From the AP:
The family of R&B singer Sean Levert wants the FBI to look into his death after a jail medical emergency. His cousin, Michael Gibson, said Levert never had any outburst such as the type described by Kevin McDonough, warden at the Cuyahoga County jail.
The 39-year-old Levert died Sunday night at a hospital after he was taken from the county jail where he was serving a one year and 10 months sentence for failure to pay $89,025 in child support.
McDonough said Levert was pounding on his cell door so guards strapped him in a restraint chair; Levert's breathing became shallow and he was taken to Lutheran Hospital, where he died less than an hour later.
An autopsy did not determine the cause of death. Toxicology tests are expected to take weeks.
FBI spokesman Scott Wilson says agents would meet with Levert's family.
4/05/2008
RESPECT DUE: LEVERT
My first article on The Zro Hour was about the great Teddy Riley. I decided that from time to time I will feature an artist or group who has not only impacted me but the music world. This time I'm going to speak about Levert. I can remember being at one of many of my aunt's house parties hearing "Pop Pop Pop Goes My Mind" and that being the first time I heard anything about Levert. She had the 12" single record and played it over and over again. The more I heard it, the more I wanted to hear it. Next thing you know, Levert had everyone bopping to "Casanova". We all knew then that Levert was going to be one of those groups that would become a household name.
I'm not going to go through the history of Levert because most of you all know it. I'm going to take this time and celebrate an era of great music by an even greater group. What I appreciated (and still do) about what Gerald, Sean, and Marc did in the late 80's and early 90's is how they were able to create music that reached out to all age groups. The music was real, it was raw, and it was oh so soulful. They sang about real emotions and things that we go through everyday in our relationships. What made them stand out even more was the fact they themselves was real. They weren't polished or made to be something they weren't. Their style made them appear more approachable than others. They also proved that you didn't need to be a certain height, a certain size, or have a certain look about you in order to be sexy. They not only "sang" but danced and stole so many female hearts (and collected many panties & bras) it aint even funny. Everyone has their favorite in a group and in this case, Marc was mine (something about the mystery behind those shades) but I have to say that when I saw Gerald in concert, I was able to keep my cool until he sang "Baby I'm Ready". It took me back to when I first heard that song and other great songs he sang with his group. That is just one of many... many songs I love by Levert.
I recently received information that a new Levert album/cd was in the works for this year titled, "Dedication" and they added Dwight Thompson who was a member of a group Gerald helped put on the scene, Rude Boys. It is too early to say what will happen now, but I will stay tuned to see. With the passing of both Levert brothers, I want to extend my heart and prayers out to their family and friends. Levert music has touched me deeply and the only thing I can do is keep their music alive. My dedication and personal way of honoring them is to continue to play their music and sing it loud and proud. I ask that all of you do the same. Dust off those records, go through your cd collection, look through your iPods (I sho nuff got them in mine) and listen to your favorite songs by them. I also have another tribute to them that is a memory I hold near and dear(thank your lucky stars that you don't have to actually hear me do the reenactment).... Think back to the movie "New Jack City" and the scene when the CMB (Cash Money Brothers) started to take over the projects. TROOP started out singing "For The Love Of Money" and Levert finished the song in their own way while standing in the snow being warmed by a fire in a steel drum.
In closing, though both were taken away from us way too soon, I hope that there will be some peace in knowing that they are together in Heaven making glorious music together!
-DREA
4/01/2008
THE ZRO HOUR- In Studio w/POINT DOT PERIOD
pictured from left to right, clockwise: ALEXIE F., J-HON, ETURNAL, EDAYE, ZEPS, MIKE SWIFT, MGEEZ & F-DUB
THE ZRO HOUR is back on that sh--! We return with a new show featuring the BKNY based collective POINT DOT PERIOD. We got familiar with Point Dot Period after seeing them perform at Southpaw in Brooklyn opening up for Bekay and recently at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. I connected with ETURNAL and asked if he could bring the crew through and he said, "You want the whole crew?". He later explained that Point Dot rolls more than 40 deep. I suggested he roll with some of the crew that we saw at Nuyorican and they lit the studio with tremendous energy. Eturnal rolled through with the inimitable Heez Hefner, J-HON, emcee/producer ZEPS, F-DUB, MGEEZ and underground veteran MIKE SWIFT! This multicultural collective grew up together before they started making music together and the unity shows. Of course we got that preview of the freestyle session...
I dropped classics by DAS EFX and HEATHER B and laced the show with new music form KRS ONE, IAMISEE, WILDCHILD, AKROBATIK, STYLES P., and TERMANOLOGY. Whatchu waiting for?? Download this now!
