Funeral Arrangements for K-Swift

Our "Club Queen" is being laid to rest this week, and for all of those who would like to personally show support to her family, here are the following funeral arrangements:

Thursday, July 24th
Viewing: 3pm – 8pm
Joseph Brown Funeral Home
2140 N. Fulton Avenue Baltimore, MD 21217

Friday, July 25th
Viewing: 2pm – 6pm
Wake Services: 6pm – 8pm
New Shiloh Baptist Church
2100 North Monroe Street Baltimore, MD 21217

Saturday, July 26th
Wake Services: 10am
Funeral Services: 11am
Morgan State University – Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center

Burial Services will be held at:
Loudon Park Cemetery
3620 Wilkens AvenueBaltimore, MD 21229

Flowers can be sent to:
Morgan State University – Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center
2201 Argonne Drive Baltimore, MD 21251

Information Courtesy of The Flywire

Legends of Hip Hop Tour Stops in Bmore

If you're like me, you already know that music aint the way it used to be... People talkin about Bust It Baby, Lookin' Boy, Girls Standing in Line for the Bathroom, etc. (granted I luv all these songs but thats not the point! lol)

The point is that if you are a true Hip Hop head and appreciate those who came before Plies, Joc and others, then The Legends of Hip Hop Tour is for you...

On Saturday (8.16.08) at 5:30 pm, come out to Pier Six Concert Pavilion to witness Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, Slick Rick, Whodini, & Doug E. Fresh rip the stage with our favorite hip hop classics.

Tickets range from ~$27-$87 so click here to purchase and/or get more info.

Delta Sigma Theta's Eastern Regional Conference 2009 to be Held in Baltimore

I said my Sorors...yall lookin gooooooooodddd today! (awww remember line sistas?!?!)

So yes, hot off the press...it has been announced that the 47th Eastern Regional Conference of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Innnnncccccorporated will be held in Baltimore. If you're wondering, this is a major deal because each Delta conference not only brings out MY lovely sorors, but other prominent figures nationwide.

This deserves a special Oo-oop Bmore!!! Watch out for us devastating divas as we invade Charm City with our "oh soooo meannnn" crimson 'n' creme! :)

Watch a video below from our Regional Director, Wendy J. Johnson:

92Q & K-Swift's Mother Remember Her Legacy

Watch this video as K-Swift's mother talks about her daughter's legacy at a vigil held in Bmore by 92Q.

R.I.P. DJ K-Swift

This is an extremely sad day for the hip-hop community, particularly the city of Baltimore. Our beloved DJ K-Swift passed away early this morning due to causes that are still in speculation. The family has refrained from answering specific questions as to the exact cause of death, but stay tuned for any updates.
Khia "K-Swift" Edgerton has set the standard in Bmore, the East Coast, and all women who strive to do what most people regard as a "man's job." I especially respected K-Swift for putting female DJ's on the map.

Our sources at 92Q have let us know that there will be no on-air personalities for the rest of the day as the 92Q crew spends their time airing their memories of K-Swift.

We at The Fab Empire, especially BmoreFab! send our condolescenes to K-Swift's family and we ask our readers to leave as many comments and/or memories that you can as we keep Swift's memory alive! Click here to read her biography...

Nas Discusses New Album on 92Q's Rap Attack

I love NaS fyi...he is literally is the reason I love NY dudes to this day (although someone is acting up so I may change cities lol...I'm so serious tho). But for now, I'm calling all dudes that sound like NaS...leave me a comment withca numba LOL

Anyhoo, click here to check out NaS as he speaks on the new album on 92Q's Rap Attack.

Neke from 92Q Interviews Carmello Anthony

Check out the interview with Neke (my soror...Oo-oop!) and Carmello as they chat it up...I wish she woulda asked details about why he still won't marry Lala....

TI Does Community Service in Bmore

Looks like TI is tryin' to show the judge he's sorry...check him out doing service in streets of Bmore...

Patti Labelle Comes to the Pier Six Pavilion

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So it looks like Bmore is really showin' off this summer with the oldies but goodies...first Gladys Knight...then Anita Baker...and now Patti Labelle!

