Music

LOCAL RAPPERS C-DOGG and RAZ SIMONE TEAM UP “AROUND the WAY”

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

 

While we’re currently here on Earth, inhabiting these physical vessels, it is each individual’s responsibility to be the architect for the life they desire. As such, one has the power to actively choose to manifest and live the life they want – whether an individual chooses to thrive and live in their light or succumb to the comfortable complacency of their darkness is solely that person’s decision to make. But, based on the thoughts, words and actions you consciously or subconsciously decide to put out into the Universe, the Universe will return to you exactly what you send out.

So take your power back.
Far too often, people surrender their personal power to exterior forces – be it money, relationships, jobs, environment, dis-ease, etc. Despite all the “darkness” that seems to be taking up space around the world today, we are living in extremely auspicious times. And now, perhaps more so than ever, is the time for each and every being on this planet to take back, embrace and recognize just how absolutely and limitlessly powerful we are.
With “Around The Way”, Raz Simone links up with Clayton “C-Dogg/B-ragg” Bragg to demonstrate the power of using your time and energy to build up another individual while simultaneously putting on display how recognizing your own power can help to inspire and influence those around you. In doing so, “Around The Way” allows both Simone and C-Dogg to play their hand in making this world a better place.
At only 22 years old, C-Dogg has been surviving and thriving through all the obstacles God has placed before him, including a lifelong bout with cerebral palsy. And no obstacle is put in your way to stop you – they are only there to help your growth and help push you to recognize your own power. With 27 surgeries under his belt, 11 of which have been on his heart, the determination and the drive of C-Dogg has helped to inspire a number of people who have witnessed or heard his powerful story.
One of the people inspired by C-Dogg is Raz Simone. Although they don’t have the “same problems”, Simone and Clayton have both inspired each other with their ability to overcome adversities. In Raz’s own words, the two have the same spirit. And that spirit does not quit, does not surrender, and it certainly does not give up it’s power – it’s internal light – to exterior forces.
As Raz points out on “Around The Way” with a slick double entendre, his work is “always quality” and he never stretches it. Anyone familiar with Simone’s body of work recognizes the Black Umbrella founder has a catalogue abundant in both quantity and quality – he’s not cutting corners or laying down half-assed verses in order to get content out there. So, even when he’s helping out his people, Simone isn’t going to hop on a track just for the hell of it. According to Simone, he told C-Dogg he would only get on record with him if he was feeling it and, when it came to “Around The Way”, Clayton “slapped the mess outta [him] wit this one.”
A common theme when discussing Raz Simone is his authenticity and his realness. Being “real” does not always have to mean you’re “street” or “gangster” or anything along those lines – realness has more to do with an individual’s drive, dedication, heart and their authenticity. Realness comes from one’s ability to overcome even the hardest of adversities without getting trapped in the darkness. There are school teachers who are real, there are chefs and plumbers and cashiers who are real. Realness is about the individual in and of themselves, not the label placed upon them based on exterior factors.
In that sense, C-Dogg is real. And Simone is real.

As always, credit and praise must be sent to Simone’s go-to cinematographer, Jacob Hill. Feeling inspired by the energy of the experience, Hill went back to Black Umbrella HQ after shooting “Around The Way” and decided to edit and finalize the video that night. Instead of sleeping, Hill made sure the video was turned around in time for release overnight. That’s heart, dedication and sacrifice…that’s real. And not only did he come through with the quick flip of the video, but he cooked up a final product that gives off no sense of being rushed or half-assed. Ya’ll, there’s something to be said about work ethic

and it’s clear there’s a reason Hill is reppin’ Black Umbrella…

Much love to Raz, B-ragg and Jacob Hill for creating and sharing this beautiful message of acceptance and love. This that medicine the world needs a heavy dose of right now.
Experience “Around The Way” below and peep some older BTS footage of Raz and B-ragg in the studio here.
Originally Published at https://yeezytaughtmehappythoughts.blogspot.com/2018/01/raz-simone-around-way-feat-b-ragg-video.html

YOUNG WOMEN FIND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ARTS IN WEST SEATTLE

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

4culture-unified-outreach-camera

Unified Outreach has been actively engaged in youth arts programming for nearly two-decades; and for the past 10 years has provided an eclectic catalog of unique programs from the Ginomai Arts Center in West Seattle’s Alaska Junction neighborhood.

