Month: December 2007

Dear readers,
A whole year went by very fast. I haven’t seen it fly away, because I have stayed focused on things I am very passionate about like songs/ CD reviews, artistic biographies, interviews etc…now time has come to rewind and analyze the year. 2007 has allowed me to diversify my musical taste even more than I did in the past. I have discovered various artists from different countries, with very original styles of their own. Through the months, I have worked hard on perfecting my writing craft. I have let my heart express my true feelings about the music notes and vocals that run through my ears. In short, I have always kept the passion alive.
Like all of you, I’ve known ups and downs throughout the year. I’ve also made mistakes, but most importantly the mistakes I made recently allowed me to be stronger and to mature my vision of the world.
Don’t be too harsh with yourself when you’re wrong. Just admit it and have the courage to face the truth. It will teach you how to better yourself.
Life is made of rain and sunshine. Be happy with both of it. Enter into the conscience of life’s fagility. Enjoy each moment as if it was the last one.
We are at the dawn of a brand new year: don’t live on regrets…rather look forward the new promises 2008 has to offer for all of you!
Don’t let your heart become rotten with past frustrations and past hatreds. Forgive your enemies without forgetting, though, what they once did to you…
Most importantly…live out the passion to the fullest…let it burn:)
My wishes for 2008:
-specific Xmas Wishes: Happy Birthday to my eldest son Marcus and to Em’s daughter Hailie who were both born the same day:)
– more peace in this world, a better and secure world for everybody, the eradication of racism, equality of chances for everybody
-on a personal level, I’d like to achieve something real consistent in the field of writing and music journalism…I am working very hard towards this goal with a renewed and determined spirit.
Thanks to all of you who have kept reading me through the years…I could never thank you enough.
I wish you all a blessed Xmas (or a Happy Winter Break) and a Happy New Year 2008…Peace to all of you:)
Isabelle
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