Yes Bmore...come out to the Pier Six Concert Pavilion on Saturday (9.6.08) @ 7:30pm to see this diva live in concert! The Chesapeake Urology Foundation presents Patti Labelle for one night only in Charm City,so if you're fan (and/or you were conceived due to Patts), you should prolly make your way to the pier.

Sidenote: I'm mad that her tickets range from $55-175. Like Anita, I love Patti but these ticket prices are getting out of hand. Patti hasnt had a #1 hit in over a decade....Although I still listen to "Somebody Loves You Baby" cause Plies has the remix (lol...I'm mad Patti approved it. She must need money). Anyway, click here for ticket info.

ARTSCAPE 2008

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Afram is over and now Bmore is ready for Artscape 2008. The festival is planned to take place Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th between Mt. Royal and Cathedral Streets. You can stop pass from anytime between 12pm-10pm on Friday and Saturday and 12pm-8pm on Sunday. Admission is absolutely and positively FREE! Slated to perform are Roberta Flack (for my old school), Mario (of course), The Wailers (for the reggae lovers), and Dru Hill w/Sisqo. Why in the world does the official Artscape website word it as such. Wasn't Sisqo a member of Dru Hill? Maybe some can let me know what that's all about! Hmm, I digress sometimes.

(Cute kid making arts and crafts @ Artscape 2007)
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There are so many activities including arts and crafts planned so moms and dads bring the kids! The weather forecast seems to be hot and hazy so please dress appropriately. That means sunscreen too! Oh yes, I almost forgot. Please leave your pets at home. Sorry to all you pet lovers but that's what the Artscape officials are asking. Have fun!!! I will be on a mini vaca so please update me with what was hot and what was not! If I didn't give you enough information, feel free to click here for more.

Exclusive Interview with Yahzarah aka Miss Purple St. James

Who is Yahzarah? Well if you don't know, you have been living under a rock! She is only one of the hottest female vocalists out!!! 

(Photographer Credit: Daria Johnson)

Your girl recently had the privilege of sitting down with Yahzarah aka Miss Purple St. James and would love to share it with Bmore. Yahzarah aka Miss Purple St. James, a DMV native, studied at the famous Duke Ellington School of Music in Washington D.C. and later found her way to to North Carolina Central University on a music scholarship. After college, Miss Purple St. James went on to perform with big names in the music industry and land a gig as a background singer for none other than the renowned Erykah Badu. She used that opportunity to catapult her own music career and might I say it's a breath of fresh air. Finally an artist who is sincere about her music and uses her talent to reach people beyond the mainstream. So now that you have a sense of who Yahzarah aka Miss Purple St. James is, let's get to the interview.

Many of your fans know you as Yahzarah, so could you explain the name change to Miss Purple St. James?

It's basically an alter ego that I created during the time when I was disillusioned with the business. I needed some inspiration and I was really about to quit. I was singing a lot of hooks for money and singing things that I didn't really want my name, Yahzarah, to be associated with. As time went on, she (Purple St. James) kinda became more me. She breathed new ideas and other creative energy into me. Currently, I'm working on a record inspired by the energy she gave me.

Who or what inspires your music?

Events, things that I've experienced and things that other people I know have experienced [have influenced my music as well as] growing up, the music in the church. I went to a nondenominational church and the choir director was from the holiness tradition. From his instruction is where a lot of the operatic parts of my voice come from. As I grew older I started to really listen to The Beetles, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner. I'm a hodge podge of a ton of different things.

Currently who is your favorite artist?

There are a few: Bilal Oliver, Eric Roberson and Cherise (a sister I saw in Chicago who has a voice that takes down fire) . My favorite artist is anybody who is doing something creative and is not contrived. I've got a guilty pleasure and his name is T-Pain. [I know he is so mainstream (BmoreFab! Chick)]. Mainstream is not the enemy, it's the lack of balance that's the enemy. If everyone was the same, we'd be in trouble. Look at me, I made a record that was globally accepted but stepped away from the form that I was doing before into a place where I thought I could be creative. Many fans ask, "Why can't you do what you were doing before"? I say because if I do that, I didn't grow. It's so unfair to ask me that.

