Go Hard... Like Old School Classics

(Chicago, IL) - Abstrkat Konceptions & Limelite Music World artist Ashley Laschelle releases “Rooftop” off of upcoming album The Introduction.

Ashley is building a buzz in the Chicago area as the new voice on the R&B scene who is a professionally trained jazz vocalist. Ashley is quite familiar with showcasing her vocal talents, and is now ready to share them through her upcoming EP titled The Introduction which is set to be released winter 2010. She has been anticipating the release of “Rooftop”, produced by V. Mock (Tampa, FL) and Turrell Brown (Chicago, IL) as it will allow for a display and appreciation of classic R&B.

“I miss R&B. I want to bring some of that original R&B back”. -Ashley Laschelle-

Download "Rooftop" Here

Celeb Halloween fun

This is too funny to me!

Microsoft Store Grand Opening

Just a heads up for Chicago, Microsoft will be having its Grand opening this Thursday Nov. 4th at Oakbrook Mall.

11:00-11:45 Concert by Colbie Caillat

4:00-6:00 Devin Hester will make an appearance and play Kinect with kids and families

Friday
4:00-6:00 Sports legend Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs will make an appearance and play Kinect with kids and families.

The stores will sell PCs, Xbox consoles, mobile phones, software and accessories. Shoppers can also get in-person technical support and training from employees.



“This is not a kind of idle marketing activity,” Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer told analysts, according to a transcript of his remarks. “We’re opening stores to sell stuff . . . We’ve seen nicely growing revenue through those stores. It’ll be great to have an exciting line of phones that we can put in those stores. Turns out, you can get a whole lot more revenue per square foot if you’re selling something other than just PCs, Xboxes and software.”



Microsoft hired former Wal-Mart Stores Inc. executive David Porter last year to head its retail store efforts.

*From breaking news Chicago*

@Film and TV Conference: How To Pitch To Music Supervisors

Not sure what the Music Supervisors are looking for? They will tell you themselves.

@Film and TV Conference: How To Pitch To Music Supervisors

Two of the best to ever do it

RIP JMJ

Some Big L I never heard

Big L on 88HipHop #Throwback

He starts spittin at about the 6:40 mark

SICK

Christmas Gift for me??

If you didn't know, I was married to Jimi Hendrix in my past life... With that said its's only right that you..... yep you, get these for me for Christmas! :)

The Windy from The Navy (blackberry photo)

Fugi... that's Roto

One of my favorite stores in the Chi does Gallery exhibits every month. Cant wait to see this next one. Doesn't it look fun?!

Come back to me...

as if I've had you before... My style stems a lot from Andre 3000...Kinda weird huh. I luv luv luv him. He's such a dope lyricist. Impatiently waiting on more music from him!

Amy oh Amy

Where are you Amy??

My Luv for the DJ

This past Thursday my organization at Columbia College hosted a DJ Panel. I presented this idea in the summer and they were all for it.

Before the panel discussion started one of the speakers (DJ MoonDawg of The Aphilliates) asked what made me put that particular panel together... It wasn't something I had to think about and I gave him the short version.... But here it goes.

I always FEEL the DJ. But it's rare that I HEAR the DJ. Club nights, music hits heavy...and I can feel the bass in my chest, but what is the DJ saying at that point? I wanted to know how the DJ felt when he/she is on the radio, in the clubs, spinning for the rapper/singer. I wanted to know how they felt about the trends in the industry. Was being a DJ becoming more difficult for them due to industry changes, technology changes, genre changes. I was curious and I wanted to know these things. Dear DJs, I hear you now.



RaeStar

The Backpacker

ROE is his name and if you keep up with my blog, you've seen him here before! Love his music... true Backpacker emcee style... A Backpacker named ROE!!

New SINGLE from his upcoming EP... Show LOVE!! clink the link below

R.O.E.- I Won ft. Brecan Bland

That New New...and its iLLWRITE??

My boy Pennjamin Bannekar (@PennBannekar) did his damn thing on this track! One of my favorite tracks of his so far!... Show some love

Neak Rock...Tribute to Pete Rock

Oh how I love Chicago Hip Hop!! Cant help but to show support and crazy love! Check out my boy Neak's newest project "Neak Rock" as he would say #onelove
Neak- Neak Rock

WOW!!!! She murdered! #DeathToTheBarbie

Theodore Roosevelt

Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

If your presence doesn't make an impact, your absence won't make a difference.

