I remember being incredibly excited about high school graduation, but for some reason, I have mixed feelings about graduating from college. Esepcially after 5 years of ‘higher education,’ I’m not so much excited but more relieved than anything.

As I walk across the stage tomorrow to receive my Bachelor’s degree in Photojournalism, all I will be thinking is, “On to the next one…”

Here are some of my favorite tracks this week

It’s only fitting that I have Jay-Z’s “On To The Next One” as my throwback. I love the cinematography of this music video, and it’s not your traditional ‘rapper’ video with big-booty biddies. I especially love the production of this track, it’s memorable and distinct.

When Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys passed away earlier this month, many fans were devastated, including me. I blasted Beastie Boys all day and what I loved most was that the DJ in every club/bar I went into that night did a song dedication to him. If you haven’t watched this yet, grab a chair and press play. This video was created last year around this time randomly, which makes me wonder if these people knew something we didn’t. MCA, you will continue to be an inspiration to all…forever. B-E-A-S-T-I-E Boys!

A fellow music researcher had recommended Zambri to me and god damn, they are my favorite artist this week. They are comprised of sisters Cristi Jo and Jessica Zambri (I think I have this weird obsession with artists that are siblings). Every song I’ve listened to on their debut album, “House Of Baasa” has been amazing. Another song I love from them is “Hundred Hearts.” They truly do have their own kind of sound and I always appreciate an artist/band that create their own music genre.

Listen to the rest of their tracks here

Cassie…damn. As much as I enjoyed the song, I could not stop WATCHING her! I love what she’s done with her whole style, and just…whew…the girl is gorgeous.

I’m a big fan of The Walkmen and I thought I could never find a band like them until I heard “Dead Girls Dance” by Oberhofer. Named after the frontman, Brad Oberhofer, this band has been around since 2008 but haven’t really crossed people’s minds till they hit the stage at this year’s Coachella. This song is so weird but I love listening to it.

I feel like THEESatisfaction is our generation’s Digable Planets (just queens of course). They have this very jazzy vibe and this particular song just makes me proud to be a woman. “Don’t funk with my groove, whatever you do…” love that line. They also have Shabazz Palaces on some of their tracks, which explains their Digable Planets sound.

Click here for a full album stream

Excuse me, because of my upcoming event QUEENSUPREME, I’ve been obsessed with researching female artists. The UK Female Allstars is just…POWER. Watch the video and you’ll see.

Dedicated to the late MCA, and one of our queens from QUEENSUPREME, Rocky Rivera feat. Irie Eyez “GRLZ.” Love this video and song, can’t wait to see them perform it live. Her latest mix tape, “The Morning After” with DJ Roza is by far my favorite, even though it was released during Valentine’s Day, it’s still perfect to listen to at any time. It has the classics and the new new, best of all, it’s free!

Check out more songs from Rocky Rivera

Enjoy

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-Soohee

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 16, 2012) – John John Florence (HAW), 19, has won his maiden ASP World Championship Tour event, taking out the Billabong Rio Pro over Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in barreling three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Barra da Tijuca.

Florence, currently in his rookie year on the ASP WCT, proved unstoppable on the final day of Billabong Rio Pro competition, topping prodigious Australian Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, and Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, on his way to triumph over Parkinson.

“This is the best feeling in the world,” Florence said. “I had that bad heat at Arpoador to start and we had a couple of lay days and I had to just sit and think about it. I can’t even believe this right now. I’m in shock. I was just sticking to my game plan and not thinking about the other guys. I’m so happy right now.

Florence, who now sits at No. 6 on the ASP WCT, will look to carry the momentum from today’s massive victory to the upcoming ASP WCT events in Fiji and Tahiti.

“This helps my confidence so much,” Florence said. “I have a lot of confidence going into events with barreling waves like Pipe. Obviously I have a lot of confidence in barrels from my experience at Pipe, but coming here, I wasn’t expecting a big result. I was just hoping to make a few heats.”

Parkinson utilized his complete skill set at Barra Da Tijuca, driving through barrels, lofting airs and unloading powerful carves en route to his Finals berth, but was unable to find a rhythm against Florence and finished runner-up overall.

“I’m a little bit disappointed as I never really got a start in that final, but overall, I’m stoked,” Parkinson said. “The quality of waves here were unreal. Yesterday, we had full barrels and good sections for turns and airs, it was good for the event.”

Parkinson’s finish today propels the Australian into the frontrunner position for the ASP World Title, but Parkinson was humble in claiming his spot atop the rankings.

“It’s a good feeling I suppose,” Parkinson said. “It’s a long way to go and I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but I’m stoked. I’ve had a couple of really nice consistent results. I have been in this position before though so I’m hoping to maintain my performance level throughout the rest of the year.”

BILLABONG RIO PRO FINAL:
1 – John John Florence (HAW) 16.37

2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.44

BILLABONG RIO PRO SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.83 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.00

SF 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.94 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.86

]]> http://contrastmagazine.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=12327 http://contrastmagazine.com/blog/?p=12325 http://contrastmagazine.com/blog/?p=12325#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 04:33:09 +0000 lance http://contrastmagazine.com/blog/?p=12325 Official video for “Push the Button”

“Henny.” Mayer Hawthorne’s latest video from his “How Do You Do” album. Wish we were at this party.

Mike Love, lead vocals of reggae band Dubkonscious, is releasing an album soon. Here’s one of the jams from his solo projects.