(BmoreFab! Chick, Miss Purple St. James, Gypsy Soul Diva)

I can't help but notice your unique style. Is your style inspired by vintage labels or brand names?

I love it all. I call it extravagant couture. To me shoes are everything and I like classic cuts. I used to chop everything up and design for myself. I'm not a label whore. I like what looks good and feels good on me.

Finally, what makes you fabulous?

Well, my classic African beauty. My attention to detail and my love for common people like myself. That's my blessing and my curse and it does make me fabulous!

If you want to find out more about Miss Purple St. James you can check out her official website here or listen to her music here. Be on the lookout for a future article featuring Miss Purple St. James on eXcapethematriX.com in their October edition.

Humpday Relief | 7.16.08

It's Wednesday and we're half way through the week! I've got the perfect party for you...Huckas at The Genie Room (2324 Boston St.). Ladies are free before 11pm and there are 50 cent wings until the kitchen closes. More importantly, there are drink specials ALL night (so they say). Check it out! Oh yea, clearly you need to be fresh, fly, and fab! If you don't believe me, take a look at the flyer.

Mario Getting Nasty!

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I don't know about you, but I remember when Mario came out in 2002 with "Just a Friend". 92.Q was on the radio broadcasting the video and what not...asking for all the young ladies to come out to be in the video. Now Bmore's own Mario has made it big! He's been seen partying in L.A. and New, York, performed on major awards shows, and has been viewed by millions on Dancing with the Stars.

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Now he is taking off his clothes and grinding with ladies (maybe not ladies) on stage. I ain't gon lie...his body is looking good these days. But anyhoo c'mon Mario, must you resort to that? You are talented, there is no need!!! Yes, yes, yes, we all know that sex sells but isn't there another way? Bmore let me know...does every artist need to turn to sex to sell their albums? Feel free to comment below.

EO Entertainment at Red Maple

Watch how EO Entertainment parties on Sunday nights at Red Maple (930 N Charles St.). To find out more about EO Entertainment visit their website by clicking here. 

I like the video...

Plies in Bmore?

Who knew? Plies is coming to Bmore. Not that I am a fan or anything (he is one of the WORST rappers out there...that's my opinion only!!!), but some of you are so I gotta let you know who is coming to town. 

When is he coming? He 's scheduled to perform at Sonar (407 E. Saratoga St.) on Friday, August 1. 

If you are a fan and wish to purchase tickets then by all means click here. I know that this is one event that I will be sure to miss.

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Eubie Blake Center | Fab! New Exibit

I've always been a fan of the arts; performing arts, visual arts you name it. I'm fascinated because I'm not so artistic myself. Enough about me... If you are a  fan of the arts like I am then I hope you're no stranger to the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center. 

There is a new exhibit called "Anti Art" featuring Victor Hugo Ordonez, an Equadorian self taught artist. It runs now until Saturday, August 23. This is the center's FIRST international arts exchange. Ordonez's art work deviates from the conservative ideals of his country and transcends into a more modern and abstract style. If you are interested in finding more information about this FAB! art exihibit then click here.

7.13.08 | Eden's Lounge Tonight

In the mood to go out tonight? Check out Eden's Lounge (15 W Eager St.) for Swagger Sundays. The night is hosted by 92.Q's Konan and music by DJs Kenny K, Rod Madd Flava, and Mike Philly. Sounds like its gonna be one heck of a party with all three DJs! 

Anyway its LADIES NIGHT...ladies you are free from 8pm-11pm so get there early. Who knows what ridiculous price they might be charging afterwards. There are drink specials til 10:30pm and dress to impress. No tennis or athletic wear please!

7.13.08 | Crabs and Coors Light

Did somebody say crabs? I haven't had any all summer!

 

 Azikiwe Deveaux is doing it big for his birthday so join him along with Events4GoodPeople and Coors Light for Crabs and Coors at Captain James Crab House (2127 Boston Street) from 5 pm- 9 pm. 

Cover is $40 for all you can eat crabs, corn on the cob, and Coors. For more information and tickets click here.