Nike + Mavado

Yeah, Really!

That is the latest news blazing all the sneaker blogs from NYC and beyond....


First Magazine, as well as other blogs released a pic of the limited edition sneaker with this caption:

'As if you needed anymore convincing that Mavado has made it big…really big, check out the the Real Mckoy’s below'

So, what do you think? To check out some reaction to the sneaker click here:

http://jamaica-star.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1211939307/15

Hmmm, sticking to my stilettos-

Bashy

Bashment Review: Super Dee and Ricky Hype's "Year to Year All White Affair"

The summer season kicked off in full party mode as Super Dee and Ricky Hype presented the 3rd “Year to Year All White Affair” on Sunday, May 25th at the Club Center. In a change of venue from 4U2B Lounge to the city’s newest bashment home, The Club Center, the crowd and the vibes were off to a slow simmer but in true dancehall fashion reached its full potential and lasted until the early AM. But, with no work or school the next day, there was not a care in sight as the dance carried past 6 in the morning.

As Chat ‘Bout reached the dance at about 2am, the sounds of Star Temple’s Ricky Hype could be heard well beyond the parking lot. After a more thorough than usual security check (looking for pepper spray, no less), we proceeded towards the tunes and were welcomed with the partygoers looking pure in various white ensembles. We always look forward to the All White Affair as the masses support this themed bash more than any other. (Although there were a few in the crowd who wanted to make an ‘opposite’ statement - don’t think we didn’t see you…)

Ricky Hype kept the early party crowd going with the old school segment followed by a few culture tunes. The crowd obliged the selections as many swayed to the rhythms but yearned for the sounds rise to the next level.

Soon, DJ Lava Ranks took over the sounds as he stepped up the vibes with a few old school hip hop tunes like Nas’ “You Can Hate Me Now” and “Whoa” by Lil’ Kim…

As Jamie from Young Hawk took over the sounds at about 3am, he got the ladies all warm and fuzzy with tunes like “Beautiful” by James Blount and a few “friendly” tunes like Whitney Houston’s “Count on Me” and Gladys Knight’s “That’s What Friends Are For”. It was a great to see all the gals in the dance holding their friends hands, and hugging as they walked out on the dance floor.

The dance soon reached a higher level as the vibes picked up as Synemaxx (standing on the table, no less) started off with Bob Marley’s “Natural Mystic” and Dennis Brown’s “Revolution” followed by a few tunes for the fellas including, “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down”. By this time, one could see more than a few lighters up and the fellas marching out on the dance floor.

After a slow simmer, the dance was in full madness mode as Synemaxx kept a great selection of new tunes along with dancehall favorites from Mr. Vegas, Mavado, Erupt and Bugle. I don’t know about you all, but we always look forward to the sounds from other places bringing new music styles to Cleveland by keeping the masses current with the new dances, artists, etc.

Big up to the little miss representing on the dance floor as she held it down up against the 3 special guest dancers along for the event. One can never know what to expect in the limelight as these young misses found out with the arrival of an unexpected dance partner that taught them a few new ‘moves’ in the process…. Trust me if you missed it, I can’t EVEN begin to explain it to you but all I can say is – W O W!

As expected, the All White Affair always brings out the dancehall celebrities from the past and present. It was great to see the Wanda and Tracey of the Diamond Girls in the house. Also in the building, keeping it low key, KC Platinum AKA Mr. Personality, Maggie Untouchable (after her sell off Army Fatigue Bash at Dailey’s the night before), The Barbie Doll/Bashment Crew -looking flawless as usual, Caribbean Flavor owner Lurliene (rocking a white-hot pantsuit), Leisa Engel and DJ Chubbie from 88.7 alongside fly-as-usual-sis Suzette. Also in the crowd were Ms. Punkin, DJ Lava Ranks’ better half, DJ Jellie (promoting “The Lollipop Affair” coming NEXT Saturday, May 31st), Brignite and his lovely wife (sporting a new ‘do) and Hot boys Blacka, Dylan and Mikey from Flava Unit.

Big up to Ricky Hype and Super Dee (looking great in his all white suit complete with white ball cap) for a night full of surprises (and prizes) and keeping the vibes in Cleveland with a great Memorial Day dance. No doubt we are definitely looking forward to another sell off event for your Annual Birthnite Bash, “The Blue and White Affair” in October.

