Friends With Benefits

This page is not to be confused with that undefined phenomenon between friends who flirt with the boundaries of being platonic and romantic; I’m referring to friends that have a talent or a skill set that they are passionate about and are finding ways to make moves.

I can say that I’m fortunate to have crossed paths with some pretty talented individuals. I’m even more blessed to call them friends or highly-respected acquaintances. House of Jaz is a platform for those that I feel are extremely DOPE and need a platform for exposure (even if it’s just on my little old blog). Reach one, teach one. Leave a comment. SHOW LOVE!

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Brokn.Englsh

I first mentioned Brokn.Englsh when I posted about their album release The Drawing Board. I met those boys B.E. at my cousin’s art/poetry/music cipher in New Jersey. I knew instantly that I wasn’t dealing with your average hip hop group. Don’t expect any gimmicks, dance moves, or auto-tuned tracks; expect the essence of (classic) hip hop personified. New Jersey’s on the move!

Here’s one of my favorite tracks off their latest release:

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Deal The Villain

Hopefully by now, you’re familiar with this image on my blog. If not, I encourage you to become acquainted with the dynamic of Deal The Villain compliments of Sound Review: Deal The Villain—EPic, and Tune Into DTV. Some of you may wonder why I support New Jersey hip hop the way that I do; a lot of it has to do with Mr. DTV himself. 

KEEPING IT FUNKY: Let’s be real. There are many individuals who say they rap or produce; there are very few who do either well, and even fewer who can execute with quality or have the understanding of the essence of both. This is where Deal comes in. As a creative, I understand and respect not only the process, but the way something is executed.  We had the opportunity to collaborate on the design of his album cover/promo for his official EP, EPic, off RTD Records (now available on iTunes and Amazon).  I got to channel my inner “deal” as I listened to his music, and he got a visual identity to compliment his lyrical prowess for his official introduction to the scene. Do yourself a favor and cop this project. WARNING: traffic thuggery may ensue.

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Emperess

When people cross my path, I’m always curious to see what roles we’ll play in each other’s lives; whether long-term or seasonal, I have to say the camera-slingin, emceeing phenom that is Emperess (don’t forget the E) has definitely made a stamp thus far. Her photo is only a glimpse of her cool factor. If Nicki Minaj is not your flow, you need to become more acquainted with Emperess. SHE’S NICE! For a glimpse of the work she’s done for me, check out Made You Look! HOJ Housewarming Photoshoot. To get a sample of her lyrical dope-nasty-ness (it’s a word), click below.

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Jamaal Crowder

Much can be said about the poetic force that is Jamaal Crowder (better known as “Crowder” by our fellow JMU alum), but you will soon see for yourself. His verbal eloquence mixed with his stature makes him a force to be reckoned with. His first book “A Present Future for Yesterday” (designed by yours truly) was his introduction to the world. He’s making his presence known in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia).  Stay tuned; I’ll definitely be posting more about his writing endeavors.

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Porsche Smith

I first met Porsche at our summer internship at ESSENCE magazine. We had an “about us” icebreaker. I spit my poem “Ode to Happiness”, and she serenaded us with her album.  “About Life” is still one of my underground favorites. I’ve posted a jingle of her Jinglin’Baby: Porsche Smith. That’s just a glimpse of the vocal powerhouse that she is. Be on the look out. Get familiar!

Here’s a clip of her opening for India.Arie and John Legend:

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Renita Moore (guest blogger for Nita’s Bloc: Chronicles of a Twisted Sister)

As a creative, one would think that the obvious choice for furthering one’s artistic education would be to attend an institution that focuses solely on art. At first, I wrestled with the idea, but there was something about James Madison University that told me that I’d find my purpose there. Honestly, I think it was to learn how to develop myself as more than an artist and to cultivate a relationship with individuals like Ms. Renita Moore. She was my grad adviser when I was a part of the Black Student Alliance, but she also became my unofficial natural hair mentor. In a sea of creamy crack (I used to tread in it my Freshman and Sophomore year), Renita was floating her own boat and rocking the healthiest, flyest natural hair I’d ever seen on an ethnically-sparse campus.

It only seemed right that she drop knowledge on my blog, seeing as though I followed suit, and have never looked back. Keep your eyes locked on Twisted Sister Tuesdays, because she will be dropping her pearls of natural wisdom.

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Venishka Hurdle (Owner of Etsy Store, Nishka’s Niche)

The saying “Make new friends, but keep the old”, is the epitome of the friendship that I have with my girl Venishka. Both products of military families (United States Navy and United States Marine Corps), our paths crossed on a tiny island, affectionately referred to as “Oki” (Okinawa, Japan). We met at a summer daycamp; our families gathered at the infamous Panamanian parties, and we became the skinny-girl knock-kneed, “dookie-braid” wearing duo that took many adventures off-base to the local mamasans and clothing stores.

Much has changed since the days of the box-braids and Cross-Colors, but one thing hasn’t; we’ve stayed connected in some way. Not only do we share our Central American heritage (Panama stand up!), she’s a creatively crafty individual, who’s opened her store on Etsy entitled Nishka’s Niche. I’ve featured a post about her beautiful jewelry frames in Thinking Outside the [Jewelry]Box: Nishka’s Niche.