Spotlight Artist of the Week: LeMarvin

Like Hip-Hop, R&B is struggling to find a voice that can represent the people that enjoy the genre and still be relevant in the industry. We had the opportunity to communicate with L.A.'s own LeMarvin - a gifted artist that has been through the toughest challenges, both personally and professionally and still makes music the hood can appreciate. For all its challenges, growing up in the hood has at least one advantage: you develop a natural resilience to whatever life throws at you. R&B singer LeMarvin Harris can certainly attest to that. The Inglewood, CA native has survived the street life, a stint in the Navy, and a series of failed record deals. But as the saying goes, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. And today, with a huge Internet following and a much anticipated debut album (Confusion) on Brookland Entertainment, LeMarvin is a musical Hercules.

Q: Finish this statement: "I sing because...
"I feel like I have a purpose in life when doin it...its rare when what you do could make people happy ease the stress we all goin thru."

Q: You've been grindin' for almost five years now; you've faced adversity and have been signed to multiple recording deals-what keeps you going?
"I dont know cause its been plenty of times I wanted to say I'm done but somethin' kept bringin' me back....i guess it ain't in my hands and not to try to sound holy or like a saint but he keep wakin' me up to do this,good bad and all."

Q: Who are your musical inspirations?
"Tupac, R. Kelly, Marvin Gaye, and The Isley Brothers."

Q: What's different this time around with Brookland Entertainment?
"More creative control and its a small company run by Eric Nicks so most of the time you know the ins and outs (percentages) off whats goin' on. Kinda like a family situation instead of the majors....never knowin' whats goin' on,for the most part for me its a piece of mind,knowin' your work is not taken for granted."

Q: Work hard, play hard they say--what do you do to chillax?
"John Madden PS3 ,play ball,watch movies, hang wit Junior, my son, and watch some of the worst movies to get inspiration to write."

Q: Are you in touch with any of the old members of Last Minute?
"Well we all from Cali so we run into each other all the time. You cant help that everybody just tryna keep food on the table and stay fly at the same time cause we all got seeds."

Q: With songs like "Thug Like Me", "She Don't Be", and "U Got That" you present what I like to call hood-good love songs-do you write your own material?
"First off those songs are like 5 years old but i get the best responses on them but yes half of the album is co-wrote."

Q: What's your dream collabo?
"Plies and Dream as of now."


Q: Any tour dates in the future?
"Guest appearances right now but once the ball get rollin' its goin' down cause a lot of people askin' so yeah just don't forget about a nigga cause I promise I wont forget about nobody.

Q: What can we expect to hear on "Confusion"?
"Alotta my life situations put into song mode witt just a little more edge than most,basically just introducing everything that went on with me in a span of 8 to 10 years of my life. Its kinda like reversepsychology,the more I talk about it the sooner I can change up and be the man I suppose to be."

Q: "Too Many Patrons" is hot! What's the next single to drop? When?
"Well I was about to drop anotha single called "Change The Sheets" but I'm just gettin' real picky cause i can but "Transformer"might be the next single off of Brookland for me comin' soon to a hood near you, matter of fact you gone be able to pick it up everywhere cause its gone blow remember I said that."

Q: What's your five year plan?
"Damn people still askin' this question? LOL! I'm fuckin' wit you, but I never had a plan, if I did I wouldn't have went through most of the shit I been through but all i can say is I just wanna be I just wanna be successful."


Q: Last question: Any words of wisdom for an aspiring artist trying to make it in the music industry?
"Its sick out here or should I say in here(this bizz)do you, work hard and keep dreaming cause the people runnin' this shit don't know shit."

In Closing:

Brotha-thank you for taking the time out of your BUSY schedule to answer these questions-your willingness to open your heart and mind to your fans will take you far. From one SOCAL native to another-DO YA THANG MANE!!!

"Any time my nigga.
All we need is love ...."

Holla!!!

Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions

Semuh Time Safe

Summer love is here Ladies and Gentlemen! Let me be the first to remind you of the importance of keeping your looks and your game on point!!
I was at the Club on Sunday and got shoved into Mikey.Dot by this petite little woman who could barely walk straight on her stiletto heels from all the alcohol she had in her system! It wasn't even two o'clock and yet here she was stumbling around the bar!
Needless to say: less is more when it comes to summer time drinking. Sip on a little something. You don't have to necessarily get tossed to enjoy a night out on the town with your girlfriends. Besides a drunk woman is never an attractive sight!