In the meantime, as you get a chance to rest up from the weekend, here are a few pics… (Note: Due to a few technical issues, there are a few pics that didn’t make it to the site. Trust and believe we will make it up to you with the next big bash!)

Resting at home, but still-

Bashy

Superdee and Ricky Hype presents the 3rd “Year to Year All White Affair” THIS Sunday!

On Sunday, May 25th, it’s all about Superdee of Youth High Power alongside Ricky Hype as they present the 3rd “Year to Year All White Affair”. The promoter who brought Cleveland the ‘Blue and White Affair’ is raising the bashment bar with a bigger venue and even bigger sounds.

This year’s event has a new location moving from 4U2B in Euclid, to the grand, spacious Club Center (located at 8800 Woodland Avenue). The bigger venue can come as a welcome change as the All White Affair will feature mega sound from Jamaica, Synemaxx (www.myspace.com/synemaxx). Other sounds will be provided by YHP (with Superdee and King John), Star Temple (with Ricky Hype), Young Hawk (with Jamie Hype) and Sample Jack with (DJ Lava Ranks).

The All White Affair marks the beginning of the season as we head into a slew of bashes and events for the Summer. The All White Affair always brings out the crowd, dressed in their ‘pure’ best. This is a guaranteed night for dancehall celebrities and veterans alike!

Don't have any white you say? You still have time to get to the nearest boutique or even seamstress to get you RED (or should I say WHITE) Carpet Ready! You all knew it was coming !!

Come early, stay late, you don’t have to work Monday, so see you there!

…..Still trying to find the ‘white’ look so I can be –


Bashy

(W A I T! Keep scrolling! Check out the Chat ‘Bout Cleveland’s interview with Superdee below…)

Chat 'Bout It: Super Dee of Youth High Power

On any given bash, while the crowd is in its full madness mode, one can look at the back of the club and see a tall, ball capped figure laid ‘off in the cut’. As we leave the dance, that same figure is passing out flyers to his latest bashments; from the All White Affair in May to the Blue and White Affair in October.

As Cleveland gets ‘white’ for the Annual All White Affair this month (May 25th), Chat ‘Bout Cleveland’s Tattletale took a few moments to sit down and chat with Super Dee of Youth Hi Power. Super Dee, one of this city’s (and New York AND New Orleans) hardest working promoters, talks about Cleveland’s dancehall scene, keeping the crowd hype and still managing to stay humble……..

Friday, May 2, 2008, Caribbean Flavor (Euclid, Ohio)

Tattletale: Who are the members of your Sound System?
Super Dee: Myself (Super Dee); King John; Jah B and DJ Leo he’s new.

TT: What got you interested in building a sound system?

Super Dee: I’ve been around this (soundsystems) since I was born. My uncle was the original owner of Youth Hi Power back in the 70’s. I officially inherited it back in 2000.

TT: What makes a great sound?

Super Dee: Quality. Somebody who knows how to play for people. That’s most important. If the people are not satisfied, you’re not doing your job.

TT: Many sounds like to first bless the dance with roots and culture, is that something that you like to do as well?

Super Dee: It depends on how I feel. I don’t play one-way.

TT: As the sound system do you try to set the vibes for the dance or do you get the vibes based from the crowd's reaction to the tunes you've selected?

Super Dee: Let the crowd (react). Again, if the people are not satisfied you’re not doing your job.

TT: How difficult is it to build the vibes through each dance?

Super Dee: It’s not difficult at all! I can start a dance off with this (motioning towards what is currently playing at the venue - ‘Love & Happiness’). I guarantee you at whatever dance I play, the people are going to have a good time. That’s just me. I’m the most humble person you can say you know, but when I get on that stage and I’m playing music, it’s like another side of me. That’s just how I play.

TT: Do you have any dub plates signature rhythms work with any artist?

Super Dee: Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and Garnett Silk. I got a bunch.

TT: What do you think about the dancehall scene in Cleveland since you’ve been on the scene?

Super Dee: It’s getting better.

TT: Do you feel Cleveland's Dancehall Scene is up-to-date on the music tip as other cities such as Detroit, Chicago, or even New York?