August 21st Unified Outreach hosted their annual Youth Fashion Expose; a free community event which provided a top-shelf catered dinner and a raised runway with 20 models showing off the latest designs by Seattle Designers Carlisa Minnis and MAC Fashion House.

But behind the scenes is where the magic happens. The fashion show is part of a work-training program created by Unified Outreach that teaches Middle and High School students the skills necessary to deliver a high end event such as this. Student are trained on a variety of Adobe software programs used to design brochures and flyers, create music mash-ups, and edit photos and videos. Students also learn to construct the raised runway, provide staging ambiance, and operate the sound & lighting board.

april-toonThis year, Unified Outreach Regional Manager for Nevada, Mrs. April Goode returned to Seattle to assist with the 2016 program. April has been active with Unified Outreach for over a decade, serving as Chief of Operations in Seattle before moving to Las Vegas in 2013.

“The reason I am back in Seattle is because I love this program. Of all the different classes we offer this one is closest to my heart because we are not only exposing kids to new artistic mediums, but we’re teaching them how to use those skills out in the real world” April says.

cd-coverThe program, visualized and launched in 2010 by Unified Outreach staff; was presented to Mayor McGinn at a series of town halls. The following year Mayor McGinn and the city began funding the Office of Arts & Culture work-readiness grant program; which provides Unified Outreach and other local Charities with funding to assist with program costs and to provide each youth with a monetary stipend.

April says that she has personally seen lives changed by the program. “We build artistic skills, we focus on resume building, educational tracks, and networking opportunities. But we also focus on team building, communication, and breaking down barriers. All of this comes together to build positive self-esteem; which is the greatest gift we can give our kids”.

And the proof can be seen in the instructors themselves; many of which began the program as students and have now returned to give back to the program that they love.

darrian-splashDarrian started attending classes over 10 years ago, participating in music, dance, and video programs; where she co-hosted the Unified Outreach/SCAN Television program “What’s Good Seattle, the Shop 206”. Today she teaches classes in Fashion/Runway Event Management, as well as summer day camp Cartoon Animation and Video Production programs.

Isis first walked the catwalk six years ago at the pilot work-training program in 2010. This year was her first in the role of Instructor. “I really feel like I identify with the kids in the program. And it feels really good to share the things I’ve learned over the years.”

isis-splash

kiel-splashKiel has been participating in Unified Outreach classes for as long as she can remember. From traditional drawing and painting, to contemporary dance, cartooning, music, and video. This year was her first as a program instructor for the Cartoon Animation Summer Day Camp.

Karla participated in the work-readiness program in 2013 and this year returned as an instructor for the Runway program. Now 18, Karla is also using the contacts she made through the program to pursue her own career in Fashion and Design.

student-splash-1

Unified Outreach Co-Founder David Toledo stated that it’s only natural that Unified Outreach would have strong leaders such as April and the previously mentioned students-turned-teachers.

“The Unified Outreach program was really inspired by my mother Alice; who in the early 1980’s opened a food bank from the steps of our own home. Mom was so creative, with a “lead by example” attitude, and a fearless advocate for kids, seniors, those with special needs, and really anyone who needed help. And my sister Diana Toledo-Palmer is the same way. She’s such a great example and inspiration for me. She’s a leader in the community; active in so many community organizations and working so hard to make West Seattle a better place for our children”, David Said.