The same goes for you guys out there: I totally understand your need to drink something before you approach your love interest, just don't take it to the extreme! We are all adults and can probably agree that tipsy is so much more fun than "I was too drunk to remember the name of that chick I met last night!"
One last thing: always, and I mean ALWAYS have a Designated Driver!!!! Semuhtime is here and we are all going to be driving the extra miles to the beach to hit up the hot spots on the weekend. Let's make it a safe summer.


Elle
A&R, Manager
Semuh Breeze Promotions

Spotlight Artist of the Week: Donny Goines

As we have reported, over and over again, Hip-Hop is in a state of global emergency. Ringtoned, autotuned, and lacking substance, Hip-Hop has fallen below the standards of self expression which fueled creativity and connected the artists and fans in the beginning. Enter Donny Goines, an MC that can actually MCs and believes that the level of his hustle is far more important than the toys it yields. Inspired by the movie "Fade to Black" DG (Donny Goines) decided to become a serious Hip Hop artist and hasn't looked back since. His lyrical prowess is just what east coast hip-hop and global Hip-Hop heads need to come back to the fold. We had the opportunity to correspond with DG via the internet (I love technology) and this is how it went down.

Q: Finish this statement: "Hip-hop is......."
"The only thing I've ever had a true passion for."

Q: Thanks for doing this interview, your a busy man nowadays-how do you manage the pressure?
"There is no real pressure in my opinion. I answer to myself essentially. No quotas to meet, deadlines to make, etc. I move on my own accord so I'm really just enjoying the ride and moving at my own pace. Music doesn't really get me too stressed actually, it's everything else around it that does but I just keep my cool and never let em see me sweat. "

Q: What motivates you?
"Money, women, fame, all these things of byproducts of me making music. They never motivated my actions. I do this because my heart is in it and I love what I do. When I create music and perform I feel so elated and nothing can really replace that in my opinion. I just one to be one of the greats one day. That's my motivation."

Q: You spent some time in the military; what effect does that have on your flow?
"None whatsoever. It does inspire my hustle and drive though. I learned in the Military that I can really do anything I put my mind to and my efforts are proof of that. I learned how to really disipline myself, work well with others and keep a certain "edge" so it that respect it was very beneficial to me."

Q: What can we expect to hear on "The Breakfast Club" LP?
"The listeners can expect to hear an eclectic blend of sounds and vibes on this album. I have all sorts of different concepts and themes to it which help to paint a picture with the music. It features artists such as Skyzoo, Amanda Diva, Tanya Morgan, Planet Asia and Producers such as Dame Grease, Statik Selektah, Kwame and Buckwild just to name a few. You can download it for free right now and all I ask in return is if you like it, just spread the word."

Q: East coast hip-hop is in a slump, what do you think needs to happen to bring it back?
"I think that artists from my city in the forefront need to really unify and work together in order to make things better for us as a whole. It's not going to be an overnight thing, but if we all work together and try hard it's possible to rebuild what others before us have destroyed."

Q: Any tour dates in the future?
"You can expect to catch me all over the place this year. Now that the album is out there I can focus on performing more then ever so look out for me in your local city and town. I will be traveling everywhere I can to spread my name and music out there."

Q: Work hard, play hard--how do you unwind?
"I don't. I just work harder then most and will unwind when its time to stop the clock. Other then that, it's music 24/7. That's my idea of fun."

Q: Seems like hooks make the track and you got some ill ones-what's your dream collabo?
"I don't really have a "dream" collab per say, but if I could make a record with anybody out there I would just make sure it is an amazing effort. I really don't think about things like that though to be honest, I just focus on making music with whoevers around me at the moment. Other then that, what happens in the future who knows?

Q: Last Question--What's your five year plan?
"God willing I will have a Grammy on the mantle somewhere, along with a nice house to put it in ha ha. Other then that though, I just hope I'm still here making great music and having fun doing what it is what I love. That's the best five year plan I could ever hope for. Hit me back in 2014 and let's see where I'm at though."

2014 it is, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to correspond with us.

"Much love and God Bless. Thank you for the support."

Holla!!!

Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions

GO GET IT!

Ten years of waiting-and it's finally here. Blazin' beats and lyrical feats are nothing new for Hip-Hop's dynamic duo Method Man and Redman. Red and Meth continue to offer brash flows that Hip-Hop Heads (and other types of heads) are sure to appreciate. Finally an LP that matches the surrounding hype, BlackOut! 2 is sprinkled with Hip-Hop royalty-featuring the skills of: Keith Murray, Saukrates, Bun B, Eric Sermon and many, many-more. The "Dangerus MCees" masterfully rip up head bobbin' beats with ridiculously rabid rhymes--this album is not for the faint at heart. True Red and Meth fans will be glad they copped this album. East coast rap is represented well by the Mad Men--a definite end to end blend - BlackOut! 2 goes hard-I love it. Must hear: "BO2", "A-Yo", "Errbody Scream", "Dangerus MCees", "Hey Zulu", "City Lights", "Dis Iz 4 All My Smokers". Don't believe me? Go get it!

