written by Mo Wilks Audio – Chidera Ugwu Ojobe Photography – Bryan Edouard
Secret Spothost DJ Mo Wilks sat down with performers from the dance and music theatrical production of In The Same Tongue, which is performing at Paramount Center in downtown Boston through September 29, 2024 courtesy of ArtsEmerson. The production is a creation of choreographer and modern dance legend Dianne McIntyre. Dianne has been creating dance and music/dance works of stage and screen art for over 50 years. This is the first time her works are being showcased in Boston, Massachusetts. Thanks to music director Gerald Brazel, along with principal dancers Kamyrn Vaulx and Christopher Page Sanders.
There are still chances to get tickets for the Saturday evening 9.28.24 and Sunday 9.29.24 matinee shows. Go to ArtsEmerson.org for more informaiton.
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_2513-scaled.jpg17072560mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-09-28 20:57:422024-09-29 12:54:58DJ Mo Wilks interviews dance theater cast from In The Same Tongue!
What’s good Boston DJ, Mo Wilks inside Studio 88-9 with a Hip-Hop pioneer who’s definitely got the juice, having fun doing my homework for this great artist. He’s a lyricist, lyricist, fast or slow, he’s definitely got the smooth flow. An icon, Hip Hop’s first sex symbol and fashionista. He’s going to be appearing tonight over at City Winery, Boston, which is on Beverly Street right down by the TD Garden. Welcome to the, the phone and the mic, the King Asiatic Nobody’s equal. Big Daddy Kane. How are you doing, King?
I’m great. I’m great. Wonderful. Yeah.
So, you’re going to be in town tonight with a full band.
Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes, we are coming to do real big live instruments and everything.
Now. I’ve known you to do stuff on stage with definitely DJS. Is there a big contrast with the band? What can people kind of expect from your show?
Well, it’s going to be a whole different vibe, a whole different energy. We’re trying to bring back those James Brown elements, you know, OK, original kind of vibes.
I mean, hip hop celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. So happy anniversary. And you were there for at least 70% of that going back, at least to the mid-eighties. Did you think as the song goes, ‘Hip Hop would get this far’ and do these many things?
Absolutely, by all means. Yeah, I started it actually late eighties. But, I always, I, it was like, I, once I saw how big Run (DMC) and Whodini was getting to hear people say that it was just a fad. Those are the, you know, same sayings that they had about rock and roll. So, I knew that hip hop was gonna be just as big or even bigger.
And you’ve worked with some amazing names. I mean, Barry White,Patti, LaBelle, Quincy Jones, what was it like to work with such a producer like Quincy Jones?
Well, that was amazing because I must submit that. Quincy actually produced me, you know, it wasn’t a type of thing where, you know, he made a beat and I came in and rhymed. It was like, he said, “what you know about Dizzy Gillespie?, what you know about Sarah Vaughn? and then was sitting there looking in on Black encyclopedias, which I also didn’t even know existed at that time, you know, and reading up on these artist before I even wrote the rhymes, you know, and he’s telling me nicknames that he used to call Dizzy and stuff to him. And Ella Fitzgerald used to talk about to incorporate that. So, I can actually say that he really truly produced me when we worked together.
There are a lot of parallels between like the early Jazz Bebop and Hip Hop, huh?
Yeah. He, he noticed that like he was comparing, he was comparing like my fast flow to Ella Fitzgerald the way she scats and he was saying that the reason why the way she scats was so different than others is because most people follow a piano or a bass.
But Ella followed the horn. So that, yeah, so that became my new rhyme for Busta Rhymes because the way his flow changes so much so that I call Buster ‘Fella Fitzgerald’.
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/BDK-1024-143-2.png1431024mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-08-16 21:27:282024-08-20 19:54:48Studio 88-9's DJ Mo Wilks interviews legendary Hip Hop king, Big Daddy Kane!
