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Bob Marley
Introducing Chris Stylez: Soul Without Borders
Tags: 50 Cent / Bob Dylan / Bob Marley / Chris Stylez / George Allen / Harris / J. Math / Jagged Edge / Jimi Kendrix / Jimmy Cliff / MTV / Ne-Yo / Rick Ross / The Gaylads / Wyclef Jean
By Souleo. The laid back grooves of the Caribbean, the introspective lyrics of some of Canada's best singer-songwriters and the edge of New York City's hip-hop influenced soul all merge into the musical style of rising artist, Chris Stylez. The Canadian born international R&B artist is steadily rising after opening for Ne-Yo, Wyclef Jean, Jagged Edge and more. Recently he partnered up with the NY-based production team of Jimi Kendrix & J. Math (50 Cent, Rick Ross, MTV) and has been receiving spins across North America on stations such as Atlanta's V103.3FM and Toronto's Flow 93.5FM. Chris creates relatable work that moves listeners with the poetic and lyrically infused melodic narratives of his songs on the EP, Dreamer.
Read on as Chris talked overcoming the street life, how the 9/11 terrorism attacks influenced his music, his connection to reggae legends Jimmy Cliff and Harris "BB" Seaton and more.
He's survived growing up without a dad and being called too American:
I grew up with no real father figure and went through a period where I allowed myself to be influenced by people close to me. I lost friends to senseless violence. Eventually, I left Canada to pursue the American Dream. In Toronto, it was difficult to break through because I would be told to wait until the bands I was working with got their shine or that my music was too "American." I've come to embrace all my experiences and challenges as part of life. It keeps me humble and focused on the big picture.
He's not afraid to get political:
My song, "Dear America" came to me the night after the 9/11 attacks. I was close enough to the towers to feel the rumble of the crash when everything went down. I may not be American but I felt as affected as any American which inspired me to write a letter in the form of a song. I'm a rebel. I say things people are hesitant to say and do what those same people don't want to do. The game needs new leaders of soul. I'm bringing truth like my elders before me such as Bob Marley and Bob Dylan.
He's got connections to reggae royalty:
My father, George Allen, is first cousin to Jimmy Cliff and my granduncle is reggae singer and record producer Harris "BB" Seaton, who was also a member of The Gaylads. I never even knew that I was related to Jimmy until my grandmother brought it to my attention just before she passed away a few years ago. I only recently reunited with BB Seaton. Knowledge of my musical lineage inspired me to challenge myself more than ever before and to push the limits. In my opinion, Jimmy Cliff and BB Seaton are Jamaican music royalty which makes me realize that I should not be taking my position lightly as an artist, writer or musician.
He's not afraid to have a little fun:
I'm a big kid! I've been told that I always look so serious but generally I'm a clown. I always told myself that I would play a comedic role on television someday, kind of like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
For more information on Chris please visit:
http://www.myspace.com/StreetRadioMusic
Check out Chris' single, "Fade Away" from his EP Dreamer:
http://www.youtube.com/ChrisStylezTV
Parish New Arrivals for Men
Tags: Bob Marley / Parish / Unity is Strength
By Edwin STATS Houghton. Fashionistas have been flipping the rugged functionality of work gear and army surplus into a more personal statement at least since Bob Marley ran the set. These new men's shirts from Parish update that classic look by combining it with the easy comfort of athletic gear and eye-grabbing oversized graphics for the best of all worlds.
For instance, the Sail Stripe Crest Button Up pairs work-shirt toughness with aristocratic design on the crest for the ultimate crew shirt. The white on navy Striped Woven Button Up achieves the boldness of a warm-up jacket for a shirt strong enough to be your first line of defense, while the fresh and clean lines of the White Blueprint Woven Button Up is closer to the crispness of a dress uniform - perfect under a blazer or a bomber.
All bear the trademark Parish motto: Unity is Strength, a statement anyone can get behind. And with their balance of functional details and originality, these pieces won't go out of style until all wars cease.
Shaun Boothe Takes Hip-Hop to a New Dimension
Tags: Bob Marley / Cipha Sounds / Diddy / Oprah Winfrey / Shaun Boothe
If you thought hip-hop was one dimensional, think again. Newcomer and Toronto rapper, Shaun Boothe is out to showcase all of the different elements of hip-hop and his persona in 3-D fashion. JimmyJazz.com was in attendance to witness the premiere of his new video “Poor Boy,” at New York’s Bryant Park Hotel Screening Room.
Shaun Boothe “Poor Boy” Video Trailer:
The event was hosted by Hot 97 and MTV personality, Cipha Sounds who kicked it off in his usual humorous style. Cipha Sounds noted that he had to support Shaun Boothe based on his creative concept of utilizing 3-D and his unauthorized biography series, where Shaun raps out the biography of noted figures such as Diddy, Oprah Winfrey, Bob Marley and others.
“You need some concept because everybody can make music now. So getting CD’s used to be rare and you would know it was good for the money and effort, but now it’s hard to get through the muck. I think Shaun has a creative concept that will get a lot of people’s attention,” Cipha said.
Already Shaun has attracted the attention of many industry tastemakers who were in attendance to witness the video première. While 3-D glasses were inexplicably not given out we were able to witness the video and all of its colorful and energetic visuals. We would have loved to have gotten the full effect but we at least got to hear a talented new hip-hopper arriving on the scene with a catchy and hard-hitting single.
Shaun Boothe’s Unauthorized Biography of Sean Combs:
For Shaun Boothe, the inspiration behind the 3-D concept was all about stepping outside of the limits of hip-hop.
“I’m a diverse person and as artists we get forced into a box. When I’m in a box I punch air holes in it. So I’m packaging it so they get all sides of me and not just one,” he said.
One side that Shaun Boothe is not afraid to show is his vulnerable side.
“As rappers we have this superman complex that as an artist you’re bigger than human and perfect and polished. The reality is when I’m on stage I try to become bigger than life but still want to show my weaknesses and vulnerabilities,” he said.
One such insecurity he must grapple with is the reality being a starving independent artist.
“When you’re an artist and put everything on the line that’s the biggest gamble on yourself and dream. I have friends who are lawyers and doing things and I'm still here grinding and struggling pursuing my dream. It is hard sometimes to accept that I don’t have the monetary stuff to validate who I am but I know that I’m doing what I love and looking back with no regrets,” he said.
Shaun Boothe is definitely moving forward and helping to usher in the new hip-hop talent arriving from Canada, one dimension at a time. Shaun is currently finishing up his debut album and plans to embark upon a 3-D hip-hop tour in 2010. It all sounds exciting but just make sure next time we get a pair of 3-D glasses.
For more information on Shaun please visit: www.myspace.com/shaunboothe
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