New episode on RowdyOrbit.com

The Man…The Music…The Message

January 6th, 2010 | By RS

His Name is Eshon Burgundy

Let’s begin what, where, why or when/will all be explained like instructions to a game/see I’m not insane in fact I’m kind of rational/when I be asking you, Who is more dramatical?/This one or that one, the white or the black one/ Pick the punk, and I’ll jump up to attack one~~ KRS-1 “My Philosophy”  

It was this classic Hip-Hop song that introduced eight-year old Eshon Burgundy to his future.  After seeing the video for the first time at a neighbor’s home, Eshon knew exactly what he wanted to become when he grew up; an emcee. Since that time he has matured into a skilled artist with a powerful message intricately woven throughout his music. The love of God and the details of a life dedicated to him. Eshon Burgundy creates music that is truthful and incredibly uplifting, its feel good music for your spirit.

Do you write all of your material? If so what inspires you?

Yes, I write all of my material even the hooks that myself and others sing. I normally catch a melody in my spirit then the words follow. My personal walk with the Lord, His Word, and my family is what inspires me, not just in music, but in every aspect of my life, it is my life!

What message are you seeking to give through your art?

The Lords’ message of salvation, and what it means for those who receive or deny such a precious gift.

It’s not a secret that Hip-Hop music has changed. What is your opinion on how Hip-Hop has evolved?

I think Hip-Hop has become a great source of transportation. Its arms have grown extremely long in forty years; it now reaches around the world and is rapidly becoming a preferred vehicle among the masses! I think it’s because of its cargo; hip-hop is the only art-form that can contain every other art form and still maintain its character and title. Hip-Hop is also a media outlet, stocked with current events, fashion trends, gossip, and my personal favorite Faith! Hip-Hop is the reality show of music genres 

 Are there any new projects you are currently working on? 

My Debut EP with Andre McKnight of Street Orchestra Productions. The EP is called “Blood Bought”, it was released (online only) on Christ-Mas day. The project features: Tani Selah, D-Maub, KDrama and Mel Alston.

The single for my debut album entitled “Blood rushing to my head” (2010) was made available on December 25^th as well.  When you download the single you receive the EP for free. The single is called “The NAME” and the video just recently premiered.

When your music career has come to an end, what will be your legacy?

Just that I served God.

Where can people find out more about Eshon Burgundy?

Myspace.com/eshonburgundy

MyGodGivenWrite.Blogspot.com

 -RS

For the Love of Ray J *Throw’d Style*

January 5th, 2010 | By blameashley

For the Love of Jay J Pt. 1

Watch White Girl, 4 Star, Pillows, and Drunkness battle it out for the affection and attention of one man…Jay J *aka Kandi’s brother*. This is our Throw’d TV version of the popular VH1 show, “For the Love of Ray J”. Click here to watch “For the Love of Jay J” Part 1 on RowdyOrbit.com.

Mos Def & Talib

January 4th, 2010 | By blameashley

History Music Video by Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli

Throw’d TV: Blame It On The Alcohol

December 29th, 2009 | By blameashley

Throw’d TV Episode 2 on RowdyOrbit.com

We’re back with Confessions of a Cable Guy Pt. 3. Our resident cable guy, Dave visits the home of an aspiring designer and gets a little more than what he bargained for. Also, a ladies night goes wrong in our Blame it on the Alcohol sketch. So, go on over to RowdyOrbit.com and check it out *please & thank you*

This is it

December 29th, 2009 | By blameashley

Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” Video Directed by Spike Lee

Three words: This is it!

Dope Video Alert!

December 24th, 2009 | By blameashley

Willie B & Chevy Jones – Womp Womp

I love the subtle effects in this video…hott song, too.

New Video: Kidz In The Hall

December 24th, 2009 | By blameashley

Kidz In The Hall – We Gone

Chi-town is in the building!! Anywho, check out this new video from Kidz In The Hall.

Nicole Fisher is NIC*FISH

December 19th, 2009 | By RS

 
Philadelphia has given us some the most interesting and talented individuals. Author Bebe Moore Campbell, Singer/Poet/Actress Jill Scott, and the legendary Maze & Frankie Beverly (my Mothers will appreciate that shout out). And now we can include designer Nicole Fisher to the list. Born in Philadelphia at a young age Nicole was surrounded by the fashion industry. Due to mentors and family members’ involvement Nicole was taught all aspects of the industry. After pursuing an education at Howard University she enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. It was here she hone her gift for designing original, inventive pieces that would soon give birth to the incomparable NIC*FISH clothing line.

How did you decide the name for your clothing line?

It was named by my god sister, Malene Younglao. She would always call me Nic Fish instead of Nicole. One day we were chatting and she said, “You know, you should name your line NIC*FISH?” I liked her idea, and that’s how the name was born. My other god sister, Shannon Washington further developed the imaging of the brand by designing the NIC*FISH logo.

Briefly, describe a typical work day for Nicole Fisher.

During the week, I wake about 7:30am, and shower, dress & have breakfast. Then I check emails, and then I’m off doing bazillion things at once…. A day could include fabric & trim shopping, pattern-making, draping & cutting new styles, and creating samples for in-store stock, and client orders. I can’t say that my day ends at a specific time, because many nights, I’m working into the wee hours of the morning, which is cool, because I love what I do.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

I’ve never been a big follower of designers, and I rarely follow the latest trends… I consider myself more of an artist – I simply enjoy being creative and making clothing that I love. I am inspired more by visual & performing art, classic film, traveling, and the amazing personal style of my friends. I am also heavily influenced by vintage apparel, and 1970’s silhouettes.

Who are some of your favorite clients?

All of my clients are my favorites! They all bring uniqueness to the table. It’s so amazing to watch a woman transform in the clothing. I often find that the design process is esteem building for most women. It makes them feel beautiful; accentuating what already exists inside. A client can mix & match pieces from the NIC*FISH collection to create innovative looks that work specifically for her personal style. This was one of the main reasons for developing the convertible pieces in the collection. With the Original Convertible Jumpsuit, a client can choose from a variety of pant or skirt silhouettes, and she can transform the jumpsuit to create her own unique look with the infinite tying options of the bodice sashes.

What advice do you have for women concerning fashion, and finding their own style?

It all starts within – Learn to love yourself, and the beauty you’ve been blessed with, inside & out. Learn to love all of your amazing attributes, internally & externally, and learn how to choose clothing that accentuates your very best features. Be true to yourself – wear what you like! There are no rules in self-expression. Treat yourself special, and invest in yourself. When you look & feel good, you exude a confidence that can never be shattered.

What’s your favorite color to wear and why? And Name one fashion item you can’t live without.

My favorite colors are ever changing, depending on my mood. Right now I’m into gold, black, white & gray, as well as pops of bright color like yellow, red & turquoise. Also I love funky accessories & jewelry – the bigger the better, especially earrings, pendants & bangles. And I love all things vintage – I can’t live without vintage apparel.

www.nicfishwomenswear.blogspot.com 

Clients can also shop the collection online at www.nicfish.etsy.com .  And if they are located in the Philadelphia area, select pieces from the collection can be found in Topstitch Boutique and Nestology Arts Collective.

*Check out pics from NIC*FISH clothing line and commercial below

-RS