Bostonians have gathered at City Winery for a second time to witness Queen Sheba’s Poetry Vs Hip Hop event at City Winery Boston. This time Amanda Shea was a host, not a guest performer, always making Boston (specifically Roxbury, the berry but not the fruit y’all) look good. Like last time the show started off with 3 special guests, a demonstration of what the competition looks like and what audience members are expected to do, and then it’s a battle of the illest…who will win? Poetry, or Hip Hop?
Poetry vs. Hip Hop Comedian Corey Manning
Starting off the special guest performances was Corey Manning who once again striked the crowd with his comedic gold. This time he brought his oldest son Corey Jr. with him and they both cracked on each other, which in turn cracked up the crowd. Alumni of the Berklee College of Music, Autumn Jones followed up with some jazzy, neo-soul music. She’s opened up for R&B artists such as Vivian Green and Jon B and has released multiple albums in the past couple years. She graced the crowd with covers from Jill Scott like “A Long Walk” and original pieces that had them moving and bopping for her whole set.
Poetry vs. Hip Hop Singer Autumn Jones
Lastly, We had DJ WHYSHAM on the turntables keeping the crowd live, for it was about to go down for a second time here in Boston, MA. Now this battle was different from the last. This battle had a mixture of rappers and poets on both sides for it was Team Boston vs Team ATL. On team Boston we had Cloud, D Ruff, Cakeswagg and Rayel while Team ATL had Rise Felicia, King Jai, Exit Fame, and Chev. When it was time to start the competition every lyrical contestant was battle ready.
Poetry vs. Hip Hop Amanda Shea and Queen Sheba
Poetry Vs Hip Hop Bryan Edouard emceeing
Everybody came and left their craft on stage. It was a blast watching Black excellence from different parts of the nation come together and put on one hell of a show for an amazing crowd. The battles were so good, deciding who would win turned out to be a difficult task.
Poetry vs. Hip Hop Pt. 2
Queen Sheba will be back here in Boston at City Winery on February 14th, 2025. So make sure to cop some tickets if you love Hip-Hop and poetry for this will be a showcase of talent.
This is Bryan Edouard aka Bishop Toussaint representing studio 88.9 FM and I’m signing out.
Until next Time Boston!
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/PVHH-710-p1.jpg7201280mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-08-02 18:12:122024-08-02 19:15:59ERS+ peeps City Winery Boston’s Poetry Vs. Hip Hop Event, Part 2!
Check it, right? Bostonions from all over the city gathered at City Winery to watch local Hip-Hop performers and poets go face to face in a battle of wits.
Through the doors of the wine venue was the Grammy nominated artist, Queen Sheba and her right-hand man Jamal Moore aka “Jamellow,” emceeing the event. Queen Sheba has been a host for the Poetry vs. Hip-Hop slam for nine years, but this event marks the first one she’s hosted in Boston.
The pair greeted the energetic crowd whilst servers opened wine bottles, and conversation and laughter traveled through the room. Once the crowd settled they introduced the special performers of the night before the competition took place. Boston brand ambassador Amanda Shea began the show with her iconic poem “Social Media,” while a Sax player played in the background. Next up was the cheeky comedian Corey Manning, who made the audience hold their stomachs from laughter. The last performance before the battle was Roxbury native Najee Janey and an ensemble. He is a Hip-Hop songwriter, rapper, and poet. He temporarily turned the venue into a dance floor with his suave performance and funked it up with sweet tunes and groovy vibes.
After the special guests were finished, the main event ensued. The hosts explained and demonstrated the rules of the competition, emphasizing that this battle is one of peace and love. Queen Sheba displayed her classy style which explained why she was Grammy nominated and Jamellow slammed the mic with such a poetic sway that it could’ve started a revolution.
Team Hip-Hop was led by Queen Sheba and Team Poetry by Jamellow, and boy it was intense. We had King David, Brandy Blaze , and Milkshaw Benedict on team Hip-Hop while Cloud , Anita D, and D for Team Poetry, all over the Boston metropolitan area. The battle was an enticing one and kept you entertained while educating you on the arts alongside the artist showcasing their craft. Poets and rappers ranged from lighthearted topics, to their own personal grief.