Lately I've been wanting to read more for leisure. Time is now permitting itself so I'm going to start with "Money, Music & Success" by Jeff and Todd Brabec. I started reading this before but had to stop. Looking forward to this read. And I'm sure you all know why. Peace




RaeStar

Whenever you find yourself on the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. -Mark Twain

Time for a change

Thinking about transferring over to tumblr... do I have ur support?? Will u re-subscribe?? maybe my new tat will be motivation to re-subscribe

Que Billah & Phil G. @ The Double Door

Que Billah & Phil G. perform at the Double Door in Chicago during the Slum Village show.  The entire show was dope.  More footage coming soon.



Peace,
RaeStar

The Way You Look Should be a Sin

"You my sensation"... Just as I was on my way to sleep, new Kanye... Download new Kanye Here

Today has been an amazing day surprisingly so. Rain and all. Tomorrow I'll be working at the North Coast Festival, long day its gonna be but I'm ready for it.

Peace,

RaeStar

R.O.E. Ode to ATCQ

New Music from one of my favorite Chicago emcees. I definitley dig his flow and you cant really go wrong with ATCQ.

Download: R.O.E.- Sucka N*ggas (Ode to ATCQ)

Shine Your Light

Footage from "Takin it to the Streets" 2010

Summer 2010 Recap: Festivities

My summer got a slow start and I didn't do all that I planned to do but it was still a wonderful summer.  If I'm not mistake it started with the annual "Takin It To The Streets Fest" where I got to see Mos Def perform for the first time.  Hearing him live is amazing and hearing Umi Says live is something unforgettable. 

Then there was July 10th, 2010... It was like a day from heaven.  Beach day which then turned into a Naughty By Nature Concert on the beach. Following a "chop it up" session with Slum Village before their show.  Later that night the Slum Village show was dope as hell... all of the acts were dope.  Following the show was like a scene from a Spike Lee movie.  Wicker Park was on ten. Street lights, taxis, pedestrians, that orange glow in the sky and as I looked to my right sitting on the corner of North Ave. and Milwaukee... a painting of the late great Michael Jackson in a windows three floors above where I sat. A diverse crowd of people that all vibed out to the sounds being played from speakers and an MP3 player on a bicycle. Classics artists and tracks that have made hip hop history.  Spectators that knew all the words to each track... I didn't want to leave.  A little comical touch to close that night... drunk chick busted her ass crossing the street. I'm just glad there were no cars coming!

Of course I cant forget the birthday celebrations... hmmm that's another story to tell and I shall refrain from that this evening =)

Another big event of my summer was my first time at Lollapalooza... hmmm talk about an experience! I saw J. Cole perform for the first time at the Perry's stage... who by the way if you didn't know is my favorite new artist. I also caught Kidz in The Hall, The Black Keys, Lady Gaga, Raphael Saadiq, B.o.B., and The Wavves.  Tons of happy people just enjoying music.  Somewhat of a diverse crowd of people. A very enjoyable event.  It took some getting used to I'll admit... I had to loosen up a bit.  the combination of humid heat and sweaty bodies wasn't initially sitting well with me, but my nature like activities allowed for me to be a little more... tolerant of the conditions =) I could go on and on about Lollapalooza 2010 but I wont.

To cap off this summer I will be working the North Coast Festival in Union Park Labor day weekend.  I look forward to seeing The Chemical Brothers, Lupe Fiasco, Two Fresh, Jay Electronica, De La Soul... and sooo many more! hmmm this is gonna be a great end to my summer! 

Hope you had an enjoyable summer! Stay tuned for my favorite summer 2010 music!