In most people’s minds, fame rhymes with glory, applause and glitter.
Honestly, who hasn’t dreamt about his or her quarter of fame? Some are even ready to attract the media’s attention at any price. If you look at Kesia Alvarez’ worthless assertions to the press about Eminem, a few years ago, you have a pretty good illustration of 15 ridiculous minutes of fame”. Some others, according to the UK’s Daily Mail, would be ready to expose their nudity or compromising details of their privacy for their faces to appear on a TV screen.
The most desperate and troubled minds, like Robert Hawkins, don’t hesitate to kill and to commit suicide in order to be known to the world.
I think there is a lot of confusion about fame. Any of us would like to leave something to the posterity to be remembered for. Some of us are more ambitious and dream of our names written in capital letters everywhere we go. But very few realize, that, unless we are blessed by an incredible luck, fame is also and often a matter of sweat and tears.
Although some people think that modelling is an easy way to earn money, they should be aware than they are entering a harsh and merciless world in which only the best, the most determined will win.
I have been discussing with a lot of underground artists. Most of them wish for success and fame (who wouldn’t in their place?). Most of them keep telling me that they could handle fame and its major inconvenients. I am convinced of the contrary. Becoming famous would probably please anybody-in the beginning, though. Yes, I know I’d love to be te center of attention, to be recognized everywhere, and even to sign a few autographs…but I also know that I’d hate the label to schedule my whole planning, to literally steal my life, to force me to spread an image that wouldn’t be the real me, to be the victim of invasive fans and to hide from curious journalists and papparazzi…
Yes, maybe I’d like to be famous…I’d rather say appreciated from the world…but not at any price.
I’d like to still enjoy walking alone in a crowded place without being bothered by a myriad of freaks screaming my name. I’d like to walk around without people bothering my family.
I came to the conclusion that it is probably better to reach a certain amount of wealth without having to pay the price of overwhelming fame.
Next time you envy those priviledged people one commonly calls “celebs”, try to think about it.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Dear readers,
I copied and pasted this article for you all, because I do think that it is worth more than a look. I like the author’s sense of humor. It certainly contains a very valuable lesson for all of us writers, artists, columnists etc (I mean all of us who play a role in the media or music industry)…None of us likes haters. However, considering my own experience, I must admit that I owe my haters a lot. My haters are indeed the persons who motivated and still motivate me to go forward and to work harder every day that goes by…I’d also like to thank some of them for all the free publicity they offered me through their gossips about me lol
Read the original article here and enjoy it to the fullest!
The norm in society is usually to say goodbye to the people you love before taking off on new adventures.
I think we all remember the classic scene in “Titanic” – hundreds of passengers aboard the deck of the doomed ship blowing kisses toward family and friends. It really touches the heart.
But I won’t be saying goodbye to those who loved my column, at least not especially. Don’t get me wrong hearing compliments from fans I pass on campus is a good feeling – it makes me feel all warm and cuddly.
I really want to say goodbye to all those folks who hate my column, especially the ones who have left hate mail or comments on the News web site.
Why do I love my haters so much? Well, it’s really the most simple concept that exists in media. It’s so simple, in fact, that angry protesters will keep doing it for decades without realizing the effect they are causing.
Negative attention fuels controversial media. Period. No exceptions.
Just look at some of the most obvious examples. Musicians like Eminem and Marilyn Manson sell millions of records because sheltering parents think bad language will send their children on a course to heroin addiction and unprotected sex.
Want more? Howard Stern, a man who surrounds himself with talent to make himself sound like a legitimate radio personality, is still in business because a porn star had an orgasm on his show and the world just couldn’t stand it.
Even writers like Dan Brown wouldn’t exist without haters. I laughed every time I saw church members protesting the movie version of “The Da Vinci Code.” The movie wouldn’t even have existed if the book wasn’t protested so heavily in the first place. Oh, the irony.
Ever seen the movie, “Jesus Camp?” One lady claimed that if Harry Potter were a character in the Old Testament, he would be put to death – yet even after the books are finished, Harry is alive and well.
There really is no end to the number of men and women in the media who have based their entire careers on controversial success. Now, I don’t consider myself a success in the same regards, nor will I likely ever be. But I do consider myself more successful than I would have been if I were a well-behaved columnist.
Last semester, I wrote a column about promiscuous sex and how men and women should not feel ashamed for frequent hook-ups. Honestly, I didn’t even think it was that good. The topic was last minute and the writing was rushed before deadline – it was weeks like those when I just loved my haters.
Even though many students found it hilarious, it was really the hatred that made my column the top hit of the week. One student said his stomach “turned over” when he read my column that week. I had a big smile on my face.
I should probably add that I have an especially thick skin for hate mail and comments. In fact, I actually love receiving them. Sometimes, I’ll write my column for no other reason than to see what kind of hateful feedback I can attract.
It really never fails. No matter how many people become successful because of controversy, people will always keep protesting and giving attention when they are pissed off.
So, of course, I do want to thank those who have been big fans of this column and my writing. I’ll always appreciate those who found the satire and humor in what I was ranting about, even if it was purposely meant to be offensive.
But, my haters, my dear haters, it is you that I’m really going to miss. I’m going to miss waking up every morning and checking my e-mail for new comments. I’m going to miss my Facebook hate groups. I’m going to miss it all.
I had a great time with this column throughout the last two semesters. All the good comments – and the bad – have made this exactly the experience I was looking for.
But don’t worry, fans and haters. I may be leaving, but this column is certainly here to stay for a long time.

A friend emailed me a brand new pic of Hailie in company of 50 Cent’s son, Marquise…
To all of you who are curious to know how Hailie looks like now, enjoy the cute pic:)