The audience laughed and cheered towards the end of it. If you want a chance to join in on the fun, you can, when they swing back to City Winery, July 10th. So make sure you swing on by before and after the event in July by checking out City Winery on 80 Beverly Street, Boston, MA and check out the website at citywinery.com/boston to see what’s happening around if you’re ever in town. This is Bryan Edouard aka Bishop Toussaint from ERS+, the sister station of WERS 88.9 FM and I’ll Catch you on the Flip. God bless, GodSpeed, and GodBody.
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/King-David-Plus-ERS-logo.png21213771mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-07-02 20:37:582024-07-02 23:40:23ERS+ peeps City Winery Boston's Poetry Vs. Hip Hop Event!
During June’s Black Music Month, I had the honor of interviewing Marlanna Evans who’s known to the world as the three-time Grammy nominated Hip-Hop emcee, Rapsody. Rapsody is known for her lyrical bars, cadence, direct openness, and beyond. She’s been a professional rapper for over a decade and continues to reign supreme. Rapsody recently dropped her newest album, “Please Don’t Cry”, this past May 17th, 2024.
Rapsody graciously sat down with me for an ERS+ a phone interview prior to her performance. We talked about her career path thus far, her album “Please Don’t Cry” and memories about why she enjoys performing in front of a Boston audience. She shared thoughts about how covid assisted her creative process. From the cover art, to making new friendships like the one she formed with Erykha Badu, and overall growth she forged, Rapsody continues finding herself and provides first hand testimony within her music projects.
Rapsody will be performing in Boston, Massachusetts for BAMSFest aka Boston Arts & Music Soul Fest June 29th and June 30th at Franklin Park Playstead Field. For more information about this festival an other scheduled local and national acts go to bamsfest.org
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Rapsody-picture-for-BAMSFest-1-scaled.jpg25601690mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-06-25 18:57:532024-06-28 15:28:53Rapsody shares her 'gratitude' with ERS+ before performing at BAMSFest!
Our series of installments highlighting June’s Black Music Month artist musician interviews continues. For the upcoming BAMSFest, we have Butcher Brown’s percussionist, Corey Fonville. Corey sat down and shared a few minutes with us providing insight into his role in a unit of five producers. Butcher Brown originates from Richmond, Virginia and is inspired by a variety of music genres. From Jazz to Blues, Hip-Hop to Electronic music, you name it, Butcher Brown incorporates it. Butcher Brown tries to include all music artforms for they have been inspired by music as a culture and not as a sub genre. This was displayed on their debut album in 2014 named, All Purpose Music.
Corey Fonville thoroughly enjoys music, but highly respects all who contributed to not only his growth but the growth of the drummer culture as a whole. Corey discussed his love for music, when and why he started drumming, who and what helped him develop his style, and how Butcher Brown was able to just take their love and passion and apply it in a way that rewards them by going to different cities and performing for people.
Corey along with his Butcher Brown brethren will be taking BAMSFest’s stage in Boston, Massachusetts June 29th at Franklin Park Playstead Field. BAMSFest stands for Boston Arts & Music Soul Festival For more information about this festival and other scheduled local and national acts go to bamsfest.org
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Corey-Fonville-drummer-for-Butcher-Brown-scaled.jpg17072560mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-06-22 20:20:282024-06-28 20:40:37Butcher Brown's drummer sat down before they throw down at this year's BAMSFest!
written by Bryan Edouard aka Bishop Toussaint interview by DJ Mo Wilks
Our second profile guest for June’s Black Music Month is a DJ performer and producer who will be showcasing his talents this summer at BAMSFEST, which happens for two fun days, Saturday and Sunday, June 29th and 30th. Jason Almeida goes by the DJ name Where’s Nasty hails from neighboring Providence, RI. Nasty, who first caught the desire to move the crowd at the young age of 16, specializes in crowd rockin’ family fun. His DJing abilities have allowed him to travel nationwide as well as led him into the remix production sphere. Using digital production software, he has created numerous mixes and remixes, which can be streamed on SoundCloud like Formation by Where’s Nasty and Heard It All Before by Where’s Nasty. His philosophy is to keep the party jumping no matter where his spinning travels take him.