Unified Outreach is located in West Seattle. More information is available at www.UnifiedOutreach.com

YOUNG WOMEN FIND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ARTS IN WEST SEATTLE

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

4culture-unified-outreach-camera

Unified Outreach has been actively engaged in youth arts programming for nearly two-decades; and for the past 10 years has provided an eclectic catalog of unique programs from the Ginomai Arts Center in West Seattle’s Alaska Junction neighborhood.

August 21st Unified Outreach hosted their annual Youth Fashion Expose; a free community event which provided a top-shelf catered dinner and a raised runway with 20 models showing off the latest designs by Seattle Designers Carlisa Minnis and MAC Fashion House.

But behind the scenes is where the magic happens. The fashion show is part of a work-training program created by Unified Outreach that teaches Middle and High School students the skills necessary to deliver a high end event such as this. Student are trained on a variety of Adobe software programs used to design brochures and flyers, create music mash-ups, and edit photos and videos. Students also learn to construct the raised runway, provide staging ambiance, and operate the sound & lighting board.

april-toonThis year, Unified Outreach Regional Manager for Nevada, Mrs. April Goode returned to Seattle to assist with the 2016 program. April has been active with Unified Outreach for over a decade, serving as Chief of Operations in Seattle before moving to Las Vegas in 2013.

“The reason I am back in Seattle is because I love this program. Of all the different classes we offer this one is closest to my heart because we are not only exposing kids to new artistic mediums, but we’re teaching them how to use those skills out in the real world” April says.

cd-coverThe program, visualized and launched in 2010 by Unified Outreach staff; was presented to Mayor McGinn at a series of town halls. The following year Mayor McGinn and the city began funding the Office of Arts & Culture work-readiness grant program; which provides Unified Outreach and other local Charities with funding to assist with program costs and to provide each youth with a monetary stipend.

April says that she has personally seen lives changed by the program. “We build artistic skills, we focus on resume building, educational tracks, and networking opportunities. But we also focus on team building, communication, and breaking down barriers. All of this comes together to build positive self-esteem; which is the greatest gift we can give our kids”.

And the proof can be seen in the instructors themselves; many of which began the program as students and have now returned to give back to the program that they love.

darrian-splashDarrian started attending classes over 10 years ago, participating in music, dance, and video programs; where she co-hosted the Unified Outreach/SCAN Television program “What’s Good Seattle, the Shop 206”. Today she teaches classes in Fashion/Runway Event Management, as well as summer day camp Cartoon Animation and Video Production programs.

Isis first walked the catwalk six years ago at the pilot work-training program in 2010. This year was her first in the role of Instructor. “I really feel like I identify with the kids in the program. And it feels really good to share the things I’ve learned over the years.”

isis-splash

kiel-splashKiel has been participating in Unified Outreach classes for as long as she can remember. From traditional drawing and painting, to contemporary dance, cartooning, music, and video. This year was her first as a program instructor for the Cartoon Animation Summer Day Camp.

Karla participated in the work-readiness program in 2013 and this year returned as an instructor for the Runway program. Now 18, Karla is also using the contacts she made through the program to pursue her own career in Fashion and Design.

student-splash-1

Unified Outreach Co-Founder David Toledo stated that it’s only natural that Unified Outreach would have strong leaders such as April and the previously mentioned students-turned-teachers.

“The Unified Outreach program was really inspired by my mother Alice; who in the early 1980’s opened a food bank from the steps of our own home. Mom was so creative, with a “lead by example” attitude, and a fearless advocate for kids, seniors, those with special needs, and really anyone who needed help. And my sister Diana Toledo-Palmer is the same way. She’s such a great example and inspiration for me. She’s a leader in the community; active in so many community organizations and working so hard to make West Seattle a better place for our children”, David Said.

Unified Outreach is located in West Seattle. More information is available at www.UnifiedOutreach.com

West Seattle Reign of Fashion Showers Audience with Creativity

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

Reign of Fashion WallFashion Flyers

The creativity and passion of youth was on full display at the August 21st Unified Outreach Fashion Expose’ in West Seattle.

