RE-VOLT MAGAZINE ISSUE 13 | November 2014

ISSUE 13 • NOVEMBER 2014

YOUR MONTHLY SOURCE OF REAL HIP-HOP CULTURE

re-volt magazine is a new platform under the same roof as re-volt blog, which initially started as a space where views on mainstream music can be openly discussed, where the music industry is put on the stand and criticized, and lastly, where underground, talented unrepresented artists are given a chance to stand out.

Our main focus is to expose hip hop as a positive genre and detach it from the corrupted mainstream hip hop.

Starting up an online magazine will benefit this message, as re-volt magazine will reach more readers worldwide and will enlighten people on the power of the word and the role of hip hop in the Arab region.

Aside from the well-known elements of hip hop - which are MC, BBoy, Beatbox, Graffiti, DJ and Knowledge re-volt magazine also focuses a great deal on any other forms of expression/art that concretize the richness of our Arab culture.

The list includes films, documentaries, initiatives, events, companies, charity organization, etc...

A mic, a choreography, a vocal percussion, spraypaint, a vinyl record, a book or a film...

We choose all the above.

The power of the word to inform, to represent and to stay real!

EDITOR HASSANE DENNAOUI ASSOCIATE EDITOR | GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hanane FATHALLAH CONTRIBUTORS If you’re interested to write for re-volt magazine, email us revoltmag1@gmail.com

CONTENTS REVOLT/REPORT THE BEAT VI TALKING NOYES by Jessica Noyes ‘Somos Sur’ by KARMEL FEATURE Sarah Nabil | Music Producer • Composer • Pianist Dena Takruri | Presenter/Producer at AJ Plus TINY | RnB/Soul Artist DJ VEGA BENETTON | DJ/Producer • Personality SPOT.F.Y.I Soup for Syria | Cookbook for a cause ESKA ONE | Graffiti Artist Street Art facing Beirut Arab University Graffiti by Rami Mouallem (m3alim) CARTOONS KHARTOON! JABERTOON ON THE GO Q&A | Chyno & Pedros on ‘Fight or Flight’

Cover Artwork Tunisian Calligraffiti Artist EL Seed Institut du Monde Arabe (Paris, FRANCE) [FOLLOW EL SEED] http://elseed-art.com/ http://instagram.com/elseed https://twitter.com/elseedart

FEATURE | SARAH NABIL

[FOLLOW SARAH NABIL] http://www.youtube.com/user/SarahNabilMusic https://twitter.com/sarahnabil_ https://soundcloud.com/sarahnabil instagram.com/sarahnabil

Sarah Nabil ‫سارة نبيل‬

Music Producer | Composer | Pianist Who is Sarah Nabil? What inspired you to get into R&B /Composing and Piano?

I’m a 22 year old up-an-coming music producer and composer from Bahrain. My passion for music started at a young age, and I grew up listening to a lot of R&B, soul, and hip hop music. I started out learning how to play the keys at the age of 9 and learned the basics in music class at school. Since then, I’ve been self-taught. Composing came naturally.

Because I wasn’t trained and taught what to do, I had to learn somehow, so it took a lot of experimenting.

When I was 17, I started learning about music production and how music is made, and I instantly fell in love with it and knew it’s what I wanted to do!

We salute you for your talent. What’s the best advise you received?

“Invest in yourself, or no one else will.” I live by this.

Investing in yourself comes in different forms, not just money. It means that you do everything you can to develop yourself. It starts at having talent, but if it stops at that, it’ll just be a hobby! It’s important to me that I constantly invest time and effort into learning new things and growing my skill set.

You are signed to Outlaw Productions. How important was/is his influence on your musical career?

Outlaw Productions is a big part of my life! Besides being an artist, I’ve been blessed to be working in the management side of things for years now and watching Outlaw Productions grow the way that it has. Since I’ve known DJ Outlaw he’s been my mentor, and I’ve grown so much as an artist because of him. He has believed in me, pushed me to be better, and taught me so much. I still learn from him everyday!

I believe the first time I heard you play piano was that video with our own R&B sensation Ayzee. How did that collabo see the light?

At the time I was just starting to put myself out there, and Ayzee and I were talking about doing a cover, so we did! Of course, looking back at it now, I see what a long way we’ve come since then. It was our first collaboration, and there are definitely more planned.

What’s your dream?

The dream is to represent Bahrain and the region on an international level and show the world what we have to offer! I also want to be able to help others through music and contribute to the development of music and arts education in the Arab world to open doors for future generations.

Do you think that Piano culture is appreciated as much as it needs to be in the Middle East?

In general, I think it is appreciated. But then if you ask professional pianists they might think otherwise. I can’t tell for sure! When it comes to R&B in the Middle East, it’s a small scene, but it’s getting more and more appreciation.

Maybe we can get some EXCLUSIVE news, any idea on your next piano cover?

Indeed! I’m actually planning a collaboration with Ayzee and a few local artists. With each video I put out I’m going to try to do something different from the previous video.

You are actually considered the first female R&B producer/Composer. How does that make you feel?

Does it give you more pressure being in an industry that is more male dominant especially in the Arab World?

There aren’t many female R&B/hip hop producers in general, and to be the first female in this region to do what I do is an advantage. It’s also an honor to be one of the first of the small and slowly growing community of female producers. It’s a tough industry regardless of whether you’re male or female, and so far I haven’t felt like I’m under more pressure than male artists.

Will you be composing your own melodies soon?

I’ve been working with Outlaw on a number of projects and we’ve been co-producing so many tracks. I can’t wait for them to be released and for you to hear what we’ve been up to!

Tell Re-Volt Magazine something not a lot of people know about you I love writing. It’s something that I’ve always enjoyed doing, and that includes all forms of it, even essays and research papers that my classmates considered to be boring! Publishing a book is definitely on my list of goals.

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT VI

[FOLLOW THE BEAT] Twitter | Instagram #THE_BEAT_JEDDAH Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/349120411854623/?fref=ts

THE BEAT VI

A pulse in the heart of Jeddah

Launched only a year ago by Big Hass, THE BEAT is a series of events aimed to support local and regional talents and musicians in Jeddah.

The BEAT VI took place on October 24th, 2014: the line up was so refreshing and a huge success!

It included intriguing and lively music group FUSION FACTORY, R&B sensation Ayzee, diverse Hip-Hop and R&B group Jeddah Fam, multinational Hip-Hop family Run Junxion, up-&-coming rapper and lyricist Moh Flow, spontenaous Alternative Rock group Disturb the Balance, local Rock group PRIVATE EARTH, surprising hit of the evening Abdulhakeem Jomah and last but not least, a special apparence of two captivating female artists, soulful Lou and jazzy Belle.

DJ OZZY was on the 1’s and 2’s.

The event was hosted by Big Hass.

Organized by the Backpackers & Sponsored by G-Shock.

FEATURE | DENA TAKRURI

[FOLLOW DENA TAKRURI] https://twitter.com/Dena

2. The new format AJ+ is truly educational and entertaining. Tell our readers more about your role in AJ+?

AJ+ is a new digital video news channel from Al Jazeera Media Network that’s geared towards millennials (18-34) that are connected online and curious about the world.

We cover all sorts of international stories but with a tone that’s young, casual, and edgy. Our content ranges from 15 second bite-sized news packages to three minute hosted explainers giving context to big stories, to 10 minute short documentaries and features. We exist in the social sphere (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram) and most recently with the AJ+ app. Engagement is a huge component of AJ+, so we’re always in dialogue with our community of viewers, while also giving them the platform to have conversations and debates about the issues we cover among themselves.

Dena Takruri

Presenter/Producer at AJ Plus 1.You’re a natural when it comes to presenting.

When did you realize you have a passion for that?

First off thanks, that’s really flattering!

I got comfortable with public speaking (which is a form of presenting in my opinion) from a young age. I was always class president or school president and even a Senator at UC Berkeley where I went to college, so I gave a lot of speeches in those roles. I also did drama in high school and loved it.

(Did I just paint myself out to be the biggest dork?)

But it wasn’t until I did my first on-air work in 2007 as a co-host on a show for young Arab-Americans called “What’s Happening” that aired on ART America when I realized I really wanted to pursue hosting as a career.

“Also, the intersection between social media and journalism is huge, so use the technology and platforms that are literally at your fingertips to tell your stories and promote your work.”

I’m a Presenter/Producer with the channel, so you’ll see me on screen hosting a lot of the stuff we do.

As a producer, I’m also involved with pitching the stories, writing them, and putting together the elements (pictures, video, music) along with the team I’m working with.

3. As a journalist , one should always keep his/her personal opinions to themselves. Do you believe that?

Or do you think sometimes, a journalist should step up and just give the people a piece of his/her mind?

That’s a tricky one. It’s a journalist’s job to always rely on facts when reporting and to be fair and balanced. Thatsaid, I think the notion of totally objective and unbiased reporting is unfounded as everything is ultimately told through a prism.

Also we’re seeing a lot more opinion coming from journalists in the online space where the rules tend to be a bit different. I think young people appreciate when journalists have a voice and point of view and that’s becoming more acceptable.

FEATURE | DENA TAKRURI

4. What kind of music does Dena listen to?

I like anything with either a solid beat, good lyrics, or an overall soulful feel. My taste is pretty eclectic but if I had to narrow it down to a couple genres, I’d say Hip-Hop and R&B. 5. We know you’re a fan of Arab Hip-Hop. Name your favorite MC’s?

DAM, Omar Offendum, Excentrik.

6. Who would you like to interview in the future?

Kim Jong Un. I know it would never happen but I’m fascinated by North Korea.

6.1 What is your advice to upcoming journalists residing in the Arab World?

Be committed to amplifying marginalized voices, remaining critical and speaking truth to power. Don’t allow yourself to be influenced by government interference or worry about breaking social taboos. A journalist’s job is to cut through all the bs. Recognize that your work can be influential and that your words carry weight, so use them wisely.

Also, the intersection between social media and journalism is huge, so use the technology and platforms that are literally at your fingertips to tell your stories and promote your work.

7.Tell Re-Volt Magazine something not a lot of people know about you.

Up until about first grade, I was painfully shy and super attached to my mother. I was pulled out of pre-school because I kept crying until my mom would come pick me up. So there you have it: I’m a pre-school dropout!

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REVOLT/REPORT | SOMOS SUR

[FOLLOW KARMEL] Twitter @KarmelPal http://paldiary.tumblr.com/

somos sur written by KARMEL

‘Somos Sur’ roughly translated to ‘We Are South,’ is a song released in the album, Vengo, of the talented Chilean artist Ana Tijoux featuring the great Shadia Mansour.

However, I do not think that it is just a good song that I need to write about its instrumental or smooth flow.

This song holds powerful statements that need to be explored. These statements became more obvious to me when the song was perfectly and coincidently synchronized with the late tragic events in the Gaza Strip and their aftermath of an increasing support to the Palestinian cause in the international scene, especially in South America.

From a more specific perspective, this song represents the ultimate unity among the indigenous populations against imperialism, colonization, and oppression. The indigenous population suffered tremendously in South and North America from genocide, land seizure, and discrimination. I can’t help but draw the similarities between the aforementioned and what is going on in Occupied Palestine, where Palestinians are being massacred, their land is getting stolen, and now they are being grouped in preservations. Even the way the oppressor represented the indigenous was the same: Barbaric, uncivilized.

From a general ‘HipHop’ perspective, this song reminds me of the reason why I fell in love with HipHop in the first place. Listening to 90’s HipHop during my adolescence, I have always felt the despair/pride in the told stories of rappers. I thought that it is a medium where the people of the “International Ghetto” can express feelings, define oneself beyond labels, and expose [institutional] injustice wherever it might be. This is why, when I discovered that there is a Palestinian, let alone a Levantine, HipHop scene, I thought to myself that it was about time. The fact that the song uses the two languages, Arabic and Spanish, is a strong statement in itself. It is a manifestation of the unity that the oppressed all over the world needs to reach to defeat the oppressor.

If you are striving for justice in one place then you have to strive for it everywhere whether in Palestine, Bolivia, Chile, Angola, Tunisia, etc.

Regardless of any differences that I might fail to recognize between the two situations, injustice is still the same.The aspect of unifying the struggle was represented, in my opinion, when Ana listed the different countries that have been striving for justice, freedom, self-determination, and a better tomorrow.

The indigenous pride was represented by the images of traditionally clothed Palestinians and Chileans dancing together in Somos Sur’s video clip.

This song highlights a very important phenomenon of how the masses are starting to form their own opinions about international issues. This song highlights the matter of how united we rise and divided we fall. This song is a medium to let the masses ‘know.’

A fact that puts in action what I believe ‘Hip’ ‘Hop’ should be, think and move!

Strategize and mobilize!

WHAT’S GOING ON | INTERNATIONAL

ON THE GO | Q&A CHYNO & PEDROS

Q&A Chyno & Director Pedros Temizian on ‘Fight Or Flight’ (Video)

ON THE GO | Q&A CHYNO & PEDROS 1. Fight or Flight is the second consecutive video you do with Pedros. What aspect of his directing approach fits your message/vision?

Pedros has this way of bringing out a dark and eerie atmosphere in his videos, and the subject matters I’ve tackled in both songs we collaborated on needed exactly that. Initially, I was just a fan of his work and all the effort he puts into making a video. I wanted that dedication and seriousness in the production of my videos.

4. What was the most uplifting comment you received about Fight or Flight?

My sound engineer, Wissam Shaheen, when seeing the video then posting it: “It’s a joy mixing for Chyno, the man knows what he wants out of his sounds.. he knew where this was heading since he laid the first sample & wrote the first word. Such an impressive talent & a beautiful friend. Nasser your dedication is inspiring.. proud of you & proud of your new baby.”

I was dead after that.

2.You have released the video at Radio Beirut infront of a live audience. How was the feedback then? & how’s the feedback after releasing it online?

The screening was really cool, because I got to explain how hard it was to produce something like this with such a limited budget. But the feedback from the audience was great. After releasing it online, the feedback had been positive too. Good reviews for the song and video, but the media didn’t gravitate towards it as much as the first video. Maybe because O.P.P. is more controversial, which disappoints me a bit, because I find the subject matter for this song to be very important.

5. If you have a MIC directed to the Syrian people.

What would you tell them?

Syrian people tell ME how they feel, and I echo those sentiments to the rest of the world. I am in no position of giving advise because I’m trying to figure it out myself, so I’m trying to give them the MIC.

3. What are the key aspects portrayed by the choreography in the video?

Show the transformation of people’s relationships during war. Friends becomes enemies, neighbors becomes strangers and vice versa. The feeling of alienation in a new place. Sima Dance Company are all Syrians coming into Lebanon to look for something better, so the emotions are already there and they executed amazingly. It’s a “one-shot” video, so shit was difficult. Haha.

6. What’s in the calender next?

“Making Music to Feel at Home” My first solo album, at the very beginning of 2015. Boom.

---------------------1. Which director inspires you? & how do you see the directors in the Middle East?

PEDROS: Spike Jonze.

(I would not prefer to talk about other directors in the middle east.)

2. Take us through the process of directing Fight or Flight?

PEDROS: The process of “Fight or Flight” was the perfect example of collaboration. In film making, I believe in collaboration, and it’s exactly that: “a process.

CARTOONS

Discuss this cartoon on Twitter @revolt_magazine #revoltmag_cartoon

New Khartoon!

New Khartoon! #ISIS & #Ebola

FEATURE | TINY

[FOLLOW TINY] Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud | Youtube @TinyMusiq iTunes | Eyes - EP by Tiny

TINY

R&B/Soul Singer & Songwriter Who is Tiny? and what inspired you to use music as a form of expression?

Tiny is a Bahraini/Seychellois rnb/Soul artist based in the Dubai. I have been doing music for the passed 8 years.

When I started singing I would listen to music to understand certain situations, obviously in my own understanding. Writing lyrics helps me express in what ever manner I want as well as with the mood I’m currently in. when you listen to the EP you will understand why u turn to my lyrics instead of speaking. I’m a deep dodgy lyricists and some what a Drama king. ;)

Why Tiny as a nickname?

The name tiny is ironic I know. It all started when I was 14 playing soccer and the coach could never remember my name. So he found a work that would catch my attention. From that day it stuck and nobody really ever calls me by my real name anymore eith thats the answer for

FEATURE | TINY

You been in the UAE. What are your thoughts on the local scene there and are you guys getting support from the media?

From what I’ve learned being in dubai since 2008 is that you have to be really patience for things to happen. It’s finally growing rapidly, yet I won’t say the media doesn’t support, they support who they feel have material that have the strength to go international. I will say they could do more though.

A couple of months ago, you released your first EP called “Eyes”. Tell us about that album and how has the feedback been?

I am one very few.. that is still an independent artist and I managed to distribute to all major Digital stores such as itunes beatsmusic and Spotify... you can even shazaam my music! (Over 30musicstores) The feedback has been great, it’s getting attention in Scandinavia which is amazing. Urbanmass really is an amazing team to work with, they made it so much better being independent being known outside of where you are from and also associate yourself with these brands.

Who is urbanmass? I believe all of you should know, UrbanMass is an overall online music distributor offering the same as a record label but for Independent artists.

Instagram @UrbanMass Twitter @Urbanmassintl Contact them This EP is what I’ll called my baby, it’s the first solid product I have ever released and I am thankful of the outcome.

On the album, you have a collaboration with Saudi rapper Majeed, how did that collabo initiate?

My brother Majeed and I have known each other for over 10 years we where in the same high school together, I never knew he rapped he never knew I sing though.

Thank god the Internet, everything gradually happened. make it work which is the name of the track, wasn’t planned it just happened.

Who are some of your favorite musicians in the Middle East?

Tomi Thomas is this brilliant Nigerian/brazilian artist who has a style if music that has caught my attention since day one. I like artists who are different. Watch out for his EP called Patience peeps. Then comes my “chicken bone” May Al Qasim she doesn’t need any introduction. That’s my ride or die chick right there.

What can we find on your MP3 player?

All of donell Jones music A bit of Joe And if you looking for new artists it’s Ella Eyre and Sam Smith, and obviously my EP haha.

What is your dream?

To take my music world wide and making a good living of my art,. I’m just waiting for 2015 to get here...one step closer to the dream!

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on collaborations, the ball has started rolling for my album as well coming out in 2015 as well.

In your opinion, how do you see the state of R&B in the region?

I’m going to be honest here, we don’t have many R&B artists but it’s slowly growing but the people we do have are amazin, such as May, Hamdan Al Abri Tell Re-volt magazine something not a lot of people know about you I diy my own hair! Too paranoid to let anyone else do it ; )

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[FOLLOW SOUP FOR SYRIA] https://www.facebook.com/pages/Soup-for-Syria/257405764424766?fref=ts

SOUP FOR SYRIA: Builing Peace through Food Written & Photographed by Barbara Abdeni Massaad

SOUP FOR SYRIA: Building Peace through Food A book for a cause, a book dedicated to help Syrian refugees. Proceeds will help to build a communal kitchen to help refugees cook nutritious food for their family. (Coming out this month) “Because we are all human beings with the same needs (food, shelter, love). This book is dedicated to feed the body and soul of the poor refugees living in miserable conditions all over Lebanon and other countries. It’s cry for help: with photography, recipes, stories, and much more.” (Barbara Abdeni Massaad)

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Rami Mouallem Lebanese Graffiti Artist - Junior Architect | Designer [FOLLOW ME] Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ramim3alim Instagram http://instagram.com/m3alim Twitter https://twitter.com/m3alim

FEATURE | VEGA BENETTON

[FOLLOW VEGA BENETTON] Twitter @VegaBenetton

VEGA BENETTON

DJ . PRODUCER . RADIO PERSONALITY Tell us about yourself, where did you grow up & how did you enter the music scene?

I’m a DJ, Producer, On-Air Personality & Clothier...I was born and raised in NYC (New York) and still reside here.

Music was a permanent fixture in my household when I was growing up. I’m the youngest of four (by many years) and all of my siblings were into different styles of music; Hip-Hop, Rock, Reggae, Punk, Kompa, Jazz & R&B. Being raised around all of these incredible sounds, it was only natural that I would gravitate to a career in music... but Hip-Hop in particular was the sound that really spoke to me. In the beginning, the beats (even more so than the lyrics) are what drew me in. The guy behind the turntables and the boards...that’s who I wanted to be. The majority of great producers started as DJs first... so that was the direction I wanted to go in...The DJ. My first introduction was college radio at St. John’s University, and from there I just continued to sharpen my skills and branch out.

I know of you from Existence Is Resistance Radio Show with Harrabic Tubman & Ayman. How important is the work they are doing in your opinion?

Their work is beyond important. Theres alot of history there between us...Harrabic in particular is like a sister to me. For people that are unfamiliar with E.I.R (Existence Is Resistance), its an organization dedicated to promoting non-violent resistance through the arts. It’s a philosophy and practice that can be used in communities all over the world but it really stems from the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Before I connected with E.I.R. I was fairly educated on the matter, but having had the opportunity to travel to the West Bank several times now, it gave me a true understanding of whats really going on. Across the board, organizations like E.I.R are crucial when it comes to the struggle for achieving equal rights...basic human rights....and not only in Palestine, but right here in New York City as we’ve recently seen, and BEEN seen with the police. They organize tons of events, rallies, discussion panels and fundraisers. I definitely have to give thanks to Harrabic, Shadia Mansour(who’s an incredible artist and I DJ for on the road) and the entire E.I.R. family. I’m truly blessed to have had these experiences, and it all stems from them.

What does DJing mean to you?

The DJ is the beginning. Its where it all started. Today, there are several different types of DJs with different styles spinning different forms of music. To me, in its purest form, a DJ is “supposed to” first and foremost entertain the crowd, and secondly, break new artists/music. That would be like a basic job description. How a DJ chooses to expand or build upon that is what separates them from the others...both in a positive or negative way.

They go hand in hand. DJs have now become bonafide artists themselves which has given them the opportunity to cultivate their own artists, headline shows/tours and make alot of money in a way that they never did years back. The DJ is the backbone to the music.

J-Live says “ Real DJ’s dont take requests” Do you agree with that statement?

Ha! I like that...I’ve met J a couple times...He’s dope. I think there are a few different ways you could read into that statement. One is that most DJs cant stand when people come up to the booth and request songs...usually because the DJ will be in the middle of a reggae set or something, and someone will roll up (usually drunk) and demand to hear some Britney Spears sh*t or something like that. They don’t understand that theres a rhythm and a vibe that the DJ is creating. Two, is that we’re not iPods or jukeboxes. Three, with the over saturation of DJs nowadays, its a way to differentiate between real DJs that really know how to spin and button pushers. It’s funny to me though What are your thoughts on the current state of Hip-Hop? It’s a mixed bag...and its been that way for a while...Theres some good and theres some bad. Its unfortunate that on the mainstream commercial level theres no balance whatsoever when it comes to what you hear and see, and there are alot of sub-par artists in constant rotation...but with that being said, you’re also not restricted solely to those outlets anymore to get your music or learn about new artists. For me, first and foremost as a fan and then as a DJ, digging for new artists and music is something Ive always enjoyed. With Hip-Hop being as global as it is, it only creates a larger pool to dig from.

The downside to a larger pool is that it can become over saturated...which in a lot of ways, it has. Again, part of my job is to entertain the crowd...what I like to listen to and what I “have” to play don’t always mesh. You try your best to find a balance between the two Who are some of your fav artists?

Hip-Hop wise: Veteran Artists: Nas, Slick Rick, Gangstarr, Jadakiss, M.O.P., Wu-Tang, Kanye, N.W.A, Public Enemy, Pete Rock, Mobb Deep and a bunch more Newer Artists: Joey Bada$$, Vic Mensa, Kendrick Lamar, Nitty Scott MC, Smoke Dza, Troy Ave, Action Bronson, Fashawn

Is FM Radio play as important as before to the artists career?

We’ve seen plenty of artist’s careers take off over the years with zero commercial radio play. In those cases, commercial radio was late to get on board. In alot of ways, its a system that operates from a place that doesn’t exist anymore. Don’t get me wrong, it still has a presence and importance, but its not breaking artists the way its supposed to and still has the power to do so. There are too many other Internet based outlets that artists can tap into...In my opinion, it looks like commercial radio finds itself playing catch up in alot of ways.

What are you currently working on?

Right now you can catch me every Friday on PNCradio.fm . Its an iRadio station. Its called “The Pre-Game Show”. In addition to the show, I’m the executive producer of the station’s monthly mixtape series where we highlight two PNC radio DJs and one featured artist.

We’re working on volume 4 right now. I’m also working on a few other mixtapes set aside from that series.

Those will all be out top of the year. I just landed a new distribution deal through IRT Media Group, so you can check for my first album/EP top of next year. (Available on iTunes, Spotify, Rhapsody, Amazon) Finally, I’m a partner new upstart clothing line called Student Union.

The first season will be available by the end of the year (holidays). www.StudentUnionNYC.com In what way do you think music can create social change?

Music is the ultimate equalizer. Regardless of where you’re from, what your background is, race, religion, etc., music is one of the most powerful outlets for people to connect and have their voice heard...The artist becomes a representative for all of those who may not have the same platform to be heard, but share the same feelings, ideas, thoughts, frustrations, anger, etc. The world is a way smaller place now and your ability to connect with others, even set aside from music is much easier. Music is a language that all of us speak, and when used properly, and it can be an unbelievable vehicle to deliver a message, which in turn can spark unimaginable change.

Tell Re-Volt Magazine something not a lot of people know about you Haha! One of my other passions set aside from music is cooking. Ive been cooking since I was a kid and have always wanted to go to culinary school. Maybe one day if/when I step away from the turntables....Guess we’ll have to see

SEEN DESIGN Handpainted wooden earrings and bracelets with Arabic Kufi Calligraphy by artist Sundus Abdul Hadi.

mini Q&A Hadi Alaeddin (Creative Director Of Jobedu)

1. Living in a fast past time, people need info quick. In your opinion , how efficient are visuals in our era to convey reality whether its humor, social or political?

Very. Now more than ever.

Warsheh Design Studio Amman, Jordan

2. When you first started up, how many designers did the site include? & how many are you now?

Jobedu started with a five designs in 2007 and now has over 130 and sells products featuring work by more than 30 Arab designers from all over the region.

WHAT’S GOING ON | BEIRUT

WHAT’S GOING ON | BEIRUT

WEDNESDAY NOV 05 2014 FROM 06:30 PM UNTIL 08:30 PM SATURDAY NOV 08 2014 FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL 03:00 PM

SINGLE RELEASE | CAIROFORNIA

SPHINX ft. QUSAI | CAIROFORNIA Cover Art by JNF Productions https://www.facebook.com/jnf.production Check out the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSWiULgybP0

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[FOLLOW ESKA ONE] https://www.facebook.com/pages/ESKA-ONE/110963695625071

Graffiti Artist

ESKA ONE

Join the revolution (2013) Piece painted during the “Sound of Revolution” with Dema-one - Solo - Meen-one in Brussels | Belgium

REVOLT/REPORT | TALKING NOYES

[FOLLOW JESSICA NOYES] Twitter @Ms_Jnoyes Instagram JNoyes90

JN: Tell me a little about your latest album, Mansa Musa; What and why did you name it after the most powerful West African king?

Halo: Mansa Musa is my baby. It’s my debut album, so every word, breath, ad lib, and drum on there is special to me. I named it Mansa Musa because of what his life represents. The best examples of power, wealth, spirituality, generosity, and humility can all be found in his story. I want my journey and career to reflect that.

It’s okay to seek power and money, but remain humble, righteous, and a man of the people.

Talking Noyes

with Jessica Noyes M.Ed.,Urban Education Pittsburgh, Pa, USA Welcomes Halo of Jamla Records to discuss his debut album, Mansa Musa; I personally got to know Halo through different avenues of vested interest all of which revolved around hip-hop and music. This man is constantly full of different adventures. Halo loves to say, “Explore everything”. It was a privilege to interview Halo on his debut album and get inside his head to get a peek into his thought process behind his album.

JN: Tell me about yourself, where are you from? Who inspired you to be an MC? Halo: I’m a man, true to my gut, a musician, true to art and an adventurer true to curiosity. I’m from Peekskill, NY, a small city nestled in the Hudson River Valley.

Peekskill is close enough to NYC to be inspired by it, but far away enough to escape the pitfalls of the city.

My inspiration to become an MC came from my high school friends. One day we all sat in a circle and wrote rhymes for fun, but my friend Abel was like “Dude...you should keep going.” Thanks Abel!

JN: What was the message you were trying to get across to your listeners with Mansa Musa?

Halo: The music on Mansa Musa is my life and perspective unfiltered, but the theme, vibe, and message of the album is Pan Africanism. I want people, especially young and old black people to become aware of their story. A lot of us as African Americans are taught that our chapter starts with slavery, and that Africa was uncivilized until European influence. The story of Mansa Musa is a hidden story because it debunks the Eurocentric ideology that Africa was not the center of the world in finance, culture, and religion. The music isn’t preachy, but the skits are, and that’s what I was going for. Like 9th Wonder always says, “Put pills in the applesauce.”

JN: What was your thought process behind the idea of “Pretty Birds” (my personal favorite song on the album)?

Halo: The inspiration for that hook came from the movie Dumb & Dumber. There is a scene where a blind kid is petting a dead bird with its severed head taped to its body saying, “Pretty bird pretty bird.” I flipped that into talking about a woman from around the way, haha.

JN: What influenced you to go the route you did for this project?

Halo: Sonically I wanted to infuse the Wu-Tang feel with the Jamla soul and swing. With a formula like that I knew this album would have shelf life. I wanted it to sound dope in 2014, and in 2024. I guess you can say hunting timeless jams inspired the route on this project.

JN: Anything final you would like to add?

Halo: Thank you Jessica for reaching out, thanks to those taking the time to read this interview, and I appreciate everyone lending their eyes and ears to my artistic journey. Jamla is the SQUAD!

REVOLT/REPORT | TALKING NOYES

**Check out ‘Mansa Musa’ on iTunes, Amazon, Google play and DJ Booth.

[Follow Halo] on Twitter and Instagram for his latest exploration! @halotheemcee

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Street Art (Unknown) Mural facing Beirut Arab University (BAU) Tarik El-Jadidah Distric • Beirut, LEBANON

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Street Art (Unknown) Mural facing Beirut Arab University (BAU) Tarik El-Jadidah Distric • Beirut, LEBANON

CARTOONS

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ALBUM RELEASE |

MAFF THE CONCEPT & SKY WALKER | THE JETPACK STARS ::Links:: Skywalker: http://johnskywalker.bandcamp.com/ https://soundcloud.com/johnskywalker http://www.reverbnation.com/johnskywalker https://twitter.com/slytalkersky Maff The Concept: https://mafftheconcept.bandcamp.com/ https://twitter.com/mafftheConcept https://soundcloud.com/MaffTheConcept Charity: http://www.everydropfoundation.org/