THE ZRO HOUR- In Studio w/POINT DOT PERIOD
DOWNLOAD (85MB)
STREAM
PLAYLIST
IF ONLY- Das Efx
BE PREPARED- Akrobatik feat. Little Brother
STAR OF THE STATE- Styles P. feat. Ghostface
CHAOS- Iamisee feat. DJ Demon
THREEWAY- J-Hon
DEDICATION- Eturnal
I LOVE NY- Zeps
INTERVIEW W/POINT DOT PERIOD
LIKE IT OR NOT- Eturnal feat. Dama Nilz
BODY IN THE KITCHEN- J-Hon feat MGeez
ALL GLOCKS DOWN- Heather B
I GOT YOU- Krs One
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (Rmx)- Termanology feat. Consequence, Akrobatik, Royce 5'9" and Crooked I
DAY N THE FUNK- Wildchild feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow
SPOTLIGHT: IAMISEE
This week's spotlight artist is the dope Philly representative, emcee and producer- IAMISEE. IAM's commanding flow coupled with skillful, soul driven production puts the "Now School" on notice. Check my earlier review of his live show at NYC's Knitting Factory HERE. Hit him up and let him know what you think..
Remy Ma Convicted of Assault, Facing 25 Years
The NY TIMES has a good overview of the trial and conviction of former Terror Squad member and Bronx "femcee" Remy Ma. I heard the news several days ago but I put off posting about it. When the story came out about the shooting, I had hoped the incident derived from a "self defense" scenario. But when I heard that it occurred over an argument about $3,000 being missing from Remy Ma's purse, I immediately thought to myself, "For $3,000?" People catch bullets for much less, that is true but Remy rocks diamonds that cost way more than that. Factor in the close relationship to the victim (used to be a friend and babysitter for Remy's son) and I still scratched my head. If there was no gun accessible, Remy would have probably slapped her up or something. In Remy's defense, she said that the gun went off accidently during a struggle. The jury didn't buy it. She now faces the end of her recording career and may miss much of her son's childhood.
Was it worth it?
We have to keep our anger in check. $3,000 is a lot of money to the average person. For someone who rocks jewelry that represents a down payment on a house and rhymes about (and lives to a degree) the ballin' lifestyle, $3,000 is nothing, Money comes and goes. When someone violates or you suspect them of violating your property, they get handled accordingly. But many things are not worth a bullet. This period in our lives is so full of that "I'll shoot you" mentality. In the streets, you can't take any of this lightly. It seems like an overly simple solution. Too easy. No matter how cathartic the idea of shooting someone is, it carries the weight of destruction in the lives of the shooter also. Its rare that you can get away with that type of crime nowadays with the most accurate forensic science available to law enforcement. If only Remy used her head that night...
There is no joy in seeing another young, black woman or man being added to the ranks of the incarcerated. I just hope that this tragedy will help give pause to the next person and deter them from making a potentially regretful decision.
VIDEO: BABY SHAM "A New Bounce"
Baby Sham of FLIPMODE SQUAD returns with a crazy club joint. Don't sleep...
Another Levert Son Passes Away
From the AP:
"Sean Levert, a third of the 1980s R&B trio LeVert and son of lead O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, has died after falling ill while serving a jail term. He was 39. Authorities said Monday that an autopsy was inconclusive but foul play was ruled out.
Levert was sentenced last week to one year and 10 months in jail for failing to pay $89,025 in child support. He died at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland late Sunday, less than an hour after he was taken there from the jail, said coroner Frank Miller.
Levert was sentenced by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy Margaret Russo, who said a presentence report indicated he had been addicted to marijuana from the time he was 14 until recently. He didn't speak at his sentencing and gave no indication of any health problems, the judge said Monday.
His brother Gerald Levert, who had success as a solo artist after leaving their trio died in 2006 at age 40 of an accidental mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
The brothers had formed LeVert in the 1980s with childhood friend Marc Gordon. Their hits included "Baby I'm Ready," "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Casanova."
"Casanova" was nominated for a Grammy in 1988 for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal. It was also nominated for best R&B song."
Sean and original Levert member, Marc Gordon, were preparing to release a new CD with Dwight Thompson (formerly of the 80's group RUDE BOYS) as the new member of Levert.
Our hearts go out to Eddie Levert and family. LEVERT, the group, will always remain as one of the most influential R&B groups from the 80's to early 90's. It is devastating to realize that these young men barely lived to see 40 years old. Death can come at anytime but we still question the universe when our talented youth are taken.
3/27/2008
VIDEO: THE ROOTS "Get Busy"
2nd hot new video featuring Dice Raw and Peedi Peedi from The Roots upcoming new release, RISING DOWN. Check out the 1st one for the song "75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction)" HERE
Peace to thetastecrew.com for the heads up!
3/26/2008
IAMISEE at Knitting Factory for "Planet B-Boy" Premiere Afterparty
Emcee and producer IAMISEE tore down The Knitting Factory in NYC at the afterparty for the premiere of PLANET B-BOY on March 21st. We played an IAMISEE track, "Generation 1", last year on THE ZRO HOUR. His manager Sister7 contacted me about one of his songs getting placed in the film invited me to come see him perform.
IAMISEE reps Philly and his rhymes and stage show were tops. Backed by DJ DP-1, IAMISEE proceeded to rock for over an hour(!) and never lost the crowd. I heard some of the best hip hop in a long time that night and hung on every word. When I see artists live, I examine their stage techniques and confidence on the mic. I look for clear delivery and the ability to switch it up on demand. IAMISEE had all the main ingredients to rock a party.