Nasty’s entrepreneur endeavors also extend into managing companies. He is the co-founder of Stay Silent and Trade, which are both non profit organizations. He not only sets the mood for parties to vibe, but creates an eventful series that continues to grow, not just in numbers, but inside communities in and out of Boston.
Where’s Nasty will be performing in Boston, Massachusetts for Boston Arts & Music Soul Fest aka BAMSFest June 29th and June 30th at Franklin Park Playstead Field. For more information about this festival an other scheduled local and national acts go to bamsfest.org
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/DJ-Wheres-Nasty-for-article.png1431024mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-06-21 22:26:372024-06-28 16:56:55DJ "Where's Nasty" chopped it up with Mo Wilks prior to droppin' beats at BAMSFest!
Produced by Bryan Edouard
Friday April 5, 2024 through Sunday, April 7, 2024 evenings in Boston will have some extra roll in their bounce as an event unique to Boston jams through. ChezVous Roller Rink in Dorchester, MA hosts their annual weekend roller skating event named Swerve Boston. ERS+’s Urban Coordinator Bryan ‘BishopToussaint’ Edouard stopped by ChezVous to document this upcoming special occasion. Special thanks to Trudy Benoit, co-founder of Swerve Boston and @2feet8wheels along with Derick Foster-Toney ower/manager of ChezVous and co-founder of Swerve Boston.
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/swerve-frame-scaled.jpg14402560mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-04-04 19:00:032024-04-24 23:17:09Dorchester's ChezVous swerves April 5th thru 7th!
ERS+, Boston’s Black Experience is pleased to be not only in it’s new year, but also have the privilege of introducing two of our newest Urban Coordinators and content creators. Meet Kathia and Bryan. Below are a few little snippets about them and what we can expect in the months ahead.
Urban Coordinator Kathia
Hi all! My name is Kathia Dawson and I’m a senior student at Emerson College studying journalism. I have always loved music of every genre, and I am so excited to be working at ERS+. Looking to the future, I hope to continue writing about music, sharing my opinions and learning more about the music world.
Urban Coordinator Bryan
Ayo! What’s poppin to all the boppers out there reading this. My name is Bryan Edouard. A.k.a Fry and I’m from Mattapan, Boston, Massachusetts (Have to let y’all know). My artist name is Bishop Toussaint and I’m a MC who was inspired by the golden era of Hip Hop. I was born in 1999 but lived as if I was a mid teen in the 90s. Getting into music was bound to happen for i used my resources to obtain music and my main 3 was the Radio, Film, and video games. It was a process because outside of life experiences, Friends and mentors in the game like Devin Ferreira who now works at Berklee, KEI who brought home a BMA, Back to Back, Jo Saza, who’s up and coming and so on and so forth. Being a Bboy first and now being a MC who films is really something that brings me joy for It became my purpose to help show that hip hop isn’t dead… If anything it’s being recycled and revamped. Hip Hop isn’t just a culture to people like me and with differences. It’s life and a life saver and that’s ILLmatic, word up.
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Meet-New-Edtions-Banner-1024-x-143.png1431024mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-02-06 18:33:272024-02-09 03:19:06Meet ERS+'s New Editions!
Victoria Monét may be new to the spotlight, but she’s not new to scoring chart-topping songs. Born in Atlanta and raised in Sacramento, the creative began her songwriting career in 2014.