Global rating of the product: 4 stars

Shady Records artist Obie Trice recently released the We Run Detroit mixtape in collaboration with Stretch Money. It offers an interesting panel of Detroit talents participation. Most tracks are good compositions which will allow the listeners to discover Detroit hip hop’s specificity.
Although I’ve never been a big Jay Z fan, the song allows me to be very much appreciative of Obie’s skills. Obie owns the lyrical part of the song. His verbal storm totally matches with a rich orchestral background.
The only detail that spoils the song from a musical point of view are the loud horn sounds. They are supposed to create a quite cocky atmosphere, but they seem overshadow the quality of the song.
Ignorant S**t featuring Jay Z and Beanie Sigel also enlighten Obie’s know how: creative lyrics, stormy flow delivery, good instrumentals. However, the chorus and horn sounds seem spoil the song again.
Quest M.C.Q.U.O.D.Y’s Fade Back song has some blues and rock’n roll accents. The artist s vocal efforts are truly enhanced by the electric guitar sounds. A raw sound, combined with heartfelt lyrics will allow you to appreciate the track to the fullest.
Helleva and Eminem are working together on the I Can Be song.
Dark and rhythmic drum beats mixed up with massive violin sounds unveil the dramatic meaning of the song.
Eminem’s part is a little bit disappointing: not that it is bad, but one could expect a little bit more of lyrical creativity from the emcee who wrote complex songs such as the Infinite song. Moreover, Em insists too much on his bad boy image.
Another weakness of the song is-once again- the introduction of those horrible horns. This is not a football match-it is supposed to be a rap song.
Strech Money’s Punishment song is a very rhythmic, lyrically well handled song. With its slight Ruthless sounds and the gangsta spirit it carries, Stretch Money’s talent illuminates the whole track.
I’m Clean : come into Stretch Money’s world, walk through the Detroit area with him. A rich musical background, swinging drum beats, a hustling spirit will reveal a talented emcee straight out of the D.
The CD is strengthened by Royce da 5.9 s participation. Follow Royce in I Get Money. Feel the Southern musical flavor of the track, the good sense of rhythm that allies lyrical talent and a raw hood spirit, enjoy his fast flow delivery.
Rewind is another demonstration of Royce’s hip hop mastery. Listen to his rhythmic lyrical bullets shot from his mouth on a flute and drumbeat background. Very well done!
Open your ears for Famous& Flame’s Skrilla Gorillas anthem.
Some astute wordplays, a dark and rhythmic musical background, a real good lyrical effort welcome you into a hustler s world.
They are coming to you like a bulldozer, ready to erase everything on their way. Don’t sleep on them.
In Dark Moon, Obie and his partner in crime Famous are killing it again.
You will probably enjoy the combination of a bass and drum background.
Dark Moon totally represent the streets of Detroit City.
Globally speaking, the We Run Detroit mixtape is really worth your interest. A few weaknesses such as the massive use of those horrible horns should have been avoided. However, let s point out that the mixtape is rich of tight Detroit artists participation. If you are in love with the Murder Capital s merciless spirit, you are definitely going to enjoy its music.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Global rating of the product: 4.5 stars

True hip hop lovers can’t stay indifferent in front of rap giants Cypress Hill. I had the chance to see them in concert in 2003: their performances were amazing. Eric Bobo’s drums are engraved into that beautiful musical memory. The Gunslinger Volume 3 will allow you avid hip hop listeners to fully appreciate Cypress Hill’s B-Real solo talent.
Welcome to the Grand Hustle universe in which outlaws are the crowned kings. The Cd starts with Ride. After a short introduction, B Real shows some teeth on an organ, drum and keyboard background. With a true hustling spirit, an undeniable mastered flow delivery, B Real shoots some lyrical bullets into the scene. A rough soul introduces you into his world.
A suspenseful musical environment that guides the listener into a mad thriller in which gun talk prevails. The hood is a creepy universe, so ‘show no trust to anybody’ summarizes Trust No Man. The song features Sick Jacken and Cynic.
Again, the artists’ good flow delivery needs to be underlined.
In Death Wish, B- Real exposes the tough world of the hood with a bunch of killa rhymes. This is the way things are. In the ghetto, the game of death is a game during which you can lose your life easily. The piano-violin notes increase the tension while dark vocals draw you the dark picture of the ghetto jungle. Well done.
Motivation offers the listeners some insightful reflection about the thing that really makes you tick in life, a question anybody should confront his mind to. B Real masters rhythm and instrumentals. The talented emcee opens your heart to his passion for hip hop. Pay attention to his words!
4The Love Of The Game: Detroit emcee Uncle ILL (a veteran on the Detroit underground scene) once told me: if somebody wants to be an emcee, he must be prepared to be broke. Yes, it is actually a matter of fact: before an artist gets some real recognition for his work, ten or more years might have gone by. The rap game is a harsh game that will require some real perseverance and a dedicated heart from you.
Hustle Hard is built on a funky background and some scratches sounds. With his conqueror spirit, B Real takes over, punching you right in the face-lyrically speaking.
Thug Life is another beautiful demonstration of B Real’s powerful skills. With its typical Latino flavor, the song is entertaining and beautifully handled as well.
Good rap equals a good, mastered sense of rhythm, some real lyrical power, a nice flow delivery, some creative skills: all those elements are present in B Real’s CD. If you are curious about B Real’s solo talent, it is high time you checked The Gunslinger Volume 3.
Copyright2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

I discovered Scarchild by coincidence and was deeply moved by his tribute to RIP Proof, Time Goes By. Scarchild is a NYC artist who has connexions with the Detroit scene. He was a close friend to fallen soldier Deshaun Holton better known as Big Proof of D12.
Through the years, Scarchild has developed a rich musical style of his own. He is truly a unique and excellent hip hop artist. I hope you will enjoy this interview as much as I did:)
Isabelle