Holla!!!

Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions

Spotlight Artist of the Week: DJ Blue

Change the Beat Vol. 1: Faster Than U Know

I am happy to report that the ones and twos are still being put to good work. With blazzin' soul ballads and chilled out tempos, DJ Blue's new release is the perfect anthem for that summer BBQ or a warm night out on the town. We just got our copy hot off the press and we're happy to report this is an end to end blend--a must have for those of you who appreciate good music. "Faster Than U Know" is an explosive mix of cooled down hip-hop, jazz, funk and electronica including the talents of Q-Tip, Common, Cee-Lo, The Roots, Andre 3000, Jazanova and many, many more. DJ Blue takes you on a journey of soul - gleaned from his "Soulful Research". We're glad to be the first to tell you there is nothing lost in translation. Get it: www.myspace.com/dj_blue_d_original, and tell 'em Sumeh Breeze sent cha!

Holla,

Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions

Here's How

There is one precious jewel-one universal gift each one of us has the ability to obtain....Individualism. It gives us the moxy to create music, art and fashion using our God given talents. Maximize your abilities and set obtainable goals. It's easy, it doesn't cost a dime and you'll gain an understanding of your max potential within weeks. Find out how: www.mindtools.com/page6.html --you're welcome.

Semuh Breeze Promotions

An Interview with Dillon: The Subject of Universal Conversation

I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Dillon last fall while working with an associate promoting an art contest. I saw this American dude talking to one of the artist and I walked over so that I could hear the conversation. I could tell this guy knew his art. "What up? I'm Bobby, I represent the artist and their work. Interested in art?", I asked ignorantly. Months later, I was in Dillon's home studio. The guy is raw--everything he does is done exceptionally well with fluid-like effortlessness. Right off the bat we had a lot in common - both married to servicewomen, both expectant fathers, both passionate about our craft. Dillon is a mogul on the rise; his work speaks for itself, the demand and influence of his pop-iconic renderings are world renown. From Italy to his hometown of Las Vegas, Navada his international flavor is unlike anything you've ever seen. Down to earth - goal focused - Dillon is making waves in the art scene, and in between works he gave us time for an interview. Shout out to my boy Dillon: "The Subject of Universal Conversation."

Finish this statement: "Art is.....

Art is many things. Read on if you dare… Art is a shitty gate that leads to a frozen lake. Art is the light reflecting off a bald man’s head near a lemonade stand. Art is comparing chest hair after breakfast. Art is placing one of your rather large terds into the cat box and telling your girlfriend “Babe, I think the cat is sick” (I’ve done this one)

What is "pop" art?

Ok, everything I said about art earlier - place it all in a bucket and let it sit and ferment like wine. Now scrape the thick gunk off the top with a sharp object. You now have Pop Art. Pop Art is the crème of the crop, the sweet and sometimes sour stuff. It is put on a wall in front of your face and it demands recognition. It can be loud, persuasive, and sometimes repugnant but it is always entertaining. If Pop Art was one word I think it would be banana. Don’t ask me why.

When you sit down to start a new work--what goes through your head?

Before it ever gets to my head it cultivates from my heart. I promise I am not trying to be a sap. This goes with what I claim art to be (for me at least). The heart chooses the subject, the head then interprets the language and the hands deliver the message.

As far as an exact thought running through my mind just before a new work… I am usually thinking about how it will look when it is finished. How people will react to it. Sometimes I just daydream about how many ways to execute style or even what color would look best. And if I drank a Red Bull or a Cappuccino before hand… you better just stay out of the studio.

Who are your inspirations?

I have many. I can probably name one for every letter in the alphabet. I believe the more inspirational beings you acquire the more receptive you are to obtaining knowledge. To name some randomly… Henry Ford for the quote, “If you think you can or you can’t, either way you are right”. Walt Disney for that “two-buttoned” mouse. – Joseph Merrick (Elephant Man) for the humility, rejection and isolation he endured within his lifetime. – Kurt Cobain for teaching me to play the guitar (not literally). – Martin Luther King Jr. for his unbiased speeches during an absolute biased world. – Enzo Ferrari for producing that bad-ass, little red car. – Charles Darwin for standing up for what he believes in. – Galileo for challenging the Church and the mental state of the 15^th Century that the world revolved around the Sun. – And Jim Henson for the Muppet Babies. The list goes on but I’ll stop there. These people, among many others, inspire me to create.

