Fashion Shows: RAD by Rad Hourani
July 30, 2009 by John Simon Daily
Filed under FASHION, FEATURED
Designer Rad Hourani presented his new collection for his RAD line at Soho Grand Hotel. Here are some exclusive pictures of the collection. Head over to our sister site ModernGlossy.com for a rundown of the show. Read more
Meet The Man Behind The Dance: Jermaine Browne
July 30, 2009 by John Simon Daily
Filed under A CONVERSATION WITH..., FEATURED
As an aspiring performer, Jermaine Browne’s exceptional talents were quickly recognized and soon he started working as a dancer in film, TV and theater. His career took off when he was discovered in the Blockbuster/Visa commercial with Cindy Crawford. He has since appeared in numerous commercials for Gap, Nike and Toyota.
Jermaine discovered his true passion, choreography, while teaching at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. His unique combination of strength and sensuality captured the attention of the music industry while working as an assistant choreographer for a Britney Spears music video.
This has led him to create a break-through video “Genie In a Bottle” for Christina Aguilera, and Asst. Choreograph the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” music video for Jennifer Lopez. As well as music videos, Jermaine has created and choreographed stage shows for artists such as Thalia, Deborah Cox, Tamia, and Melissa Jimenez. He has also choreographed stage performance at the European MTV Music Awards 2005 in Lisbon, which, among others, included the holographic performance by the Gorillaz and Boret. He Co-Choreographed the Victoria Secret fashion show 2006, which included the opening for Justin Timberlake. Read more
Diddy Interviewed by Alexa Chung
July 30, 2009 by John Simon Daily
Filed under THE DAILY
Red Bull’s Music Academy: Who is 88-Keys?
July 29, 2009 by John Simon Daily
Filed under A CONVERSATION WITH..., FEATURED
I’ve been hearing the name 88-Keys buzzing around for a few months. I had never heard a song and missed many opportunities to see him perform. One day, while watching MTVU, 88-Keys’ video The Friends Zone
came on. I wasn’t immediately impressed by the video, but gave it another review on YouTube. Like Kid Cudi‘s Day ‘N Night, The Friend Zone grew on me. Who is 88-Keys?
I finally got a chance to discover who 88-Keys is, when I attended Red Bull’s Music Academy. I walked in The Red Bull Space in Lower Manhattan and felt like I was at home. A pure intimate setting with plush white couches surrounding an elevated stage. No seat was a bad seat in the house. With my Red Bull and appetizer in hand, I soaked up the blend of Techno beats and Hip Hop classics being spun by the DJ. Expecting a performance by the artists of the night, I was proven wrong. It was a evening of shared information. It was an “Inside the Actor’s Studio” master class but for Musicians. DJs interviewed sound system developers, producers interviewed producers, music connoisseurs interviewed music legends. It was a night for me to discover who is behind the music. Singer/songwriter/producer Colin Munroe (I Want Those Flashing Lights) interviewed producer/rapper/singer 88-Keys.
As I sat there listening to him talk, what I thought of him before was replaced by a fresh perspective. I began to connect with him around his passion for Hip Hop Music. More importantly he had me at A Tribe Called Quest! “I fell in love with Hip Hop music with A Tribe Called Quest when People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm came out. I listened to Hip Hop before that, but when that came out, that changed my life.” 88-Keys sold me with that statement. Not to mention his extensive production resume working with some of my favorite artists like Mos Def (Love, Speed Law) and Talib Kweli (Thieves in the Night) as well as Macy Gray (Why Didn’t You Call Me, remix) and Musiq Soulchild (Babygirl, Dontstop, Her).
Hearing 88-Keys speak, reminded me that there are still innovative producers contributing to Hip Hop’s livelihood. Hip Hop isn’t dead, it’s being reborn through individuals like 88-Keys.
88-Keys interviewed by Colin Monroe Read more
Red Carpets: JSD at The Urban Music Awards
July 29, 2009 by John Simon Daily
Filed under THE DAILY
The Hammerstei n Ballroom hosted the Urban Music Awards on Friday, July 17th. The ceremony recognized those such as producer Swizz Beats and singer/songwriter Bobby Valentino, who are currently achieving in urban music. Living legends such as the master of the turntables, Grandmaster Flash, and MC/producer KRS-One, where honored for their contribution to urban music’s growth. I had the pleasure of getting a moment with Grandmaster Flash, KRS-One, and Swizz Beats to not only talk about the direction of hip hop, but also to discuss Michael Jackson’s legacy. Click here for a list of winners. Read more
Video Premiere: Busta Rhymes featuring Estelle “World Go Round”
July 29, 2009 by John Simon Daily
Filed under THE DAILY