Kiel backOn stage were 20 aspiring models broken into two groups; the Little Royals were first-year models ages 5-10; followed by the Reign of Fashion models who ranged from 13-18 years old.  For many this was the first time they had ever walked a runway; but designer Carlisia Minnis from MAC Fashion House spent time with the models during the weeks leading up to the show to be sure that they were comfortable strutting their stuff on the catwalk.Karla stage

Behind the scenes were youth from the Unified Outreach program which consisted of teams of youth ages 13-18 who planned, designed, and delivered the 1 hour program. These teams consisted of Facilities/Stage Set-Up/Sound & Lighting, Promotions/PR/Marketing, Photo & Video Production, and Stage Management/Models/Runway.

David Toledo, one of the event organizers said, “The entire behind the scenes crew was made up of teens from 13 to 18 years old from the work training in the arts program. It can be hard to grasp the magnitude of what these kids were able to produce; especially when you consider that many had no experience of this sort just 4 weeks ago.  But tonight they did the sound and lighting, facilities, photo and video, stage set up, and everything else to deliver this flawless event.”4Culture Red Carpet Unified Outreach

Credit was also given to the program instructors April Goode, Edward Dumas, and Isis West-Goode; as well as the SYVPI counselors Nani, Lensy, Merry, and J’Quai who provided additional support to the kids during the 4 weeks of classes.

In the audience was a mixture of both local and national personalities, sports stars, political figures, media personalities, major advertising agencies, and merchandizing and department store buyers; provided the youth an excellent opportunity to network with industry leaders and local heroes who were available for the meet & greet following the show.

The annual event is made possible with a financial grant from the Office of Arts & Culture, a technology grant from 4Culture, and a facility usage grant from West Seattle Christian Church.  Once all of the funding is in place Unified Outreach partners with the staff at SYVPI and SW Family Services to recruit youth ages 13-18 to participate in the program.

The work-readiness-in-arts partnership was created during the Mike McGinn mayoral era;  a result of Unified Outreach members engaging Mayor McGinn at art-related town halls.  Unified Outreach presented the idea that the City wasn’t doing enough by simply funding arts classes; but that kids need networking opportunities, as well as education and career tracks once the art class/workshop has ended.  Mayor McGinn was receptive and in 2011 the City launched the work-readiness grant program.

TKG Dance CrewAnd on Sunday, August 21, 2016 the Unified Outreach non-profit youth arts Charity took work-readiness programs to a whole other level with a custom designer fashion show that would put some industry-level entertainment companies to shame. The event was hosted by local celebrity Sammy Tekle, with music performances by Ali Rahimi, dance routine by TGK Dance Crew, and featuring a fully catered dinner by Goode Girls.

In addition to the custom design outfits by MAC Fashion House; this year Unified Outreach also welcomed Lu LaRoe who provided the outfits for the Little Royals.Runway walk

The Unified Outreach Work-Training in the Arts program returns in 2017. Visit http://www.UnifiedOutreach.com for details.

IMG_0999

The buffet and desert selection was provided free by Goode Girls Catering.

The event was held a the WSCC Exhibition Hall at 4400 42nd Ave SW.

 

For further information please visit www.UnifiedOutreach.com, email UnifiedOutreach@hotmail.com, or call 206-371-1139.

 

Hip Hop Royalty Theatrical Debute

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest
(Seattle, Washington) June 17-18, 2016 marks the highly anticipated return of Hip Hop emcee, producer, and organizer Danny “King Khazm” Kogita, with a double album release and theater production entitled “Diaries of a M.A.D.” The first show at the newly renovated Historic Washington Hall.

Diaries of a M.A.D. is an interdisciplinary installation, uniquely bridging music, cinema, and performing arts in an intimate exploration of struggle and perseverance. The album is laden with crisp snares, warm kicks, and dusty samples produced by members of Dev From Above, Third Eye Bling and Khazm and his beat crew, The Konstructicons. The soundscapes of this autobiographical essay paint a dark lacquer of social commentary.

