Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Download Now





Download here : mckswift.bandcamp.com

This SAT.!!!

No Ward

No Ward from Terence Nance on Vimeo.


Woah, great documentary.

No Ward is a short documentary about the forced migration of New Orleans residents to cities in Texas. The film juxtaposes the migrations that occurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and Hurricane Gustave in 2008.

funded by The Southwest Alternative Media project Emerging Filmmakers Fund

camera by Norvis Nance

sound mix by Vincent Wheeler

additional editing by Tracy Thompson

music by Cocorosie and FourTet

special thanks to:

all the interviewees, my mentor Sam Pollard, Talibah Newman, Harold Stewart, Nelson Nance, and Cheryle Washington who all helped out on the production. Also many thanks to SWAMP, the other mentors and filmmakers (mexican and american), and Mary Lampe.
"Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?"

Punishing Youth with Deportation...


Hmmm interesting article on colorlines.com


September 23, 2009
by By Sara Campos

Pedro C.* is not the kind of teen adults would call a trouble maker. The soft-spoken sixteen year-old, a junior at a San Francisco public high school, enjoys soccer and basketball, plays video games, and loves cars. He’s also a talented artist and often draws mythical Aztec figures. He has never been involved with crime or gangs, and before February, had never been arrested. But now, under a new police policy, the city may punish him for a minor offense by forcing him out of the country.
The policy that could lead to Pedro's deportation may soon be amended by local lawmakers, in response to public outcry. But for now, Pedro is in limbo, still trying to make sense of what happened.
A San Francisco policy punishes already vulnerable immigrant students for life. Pedro’s crime was tagging a school wall with the words, “CALM.” He had no reason for doing it and admits it was an impulsive act. The police found him with a marker in his pocket and told him they had seen him write on the building. They arrested him and took him to the Youth Guidance Center. While Pedro waited for his father to pick him up, police asked him where he was born. He answered truthfully and police officials reported him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities. Later, even though his felony charges were dismissed to informal probation, immigration officials nevertheless detained him and placed him at an Orange County detention facility.
.....to continue reading go to ColorLines.com or click here Punishing Youth With Deportation

"CUT & SEW" COLLECTION


Check Mos Def on the "CUT & SEW" COLLECTION
I def. like this pic. , nice angle..
Text Via Undercrwn:

This season, we’re bringing you the highly anticipated “Cut & Sew” range. Polished and mature, the new collection effortlessly blends collegiate athleticism and style. The “RBG ,” “RBG Patchwork” and “Brooknam” jackets are each peppered with plenty of clever details. Colorful hand crafted prints (mixed with hand drawings by Mos Def) are set against sleek monochrome materials; Pops of zesty yellow and blood red are used to accent buttons, zippers and mesh linings. The mixture of bold prints set against streamlined design creates a contemporary fashion sensibility throughout the entire collection.
via :hypebeast.com and kanyeuniversecity.com

We should have more of these signs up!!!

Shyne...where are you?



I always lovedthis song, I forgot I had it on my ipod but my babe reminded me of Shyne the other day when tweeting...yeah so I had to bring this video back.

Monday, September 28, 2009

yeah it does...

R.I.P Derrion Albert



Open Letter To Young Warriors In Chicago

Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong wars! Killing each other is definitely played out. Being hurt from the lost of a love one was never cool.
Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong war! I know that feeling , that frustration with life and needing to take it out on someone, any one. But....
We chose the dumbest things to go the hardest for. I remember seeing deaths over 8 ball jackets, fila's , and name plate chains. Deaths over "he say she say"!!!!! "I'm from This block or I'm from that block", or "my moms n pops is f*cked up now the whole world gotta pay"!!!
I remember feeling like I was the hardest "n*gga" breathin. And I couldn't wait to prove it.
But let's think. What r we really proving?? And proving what to who?? Everybody knows Chicago breeds the strongest of the strong but I just feel, me, being ya brother from another state feels your pain as if I grew up with you in ya very own household.
You have the ability and mindpower to change they way we are looked at. Look who's watching us young warriors, look who's throwin us in jail constantly, look at the ignorance in the world. Look at the racist dogs who love to see us down. Lovin to bury us in the ground or in jail were we continue this worthless war on one another. Young warriors.... We are WASTING more and more time. We gotta get on our jobs and take over the world. Cuz this movie left the theaters years ago, Juice, Menace, Boys n the Hood , Blood n Blood Out, Belly!
When we see each other why do we see hatred? Why were we born in a storm, born soldiers, WARRIORS....and instead of building each other up we are at war with each other.. May the soul of this young person find peace with the almighty. I'm with you young warriors. You're me and I'm you. But trust me! you are fighting the wrong war.
This sh*t sucks !!