You've been winning art contest since you where a young boy, how did you get started?

It all started with the push of a pencil. Most kids were playing four square or reading some weird ass book. I was lost in my doodles and sketches of random subjects (mostly comics). Sometimes I would draw the teacher making out with a student. I actually got caught drawing a “little guy” hanging from a clothes line (between two buildings) going to the “bathroom” on someone below. - That one was sent back home to my Dad with a “bad behavior” remark. I don’t remember him doing anything about it so it must have not been too bad. As I got older I stayed immature but I stopped drawing naked dudes.

What is your favorite piece?

Did I mention most artists are narcissistic? My favorite personal piece isn’t here yet. It’s on the way. It is a vinyl toy figure of thyself. (I know, how disgustingly beautiful right?) Anyway, it will have a respirator mask similar to the one I use when I paint. There will be about 4-5 variations at a quantity of about 250 each. There will also be a DIY (do-it-yourself) version that collectors will be able to custom paint. You can view the prototype here… http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyworx/3529664384/

You've taken northern Italy by storm, been featured in TIME Magazine, and are receiving request from Galleries in the states to showcase your work--what's your next goal?

How about the world’s largest self portrait by one sole artist? My goal is to have it completed by the end of the summer. It should be about 35,000 square feet and consist of many faces (I’m not completely vain on this one).

The current economic crises are causing city and state governments to cut funding for art programs-what's your take on the subject?

I have absolutely no knowledge on the subject of funding for art programs. Maybe I should know more but I have always been reluctant to ask for assistance. Probably out of fear of rejection. I am not at all saying anything negative about these fruitful programs. I am all for it. I just have never encountered the experience of help from an outside organization. I do however love giving back. I will be listing 100 Celebrity Nude Paintings. (Don’t let the title throw you of) To raise money for breast cancer I will be selling paintings of boobs. Yes, you heard me right. Each painting will be of a stellar boob named after a famous actress. They should start going up this month so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Many of our readers love music-who do you listen to as you work?

I listen to ALL music… and I mean no offense to anyone but you would probably never catch me listening to Country or Gospel. A song that has caught my ear recently that is now on rotation in the studio is a song called Welcome Home by Coheed and Cambria.

Final question--do you see yourself doing more commercial work, maybe designing clothes?

I definitely see myself designing gear somewhere in the near future. Who knows maybe I’ll let my daughter take the reigns on that one. She’s only 3 months old so lets give her a couple years first.

A wink and a nod to Bobby Humes for the chance to express. A congratulation is in order as well for the birth of beautiful “Little Carter”

Thanks for all that you do.

Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions

Spotlight Artist of the Week: The Style of Finesse

Attention on deck! Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to bring you a TRUE hip-hop, mic-God, in it's truest form. Stephen Moore, aka Finesse, hails from Hazel Green, located near Huntsville, Alabama. He's is not shy about the lyrical muscle he possesses and that's why he is our Spotlight Artist of the Week. Don't ever limit "Ness" to the south. His powerfully unique southern delivery has an east-coast flow and makes him one of the few artist from "Da Dirty" who could survive in an east coast cypher. Finesse's no non-sense lyrical wordplay slices up tracks and has earned him the street cred necessary to catch the eye of some notable labels - ever heard of Universal (New Voice)? Of course you have. We posted a blog giving you the current state of hip-hop: bland, excessively commercial and void of true self expression. We've been looking for artist that are are - artist. With words you can listen to, relate and ride out- Finesse kicks it "old-school", "new-school", "east coast", "west...."-WHATEVA!! And that's what hip-hop--true hip-hop is all about. Finesse notes Jay-Z, Chamillionaire, 2pac, Lil Wayne, Bone Thugz, Twista, Papoose, Chino Xl, Bun B, Styles P, (The Old-Not to be confused with The New) Eminem, Kanye West, and Timbaland as some of his inspirations. His quick whit, sometimes super fast rhymes and ability to cross from genre to genre and still maintain his vibe make him one of the MOST versatile MCs around. But don't take my word for it - check it out (and tell 'em Sumeh Breeze sent cha shawty!): www.myspace/finesse