The stage show produced by Olisa “Spyc-e” Enrico, is an artistic interpretation of how a biracial, disabled youth was able to overcome challenges in Seattle’s South end. An amalgam of Hip Hop, Japanese culture and disability awareness; the conceptual musical performances, blended with visual projections, dance and theatrical segments, push the boundaries of what is and what can be.

In 2003, King Khazm, along with his rap group- Cyphalliance, emerged onto the Northwest Hip Hop scene with exceptional response with debut album “Industreets.” A barrage of technological mishaps and life prevented the long awaited follow up album from seeing the light of day- until now.

One decade later, Living as a M.A.D. has been miraculously recovered, and after several months of extensive reconstruction, the album will finally be released. This sonically diverse project, recorded at Seattle’s renown Pharmacy, includes production by Jake One, Vitamin D, DJ Tre, Kitone, and others. The soundscape ranges from socially conscious lyrics to smooth melodic vocals.

Diaries of a M.A.D. and Living as a M.A.D. both release on Fresh Chopped Beats / MADK Productions and will be available at iTunes, Amazon.com and finer Hip Hop specialty stores.

For more information and announcements, visit www.freshchoppedbeats.com

King Khazm “Diaries of a M.A.D.” Theatrical Experience
June 17-18, 2016
Washington Hall
153 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Doors 7:00pm / Curtain 8:00pm
$25 General / $35 VIP / $5 Students 18 & Under
Tickets at BrownPaperTickets.com

 

RISE OF THE ETERNALS ~ HIP HOP IMMORTALS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

October 8, 2015 – With the recent launch of the Legacy of Hip Hop exhibit at Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) the city has been buzzing with debate about who should top the list of Seattle’s most iconic artists to have represented this genre over the years.

What was most amazing to me as I walked through the MOHAI exhibit was that I saw the names of Bboys that I knew about based on recent performances. Yet, the exhibit had information on them dating back to the early 1980’s.

Because of the vibrant history of NW Hip Hop there will always be heated debate about who was/is/will be the greatest in any one of the 5 elements (Breakdancing/DJ’ing/Rapping/Graffiti/Knowledge). Believe me, it is easy to get pulled into that conversation. However, for purposes of this article I would like to focus on something else; the eternals of NW Hip Hop.

This column lists 10 artists who I feel have never left the game. But have represented the genre for the past 4 decades. I felt like I needed to share the list; because there just isn’t anyone writing about Seattle Hip Hop that actually has any roots in the community.

So here is the list. These are the realest of the real.

Coolout crewNo automatic alt text available.
10. Gordon (Music Inner City) Curvey and Georgio (Coolout Network) Brown (1990 – Present)

Element:  Knowledge
Two hip hop historians documenting the going-on’s in the hip hop community for a quarter century. Definitely two different personalities; with Gordon engaging in semi-regular public arguments with just about everyone on Facebook. Meanwhile, Georgio Brown keeps it cool. Constantly building bridges and giving local artists stage time at his
annual Coolout events (the 25th of which will be celebrated in 2016!) Georgio recently helped design and promote the MOHAI event; while Gordon was less than impressed with acknowledgement of his contributions.

Image may contain: Gregory Buren, smiling9. Greg (Funk Daddy) Buren and Derrick (Vitimin D) Brown (1988 – Present)

Element:  DJ/Producers

Are these two the same person? Both broke out around 1988. Both hit the ground running; putting out some major beats and haven’t taken a break in almost 30 years. These two have to share the spot, because both are legendary producers in the Northwest. Funk Daddy (aka Greg B) from Seattle and Vitimin D from Portland.

Image may contain: 1 person 8. Ishmael (Butterfly) Butler (1988 – Present)

Element:  DJ/Producer/Rapper

Founding member of Digable Planets. Grammy winner. Currently performing with Shabazz Palaces.

 

7. Derrick (Silver Shadow D/Derrick X) Seals (1985 – Present)

Element:  DJ/Producer/Rapper

Member of the seminal Seattle rap group DURACELL. 30 year history of active performances and musical releases. Vast knowledge of Seattle’s music and hip hop culture from the 1990’s. Current member of 206 Zulu.

Image may contain: Terrell Johnson, hat and closeup6. Michael (Edwag) Johnson (1983 – Present)

Element:  Bboy, Rapper

Edawg was a founding member of the Gail Place Rockers (aka Horton hand-spinners) before launching his music career as a member of the Mixalot posse. Edawg has over 30 years in the hip hop game and is a platinum selling recording artist. Currently hosts E’s Way Radio and regularly preforms both past and current hits.

 5. Carter (Fever One) McGlasson (1983 – Present)

Element:  Bboy, DJ/Producer

Founding member of the 1983 Seattle Circuit Breakers as well as a current member of the legendary Rock Steady Crew. Fever still performs in Bboy contests and also currently DJ’s at multiple clubs in Seattle.

Image may contain: 1 person, standing, beard and outdoor4. Nathan (Sire One) Hivick (1990 – Present)

Element:  Bboy, Graffiti Artist, DJ/Producer, Rapper

One of the few artists to represent all 4 of the original elements; Sire One has over 25 years of producing music and visual arts that is as fresh today as it was when he began. Still competing in (legal) graffiti art competitions as part of BAM crew, and performing with both North City Rockers and 206 Zulu.

Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people dancing, shoes and indoor 3. Dave (Pablo D) Narvaez (1984– Present)

Element:  Bboy, Rapper, Knowledge

Founder and current manager of the North City Rockers; a multi-generational breakdance group in North Seattle. Recognized as one of the Northwest’s most knowledgeable hip hop historians and widely respected for his photo documentation of the hip hop community over the last decade via Studio Narvaez. Currently working on music production with Specs Wizard and Sire One.

 

Image may contain: 1 person2. Danny (DJ Mr. Supreme/Supreme La Rock/Preme) Clavisilla (1983 – Present)

Element:  Bboy, DJ/Producer, Knowledge

DJ Mr. Supreme (along with RSC legend DV One) is the current DJ for the Seattle Seahawks. Founding member of the 1983 Seattle Circuit Breakers. Regularly produces music scores for movies & television. Widely considered one of the foremost experts on both NW music and NW hip hop in the world.

 

Image may contain: 1 person, closeup

1. Michael (Specs Wizard) Hall   (1979 – Present)

Element:  Bboy, Graffiti Artist, DJ/Producer, Rapper

Currently produces a line of comic books for Capstan Media/Healthy Bunch. Regular music releases and performances throughout 2015. Featured artist at the MOHAI exhibit.

 Thank you for taking time to read.  I hope you enjoyed the list!  Let me know what you think!  Agree?  Disagree?

FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL!!

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

I’m sure everyone has heard of folklife, it is a festival that happens downtown. So many people go and it’s always a great time. This festival is so well known that this year (2013) there was about 220,000-230,000 people that showed up. It was a 4 day festival; full of music, food, and amazing people. Even though it wasn’t very nice or sunny outside there was still a great turn out. A little rain can’t stop people from having a wonderful time with their friends and family. Folklife started 42 years ago; it was mostly acoustic fiddle and banjo affair. I honestly love how this festival is continuing throughout the years, and more is being added to it. If you haven’t attended folklife yet; try it out next year! You will love it.

Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Awards

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards.

Swift won eight of 11 awards, including top artist and top Billboard 200 album for “Red.” She told the crowd: “You are the longest and best relationship I ever had.”

She also had a colorful performance of her hit “22” – starting backstage and working her way to the main stage on the back of a bike with help from a dozen background dancers and a flurry of red balloons.