-Nas
via: Global Grind

THEOPHILUS LONDON
I love this pic. of him

Dope Dream Act poem....

The Dream Awakened

Stretch your arms and rise
Plant your feet and yell
Today is the day
we all sound the bell
No More Hesitation
No More confusion
For the sound is inviting
For we passed the solution

The Night is eclipsed
with bright highlighters
The fear is smashed by
our textbooks and binders
On Your Mark get set go
Run down the Halls
Grab your pencils and pens
And push down the walls

The yelling is muted by visions of truth
We are united as students
Demanding our Booth
One in the same
No numbers divide us,
As we work for the grade
and lay claim to this BUS.

The DREAM is here
Act one has passed,
Lets lift up this country
and never look back.
For we are the present
with the future in sight,
equality and knowledge
is our only fight!

Strength and SOLIDARITY! DREAMERS!!!!

Lets make History

JLM

Thursday, September 24, 2009

FreeDaMic This Sunday September 27!!!!!

#FREEDAMIC 9.27.09 @ the Afrikan Poetry, Jamaica Queens

...I will be posting more info. about this later tonight.
Make sure ya go and support!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Bless Roxwell one of this week's 50 featured artist on Reverbnation





Bless Roxwell is a dope mc...more so she is putting female mc's in the forefront through She'sSo Fresh Showcase.

Im happy to hear that she is one of this week's 50 featured artist on ReverbNation.
Check it out : www.reverbnation.com
and here is the link to her page :www.reverbnation.com/blessroxwell

To love, or fall in love?

Ya gotta read that blog my dude wrote ..it actually makes sense and def. will give u a better understanding of loving and being in love..and btw he quote my explanation lol
Here is the link: To love, or fall in love?

I support the Dream ACT!

hmmmmm

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Im half women half amazing--word

Interesting ..Oliver Stone documentary of Hugo Chavez..


The Film Society of Lincoln Center has tucked one more documentary into its pre-New York Film Festival screening schedule this week, the U.S. premiere of Oliver Stone’s “South of the Border.”

The film, in which Mr. Stone travels to Venezuela to interview President Hugo Chavez and asks his thoughts about his portrayal by the U.S. media, will screen Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center. Mr. Stone is expected to attend, along with the president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, who is also featured in the film.

“South of the Border” will screen two days after the Film Society’s New York premiere of Michael Moore’s “Capitalism: A Love Story.”

via: NYTime's Art Beats

Canibus..

Monday, September 21, 2009

...

His smell lingers in my shirt
His taste lingers in my mouth
His touch is a constant reminder of why "I love him"
Hi absence is a reminder of why I need him


a quick 4 line poem for yall

Mind Ideas....

Mind Idea OFFICIAL Video from Eric Ulbrich on Vimeo.


via :concepmakelove.blogspot.com

I dont know what is it, but I just love Concep's blog, always has something interesting up.

Run this Town!!



Yeah checking my inbox today (over 100 emails ) I came across Wordspit's update ..so THIS Saturday (SEPT 26), Wordspit will be Rocking @Pink (199 Bowery, 10:30pm)..go and check him out. His live performances are always on point..

And he also released Run This Town Freestyle--check it out and download it now.

Todd James "DON GET IT GET IT" exhibition





"Todd james aka Reas exhibition inside colette Paris. Another fantastic show to grace the walls of the Parisian boutique, the show consists of recent studies and paintings the show takes an irreverent look at the machinations of war."
via: kanyewest
via : slamxhype.com

-----dope exhibition

Interesting ...World of Paper....

SCRIBE MUNDO DE PAPEL from ladies on Vimeo.