Peace,

RaeStar

Updates:

So I have been trying to post these videos since the beginning  of the summer... honestly I'm getting pissed... I have so much awesome footage to show you guys. Mos Def, Slum Village, a few Chicago artists.  Ughhhh *frustrated*

2010 VMA's

I'm not sure how many of you all like Chelsea Handler but personally I love her!  Pretty excited about the fact that she'll be hosting the VMA's this year.  She's also supposed to be here in Chicago in October if I'm not mistaken.  I'm sure all of her sexual commentary regarding "the rappers" will have the crowd quite entertained.  I'll be laughing my ass off I'm sure.  I haven't been able to catch her show in a while due to some circumstances but any who.... Chelsea is the shit and I can't wait to see her shut down the VMA's... first female host since Roseanne Barr in '94... that's serious! :)

Bed Intruder... Run and Tell THAT!!!

I got quite a laugh from this... but they are definitely making money from this... Hide Ya Kids Hide Ya Wife... and ya Husband cuz he rapin errbody out herr

Rapist Rapist We are looking for you!!

You know... initially this was not comical..... HOWEVER... When the brother starts to comment I cant help but to giggle a little... Check out the next video I'm goinna post to see the real comedy in this whole situation.

Missing

As much as I'd love to blog more... my job and a few other things get in the way. I have a passion for music journalism but it is quite time consuming.  In serach of a way out of my current situation and into a better one.  Hate feeling like I've gone missing. #GettingBetter

RaeStar

New J. Cole

Cole is one on my favorite new artists in the game right now... Please dont sleep on him! Got to see him live at Lollapalooza this year. This beat is dumb nasty... Would do me some justice to hear it in a studio Download Here

Like these... Too bad I didn't get them

M.A.N.

I've been listening to this consistently since the day it dropped.  Still haven't gotten enough.  Pretty solid tape. Wale did his damn thing.  I'm a fan of the Seinfeld theme... it adds a lot to the tape. Enjoy if u haven't already. Download HERE

A Brief Sit Down With Pennjamin Bannekar

This interview was conducted shortly after the release of his first solo album.  Take a look at our conversation to gain insight on who Pennjamin really is.


As a Midwestern native, Penn delivers a variety of lyrical stories that give him the opportunity to share his life with whoever will listen. A graduate from University of Illinois with a degree in Speech Communication, Penn has proven that he will take full advantage of the opportunities placed in front of him. As an accomplished Chicago artist, Penn has a lot to offer to the hip hop community. Opening for major recording acts gave Penn the experience of a lifetime early in his musical career. After releasing his first official solo album a part from Project Fr3sh titled “Hello World”, he is focusing on doing all that he can to become an artist that is appreciated on a national level. Home team support is always appreciated, but there is nothing wrong with wanting more.


Rae: Tell me a little about yourself…


Penn: Well as you already know I’m 1/3 of the group Project Fr3sh. I just released my first solo album. I t got a lot of good reviews and feedback so far. I’ve been on ALLHIPHOP.COM twice within a one week. I been rapping pretty much since I was 14. Umm in that time I seen a lot of stuff. I ain't even where I want to be yet but I had people promise me the world and I ain’t get it. This guy who was Ray Charles former manager used to manage me, and I had started my own like record label but that fell through… so I seen a lot!


Rae: Where are you from?


Penn: Yea I moved around a lot. I went to high school in Cleveland. I hated it there. Chicago is where I spent most of my time.

Test mms Rae & Phonte

Test pic blog from bb!

Testing mobile blogging from blacberry!

Rae Taylor's Custom Schedule for Lollapalooza 2010

Super excited about this years Lollapalooza!!!! check out my schedule! Owwwww!!!
Rae Taylor's Custom Schedule for Lollapalooza 2010

Analysis: Important Sales Trends You Need To Know

Important topic discussed at this years NARM Convention in Chicago. Artist successis in the hand of the consumer... if you area supporter be sure to purchase the album. Click the link to read more about album sales. Analysis: Important Sales Trends You Need To Know

MTV Sites Intro Artist-Focused Channels

a little bit of music news for my subscribers! Marketing strategies to maintain Artist to Fan relationships... MTV Sites Intro Artist-Focused Channels

Hip Hop in the Community

Help us to educate our youth as well as adults on the true meaning of Hip Hop through theater!

"I Still Love H.E.R. (ATributeToHipHop)" has returned to the stage.