Justin Bieber also performed – twice – and was also a multiple winner with three awards, including top male artist, social artist and the fan-voted milestone award, beating out Swift and Bruno Mars. When accepting the latter – where boos were heard – he alluded to the tumultuous weeks he’s had in the public eye.

“I’m 19 years old; I think I’m doing a pretty good job. And basically from my heart I really just want to say it should really be about the music, it should be about the craft that I’m making. This is not a gimmick,” he said. “I’m an artist and I should be taken seriously and all this other bull should not be spoken.”

Bieber performed with will.i.am and solo when he sang “Take You” in leather pants, a leather vest and a black shirt that had one sleeve, as blue laser lights beamed.

Miguel, too, had a show-stopping performance, though he seemed to kick a fan when he jumped over the crowd while singing his hit “Adorn.” The R&B singer seemed to have landed part of his body on one woman, who walked away, and kicked another, who held her head low.

Maroon 5 and fun. were also nominated for 11 awards and walked away with one win each in pre-telecast announcements. Gotye and Rihanna had the second-most wins with four awards each.

But the awards show, airing live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on ABC, is less about the trophies – which reflect success on the Billboard charts – and more about the performances. Selena Gomez sang her seductive new hit, “Come & Get It,” while Chris Brown danced around the stage to his latest single, “Fine China,” though his voice began to crack during the performance. Duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis also performed their massive hit, “Thrift Shop,” which won top rap song.

“First and foremost, gotta thank Goodwill, gotta thank Value Village,” Macklemore said to laughs.

Kid Rock, who presented the award, sparked controversy when he told the crowd, “Let’s give it up for people lip-synching under pre-recorded music.”

Mars and his band kicked off the show in silky red suits that matched their silky dance moves, with bright gold disco balls hanging above them during a performance of the upbeat and old-school flavored “Treasure.”

Nicki Minaj won the first award in the live telecast for top rap artist, beating out Drake, Flo Rida, Pitbull and Psy.

“I definitely did not expect this one,” she said, wearing a bright red dress.

She later performed “High School” with Lil Wayne and gave the rapper a provocative lap dance onstage.

Prince, who received the icon award, closed the awards show with a melody of his jams in a turquoise and purple ensemble. He sang, dance and rocked on the guitar.

Madonna won top touring artist, dance artist and dance album for “MDNA.”

“Thank you for supporting me for three decades. Without you I truly wouldn’t be here,” she said.

Pitbull made two appearances, one with Jennifer Lopez and another with Christina Aguilera. His hit with Aguilera, “Feel This Moment,” samples A-Ha’s “Take On Me” and Morten Harket came out to sing a line from the song.

Comedian-actor Tracy Morgan was the show’s host, and he dressed as Psy in a bright yellow suit when the rapper-singer was onstage to present an award. They had a dance battle to Psy’s new single, “Gentleman.”

By MESFIN FEKADU

AP Music Writer

previously published at seattletimes.com

Up-and-coming Canadian singer-songwriter Steph Macpherson

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

Up-and-coming Canadian singer-songwriter Steph Macpherson, who made an appearance at the 2010 Lilith Fair and has opened concerts for such artists as Sarah McLachlan, Tom Cochrane, Sugarland, Erykah Badu and Sheryl Crow, performs Jan. 9 at Seattle’s High Dive. It’s the opening show on her West Coast tour.

BC Musician magazine said this about Macpherson: “(Her) voice is clear, well-trained and hauntingly beautiful, and her vocal melodies are deadly infectious.”

“My parents once told me that as a small child, I would yell and squeal for no other reason than just the sheer joy of using my voice,” Macpherson says. “I loved creating sounds. Nothing has changed (well, not nothing), but I have learned a more pleasant way of expressing myself using the same tools.”

Macpherson, who blends folk, pop, rock and country, talks about her new album, “Bells  & Whistles” (Cordova Bay Records).

(Previously published at, GENE STOUT)