The Poetry Exchange


Last Saturday , my good friend Tamara J put me on to this Poetry Exchange Open Mic @ Food 4 Thought Cafe in BK. No bias, but thats a dope place and an amazing event that I am happy to have gone to. But hey no worries you can also experience it, The Poetry Exchange Open Mic runs every Saturday. Here is the flyer for this Saturday. Hope to see ya there.

Urbam Juke Joint Open Mic---

This Friday, September 25th at 9PM: Urban Juke Joint Open Mic. We are featuring a very special guest poet who will bring years of knowledge and history to the family. This month's theme: "Struggle & Revolution: What Does It Really Mean In 2009". Hosted by Chris Phoenix and Shahid Pa. Baha'i Unity Center, 53 E 11th St (off University Pl), near Union Sq. Doors open at 7:30, show begins at 9PM (LIMITED SEATING). Free.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Sweet sunday night words

"God has written his will in he fibers of our personalities, gifts, talents, and abilities"


"To live your life without expectation, without need for specific results-that is freedom."

"The purpose of relationship is not to have another who may complete you but to have another who shares in your completeness."


I may not be a superstar, nor an Emmy award winner but one thing I do know is that I am Sonia G and I couldn't be happier. God is good and my babe is awesome.

-Gnight

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

yeah so wats good for this weekend??









So my weekend starts this Thursday (just realized I don't have class on Friday)
So Tomorrows plans are :

Soul-u-tion 6pm @ The Players Theatre 115 MacDougal St

Young Voices For Healthcare Reform Spokenword Town Hall 7pm @ Habana Outpost 757 Fulton



PoetsLounge Open Mic
@ The Food 4 Thought Cafe @730pm 445 Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Brooklyn! Take C train to Kingston

If ya can come through and support.

Anita Baker


"I'm picking and choosing in terms of the stress factor.If it's not fun, I'm not going to do it."

LMAO

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift at the VMAs
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical HumorHealth Care Protests

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Kid Cudi album drops today...make sure ya go and support his craft.

People told me slow my road I'm screaming out fuck that
Imma do just what I want lookin’ ahead no turnin’ back'
Tell me what you know about dreamin’ dreamin’
you don't really know about nothin’ nothin’
tell me what you know about them night terrors every night
5 am, cold sweats wakin’ up to the skies
tell me what you know about dreams, dreams
tell me what you know about night terrors, nothin’
you don't really care about the trials of tomorrow
rather lay awake in a bed full of sorrow

I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know everything that shines ain't always gonna be gold, hey..I'll be fine once I get it, yeah, I'll be good

Manu Chao



I love all types of music, all types of style and anything that is dope. Manu Chao's music was introduced to me by my friend Daniela (from NYSYLC)....He is a very talented individual and I love his style. PPL when it comes to music dont box your self into on genre, explore and open up to other things.

check this out!!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Flow.....

Models of Color and Diversity Beyond the Runway



via: racewire.org

Just random

Kid Cudi on ideal girl:

I really look for personality, like is she going to think I’m funny or is she going to think I’m a maniac or a lunatic? You really have to understand me, my humor. I want a girl that can hang with me on the mental aspect of things of how I see life. You are not always going to get exactly what you want and you’re going to have to compromise. No one’s perfect. But I’m definitely trying to find someone that’s completely like my opposite and fits right in the puzzle. It’s really complicated. It’s hard to say it. But I’ll know once I get it.

Look-wise, do you have any basic needs? Like a certain kind of style, or long hair or something like that?
I don’t really have a preference. I just want a girl that’s really comfortable within her own skin. It would be nice to have a really creative girl and someone who is very independent and outgoing. You like who you like. I like girls that wear less makeup. I like girls that wake up in the morning and don’t have to do their hair for about two hours before they step out. I like a girl that’s not always into the glamour and that’s just naturally pretty, you know, that can just put on some lip gloss and just go. That’s the type of chick I like. That’s the realness. I don’t really bang with chicks that put on layers of makeup and it takes them like two hours to get ready to go anywhere because when they wake up in the morning and they look a hot mess or because their hair isn’t done. I don’t really like those makeup monsters.


see thats why i think he is dope...btw the first part applies to what I also look into a guy..