Super Dee: It depends. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. It’s really up to the sound men to keep the people up on what’s new.

TT: We (Chat 'Bout Cleveland) along with other dancehall fans in Cleveland can honestly say that we look forward to the upcoming 'Annual All White Affair' and the 'Blue & White Affair' in October. Tell us about your inspiration behind bringing these bashes to Cleveland annually?

Super Dee: Cleveland needed it, really needed it.

(**Special Note- Chat Bout remembers those were the days when a certain crew made a sudden exit stage LEFT and yeah, it took about two years for the dancehall scene & celebrities to resurface. See archives on www.chatboutcleveland.blogspot.com March 2007 for more.)

TT: Being a versatile entertainment entity as a selector/sound system and promoter, in both New York and Cleveland - has it affected your creativity?....People always tend to want you to top what you’ve already done; you know “push the envelope”, “think outside the box”, “What are they going to do next?” That sort of thing. Do you feel that pressure to top the last event, continuously motivated on your own, or a little bit of both?

Super Dee: No (pressure). I just try to relax and remain humble.

TT: Over the years, who are some of the people that you still enjoy seeing coming out to support you?

Super Dee: (The people who come to) Caribbean Flavor and Dailey’s I enjoy the vibes.

TT: Chat 'Bout Cleveland’s mission is to: Provide an on-line access to celebrate Cleveland's Dancehall Community by uplifting it’s reggae community: Sounds, promoters & patrons, businesses & bashments, and of course Cleveland's own Dancehall Celebrities!Having said that, what do you think of Chat 'Bout Cleveland?

Super Dee: So far, so good.

TT: Is there anything else you'd like our chat ‘bout readers to know?

Super Dee: (Laughs) Come out and support the white party. Oh yeah, I also have a talent show coming up and the winner of that show will be the opening act for Alicia Keys & Ludacris. Anyone interested can log on to Talent-Fever.com for more details.

To get more info about Super Dee and the Annual All White affair, log on to: www.myspace.com/Superdee12003.

YOU TELL US! Know any other promoters, selectors, crews or dancehall divas/dons making moves in the Cleveland dancehall scene? Hit us up! chat_bout_cleveland@hotmail.com or www.myspace.com/chatboutcleveland. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Ciao!

Tattletale

Bashment Review: Detroit's 'Pum Pum Audition' (with pics!)

It was all about Detroit’s Roots Rock Sound, Pittsburgh’s #1 sound, Vybz Machine and Fudgie Springer at his single release bash, a night called “Pum Pum Audition”. The Chat ‘Bout has been that Detroit’s vibes on the dancehall scene have been nice for a while and we finally had a chance to experience one of this city’s dances for ourselves. As much as we love and clearly favor the dancehall scene here in C-Town, it was a welcome break in our busy bashment schedule as we gear up for all the events coming this summer.

(Trust us, it was hard to choose, we heard the dance at the Club Center was nice as well. We definitely hated to miss Metro Media and Artillery Sound and hope they will return soon so we can get a look at some of Sky Juice’s dance moves first hand…..)

Chat ‘Bout could feel the good vibes as soon as we reached the door of The Victory One Social Club. The masses were feeling the tunes as selectors from Roots Rocks Sounds kept the diverse crowd hype. The dance floor, chairs, building columns and even speakers were not safe as dancehall divas such as KarKell (from Minnesota), Detroit's Lady Empress, Glamour Girls from Detroit and others broke out in the latest dances all over the place. Not to be overshadowed by the ladies, Pittsburgh’s maddest dancer, Dutty Vybz and Chicago’s Hype Squad represented for the fellas and added to the maddest of the dance.

The name of this could have easily been, ‘Night of 1000 Dancehall Queens’ as the dancehall divas (and dons) were in the place ‘auditioning’ for a place in Fudgie’s music video for his single, ‘P---y Good’. Yes, we have heard the tune and it is definitely catchy with quite the hook to say the least! (You can hear the single and others by Fudgie Springer logging on to www.myspace.com/fudgiespringer).

Big Up to Vybz Machine as they ripped the sounds and kept the crowd hype until about 4:30 am. Keeping with the true purpose of the event, The Mad One, Jukie Blacks kept on task conducting the ‘auditions’ as he and Fudgie called out several dancing crews such as Selebrity and Nocturnal Crew to take their turn on the dance floor as well.