Holla!!!
Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions

photo courtesy of Finesse

The State of Hip-Hop--Hilarity or Emergency

Yezzir,

Many of you may have heard the news about the latest addition to the Semuh Breeze family. Prince Carter arrived on May 5, 2009 and I am happy to report that he is doing well. His addition reminds me that all things are precious and the true nature of appreciating the precious things is remembering how fragile and important they are. That being said we all must atone for the lack of care we have given to our most sacred and shared common ground. Beyond any flag or creed we all can rely on Hip-Hop for the vibe and syncopated rhythms that have become the sound tracks of our very lives. We have prostituted samples and voice box (T-Pain excluded) hooks in place of lyrical meaning and true self expression. Tupac and B.I.G where not the old school turn table spray can crooners my uncles and older cousin's turned me on to--but their music was-at it's time (and still is today)-a representation of the struggles, happiness and madness of the people that enjoyed Hip-Hop music. Today's rappers (I refuse to call 93% of these clowns artist) are pimped out by record company and lazy A&Rs in the hopes that they will sell enough albums and remain relevant long enough to make money. I can't hate on Soulja Boy and won't waste time doing so - he is young - and made an ATTEMPT with his last album to "give-it-a-go" at true Hip-Hop. It's garbage but not because it's lyrically weak but because it sells. That means that the swarms of unknown artist (I meet one in person or online every other day) who have talent will never become known because the next generation of HHHs (Hip-Hop Heads) will be poisoned by the seed of greed. Don't get me wrong - we're in a recession and no manager likes to see his artists work at their craft and not be recognized - but I feel that as a HHH I have the responsibility to seek out good music - eat that music up - and regurgitate it out to the masses. Here at Semuh Breeze Promotions - ANY review we do will be done in the essence of REAL Hip-Hop- we won't sugar coat and promote garbage because: first - we don't have time for crap; second - you don't have time for crap; and finally - because I'm a fan of Hip-Hop NOT rap. Vote for real Hip-Hop - use your dollars to do so.

Holla!!!

Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions

Memorial Day Weekend Bash

Hip-Hop/Reggaeton/Old School R&B--don't miss out!
Join us for the illist party in Northern Italy. Papillon's on the Beach is proud to present this year's Memorial Day Weekend Bash. Kami-Kazi/Mikey.DotRight will be rockin' the stage as "International Club King" DJ Phox spins on the 1s and 2s--MC Sam is representing the London hiphop scene and will be on sight in full effect! Guest DJs-full bar-chill atmosphere-you don't want to miss out on this! Call (331) 791-5725 for VIP reservations-tell 'em Semuh Breeze sent cha! See you there.

Holla!!!

Semuh Breeze Promotions

Fellas!! Map Out Your Summer Threads

Aye Yo,

The most important mistake we (guys) make when it comes to getting that "fit" is poor prior planning. Never fear - you summer fashion plan is here.

Quick and easy steps for ubran summer fashion.

Base:
Start with a temperate theme. This summer neons and white are all the hype, so get some T's like the RocaWear T (left) and set sail for cool. FYI - that "plain white T to the knees" stuff is dead - yeah we said it and so can you - logo/word tees are inexpensive and offer a personal touch to any wardrobe.

Trace:

Make sure that you can build on your base color - if white is not for you then try cool island blue. RocaWear's buttondowns comes in many different styles and colors. We like the versitility of the military surplus look and the trace matches perfectly with RocaWear cargos short. Cargo shorts are sometimes overlooked and "put in a box" - but cargos will be the stand out item this summer - you heard that here first.

Style is nothing without Grace:

Sure summer days are hot - nights are much cooler and you should be too. Grace your map with Euro style blend track jackets like the RocaWear Bomber shown below. If you don't turn heads when your wearing this bright white hype - send it to me, I'll show you how to do it.

Grown before Known:

Fellas - we must make sure that we drive this message home. The club is a hallowed place and should not be mistaken for a roller rink. You and your boys will have a much better time and recieve better treatment from staff and co-eds alike if you dress the part. Match a cool button down with some light colored jeans or CARGO pants - yes CARGO pants - and let us know if things don't change for ya. If you already subscribe to this methodology - carry on, you are grown.

With Shoes You Can't Loose:

We will not include a segment on shoes for two reasons. 1: The shoe search offers the gentlemen an opportunity to go to the mall - no online shoe shopping pimpin'! 2: Going to the mall gives you a chance to take all the items you've searched for and match them with the right pair of shoes for YOU.

Set sail, have fun - let us know the good we've done.

Holla!!!

Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions

All photos courtesy of RocaWear Fashion and can be found at www. rocawear.com