1. How did you get started as an emcee?
Rapping is apart of my bloodline my whole family is music oriented..
2. What motivated you to become a rapper?
Just knowing that I had the skill and the talent to do it.
3. What is the story behind your nickname?
To all of my fans, stay in tuned to the legendary career of Scarchild and you will find out the 100% truth of the name behind the artist.
4. What are the biggest challenges you had to face since you started rapping?
The death of my manager Don Q, the death of my mother, the death of my grandmother, the death of Proof, the death of stack bundles and this all happened to me in a 2 year span.
To all my true fans, bare with me.
5. I first discovered your music thanks to the moving Time Goes By you dedicated to RIP Proof. How did you get inspired to write this very emotional song?
Proof was a very close friend of mine. Also, a source of guidance toward bettering my career.
And our experiences together is what inspired me to write this emotional song.
6. From what I understand, you have strong connections with the Detroit scene. Can you tell us how you met D12 s Bizarre and how you both decided to work together?
Actually I met Bizarre in the notorious rap battle scene here in NYC called the Fight Klub.
He heard my lyrics and my aggression and had a liking to my style so he kept in contact and we took things from there.
7. Talking about the hip hop scene, if you could compare NYC with Detroit City what would you say?
If I could compare NY with the Detroit, then I’d say real recognize real.. NY Stand up, Detroit Stand up!
8. Who is your biggest musical influence?
My whole upbringing is my musical influence. Everyone around me is my musical influence from good to bad. There is no specific individual that has been influential to me because everyone and everything around me has been influential. From who is with me to who isn’t and to all my fans!
9. According to you, what could be improved in hip hop?
According to me, what needs to be improved in hip hop is 1 Unity, 2 Creativity level 3 Versatility!
Tired of everyone sounding the same, and last but not least, the game NEEDS me,The Far Rock General SCarchild.
10. Besides hip hop what musical genres do you listen to?
I listen to everything. I love the musical culture as a whole.
11. Which artists have you collaborated with already?
I did a track with Proof of D-12, Bizarre of D-12, Denaun Porter of D-12, Stack Bundles of Dipset byrdgang, King Gordy,Young Miles, and many other artists all across the globe.
12. A few words about your upcoming mixtape…what is it all about?
It’s all about my hood. My town, Far Rock Away Queens, the hoods thats in my hood.
13. Which artist-underground or mainstream- has totally earned your respect and why?
Stack Bundles for his lyrical abilities and consistancy
14.According to you, what makes your musical style unique on the hip hop scene?
First and foremost i’m versatile and second of all I never sound the same, and third,
you just dont know what to expect next from me.
Scarchild’s my space account.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Only God has that reggae story telling dimension. Based on a rich musical background, Young El’s rhythmic Only God song sounds like a beautiful written piece of poetry. His enthusiastic Afrocentrist, but yet universal spirit blesses the mic with a great dose of confidence. You are going to like his message of peace and unity. The song opens up on a worldwide dream for peace between brothers. Open your ears and heart…let Young El’s message penetrate into the heart of all persons of good will.
Trumpet sounds are the overture to Like A Dream. The soft chorus contrasts with the powerful words that Young El shoots with a prophetic spirit. Young El has a dream. The talented artist is drawn by an invisible force. The same force drew great personalities such as Martin Luther King. Young El possesses some real good artistic quality: a very warm voice, an excellent sense of rhythm, a dedicated artistic spirit, good instrumental.
Black unity is a leitmotiv that appears in his music. He is a man of faith who knows that ‘to see is to possess’. His visionary spirit will allow the listener to spread faith around the world.
Klimbin will elevate the listeners into a deep spiritual dimension. He takes position against the numerous killings, he is fighting for his folks.
Jungle Prophesy pays tribute to Young El’s Cameroonian origins. Too many black emcees seem to forget that before being Americans , they are African American. Some of them even seem too proud to recognized that they are deeply rooted with Africa.
Young El’s drums will remind you of the African continent. His flow delivery on this song is remarkable.
If you like what you heard until now, you are going to like Koro Massa. Swinging drum beats, strong violin sounds in the background, a repetitive chorus, a man who handles lyrics very well, that what makes Koro Massa’s originality.
Dance along the rhythmic song.
Hungry for more Young El? Check the talented emcee here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved