There is more to hip hop than a banging beat! Hip Hop is a culture, a way of life, the soundtrack for a generation.  We live in an age  where many have forgotten that music is suppose to uplift, empower, entertain  and educate.  Tim’m’s Snapshots does all of that for me. I’ve missed the age of hip hop where stories were told. Snapshots takes me back to the golden era of hip hop where I actually got something from a rap album. Tim’m West is not just an artist he is an activist, advocate, educator,  friend and ally to many in and outside of the LGBT community.  I’ve had the chance to see him working with youth at the Center on Halsted and more recently perform at a CD launch event. As an artist he is humble, talented, and engaging.  He is not one of those artist who thinks the world revolves around him, he is more than open to share the stage as he exhibited by sharing the stage with a young man that he has worked with. If you are looking for some good music and good people Tim’m West is your man. Snap Shots gives us a look into the life of Tim’m but he is  involved in many endeavors. Make sure you support his latest project and  check out some of his other work at the links listed below.

http://mywritingprofessor.com/

http://www.reddirt.biz/publishing/

What does one do on a rainy Chicago night? The possibilities were endless, I could have done my regular pop in a dvd routine or visit the various blogs that I get celebrity news from. On this night in particular I decided to go and support Niki Gee at the first edition of The Pansophy Patio.  If you will close your eyes and imagine yourself in a nice little club in New York with just the right lighting,  smooth music in the background and a mixture of creative people this would be the perfect description of my evening. There was a roster of talented poets, nice libations, and a beautiful backdrop that kind of reminded me of a scene in Harlem Nights. To top the evening off was the enchanting Niki Gee host  of the Pansophy Project.  Niki is a very talented hostess and poet who makes everyone feel welcome.  We were treated to poetry and a skit which I loved because it allowed the audience to be part of the magic of the evening. If you are looking for a feel good type of place  where you can marinate in a poetic pool look no further than the Pansophy Patio. You can also find Niki hosting her segment on Windycityunderground.com every Monday 11 am to 2pm cst.

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April is National Poetry month and my goal has been to make sure that I take in some of Chicago’s poetry scene.  The first set that I hit up this month is Row Cypher Inc. hosted by Ted Weissberg and his founding partner. It was a rainy night which could have been a key factor in keeping me in but I am glad that I didn’t!  The roster was power packed not only with poets but musicians which added more flavor to the event.  The atmosphere was inviting and reminded me of old school hip hop, the energy was high and the hosts were great. Row Cypher seems like it would be a set that even the novice would feel welcome at.  There were refreshments, merchandise and friendly people which is important for someone that is not really familiar with the scene.  The show closed out with an ACTION packed  hip hop performance that had the crowd live and interactive. This was definitely a good way to get poetry month started out.  Check their site out as well as their Facebook Page.   http://www.rowcypher.com/       https://www.facebook.com/RowCypherInc?fref=ts