The Next Phase

I've been thinking a lot about this blog and how to take it to the next level.  I'm going to be increasing the strength of my brand image, aggressively seeking stronger content and incorporating video into my presentation.  All of these things are necessary to keep my current readers engaged and to draw in new traffic.  I strongly believe that this site is unique in the "blogosphere" and I have to prove it with continued growth.

I've aligned myself with a great videographer in my network and next week I will be meeting with yet another to see what possibilities are available.  I'm currently working on my first video interview to hit the blog and I promise you it is something special.  The content was shot on Wednesday and is now in post production.  I'm trying to present it as soon as possible, but it has to be right.  I won't give any of the surprise away, but do know that it is coming.

I also caught the attention of a long time friend who is now investing some of his own time and energy to help me achieve a bigger vision for this blog.  He's going to be an integral part of this site in the future as far as the quality of content presented.  As he put it, "It just makes sense." for us to cooperate on this project.  The possibilities are endless and all we have to do is execute.

Needless to say, I'm very excited about the direction RoxFontaine.com is taking!  You can trust that I'm working very hard to improve the site and bring you material that you can relate to, be inspired by and/or just escape from your crazy world for a brief moment.  I appreciate your continued support. 

Random Pics pt. 12

Married to the MOB x Shameless present....

MTTM x Shameless Management's free concert at Santos Party House was a blast!  It was a packed house for headliner, Def Jam recording artist, Curren$y.  The show was jump started by rapper and DJ Jasmine Solano and Duck Down records' Team Facelift.

Curren$y

Curren$y's Signature

The evening was hosted by Shade45 The Morning After Show star Angela Yee. I laughed to myself seeing her talk so little when her job is to talk so much.  She was very pleasant to be around and posed for a bunch of pictures with fans. 

Angela Yee

Jasmine Solano went from DJing the event to kicking the nights performances off with her single "That's Not It".  Hop over to www.JasmineSolano.com if you've never heard this song.  It KNOCKS somethin' ferocious!

DJ Jasmine Solano

Mistress of Ceremonies Jasmine Solano

Team Facelift temporarily turned the show into a ceiling hanging, Angela Yee belly smashing, water spitting, slam dancing romper room during their set.  I was just glad that band member "The Fat Jew" didn't get naked.

Team Facelift

Machine goes in.

If the performances weren't enough for you, a few special guests were in the building showing support.  You'll be surprised at this mixed bag of talent...

 Donnis (l.) poses with Jasmine Solano's Publicist

Homeboy Sandman....diggy dot com

Hip-Hop Pioneer Marley Marl

The rest of the nights shots are on my Flickr page.  Go.  View.  Be happy.

YC the Cynic - Summertime High

YC the Cynic is one of my favorite artists on the underground scene right now.  His level of mastery of the art form is shocking when you realize that he isn't even 20 years of age yet.  It's almost as if he's been here before.  He has an uncanny ability to invoke images, ideas and feelings of a time before his time.  On his mixtape 'You're Welcome' he takes us back to the "Golden Era" of Hip-Hop like he lived it as Russell Simmons.  Yes, I know Russell is still alive.  That's how crazy it is.

This new track "Summertime High" just hit the web as a free download.  The song is taken from his forthcoming album 'The Spectacle'.  There is no firm release date set at the moment, but you can trust RoxFontaine.com to keep you abreast of the situation.  Put this in your summertime BBQ playlist immediately.  If you really want to go to a different time and place: Sit on a stoop at high noon, eat an icee and play this track on a boombox.

The Fitted Gallery 1yr Anniversary Party

Think about the significance of this...

A small boutique storefront that specializes in fitted baseball caps, owned by young Black professionals, has willed it's way through the toughest economy America has seen since the '30s.  I won't get into economics or statistics but this much is clear; This means that the quality of product and quality of execution greatly improves a business's chances for success, regardless of economic climate.  The Fitted Gallery understands this and applies it to their boutique.

In celebration of their first full year of business, the team at The Fitted Gallery called on King magazines "Web Girl of the Year" Milani Rose and DJ Bedtyme 357 (DJ for Remy Ma) to join in on the festivities.

Milani Rose

DJ Bedtyme 357

Joint owners and brothers Phil and Broadway played host to friends, family, customers and fans of Milani Rose that came to the shop.  Guests were given a free Bedtyme 357 mixtape, hosted by Milani Rose and Ms. Rose signed photos and posed for pictures.  A few lucky visitors received free fitted caps courtesy of sponsor Mitchell & Ness.

Phil (l.) and Broadway (r.)

Ms. Rose was also promoting a book she wrote for entitled 'Souls of my Young Sisters'.  The book showcases the personal stories of 60 women.  Ms. Rose, a "Jill" of all trades, most known for her modeling, is also a writer, public speaker and recording artist...and that's just the short list.

It was a great time out and it's always a pleasure to see friends reaching for their dreams and making it.  Congratulations to The Fitted Gallery staff!  Here's to many more years of success.

Here are a few more shots from the evening.  Of course, hop over to my Flickr to see more.