Although we were away from home, Chat ‘Bout was still able to spot a few dancehall celebs in the crowd. Although I love my oldies, the DJ played mostly new tunes while staying true to dancehall fans LEAVING OUT the hip hop set (yah!). Big up Schemes of Kingbless Sound (from NYC), Rudy Mack, Kate from Pittsburgh- also on hand snapping a few pics of the action and Sharon from Girls Rush Promotions spreading the word about her upcoming event featuring Bad Boy recording artist, ‘Elephant Man’ THIS Sunday, May 18th. We also loved our little Supergal (in full costume, down to her open toe denim boots) and the hot boy rocking his version of the scarf.

From our stance, it was great to see the crowd out to party in true Detroit style. The people came out to dance, here a few new tunes and have a GOOD time. Despite the ‘competition’ all the ladies showed some of their ‘unique’ moves (see KarKell in the pics) and genuinely have fun making for a drama free event. The night of madness ended appropriately with what else? The premier of Fudgie’s other single, ‘T---y Whine’.

So, you ask, who actually WON an opportunity to appear in Fudgie’s video? “I can’t choose, I can’t choose.” Fudgie claimed throughout his delight. Hmmm, I guess we will have to wait until his NEXT ‘Pum Pum Audition’ is held for his latest single… next time, in Cleveland, perhaps?

Here are more than a few pictures from the event, what can we say, we had a blast….
Want more pics? Log on to http://www.pittsburghreggae.net/gallery/pumpumauditiondetroit?page=3

Back home and still –



Bashy

KarKell from Minnesota show off a 'unique' move...


Dancehall warning: Do NOT try this at home!


Kate from Pittsburgh, hope to link up with you soon!



Detroit Hotboy, Rudy Mack (Thanks, Vybz Machine!)

Selector Schemes of NYC's Kingbless Sound hypes up the madness of the dance...


Carmen from KarKell (Minnesota) and Jukie Blacks



...and- action!



Guest of honor, Fudgie Springer and 'The Mad One' Jukie Blacks look on....

We loved the way he rocked this H&M scarf!
'Money Changer' by Mavado gets everybody HYPE!

Let the auditions begin...

Gurlz Rush Promotions Sharon, in the place, bringing Elephant Man to Detroit THIS Sunday....

Damn! Supergal move so fast we barely got a pic!

The dance get thick from early....

Couple feeling N I C E....

Cutie Cute gals at the bash...

People still feeling the vibes until 5am!

Bashment Review: The Return of the Players Ball (Our 100th Post!)

Aren’t you lucky? You are in the mist of making history as you enjoy the 100th post of our little blog, Chat ‘Bout Cleveland. And boy how we’ve grown! We started as an online journal talking to the masses about all the latest dances and events and fast forward about 18 months later we’ve added pictures, interviews and even a few videos and who can forget our My Space? (We’re even showing our faces more on the scene, since the response has been so positive!) Chat ‘Bout Cleveland is growing and you have showed us the love, from here in Cleveland, to Pittsburgh, to Minneapolis, to Detroit and more to come!

Through all the comments, good and bad, much thanks! (We try to proofread more - promise!) All the big ups, the flyer mentions and beyond – THANKS! Keep chatting – it will only get better from here……

Okay, enough about us. It's all about The Return of the Players Ball.....

With all the anticipation and hopes for “The Return of the Players Ball” last Saturday, I am left scratching my head…. What happened? Trust me, a great time was had by all, but if you were in attendance last Saturday, let’s just say we were all a little more than choked up! The bash started off slow and by the end at about 5am, it became the little dance that could…..

As Chat ‘Bout made its way to the Club Center at about 2am, the dance was in full swing. But, we were a little surprised by the crowd since the parking around Club Center told a completely different story. (Guess the $3.75/gallon gas prices STILL are not enough reason to carpool). There was a decent crowd, but for some reason I expected a jam packed venue. The Players Ball was a staple of the dancehall scene back in the day, so maybe I was just wanted more.

One reason for the turnout is that people feel that there have been too many bashes, too much of the same, I guess and many a dancehall fan decided to take a few parties off. Are we ever satisfied?

Whatever the reasons, the vibes were nice in the dance as the masses danced to tunes from Sample Jack featuring KC Platinum, oh, Mr. Personality and Special Guest, Mark Dragon from Inner City Sound in NYC. As usual, the R&B/hip-hop set got the crowd hype just before the selector bought the crowd back with a few new dancehall tunes.

Just as I grabbed my Merlot and really began to sway to some tunes from ‘Girl Power’ set (as I like to call it).....

i thought, "Damn, I need some water, (cough, cough)".

"Hmmm, what did I choke on?????"

For whatever reason, I looked unto the crowd and saw people covering their faces, and coughing as well. “What, the…??” I thought. I immediately hit the door and was met by about 20 other partygoers including a couple carrying one guest out of the dance. I could hear some murmurs of people saying something about pepper spray and some girl and….

Oh.

Not again.

And at The Players Ball? Why?

So in between the coughing, eye rubs and covered mouths, always trying to get the scoop, Chat ‘Bout was able to get to what happened (but, do you really need to wonder?)

As usual, someone was dancing and someone got bumped and get mad and blah, blah, same story. But this story had a different ending this time – the pepper spray. As security attempted to grab the party pooper, Not only did she spray the security guard RIGHT in the eye, she continued to spray throughout the dance. (Can you say ignorant? Damn!)

So, to the drive by sprayer/coward, IF YOU CAN READ: There are a lot of people remember your pretty little face and if you decided to attend another dance be sure to keep your pepper spray near since I think there are a lot of people who would LOVE to talk with you…. But, that’s just what I heard… I mean, I am just saying, I am definately not one to condone (or inflict)violence, but I can't say the same about the other gals who decided to leave the dance early because of that mess... I'm just saying.....

Okay, enough about the trash, back to the bash!

As the dance continued, it never seems to amaze me how nothing phases the dancehall crowd; fight - whatever- keep dancing, too damn hot/cold -whatever- keep dancing, pepper spray in the crowd -whatever- music never stops, so you will, rub your eyes, cough and keep dancing! I love it!

Big up to Stone Love's Billy Slaughter for keeping control of the dance with his tunes, I must say I haven’t heard Stone Love bring the tunes in a long time and the crowd definitely appreciated the vibes. Slaughter kept the crowd hype with his mix of old and new songs along with his exclusive dub plates.

I think that little drama actually made the dance even stronger. The vibes picked up and the masses keep having a great time. The camera man was in full effect as many a gal decided to walk out in the video light (I see you sporting the summer body Ms. Suzie Q!). Speaking of video, if anyone knows where we can get a copy, please hit us up (chat_bout_cleveland@hotmail.com)!

Like many a big bash, there were a few dancehall celebs in the crowd. All dressed up in full dance mode, were New Horizon including DJ Curly Locs, Maggie Untouchable, sporting the girlie bob, 88.7 FM Leisa Engel and DJ Chubbie, The Barbie Doll/Bashment Crew – looking fab as usual, Flavor Unit, Blacka and Macka B, promoting his (count ‘em) 6 day birthday tour, Super Promoter Super Dee (STILL passing out flyers as the masses fled the pepper scene – I love it!) and we cannot go without a mention of Lady Spyder in full form – Moet and all.

We tried to take a few pics, but maybe the camera picked up something or the eyes were too watery, but no pics nonetheless – our apologies! We will make it up with all the bashes coming this Summer.

Until then,

Done choking and still -


Bashy

Chat 'Bout It: Metro Media's Skyjuice interview in Cleveland (video)

To get you ready for Saturday’s big dance, check out this interview with a real dancehall pioneer (with 30+ years in the biz), Skyjuice, selector for Metro Media sound. In the interview during his last (snowy) visit, Skyjuice talks about his respect in the industry and how keeping up with the new changes in dancehall keeps him ‘updated’! Let me tell you - If the madness on this video is anything like what Metro Media will bring to the Club Center this Saturday, then this is a definite CAN’T MISS event!

Special thanks to Rich Lowe of WRUW 91.1 FM/Reggaedirectory.com for sending this great piece our way!

To view the Youtube video, click on the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXzKGXt1zSk&feature=email

Enjoy,

Bashy