One night only at The New Regal Theater

Please support by coming to see the show Click Here to Purchase Tickets OR
If you can't attend the show please make a small donation BY CLICKING HERE: DONATE

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THEORI STAGES, I STILL LOVE H.E.R. OR HOW YOU CAN BE APART OF THEORI STAGES CLICK HERE

RaeStar's Pick

If you're really into Reggae/DanceHall, the name Screechy Dan may ring a familiar bell. As an original member of the Ruff Entry Crew (reggae/dancehall crew from NY) alongside Grammy Award winning act Shaggy, Schreechy Dan is a reputable artist who has extended his talents beyond the reggae/dancehall scene. In 2008 he partnered with The Manhattans as is noted to be the first artist to collab with the R&B legends.

"Get Dat Money" is the most recent track released from Screechy Dan and I must say... it does make me move my hips! I played this song to prepare myself for Reggae night at Subterranean.  Screechy rhymes in relation to the importance of getting money in his life.  In love with "peice of land & good transportation, investements throughout the nation."  Glad this man knows that investments are important! :) anyway check the song below and feel free to leave comments!

Signed
RaeStar

Screech Dan- Get Dat Money

Who Is Chris Shields???

This Is Chris Shields!!!

I love to hear this guy spit! I heard about Chris as soon as I got back to the Chi and haven't stopped hearing his name since then. Chris is always on the grind... constantly building his catalogue and his fan base.

Check the official video for "Back Down" from his upcoming album titled Man on Fire set to be released sometime in August... which means somebody can cop that for me for my birthday :) DIG!!


Video Directed by: Chris & Blaq of Impakt Studios (located in Chicago)
Track Produced by: Logic

"It’s a beautiful thing to have the feelings I express musically materialize into a visual work of art." -Chris Shields


Chris Shields "Back Down" from Hundred Grand on Vimeo.


“Back Down” video link: http://vimeo.com/12099412

For More information on Chris Shields please visit: http://whoischrisshields.blogspot.com

For Interviews & Media coverage regarding Chris Shields contact:
Angie Grozdic Phone: 708.715.7200 Email: hundredgrandpr@gmail.com

TOP 5

I know its taken me forever but here is my top 5 favorite hip hop albums... no particular order I dont think. Plus an honorable mention!




Common- Like Water For Chocolate
Favorite tracks; The Light, Nag Champa, Funky For You

Nas- illmatic
Favorite Tracks; Memory Lane, One Love, It Ain't Hard to Tell

OutKast- Aqemini
Favorite Tracks; Art of Story Tellin pt 1, Liberation, Synthesizer


Talib & Mos- Black Star
Favorite Tracks; K.O.S., B Boys will B Boys, Respiration

Notorious BIG- Life After Death
Favorite Tracks; Sky's the Limit, Notorious Thugs, My Downfall

HONORABLE MENTION!!!!!
Common- Can I Borrow A Dollar
Favorite Tracks; Soul By The Pound, Blows to the Temple, Heidi Hoe, A Penny For My Thoughts

Feel free to share your top 5!

*wipes sweat from forehead*

RaeStar

iLL-Literacy

So I saw this group perform last night and I must say they are pretty dopetasticful... I wasn't able to get my own footage but I found this on youtube. Their show last night was extremely creative and they are dope lyricists. Originally a spoken word group they begin to incorporate music and art with their work. I love it... Check out their FUCK list... a little different from last night but still very entertaining! They are very cool and down to earth guys and possess limitless talent. Check out their website www.ill-literacy.com and they have free music for download on their website.

A Song for Moment

I've been slacking on my blogging...

Here's a song for a moment...peep the use of "A Sentimental Moment"



Asheru ft Talib- Mood Swings

untitled; incomplete

Never spending seconds second guessin or regretin, no time to teach u so act apprentice and pay attention, I spend time building concepts, achitectual mentality so I blueprint my realities, all I see is what's in front of me, tunnel vision while I ambitiously chase my dreams, insecurities cuz of intentions failed, so sometimes I hold my bars back, all they see is lines on paper but no more of that we out on bail

City So Cold!!

So here's the new video for Kanye's Coldest Winter Ever. At first I thought this was Beyonce... I was about to be pissed... but its NOT! Thank GOD!!!

KANYE WEST "Coldest Winter" Directed by: NABIL "ITUNES link below" from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

New Found Love Interest

I'm a lover of all things Dope... check them out

Tanya Morgan...and I'm gonna find out why they call themselves.