Not to be outdone, DJ DP-1 of the TURNTABLE ANIHILISTS, showcased his incredible scratching skill throughout. He was given a solo showcase but did not wait till then to reveal the skill set. He dropped fluid scratches over every track and with the combination of IAMISEE emcee skills, we were treated to a classic two man hip hop performance. The b-boys in the house lost their mind and we were reminded what the "true school" is all about.
MOVIES: "PLANET B-BOY" Review
pictured above: EDAYE with director of PLANET B-BOY, BENSON LEE at New York premiere 03.21.08
A bit late posting this but never too late to spread the word on one of the greatest hip hop movies ever- PLANET B-BOY. I can confidently say that (as shown by my cheesy smile above) it's one of the greatest due to the focus on a very under appreciated facet of hip hop as well as the expressed love for hip hop culture as spoken by the film's phenomenal dancers. PLANET B-BOY is a documentary that follows five teams of b-boys as they prepare for the event of their lives. The "Battle of the Year" b-boy championship is held annually in Germany and its competitors are culled from international semi-finalists that represent their country of origin. The film follows two teams from South Korea (Last For One and reigning champions Gamblerz), one from Japan (Ichigeki), France (Phase-T) and the United States (Knucklehead Zoo) respectively.
pictured above: B-boy Katsu from the Japanese team “Ichigeki” with his mother and brother at their family tea shop in Osaka. Photo Credit: Benson Lee. Elephant Eye Films
Throughout PLANET B-BOY we see each team in their native environment and gain insight into how the love for hip hop culture both binds them and drives them to self expression. As I was watching I felt proud to see how other cultures have embraced something uniquely American as hip hop and how it has evolved into an all-inclusive way of life for youth around the world. We see the same misunderstanding and minimal support from some parents as they struggle to identify with their children. We also see them come around when they see how participating in hip hop has enriched the lives of their children.
pictured above: Korean “Gamblerz” B-boy team member dancing at 2005 World B-Boy Championships in Braunschweig, Germany. Photo Credit: Benson Lee. Elephant Eye Films
The dancing is outstanding and you will stare in awe as these b-boys craft some of the most innovative, daring and seemingly physically impossible moves. The film is in limited release so catch it when it hits your city. SUPPORT it by all means. With all the dance shows currently on television, we are seeing a resurgence in the art of street dancing. PLANET B-BOY is a must see for all who love hip hop and for those who forget that the culture is more than emcees and DJs.
3/21/2008
Bekay Weighs In On NY's Former Governor
WOW. Our boy BEKAY completely airs out the recent prostitution scandal involving New York State's former Governor Eliot Spitzer and escort Ashley Dupree. Its a preview track off his upcoming mixtape with DJ Sickamore.
Check it-
GOVERNOR F*CKER
The 1st Annual Roots Picnic Festival in Philadelphia June7th 2008
Taken directly from their posting on Myspace:
The band has been talking for years of curating their own all day event featuring their friends and favorite groups from across all genres and we are pleased to officially announce the line up of The Roots, Gnarls Barkley, Sharon Jones + The Dap Kings, Deerhoof, Santogold, J*Davey, Diplo, and Esperanza with more to be announced. It all goes down at Philly's Festival Pier at 2pm. Tickets go on sale next Friday at 10am ET.
For More Information: www.rootspicnic.com
3/19/2008
SPOTLIGHT: PACIFIC DIVISION
Pictured above left to right: BeYoung, Mibbs, and Like
This week's spotlight artist is a group from the left coast that feels like the resurrection- PACIFIC DIVISION. Pacific Division, Palmdale, California’s trio consisting of brothers Like and Mibbs, along with BeYoung, have been together dating back to 2001, shortly after their high school days. Joining the workforce lacked appeal compared to the glossy dreams that the guys had vicariously lived through as Hip Hop fanatics – so they went for broke and chased destiny with microphones and exclusive sneaks. the troop from just north of Los Angeles emulated their idols, such as Native Tongues, Hieroglyphics and even Thug Life in slow-crafted, conceptual music. In mid 2006, Pacific Division’s Blend Tape premiered, as a thematic mixtape combining mid-‘90s classic-inspired covers with newer works with producer Swiff-D (The Diplomats, Snoop Dogg, Nas). Songs chronicled day-jobs, trying to appeal to the fairer sex without fat pockets, restoring a Black presence in Hip Hop, and carefully coifed wardrobes amidst the pursuit of glory. We dropped a couple of Pacific Division tracks on THE ZRO HOUR in the past and we featured the crazy video for their single "F.A.T. Boys '08". These Fashionable Artistic Trendsetters bring the vibe of native tongue along with a fresh energy that's been missing from the screwface styles present in much of radio friendly hip hop. Their music grabbed me immediately and took me back to the true school. Check em out and let them know what you think..
The Wake Up Show pt 1
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