Pacific Division

Rebel Diaz - Documentary coming soon.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Young Voices For Healthcare Reform "BROOKLYN" Spoken Word Townhall 9/17 7pm Habana Outpost


Next Thursday a Groundbreaking Open Mic event at Habana Outpost (Lowpost) 757 Fulton Street Brooklyn from 7 pm - 10 pm!

* Special Guest DJ will be spinning and confirmed poets include:
* Urban Word NYC Poets Youth - members of HBO's series "Brave New Voices"
* Kahlil Almustafa a Former national Slam Poet Champion and a host of our favorite eduliberational lyricists who use the mike to empower, uplift and mobilize our people to protect what we have and to fight for what we need!
*Come to learn more about the healthcare Reform Debate through video, spoken word, and more!
*Come Ready to express your views!
*And a Dance Off for Healthcare Reform*
*There will be a limited open mike in the Beginning so SIGN UP EARLY!!*

WE NEED HEALTH CARE REFORM NOW! NOW! NOW! - NOT LATER!
HEALTH CARE IS OUR ISSUE! IT IS OUR LIVES!

At our event we will have hospital scrubs for you to sign and send your message to Congress which will be delivered to Washington DC by September 15th.

Please bring pictures/stories/poems of yourself or people you know who are impacted by our current broken health care system.
This will a young peoples Townhall!!!

So what to do:
* RSVP
* Join the Facebook group
* Invite your people!
* If you are a lyricist - GET ON THE LIST!

Let's gather, build, share and make the change that we can believe in!

See you all on Thursday September 17th 7pm!
This event is being co-sponsored by: Generation H & Urban Word NYC
To RSVP or learn more information contact: Terry 917-593-0031 or terry.marshall@hepny.org

Nola Darling....

so while reading Bless's blog I came across her post on Nola Darling..real cool group..check them out

"That Nola D" by Nola Darling *Boom Boom Pow Remix" from Nola Darling on Vimeo.



to read Bless coverage on them click on It's Hip Hop Darling And its Fresh

Dopeness....

so yeah wats new Sonia G?

So aside from getting used to my hair cut alot of things have been swinging my way and def. many new interesting things and ppl. have been popping into my life.

One thing I have learned from the experiences I had this summer was that trying new things wont hurt...

Thats why trying new ppl hasnt been a bad thing either...I promise this individual that I will blog about our date just so he can get some shine lol jk..nah it was more so to share the funny moments we had

So this individual (Lets call him Simba for now ) is that type of dude that is very free spirited, and funny at times. But is his calmness and shyness that entertains me lmao

so let me share with ya the funny shit that happen in the dates I had so far with Simba :

- Gay couple was kissing behind us, and one point it felt like they was trying to compete with us and our affection.

-Me and Simba was sitting by a bench after watchin Halloween and a rat ran towards us and u would think Simba would be there to save me from the rat...wrong...he chose to ran away and leave me behind smh (PUNK!!)

-We went to my spot the other night ( by spot i dont mean my crib, I mean this spot where u can sit and look out into the river)...so while we sat there this plastic bag was being nosey (inside jk) lol


-while walking to my spot..Simba tells me he is scared of heights (lol I just think thats funny)..grownass man scare of heights

......I guess the best times are the ones that are memorable. With Simba all the memorable times has been the ones where I was smiling(which would mean) from start to ending of every date he has made a memorable impact on Sonia G ...

So folks dont be afraid to try new things, no matter who you are and what you are anything can be possible if u are open to new things...so with that said trying out Simba hasnt been a bad thing

-Ms.Sonia G

Thursday, September 10, 2009

New Feminist Activism


A Panel Discussion:
Wednesday, 9/16, 6:30 PM
James Room, 4th Floor Barnard Hall
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
www.barnard.edu/bcrw

BCRW has long been interested in supporting social justice movements that reach beyond the limits of traditional feminist activism. In past semesters, we have hosted programs that have taken up a variety of intersectional projects that join feminist activism and analysis with other progressive movements, including reproductive justice, workplace rights across the economic spectrum, and the links between sexual and economic justice, to name a few. This panel on New Feminist Activism will explore how young feminist activists are engaging with struggles for justice in areas such as education, the environment, and race and class. By using new forms of media and building alliances, these activists (and many others like them) are creating a strand of feminist activism that is fundamentally concerned with social justice and social change.