Super Bowl Stats

So 75% of the advertisers that paid $3 million plus dollars saw an increase in blog posts about their products. I understand that blogs hold some relevance but have they seen an increase in revenue? That's my question. These companies paid $3 mil for each commercial and then some to remain relevant however I haven't heard any reports on revenue gained from the advertisements. Just a thought.

RaeStar

Live Nation Continues the "take-over"

I was catching up on my reading... here's what I found out...

Live Nation has now entered an agreement with WAL-MART... that's right WAL-MART to offer tickets for sale in a few select markets across the country. Apparently the markets consist of largely populated cities including Chicago and Los Angeles and they will be selling tickets to various concerts and sporting events. HMMMMMMMM I'm not sure how I feel about this to be honest... guess we'll all see the outcome once the partnership is put in affect.

RaeStar

Just a thought

I find that I learn something new everyday. I also feel that If one does not learn something new everyday, they are not making the most of their days. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAYS LADIES N GENTS!!
Music is LOVE

RaeStar

Thought of the Day

Recycled 4/09/09

I can honestly say that sometimes I let my daydreams fool me into thinking that this life I'm living is going to be easy like Sunday morning then I wake up slapping myself with reality and get back to filing those budget invoices. Deepest desires will require the most work so get your hard hat and tool belt and get ready to put in the hours. Laziness is the key to incompetence!

RaeStar

Download Downfall mp3

Download Downfall mp3

Superbowl commercials

And this one is just too cute!!

Superbowl commercials

If they were Cool Ranch Doritos, I would probably do the same thing lol

Thought Of The Day

Appreciate those people in your life. For you know not how much you can learn from them. Take note that I said learn from them... It is up to you not them, to let the people in your life serve a purpose. In friendships, relationships and even those co-workers, there is something to be gained. So grasp it while you can.

RaeStar

I Still Love HER (atributetohiphop)

So I will be in a theatrical play called I Still Love HER (atributetohiphop). It starts run on Feb 26th and will show every weekend (Friday and Saturday evenings until we decide to end for the year. Last year it ran for 7 months. Im really excited about it. I will be doing a little dancing and a little acting! I would really appreciate support from you guys! COntact me for ticket information. All proceeds from the first weekend will be donated to Haiti via Yele. Be sure to come out and support! It's well worth it!
777 N. Green Street
Chicago, IL 60622
312-733-6000

RaeStar

Superbowl commercials

So I didnt get to watch the game which I'm really upset about... but I did get to catch up on the commercials... I think this is my favorite one so far, especially at the end.

Just Something I Wrote 2/3/10

Never spending seconds second guessin or regretin, no time to teach u so act apprentice and pay attention, i spend time buildin concepts, architectual mentality so i blueprint my realities, all i see is whats in front of me, tunnel vision while i ambitiously chase my dreams, insecurities cuz of intentions failed, so sometimes i hold my bars back, all they see is lines on paper, but no more of that we out on bail

RaeStar

Debbie Allen

So Debbie Allen came to speak at my school (Columbia College) last night! And I'll tell you like this... she is one of the most inspirational, honest, motivating, fun person I have ever heard speak. One thing she emphasized is being aware of whats going on in the world and knowing how it affects you... whether it be in your personal life or from a business stand point. She asked what will my art be about? Will it be about me? Or will it be something that that is groundbreaking, life changing? Who will it make a difference for?

Debbie Allen has done so much in her life time! If you don't know you should definitely so your research! This woman just made 60 and doesn't look a day over 45!... and can still do some twists and turns... I'm telling you...she started to do the "Jerk"... lol Amazing! I mean she kept it real ya'll... it was like no holds barred! I remember laughing at a lot of what she said... then getting tuned in with my emotions when she spoke of her struggle... where she came from and what she had to go through to get to where she is. She is perceived to be fearless but she was asked what is that she does fear? "I fear hate, and what it can do to people" is what she responded. I remember someone yelling from the audience "God" her response was "Oh no hunny, I don't fear God, I rely on God." AMEN TO THAT DEBBIE!!!