The 34-year-old singer-songwriter has worked with household names such as Nas and Ariana Grande, along with BLACKPINK, Fifth Harmony, Coco Jones, and more. In 2020, the accomplished songwriter was nominated for three Grammy Awards for her work with Ariana Grande and Chloe x Halle. These include Album Of The Year as a producer and songwriter on Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next,’ Record Of The Year for ‘7 Rings,’ and Best R&B Song as a co-writer of Chloe x Halle’s, ‘Do It.’ For the 2024 Grammys, Monét has been nominated for seven awards including:
Best New Artist Record of the Year Best R&B Song for “On My Mama,” Best R&B Performance for “How Does It Make You Feel” Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Hollywood,” with Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét Best R&B Album Best Engineered
Her debut studio album Jaguar II is the highest charted Billboard 200 entry upon release at number 60, and it’s not hard to see why. Her intricate and feminine verses exude confidence and authenticity and combine modern R&B with elements of 70’s funk, with features from Reggae legend Buju Banton, Kaytranda, and Lucky Daye.
On Monday October 30, Monét showed the Royale Boston audience everything they wanted and more. The show started around 8 p.m. with DMV native Alex Vaughn, who combined her powerful and silky smooth voice with her charismatic stage presence. She mesmerized the audience, who swayed along to her melodic tunes. Vaughn is a part of Spotify’s R&B Rising’s Artists To Watch list in 2023.
Alex Vaughn at Royale – Boston.
Vaughn performed her debut album The Hurtbook, which contains plenty of songs about breakups, hence the name. Whether it be a friendship breakup or an ex wanting to come back, it explores the challenges of relationships, love, and passion. Vaughn likens to Summer Walker’s musical energy. She incorporates alluring and authentic lyrics about love and heartbreak, with cut-throat lyrics, giving listeners an intimate look into her life. My favorite parts of her set were when she performed “So Be It,” and “Do You Ever,” and told a story about her ex, encouraging the audience to never settle for less.
Victoria Monét at Royale Boston
The execution of this tour is similar to what you would expect from a stadium tour from SZA or Beyonce. She began the show with a tease, slowly taking off her beige veil. Monét started the concert with “Some Cut,” before transitioning into “Dive.” She increased the energy by singing “Party Girls,” “A** Like That,” and “Stop (Asking Me 4S#yt),” she then started singing her slower songs, “How Does It Make You Feel,” and “We Might Even Be Falling In Love”. She brought the energy back up covering Diana Ross’ song, “Stop In The Name Of Love.” She finished the set with her most famous song that embodies self-assurance and fearless energy, “On My Mama.” Thanking the audience for showing up, sharing her love for Boston, and them, and promising to come back.
Victoria Monét at Royale Boston
Throughout her performance, she enchantingly danced to these empowering lyrics with two backup dancers giving the audience the 70s glam she channeled into her latest album. She effortlessly switched outfits during her show multiple times, starting with her beige veil, changing into a two-piece bedazzled set with a sarong, and then adding a fedora, again channeling that 70s vibe! She wowed audiences. I wouldn’t be shocked if, in a year or two from now, she sells out stadium tours.
written by Kathia Dawson, WERS, ERS+ Urban Coordinator
photos by Bryan Edouard, WERS, ERS+ Urban Coordinator
https://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/Victoria-pic-2-1.png21603840mwilkeyhttps://wersplus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/wers-logo-300x138.pngmwilkey2024-02-01 16:00:182024-07-01 19:20:47Victoria Monét: R&B’s next icon, wowed the audience at Royale Boston!
Enter to win tickets to see Mary J. Blige
Win Tix to Mary J. Blige at TD Garden Boston!
Mary J. Blige For My Fans Tour April 14, 2025
When you donate this week during The Secret Spotbetween 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win tickets to see Mary. J. Blige , The Queen of Hip Hop Soul as she brings her For My Fans tour to the TD Garden on April 14, 2025. Donate any amount during the show and you will be entered to win. Last chance to enter will be on Friday, October 25. To donate, either call us at 617-824-8700 or visit WERS.org. You’re the key player which keeps Boston’s evening spot hot with the R&B, Soul and Slow Jams you adore by supporting WERS! No purchase necessary. Contest rules apply.