Panelists include: Mia Herndon, Executive Director of the Third Wave Foundation, a feminist, activist foundation that works nationally to support young women and transgender youth; Ai-jen Poo, Lead Organizer at Domestic Workers United, an organization working for fair labor standards for nannies, housekeepers, and other domestic workers in New York; and Rinku Sen, President and Executive Director of the Applied Research Center, a racial justice think tank and home for media and activism, publisher of Color Lines magazine, and the author of Stir It Up: Lessons in Community Organizing and The Accidental American: Immigration and Citizenship in the Age of Globalization.

CLARK #38 BY TAKASHI MURAKAMI First Loook


For the first time in the history of the worldwide press, the talented Takashi Murakami collaborates with a magazine by appending it an exclusive self-portrait representative of his alter ego Mr Dob. The collaboration will be livened up with a 14 page portfolio including an interview where he will dutifully reveal to us some of his artistic course, his theories on art in addition to his adventure with Vuitton and his collaboration with Kanye West. Other names to look out for in this issue include: Samuel François, Rick Owens, Bando, Neckface, Drake, Kid Cudi & more. This essential mix of culture will be available on newsstands for €5.50 EURO (approximately $8 USD) on the 10th of September. via hypebeast.com

This is Dope!!
via: hypebeast.com

DREAM ACT !!!!!!

Sept. 23rd National Dream Act Day ......I know ya remember June 23rd and our national Mock Day Graduation Day...this time around we will be doing it big on Sept. 23rd...what to expect : many things.

One thing I'm looking forward to is the anniversary of the Little Rock 9 and their support for the Dream Act!!!Stay tune for full coverage on that and the events that are going down on Sept. 23rd!!!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Some Jimi Hendrix lines to feed your soul

"Excuse me while I kiss the sky. "

"All I'm gonna do is just go on and do what I feel. "

"I'm the one that has to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to. "

"In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first."

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music."

"The story of life is quicker then the blink of an eye, the story of love is hello, goodbye."

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."

Books not Bars

The teens of the Books Not Bars movement demand that education be the government's priority, now and in the future.

via: wiretapmagazine

Ti'Jean "Just Imagine" w/ John Lennon

Friday, September 4, 2009

Mos Def on Katrina...


via: honeysoul.com

Misnomer(S)

Photobucket


For more on them check Blessroxwells blogpost on them : Fresh Flava

quick update for ya my lovely ppl

Surely enough I been trying to keep a low key...I been going hiatus from time to time. Is not cuz I dont like any of ya anymore lol its more of Im trying to develop myself as an artist and also find some personal peace...I will be making some drastic moves in the months to come, and its not because I am trying to change who I am, its more of I'm diving into who I am, a better understanding of myself.

My means of communications are low but Im never too unreachable.

-Peace,
Sonia G

watch and listen..


NSFW [Video] Conscious Conversations with Mckswift
Talks about Black Kracker project and why he does the music...

Sept. 19 whose gonna be there???

Who's coming to the show on September 19th @ The Beach At Governors Island in NY? Hit this link to get tickets: Lupe Fiasco

and dont forget September 13th Lupe will be @ the Brooklyn Book Festival

yep

I miss him...
“Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.”-Maya Angelou

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

2nd day in Sept. and it feels like a whole month of activity has just taken place.

School started for me last Friday. If you must know I'm taking : Latin American Gov., Women in the African Diaspora,Afr-American History 2, Poverty in Society,and Black Genealogy....I get no FAFSA so ya know them books are making a whole in my pocket.

My mom was in the hospital , she just came home today and she is feeling better.
I'm not one to show feelings, but knowing she had to go through some surgery kinda made me feel upset. But she is a trooper so she is good. Thanks everyone for the get well wishes.

I have about a week left to work on my short film for Project Luz..and I have work pending for other projects for this year...

yeah so Welcome September, lets see what else you have planned for me this month.

BABY