Debbie Allen is a glowing gemstone and I was honored to be in her presence. She is truly motivation for me to continue my journey!

RaeStar

Thought of The Day

Recycled 3/17/09

I find myself harboring thoughts of what's unfair and sometimes consuming my thoughts with "I wish". Today let's work harder together to accept life for what it is... Unfair and yet beautiful among many other things and all in all worth living.

Live the life you love,
RaeStar

Thought of the Day 1/19

"Lean not to thy own understanding" but lean not on the understanding of others. Its important to realize when you can learn from others. Regardless of age, we all still have so much to learn. However we must be cautious of who is teaching these lessons and how they are being taught.
"Live the life you love"
*RaeStar*

Tuesday Slam-KL's Slam Back

KL's SLAM BACK!!!

As hard as I've fallen I never hit the ground
A bungy gripped my ankle, bound by the spirals in your hair.
Yet... you did not fall from the highest clifts of ignorance, judgement, shattered moments, heartache and painsaking tears.
Even after that one night under a southern lit sky that changed a love affair with a man I thought I'd marry for three years.
It was never too much for you to take in.
Never too much to transfer from my heart through a pen
To the spiral bound confession booth of sins.
Down in the depths of my soul I felt that I had a friend with potential benefits
A Beethoven classic mixed with a 90s R&B hit.
It hits.
A homie lover friend.
And it hits everytime I think about what tomorrow may bring.
Leaping up through the clouds and
Reaching an altitude of maximum, turning and twisting back down.
But I'm not scared,
I think to myself right before I hit The ground
Because regardless of the end result in my words I have been found.
And that in itself is my success.

-Ms.K"L"
Follow Ms K"L"s journey www.twitter.com/klthewriter
Besure to check the blog http://kldotcom.blogspot.com/

Tuesday Slam: Infacuated

I've dreamed of u
I've fallen in love you, even though my meaning of you has not been fulfilled.
I've grasped for you in my beautiful nightmares.
We've walk side by side, hand in hand. I now know what love is.
Is this what they mean when they say "I'm in love?"
I never knew that feeling before u came along. In all my 23 years this is one feeling I haven't experienced.
this is something new... Brand new.
My passion for u makes me vulnerable. Willing to do damn near whatever it takes, create damn near whatever I can make...
I am in love with you but are you in love with me? Are you good for me? You know some people can't handle it when they get their hands on you... Will you change me? Redefine my character?
I've dreamed of you.
I held you tight in my arms as I slept but I remained cold. Cold hearted and cold bodied. My hands drew cold pictures my voice sang cold songs What was missing? I thought love conquered all?
I've dreamed of you.
We wrote beautiful haikus of how we felt for each other. My haikus received negative reviews from our loved ones. They didn't see the love in you that I saw. But I longed for you because you were in my dreams.
Is this what they mean when they say "I'm in love?"
I've dreamed of u.
A dream of what will be my reality. Hello SUCCESS! It is nice to finally meet you. By the way, I am in love with you.

Thought of The Day

Stick by those who stick by you. Surround yourself with people who are like you and people you admire as well as the opposite. Those who are not like you and are not holders or qualities which you desire to possess will serve as perfect examples of what not to do and enable you to go harder for what you desire. If its too much to tolerate, don't judge, just move on.

Thought of the Day

Over time we learn to handle certain situations and people differently. Our mannerism may become slightly unrecognizable to those who have "known" us for some time and you might hear from some people how much you have "changed". Think about this, have you changed or have you grown? Or have you simply hit a milestone in your life where you view certain things differently from those you are surrounded by?

does possession mean expression

Because I do not express it, does that mean I do not possess it? My emotions have become permanent occupants of my mind running wild with an attempt to escape. They hold a beauty in which is so misunderstood some have compared them to The Mona Lisa. They have managed to escape few times yet find themselves on a quick relapse for the comfort of my mind. Simple yet complex, the occupancy of my emotions have become me. A me of which alterations are none existent. simply growth in one of its truest forms. There have been intruders. There have been imposters. But my emotions have become more comfortable in their residence then they have ever been. Because I do not express it, does that mean I do not possess it? Simple yet complex, the occupancy of my emotions have become me. A me of which alterations are none existent. Simply growth in one of its truest forms.